What’s happening in Sebastopol this week? Nov. 28 to Dec. 3
Free holiday booty, the Jewish Film Festival, a museum opening and much more
Sebastopol is hitting the ground running this holiday with the traditional Christmas Tree lighting on Dec. 1, three awesome chances to win free holiday booty, craft fairs, holiday entertainment and more. Here’s the scoop:
Win a $500 Sebastopol Shopping Spree
Nov. 25 to Dec. 7 at stores throughout Sebastopol
Visit five participating stores in Sebastopol and get your holiday passport card stickered and signed by those stores. (Passport cards available in almost any store in downtown and at Pacific Market and Sebastopol Hardware). When you have five stickers/signatures, drop off your card at any participating store for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree in Sebastopol. This event is sponsored by the Sebastopol Downtown Association and Relaunch Sebastopol. Find out more.
(Note: the author of this article is the coordinator for Relaunch Sebastopol.)
Jewish Film Festival – Opening Event
Tuesday, Nov. 29, 1 to 3 pm at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St, Sebastopol
Come to the 27th Annual Jewish Film Festival at Rialto Cinemas on Tuesdays from Nov. 29 to Dec. 20. Join fellow film lovers for the opening day screening of "Rose,” a different kind of coming-of-age film, which plays Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 1 pm and 7 pm. Find out more.
Dining Out for Life
Thursday, Dec. 1 at restaurants throughout Sonoma County
On Dec. 1, plan to dine at or order from a participating restaurant, brewery or winery, and a portion of your purchase will benefit Food for Thought. Check out the list of participating restaurants here.
Shop local with the Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce in two ways
Dec. 1-12 at the Chamber of Commerce, 265 Main St., Sebastopol
Beginning Dec. 1, the Chamber will have gift cards and certificates from local shops and restaurants, available to purchase. Also, look for the Shop Sebastopol booth at the Christmas Tree Lighting and Family Movie Night. The Chamber is also running a promotion called The 12 Days of Shopping Sebastopol. Between December 1-12, spend $50 or more at participating businesses (just look for the chamber membership sign on their window). Turn in your receipts at the Chamber office and be entered to win a gift basket valued at more than $250.
Sebastopol Christmas Tree Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 1, starting at 5 pm, in the downtown plaza
Enjoy music from The Analy High School Jazz Band, The Love Choir and the Bija Children's Choir and a performance from The Sebastopol Ballet at the annual Christmas Tree lighting sponsored by the Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce. There will be hot chocolate, cookies, popcorn and lots of fun activities for the kids. Santa will arrive on his Fire truck at 7 pm.
Family Movie Night in Ives Park: “Elf”
Friday, Dec. 2 at 6:30 pm at Ives Park in Sebastopol
Come on out to Ives Park to watch “Elf” on the big screen for free, sponsored by the Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce. Bring a blanket or a chair and bundle up for a holiday movie under the stars. We will have hot dogs (vegan option), popcorn, candy and beverages, including beer and wine. The evening will begin with a sing-a-long with Mr. Music, and there will be an interactive Holiday Trivia game. Showtime at 7 pm.
Ham for the Holidays
Runs Dec. 2-11 at Main Stage West, 104 N. Main St., Sebastopol
In this hilarious holiday farce set on Christmas Eve in 1939, a group of actors who work at WHAM (a small radio station located in Georgia) await the arrival of Orson Welles, who is scheduled to make a guest appearance on their broadcast. Hilarity ensues as actors stumble through a long, blizzardy night toward Christmas morning in this new family-friendly seasonal treat. Get tickets.
First Friday Holiday Party & Raffle at Chimera
Friday, Dec. 2, 5-8 pm at Chimera Maker Space, 6791 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol
Come to this holiday First Friday event at Chimera! There will be music, demos, food, drink and a chance to win a 1-year membership to the Chimera Maker Space. Come see what’s going on at this cool maker space. Music from Gabriel Wheaton (violin) and Jesse Klein (keyboard).
New Exhibit at West County Museum: Marquees on Main Street
Opening Reception, Saturday, Dec. 3 at 10 am at the West County Museum, 261 So. Main St., Sebastopol
Come to the opening reception for the museum’s new exhibit. Visit the museum to see a history of local cinema – movies made locally, actors in our backyard, long-gone movie houses, vintage film and equipment and much more.
Sip, Shop & Stroll
Saturday, Dec. 3, 11 am to 7 pm at The Barlow
Join The Barlow for their first annual Holiday Sip, Shop & Stroll event. Visit all 10 artisan shops and enjoy a complimentary splash of locally sourced wine at each shop, turn in your stamped Sip, Shop & Stroll passport for your chance to win one of 10 different gift baskets, each valued at $500. Get tickets here.
Holiday Market at Sebastopol Center for the Arts
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3-4, 10 am to 4 pm at Sebastopol Center for the Arts 282 S. High St., Sebastopol
The Sebastopol Center for the Arts Holiday Market is back after a two-year hiatus. The Holiday Market will be offering handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts from over 45 artists and artisans. There will be ceramics, apparel, decorative household items, photography, and much more.
Bijoux 13th Annual Holiday Sale & Open House
December 3 & 4 and 10 & 11 from 11am - 5pm at 583 Harrison Street, Sebastopol
Find handcrafted works by 13 local artists at this elegant, whimsical, always creative local holiday sale.
Goddess Crafts Faire
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3-4, 11 am to 7 pm at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol
This popular local crafts fair features handmade gifts, music by Copper Wimmin, Suzanne Sterling, Hattie Craven, Maya McNeil, plus belly dance and yummy food! Percentage of proceeds goes to The Living Room in Santa Rosa.
Holiday Gift Away and clothing Swap
Sunday, Dec. 4, 12 pm to 3 pm at the Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol
A fun, ecological way to get gifts and new-to-you clothing and give away good unwanted items.
To submit an event for “What’s Happening This Week?” email it to hagarlaura@gmail.com, with the words SEB TIMES EVENT in all caps in the subject line.