Getting outdoors in Sonoma County
It's official - May is the first-ever Outdoors Recreation Month in Sonoma County, as approved by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. 

This highlights the fact that Sonoma County is becoming a magnet for hikers, runners, cyclists, and all the folks who love to get outdoors and move. That includes kayaking, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, hot air balloon rides, zip lining through redwoods, and more.

Throughout the month of May, many local businesses are offering special deals for outdoor events and activities, as well as lodging, dining, wine tasting, and more. These offers are listed online at SonomaCounty.com/deals (filter for "Outdoor Activities").

Plus, Mother's Day is coming soon, and right after that it's Memorial Day Weekend - the unofficial kick-off for the summer tourism season.  Which means it's time to gear up, to get ready to help visitors find what they're looking for. 

More than 400 events are scheduled throughout Sonoma County in the next two months. We've listed a few highlights below, and y ou can view our complete calendar at  www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events. You might also want to check our  extensive listings of Things to Do in Sonoma County at  sonomacounty.com/things-to-do .
Our hope is that you can use this information to help visitors discover all that Sonoma County has to offer, especially in our big, beautiful outdoors. 
Cheers,
Tina Luster
Sonoma County Tourism

Sonoma Explorer program runs through June 1

All this month, visitors can use our new Sonoma Explorer Map to discover Sonoma County's most picturesque spots, from vineyards to redwoods to beaches. 

Special offers are listed on the map, and if visitors get their map stamped at two participating visitors centers - Bodega Bay, Guerneville, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Sonoma Valley, and Windsor - they get a free canvas farm market bag, and are entered to win a two-night Sonoma County getaway.

Plus, if visitors post their adventures on Instagram using #SonomaExplorer, we'll share their pictures on our website and social media.

Visit SonomaCounty.com/explorer to download a map and to get more details about the program and the giveaway. Paper maps are also available at the visitors centers listed above.


Butter and Egg Days Festival and Parade
April 28
Celebrate Petaluma's place in history as the "World's Egg Basket." Parade kicks off at noon. Festival includes beer gardens, kids area, live music and performances, shopping, and eateries.
Historic Downtown Petaluma | petalumadowntown.com
 
Russian River Food and Wine Spring Fling
April 28
A showcase of locally produced food and wine in the Heart of the Russian River Valley, featuring small bites, wine tastings, live music, and special guests.
Downtown Guerneville | www.russianriver.com
 
29th Annual Passport to Dry Creek Valley
April 28-29
Sonoma Wine Country's premier wine and food festival, when 40+ wineries have themed parties with exquisite food and wine pairings.
Various Winery Locations | www.drycreekvalley.org 

Spring Tour: Blossoms, Bees, and Barnyard Babies
April 28-29
Enjoy a spring weekend along the farm trails, when Sonoma County farmers open their gates and barn doors to offer a taste of life on the farm. Free, but RSVP is required.
Various Sonoma County Locations | www.farmtrails.org
 
32nd Annual Petaluma Antique Faire
April 29
Petaluma's charming historic downtown district is transformed into an open-air marketplace, where more than 200 antique dealers present collectibles of all types and prices.
Historic Downtown Petaluma | www.petalumadowntown.com
 
Windsor Day Parade and Festival with Cinco de Mayo Celebration
May 5
The 2018 Windsor Day Parade and Festival and the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration combine to bring you a fun-filled, family-friendly celebration on the Town Green.
 
Castles and Kites
May 5
Celebrate the joys of sandcastle building and kite flying at the beach with the entire family. Amateurs and experts are welcome. Bring your own kite or purchase one from local vendors.
Doran Regional Park, Bodega Bay| parksstg.sonomacounty.ca.gov
 
Film Fest Petaluma
May 5
Films feature a broad mix of animated, live action, and documentary shorts. All sessions will host international filmmakers in conversation alongside several Sonoma County students.
Mystic Theatre, Petaluma | www.petalumafilmalliance.org
 
Matsuri! Japanese Arts Festival
May 6
This annual showcase of Japanese arts features Taiko drumming, traditional Japanese dance and music, martial arts, Tea Ceremony, children's activities, and Japanese arts, crafts, and food.
Juilliard Park, Santa Rosa | www.sonomamatsuri.com
 
