For over 20 years, Pamela Lanier's Sonoma, California Travel Guide has been your connection to Sonoma's tourism community with invaluable details on local attractions, restaurants, shopping, museums, history, outdoor recreation and more.
Sonoma Events
The Sonoma Valley Olive Festival is a celebration of all things olive. The three-month Festival takes place December through February and includes more than 35 entertaining, edible and educational events. On any given day during the Festival, one can sample a trio of olive oils, enjoy a soothing olive oil scrub at a local spa, or select a delicious dish from an olive-inspired menu paired with world-class wines.
Early each year, the Sonoma Valley Film Festival, a nationally-acclaimed film festival set in Sonoma's historic town plaza, features regional food & wine tastings, 200 visiting filmmakers & celebrity guests, and more than 75 all-new independent films.
In early June, the Valley of the Moon Art Association presents their annual Arts and Crafts Show. Over 100 local artists and craftspeople from California display their wares, with local music entertainment and children's activities planned, with specified art to be sold as a fundraiser for local art programs. Sunday’s festivities include the Community Center Ox Roast.
The mid-July Red & White Ball is a celebration of the Sonoma Valley's wines and cuisine held each year on the Historic Plaza. Sip, stroll, and sample items from over 20 of the finest local caterers and restaurants, then dance under the stars to a fabulous live band at this non-profit fundraiser to benefit the preservation of the historic plaza.
Sonoma Salute to the Arts, Northern California's showcase of the culinary, winemaking, visual, performing, and literary arts, is held each August in the plaza, with food, wine, music and art from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Late September’s Vintage Festival, held at various locations in and around Sonoma’s famous plaza, is the second oldest festival in California, following the Rose Parade. Traditionally a time to pause and give thanks for a bountiful harvest, it is also a celebration of shared history and traditions. The festival also provides a great opportunity for local non-profit organizations to raise money for their causes by hosting booths that sell tasty food and offer games for children of all ages.
