Awake, My Soul: The Story of the Sacred Harp — Film and director Q&A
Monday, Sept. 21, at 6:30 pm, at Rialto Cinemas Sebastopol, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $16.
The first feature documentary about Sacred Harp singing — the oldest distinctively American musical tradition — traces the shape-note hymnody that has survived more than 200 years in the rural Deep South. Q&A with director Matt Hinton follows the screening. Get tickets.
Home Gardener Produce Exchange/Donation
Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 5 pm to 5:45 pm, at Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Road (Hwy. 12), Sebastopol. Free.
Attend this produce exchange/donation event to trade surplus produce, plant starts and seeds from your garden for something you don’t have. You may also bring produce that you have gleaned (with permission, of course) from a neighbor’s yard. Master Food Preservers will be on hand to answer questions and provide recipes and samples during tabling.
Gold Ridge Fire District Board Candidate Forum
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 5:15 pm to 7:30 pm, at Hessel Grange, 5400 Blank Road, Sebastopol. Free.
Candidates for Sonoma County’s Gold Ridge Fire Protection District Board of Directors will meet the community and take questions in a public forum at Hessel Grange. The forum is free and open to the public. The event will kick off with a meet-and-greet with the candidates at 5:15 pm, followed by a moderated Q&A led by Grange officers Corinne Asturias and Joe Petersen. Candidates will be given equal time and opportunity to respond to questions, and audience questions will be taken at the end of the session, expected to wrap up around 7:30 pm.
Planning Commission Meeting
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 6 pm to 9 pm, at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol.
Developers of a planned subdivision at 8100 Valentine Ave. will give a presentation and the commission’s discussion will involve a tentative map, design review, state density bonus, and CEQA determination. The project is a 20-lot, for-sale, single-family residential subdivision on a 2.69-acre site with a density of 7.43 units per acre. See agenda and documentation.
The Last Picture Shows — Film & Director Q&A
Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 6:30 pm, at Rialto Cinemas Sebastopol, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $16.
Filmmaker Rustin Thompson travels the American West in search of the small-town movie theater — finding cinemas abandoned, shuttered, barely hanging on, and, thanks to devoted caretakers, thriving. Woven with clips from Peter Bogdanovich’s 1971 classic The Last Picture Show, the documentary is both a portrait of an industry facing streaming and consolidation and a reminder of the movie house as a place of community and connection. A Q&A with director Rustin Thompson follows the screening. Get tickets.
Moms Club — Indivisible Sonoma County Film Series
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 1 pm and 7 pm, at Rialto Cinemas Sebastopol, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $11.50.
Part of the Indivisible Sonoma County Film Series, this documentary follows everyday parents who become organizers, researchers, and advocates working to protect public schools and vulnerable students, revealing a broader web of political influence shaping education debates nationwide. Themes include grassroots activism, misinformation and media narratives, and the power of collective action. A panel discussion follows the 7 pm screening. Get tickets.
Volunteer: Invasive Plant Removal at Ragle
Thursday, Sept. 24, 9 am to 12 pm, Ragle Ranch Regional Park. Meet at parking lot beyond playground.
Invasive plant species crowd out native plant communities that wildlife depend upon for food and shelter. We’ll get hands-on and dirty removing invasive plants and making room for native plants. Tools, gloves, materials, and refreshments provided. Registration required. Register here.
Public Arts Committee Meeting
Thursday, Sept. 24, 1 pm to 3 pm, at Sebastopol City Hall Conference Room, 7120 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
The Public Arts Committee will discuss the community sculpture garden, Ives Pool murals, Pomo/Miwok mural, public art funding, city entrance signage and possible beautification of bike racks. See agenda and documentation.
Craft and Chat Potluck at the Hessel Grange
Thursday, Sept. 24, 5:30 pm to 8 pm, 5400 Blank Road, Sebastopol. $5-$15.
Last month’s gathering was a hit, and this time Lauren of Bohemian Roots will be teaching a Tataki Zome (flower pounding) demo from 6:30-6:45 pm. This is a great space to slow down, connect with local community, be inspired by each other’s work, and have dedicated time to work on your creative projects! Bring a dish to share and your own arts and crafts! $5-$15+ donation at the door to support the continual care and resurrection of the Hessel Grange.