Geyserville May Day Celebration
May 6
This May Day Festival has a May Day Queen and children dancing around an original May Pole from 1925. Enjoy live music, a Ballet Folklorico performance, an egg-toss competition, food, wine, and more.
Hoffman Grove Picnic Grounds, Geyserville| geyservillechamber.com
 
Single Vineyard Night
May 10
Join Russian River Valley Winegrowers for an amazing tasting experience of Russian River Valley small-lot, single vineyard wines along with delicious appetizers.
Hyatt Regency, Santa Rosa | rrvw.org
 
Stumptown Daze Parade
May 12
The Annual Stumptown Daze Parade kicks off the summer season on the Russian River. Head to Main Street in Guerneville for the parade and then stay for food, fun activities, and live music.
Downtown Guerneville | www.russianriver.com
 
Architectural Tour, Wine Tasting, and Auction
May 12
Take a self-guided tour of several of the Mendocino-Sonoma Coast's most interesting homes, followed by a California Wine Tasting at the Gualala Arts Center.
 
Ironman Santa Rosa
May 12
Athletes take on a 2.4-mile swim in the clear waters of Lake Sonoma, a 112-mile bike course through wine country, and a 26.2-mile run. Festival follows in downtown Santa Rosa.
Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa | www.ironman.com/santarosa
 
Garagiste Festival, Northern Exposure
May 12
Discover "garagiste" micro-wineries, who are making some of the most exciting, handcrafted, small-lot wines in the world.
Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall, Sonoma | garagistefestival.com
 
Mother's Day Open Garden
May 13
Wander through the rose garden at full bloom and take some time to "smelll the roses!"
Russian River Rose Company, Healdsburg | www.russian-river-rose.com
 
Esprit du Rhone
May 18-19
Celebrate the spirit of the Rhone! Join winemakers at Longboard Vineyards on Friday. Taste Rhone varietals at 30 wineries in Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys on Saturday.
Longboard Vineyards and Participating Wineries | www.wineroad.com
 
Petaluma Homestead Down-Home Day
May 19
Enjoy a day of family fun at a 1915 homestead, with live music, contests and games with prizes, BBQ chicken, libations, and a grand drawing.
Artful Arrangements, Penngrove | www.artfularrangements.org
 
Luther Burbank Rose Parade and Festival: Together We Rose
May 19
The 124th annual parade is a time-honored tradition. After the parade, the fun continues with a festival featuring family activities, music, and a variety of food booths.
Downtown Santa Rosa | www.roseparadefestival.com
 
Petaluma's Salute to American Graffiti
May 19
Join in the celebrations of American Graffiti, filmed here in 1972, with classic American cars, cruising the main drag, rock 'n roll, and the happy days of the '50s and early '60s.
Downtown Petaluma | www.americangraffiti.net
 
Petaluma Adobe Rancho Day
May 26
The past comes to life with vaqueros, cowboys, craftsmen, and traders. Make historic crafts alongside ranch hands, and learn the art of roping, branding, and cooking outdoors.
Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park | www.petalumaadobe.com/
 
Tea and Memories in the Rose Garden
May 26-28
Sip tea and relax as you enjoy the lovely roses and place a personal message on the "Memorial Wishing Tree" in memory of a friend or loved one.
Russian River Rose Company, Healdsburg | www.russian-river-rose.com
 
Oysterpalooza
May 27
Celebrate the bivalve with live music, BBQ oysters, smoked brisket tacos, local beer and wine, margaritas, and more.
Rocker Oysterfeller's Kitchen + Saloon, Valley Ford | www.rockeroysterfellers.com
 
20th Annual Healdsburg Jazz Festival
June 1-10
Healdsburg Jazz enjoys a national reputation for artistic excellence, hosting internationally acclaimed jazz musicians, showcasing local jazz performers, and nurturing new talent.
Various Locations | www.healdsburgjazzfestival.org
 
