On Sunday afternoons in Monte Rio, there is a porch behind the Monte Rio Theater where people gather for music, conversation and refreshments from Moonlight Brewing Company, a local brewery that has been around for 34 years. Someone local always brings a guitar. Neighbors sing along. Friends wander over to stop and listen. An ordinary afternoon takes shape around the people who show up.
Locals call it The Porch, and for the past two and a half months, it has been bringing new, organic, unscripted life to a place with a long history in Monte Rio.
Behind this effort is Drew Ferrante, a Cazadero resident who has been exploring the possibility of leasing the space full-time for Moonlight, with a potential start of operations in spring 2027. While looking at options for a Moonlight Brewery pop-up location, Drew said he always saw an opportunity in Monte Rio.
“Monte Rio has so much character, and I think there’s room for more here. I’ve always felt like this area could use a brewery, and I’d love to bring more people out this way, create more reasons for them to spend time here, and build something that adds to what already makes this place special.”
His vision goes beyond serving beer. Plans under consideration include a more developed kitchen with access to fresh vegetables and herbs, permanent seating, additional weather coverage and lighting, and a traditional beer garden. They plan to make homemade bratwurst and Italian sausages to complement the brewery’s beers, including their well-known Death & Taxes Black Lager and Reality Check Pilsner.
For now, The Porch is expected to operate through the end of October on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m., with uber-local, free live music on Sundays starting at 4 p.m. and going until dark, a beautiful nod to Moonlight.
Keeping the Doors Open
The partnership between Moonlight Brewing Company and the Monte Rio Theater shows how familiar places can honor their history while making room for something new. The theater has long been part of Monte Rio’s cultural life, and new uses for the space can help carry that history forward.
David Lockhart, owner of the Monte Rio Theater, agrees: “We’re excited to bring new life to the theater while staying connected to the traditions that make it special. Movies and music are at the heart of what we do, and we’re actively working to bring back local events like Open Mic while creating more opportunities for people to come together here.”
And there’s more in the works. A Holiday Extravaganza concert is being planned between Thanksgiving and Christmas, bringing back favorite acts from the theater’s Open Mic nights for a special local showcase. With Moonlight Brewing Company also expected to be part of the event, the evening will offer a taste of what the future of the Monte Rio Theater will look like in 2027.
Free music classes for local youth and new arts-focused nonprofits are also part of the plans taking shape for 2027, creating more opportunities for local musicians, artists and performers to share their skills, develop their craft and help shape Monte Rio’s creative future.
“The goal isn’t just to bring the arts to Monte Rio. It’s to grow the arts in Monte Rio, making room for local talent to flourish and giving the people who live here more opportunities,” says Lockhart.
Fostering Traditions That Bring Us Together
Friends of Monte Rio helps keep local traditions alive by creating spaces for neighbors to gather, connect and celebrate throughout the year.
Rhian Miller, President of Friends of Monte Rio, says, “The best part of Friends of Monte Rio is seeing what a difference people can make when they come together. Every event takes volunteers, time and a lot of care, but seeing neighbors connect and families make memories makes it worthwhile. We do this because we love Monte Rio and want to keep giving back to the place we call home.”
On Saturday, Oct. 17, Friends of Monte Rio will host its second special Oktoberfest Supper Club at the Monte Rio Community Center. Supper Club is a tradition that has been around for more than a decade, with the cost per plate at an astounding $15 through volunteers’ active pursuit of donations to ensure the event remains accessible to all.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner by Chef Larry at 6 p.m. The evening will feature German-inspired food, live music by Sonomacana and a raffle. Events like these also create opportunities for local chefs, musicians and other creatives to share their talents, helping make each gathering distinctively Monte Rio.
On Sunday, Nov. 1, Friends of Monte Rio will host its Día de los Muertos celebration at the Monte Rio Community Center from 1 pm to 4 pm. Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday honoring and remembering loved ones who have died. First celebrated in Monte Rio in 2019, the gathering brings families and neighbors together to honor loved ones and share cultural traditions.
The free, family-friendly event will feature a community ofrenda, traditional music performed by Annette Moreno, a semi-finalist on Mexico’s America’s Got Talent, activities for children, a photo booth and tamales. Families can bring photographs and mementos to add to the altar, making remembrance a shared experience across generations.
Acknowledging Our People
Monte Rio’s character comes from its people: the musicians, artists, volunteers and generations of neighbors who have kept local traditions alive. New businesses can bring valuable economic opportunities, but their real impact is measured by more than revenue. It’s about how they give back, support and respect the people around them and contribute to the place they call home.
Whether you live here, are thinking about starting something here, or are simply looking for somewhere new to explore, you’re welcome in Monte Rio. Come see what’s happening, support the people making it happen, and help shape what comes next.