In other Hessel Grange news, there will be a Drive-Thru Homemade Pie Sale on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26-27, 10 am to 4 pm, at Hessel Grange, 5400 Blank Road, Sebastopol. $25.
SOUP Sonoma County
Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Road (Hwy. 12), Sebastopol. Suggested contribution at the door: $5–$50.
SOUP is coming back to the Grange for another evening of food, conversation, and community-powered change. At this gathering, four people from the community will each share a project they believe could make the town better. Each presenter has four minutes to pitch their idea and answer questions from the audience. After hearing the ideas, share a simple meal together — soup, salad, and bread — and then vote for the project you believe in most. The project with the most votes takes home all of the money collected at the door to bring their idea to life. PLEASE BRING CASH! If you absolutely can’t bring cash, there will be a Venmo option. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Reserve a spot.
The Sacred Feminine, Now More Than Ever: An Evening Consideration for Women and Men
Thursday, Sept. 24, 7 pm to 8:30 pm, at Many Rivers Books & Tea, 130 S. Main St., Sebastopol. Free.
Ginny Matthews, a longtime student of Zen teacher Kyozan Joshu Sasaki Roshi and co-founder of Dharma Heart Center, and Regina Sara Ryan, a former Catholic nun and author of “The Woman Awake” and other books on contemplative practice, lead a discussion on the sacred feminine and its relationship to the sacred masculine.
Hopmonk presents: Téada
Thursday, Sept. 24, at 8 pm, at HopMonk Sebastopol, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. Tickets. $26.42.
Celebrating 25 years as one of Ireland’s leading traditional bands, Téada will perform in The Abbey as part of its U.S. tour. Get tickets.
Acorn MusEcology: The Earth Says
Friday, Sept. 25, 7 pm, and Sunday, Sept. 27, 3 pm, at the Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Court, Occidental. $30.
Acorn MusEcology Project (AMP) presents a program of choral and instrumental works that includes the Northern California premiere of “Sacred Place” by contemporary composer Alex Berko. This work offers an immersive exploration of ecological spirituality set to the words of Wendell Berry, John Muir, William Stafford, and Rabindranath Tagore. Acorn’s 27-member vocal ensemble, directed by Sarah Dupre, will be joined by violin, cello, and piano on this piece and on multiple other pieces. The concert includes a variety of other original compositions, including by Sarah Dupre, Robin Eschner (AMP co-directors) and Moira Smiley. Get tickets.
There will also be a performance on Saturday, Sept. 26, 3 pm, at Faith Lutheran Church, 4930 Newanga Ave., Santa Rosa.
Yemanjo + HABITAAT, with Sarita Sol + Mycelial
Friday, Sept. 25, 8 pm, at HopMonk Sebastopol (the Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $35.75.
An organic-electronic night at HopMonk’s Abbey. Producer, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist Yemanjo brings his globe-spanning “borderless beats” — blending trumpet, percussion, and vocals — alongside Brazil-born, San Francisco-raised DJ-composer HABITAAT, whose nature-inspired, danceable soundscapes draw on hip-hop, cinematic scores, and underground club music. Sarita Sol and Mycelial round out the bill. Get tickets.
Willowside School Nursery Plant Sale
Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 am to 2 pm at 5299 Hall Rd. & Willowside Rd. Cash or check only.
Come and support the garden and nursery activities in the Oak Grove Union School District and select from a variety of drought-tolerant perennials, California natives, a multitude of succulents and grasses to invite beneficial insects, butterflies and hummingbirds into your garden.
Luther Burbank Experiment Farm Open House
Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 am to 3 pm, at Luther Burbank Experiment Farm, 777 Bodega Hwy., Sebastopol. Free.
Enjoy a day of free, family fun and support this historic site. Heirloom fruit trees ($30), garden plants, succulents, and gift items for sale. Jam Nation singalong from noon to 1 pm. Docent tours of the Burbank Cottage and Farm at 11 am and 2 pm.
Community Gardeners Exchange
Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 am to 3 pm, at Botanica Nursery and Gardens, 3970 Azalea Lane, Sebastopol. Free.
Bring your garden supplies and take new ones home. Hand tools in working condition, gloves, plants, pots, seeds, recent harvests, cuttings. The exchange is a day to connect with the local gardening community, prevent usable items from going to the landfill, and find new gems to add to your garden. More gardens and community, less waste!