Sonoma County Pride Parade and Celebrations
June 1-3
Sonoma County Pride is an annual weekend of celebrations of the LGBTQI community and supporters. Watch the parade on Fourth Street and join in the fun festivities and activities.
Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa | www.sonomacountypride.org
 
Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival
June 1-3
Racers and fans will enjoy this invitational event, which salutes race cars prepared to the rules of the era in which they were originally raced.
Sonoma Raceway | www.sonomaraceway.com
 
Art at the Source
June 2-10
For the first two weekends in June, Sebastopol Center for the Arts and Art at the Source present this annual, free, open studio tour of western Sonoma County.
Various Locations and Sebastopol Center for the Arts | www.artatthesource.org
 
Huichica Music Festival
June 8-9
Set amongst the stunning vineyards of Gundlach Bundschu Winery, Huichica delivers two days of music, wine, and food in a laid back atmosphere.
Gundlach Bundschu Winery, Sonoma | huichica.com
 
Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic
June 9-10
Balloons of all shapes and colors will launch at this fun annual event. The main launch at 6:30 a.m. is followed by tethered rides, food and craft booths, and a kids' play land.
Keiser Park, Windsor | www.schabc.org
 
Beerfest The Good One
June 9
Beerfest brings 60+ craft breweries and cideries to a great tasting event. Brewers will be serving some of the most creative and diverse regional beers and ciders.
Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa | www.beerfestthegoodone.com
 
Family Day in Armstrong Redwoods
June 9
Enjoy a day with the family among the towering redwoods! There will be interactive activities for all ages, as well as food and entertainment.
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Guerneville | www.stewardscr.org
 
North Coast Wine and Food Festival
June 9
Taste wines from Napa, Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, and Marin counties that achieved Gold Medal status and 90+ points in The Press Democrat North Coast Wine Competition, along with foods from 18 amazing chefs.
SOMO Village, Rohnert Park | www.northcoastwineandfood.com
 
Railroad Square Music Festival
June 10
The fourth annual Railroad Square Music Festival celebrates the North Bay arts community with a day of music in the heart of Santa Rosa.
Railroad Square Historic District, Santa Rosa | www.railroadsquaremusicfestival.com
 
Russian River Blues Festival
June 10
Watch favorite Blues artists up close and personal or while swimming in the Russian River!  Relax and enjoy an international food court, vendor village, and wine garden.
Johnson's Beach and Resort, Guerneville | russianriverfestivals.com
 
Healdsburg Art Food Wine
June 14-16
Healdsburg Art-Food-Wine presents national and international art as well as Sonoma County artists showcased in upscale galleries combined with creative culinary and vintner experiences.
Various Locations, Healdsburg | healdsburgartfoodwine.com
 
Country Summer Music Festival
June 15-17
Northern California's biggest country music festival features top country artists, Western attractions, food, and libations. Headliners: Florida Georgia Line, Little Big Town, Toby Keith.
Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa | countrysummer.com
 
Cotati Music Festival
June 16
There will be fun for all at the Cotati Music Festival (formerly Cotati Jazz Festival). Enjoy music, dancing, beer, wine, food booths, and more!
La Plaza Park, Cotati | www.cotati.org
 
21st Annual Open Gardens Celebrations
June 17
Learn about butterflies, wildlife gardening, habitat preservation, and more. Do some butterfly and bird sighting! Enjoy self-guided tours, children's activities, plant, book, and craft sales.
Hallberg Butterfly Gardens, Sebastopol | www.hallbergbutterflygardens.org
 
Sonoma-Marin Fair
June 20-24
This fair has fun for everyone with concerts, livestock shows, exhibits, a carnival, the North of the Gate Wine Competition, and the World's Ugliest Dog Contest.
Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, Petaluma| www.sonoma-marinfair.org
 
Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Weekend
June 22-24
You'll find races, entertainment, driver appearances, and much more throughout NASCAR weekend.
Sonoma Raceway | www.racesonoma.com
 
Experience Alexander Valley
June 23-24
This wine festival celebrates world-class wines, geographic diversity, and winegrowing traditions. Experience cooking classes, blending seminars, vineyard yoga, and more!
Various Wineries, Geyserville and Healdsburg | alexandervalley.org
 