The Art of Lap Loom Tapestry Weaving
Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 am to 1 pm, at Gather Sebastopol, 122 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $185.
Learn the foundations of tapestry weaving with Hanna “The Wool Witch” in this beginner-friendly lap loom workshop. You’ll learn how to set up and warp a loom before experimenting with yarn, wool roving, denim scraps, and other fibers to create texture and dimension in your own woven wall hanging. No prior weaving experience required. All materials are included. Get Tickets.
See other Gather workshops this week.
Election Series with the League of Women Voters
Saturday, Sept. 26, from 12 pm to 1:30 pm, at the Sebastopol Area Senior Center, High St., Sebastopol. $5 for members, otherwise $5-$10.
The League of Women Voters of Marin & Sonoma Counties presents a non-partisan and unbiased look at the pros and cons of the statewide propositions and countywide measures for the November 3 election. Get an in-depth look at each proposition and learn what a “yes” vote means and what a “no” vote actually means. Bring your questions and join this educational and informative event! Call 707-829-2440 to register.
Mosaic Stepping Stones
Saturday, Sept. 26, 1 pm to 3 pm, at the Sebastopol Hardware Center, 660 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol. $17.85.
Spend a crafty afternoon making your own one-of-a-kind mosaic stepping stone from an assortment of colorful tiles, stones, and decorative pieces to brighten a garden, walkway, or patio. No experience needed; Children under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free parking on site. Get tickets
Graton Day Festival
Saturday, Sept. 26, from 1 to 5 pm, at Graton Town Square, 9155 Graton Road, Graton. Free.
Spend an afternoon celebrating community at the Graton Town Square with live music, food vendors, and games for the whole family. The lineup includes a pie contest, a zucchini race, chicken bingo, and a watermelon-eating contest. Get tickets.
Oktoberfest at Crooked Goat Brewing
Saturday, Sept. 26, 3:30 pm onward, at Crooked Goat Brewing, 120 Morris Street, Sebastopol. Free.
Prost, Sebastopol. Oktoberfest is almost here! New beer releases, limited Oktoberfest glassware, staff in full costume, and a stein-holding contest. Musical guests include AlpenBand from 4 pm to 7 pm and Freddy Martens, 2 pm to 8 pm.
Wildcraft Workshop: Natural Soap Making
Saturday, Sept. 26, 4 pm to 7 pm, near Sebastopol. Exact address upon registration. $65.87.
Learn to make beautiful all-natural soap from scratch using herbs, botanicals, and nourishing oils. A craft as practical as it is satisfying. A year-round series of hands-on homestead crafts for women, set on a magical seven-acre homestead in Sebastopol. Reserve your spot.
Sebastopol Gallery Grand Reopening
Saturday, Sept. 26, from 4 pm to 7 pm, at Sebastopol Gallery, 186 North Main St., Sebastopol. Free.
The Sebastopol gallery will celebrate its move to their new location with food, music and a look at its new classroom space.
Hardly Strictly Irish Harvest Moon Concert
Saturday, Sept. 26, 5 pm, at St. Stephen’s, 500 Robinson Road, Sebastopol. $25 to $35.
This will be a traditional Irish and Roots/Americana/Bluegrass concert with a short Irish dance demo at intermission, and a Harvest Moon-inspired potluck after-party at which folks can learn a mini-Ceili (social dance) taught by Shiloh Step. Bring a potluck dish (optional) to share after the show. Celebrate the bounty of the full Harvest Moon in the community! Potluck/Ceili After-Party 6:30 pm. Get tickets.
Honoring Labor With Song
Saturday, Sept. 26, 5:30 onward, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. Suggested donation $30; sliding scale available at door.
A benefit concert for the Graton Day Labor Center featuring Berkeley’s La Peña Chorus, the Sebastopol Harmonia Choir and Sonoma County Singing Resistance. Drinks and tamales at 5:30 pm; music starts at 7 pm Get tickets.
Gravenstein Lions Chili Cookoff Fundraiser
Sunday, Sept. 27, from 12 pm to 4 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. $15 for adults, $5 for kids.
This chili-tasting fundraiser for the Gravenstein Lions’ community programs includes tastings of all chilis. Also available for purchase: drinks, beer, wine, root beer floats, and raffle. Get tickets.
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