Russian River Rodeo
June 23-24
The small West Sonoma County town of Duncans Mills presents a top notch professional rodeo each summer. Catch some exciting rodeo and other entertainment.
Russian River Rodeo Grounds, Duncans Mills | russianriverrodeo.org


Of course, this is just a short summary of a few highlights of the more than 400 events scheduled in Sonoma County in the next few months. For the full list, please go to sonomacounty.com/events. Check back, as it is updated daily by the wonderful Jen.
Bodega Bay Chamber
www.bodegabayca.org
707-347-9645
 
Bohemian Connection
707-874-9407
 
Cloverdale Chamber & Visitors Center
www.cloverdale.net
707-894-4470
126 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale
 
Cotati Chamber and Visitors Center
www.cotati.org
707-795-5508
216 E. School St., Cotati
 
Forestville Chamber
www.forestvillechamber.org
707-887-1111
6652 Front St., Forestville
 
Fort Ross State Historic Park Visitors Center and Museum
fortross.org
707-847-3437
19005 Highway 1, Jenner
 
Geyserville Chamber
www.geyservillecc.com
707-276-6067
Geyserville
 
Healdsburg Chamber
& Visitors Bureau
www.healdsburg.com
707-433-6935
217 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg
 
Hispanic Chamber
www.hcc-sc.org
707-575-3648
3033 Cleveland Ave., Ste. 306, Santa Rosa
 
Jenner Visitors Center
www.stewardscr.org
707-865-9757
10439 Highway 1, Jenner
 
Lake Sonoma Visitors Center & Fish Hatchery
www.spn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/LakeSonoma.aspx
3333 Skaggs Springs Road, Geyserville
 
Mark West Area Chamber
& Visitors Center
www.markwest.org
707-578-7975
markwest@markwest.org
4787 Old Redwood Highway, Santa Rosa
 
Monte Rio Chamber
www.monterio.org
707-865-1533
20406 Church St., Monte Rio
 
North Bay Black Chamber
www.nbbcc.org
707-838-7608
Santa Rosa
 
Occidental Chamber
www.occidental.org
707-874-3279
P. O. Box 159, Occidental
 
Petaluma Area Chamber
www.petalumachamber.com
707-762-2785
6 Petaluma Blvd. North, Ste. A2, Petaluma
 
Petaluma Visitors Program
www.visitpetaluma.com
707-769-0429
210 Lakeville St./Hwy. 116, Petaluma
 
Redwood Coast Chamber & CVB
www.redwoodcoastchamber.com
707-884-1080
39150 South Highway 1, Unit 4
Gualala
 
Rohnert Park Chamber
www.rohnertparkchamber.org
707-584-1415
info@rohnertparkchamber.org
101 Golf Course Drive, Ste. C7, Rohnert Park
 
Russian River Chamber & Visitors Center
www.russianriver.com
707-869-9000
16209 1st St., Guerneville
 
Russian River Visitors Center at Korbel
www.russianriver.com
(800) 253-8800
kayte@russianriver.com
13250 River Road, Guerneville
 
Santa Rosa Metro Chamber
www.santarosametrochamber.com
707-545-1414
50 Old Courthouse Square, Ste. 110, Santa Rosa
 
Visit Santa Rosa & California Welcome Center
www.visitsantarosa.com
707-577-8674
9 4th St., Santa Rosa
 
Sebastopol Area Chamber & Visitors Center
www.sebastopol.org
707-823-3032
chamber@sebastopol.org
265 S. Main St., Sebastopol
 
Sonoma Coast Visitors Center
www.visitbodegabayca.com
707-377-4459
913 Coast Highway 1, Bodega Bay
 
Sonoma Valley Chamber
www.sonomachamber.com
707-996-1033
651 Broadway, #A, Sonoma
 
Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau
www.sonomavalley.com
707-996-1090
453 1st St. E., Sonoma
 
Windsor Chamber & Visitors Center
www.windsorchamber.com
707-838-7285
info@windsorchamber.com
9001 Windsor Road,  Windsor