Estate Planning with Tate Birnie
Monday, Aug. 24, from 3 pm to 4:30 pm, in Sebastopol. $5–$10.
August is “Make a Will Month,” making this a fitting time to learn the basics of estate planning with local attorney Tate Birnie. Reserve your spot online or call 707-829-2440.
Science Buzz Cafe: Getting to 100% Renewable Energy
Monday, Aug. 24, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm, at HopMonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $10.
Meet Sonoma Clean Power CEO Geof Syphers and hear about the utility’s push toward 100% renewable energy, including a proposal to build up to 600 MW of new local geothermal power. The Geothermal Opportunity Zone (GeoZone) is in northeastern Sonoma County and southeastern Mendocino County, just west of the existing Geysers area, the largest geothermal complex in the world.
Preserve the Season: Intro to Pickling and Fermentation
Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, at Gather Sebastopol, 122 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $150.
This hands-on workshop covers both vinegar-based and salt-based methods, exploring the differences between fermented, fresh, and refrigerator pickles while you make several recipes to take home. Reserve your spot.
Home Gardener Produce Exchange
Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 5 pm to 5:45 pm, at Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Ave. (Hwy. 12), Sebastopol. Free.
Bring your extra produce to share and take home some of others’ surplus; anything left over is donated, and Master Food Preservers will be on hand to answer preservation questions. Held the second and fourth Tuesdays
Sebastopol Grange General Meeting & Potluck
Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. $10.
Guests are welcome to join Grangers for social time, a potluck dinner, music, and a presentation. This month, Peter Schurch will share a presentation on “The Amazing Qualities of Nitrogen.” Learn about the history and mystery of nitrogen: its power of life, the wars that have been fought over it, and why it’s everywhere but so difficult to see. Bring a dish to share plus your own plate and utensils. The Grange will serve Indian entrées from Turmeric Cuisine.
West African Drum Workshop with Grandmaster Bolokada Conde
Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 6 pm to 8 pm, at Sebastopol Ballet School, 8196 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. $45 advance, $50 at the door.
One of Guinea’s premier djembefolas comes to Sebastopol to share Malinke rhythms, songs, and culture. For drummers of all levels. Bring your drum and an open heart. Reserve your spot.
Peacetown Summer Concert Series
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 5 pm to 8 pm, at Ives Park, Sebastopol.
Back Porchestra will bring the Great Americana Songbook starting at 5 pm. Then from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, hear Nina Gerber and Bill Kirchen in concert. Bill Kirchen, the guitar god of rockabilly, will join with the goddess of the acoustic guitar and local legend, Nina Gerber, for an amazing evening of delightful sounds from these two master guitarists. The rare appearance of this dynamic duo may never happen again in Sebastopol. Get your chairs set up early and be ready to boogie, especially when Nina picks up her Stratocaster guitar. Sparks will fly.
Peacetown at Hopmonk: Foxes in the Henhouse
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 6 pm to 8:30 pm, at HopMonk Sebastopol, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Five audacious women with stunning three-part harmony and mad instrumental skills. Super fun group, playing and singing their way into your heart. Stomp your feet and say “Yee-Haw.” North Bay Trivia also runs the same evening.
Film: Ask E. Jean — A Women’s Equality Day Screening
Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 6:30 pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol.
A Women’s Equality Day screening of the documentary “Ask E. Jean,” a portrait of journalist and advice columnist E. Jean Carroll — from Miss Cheerleader USA to the first female editor at Esquire, Playboy, and Outside, to her legal victories against President Trump. A panel discussion follows with NOW reps Camerina P. S. Davidson (president, California NOW), Amy Nykamp (president, Sonoma County NOW), and Marsha Vas Dupre (former president, Sonoma County NOW). A portion of proceeds supports Sonoma County NOW. Get tickets.
Game Night at Sonoma Chocolatiers
Thursday, Aug. 27, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, at Sonoma Chocolatiers, 6988 McKinley Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Disconnect from technology and reconnect with the simple pleasure of spending time together. Bring your friends or come on your own, indulge in a sweet treat, sip on organic iced or hot tea, and enjoy an evening of board games at Sonoma Chocolatiers. Game Night happens on the last Thursday of each month as we gather around the table to share conversation, laughter, and a little friendly competition. All are welcome. Bring your favorite game or play one of ours.
College Planning Workshops
Thursday, Aug. 27, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, at Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
The Sebastopol Grange’s new College Access Program offers free college-planning workshops led by a professional counselor, with this first session focused on college admissions. The focus is on first-generation applicants and lower-income families. Open to all West Sonoma County students and their families. Learn more.
Connecting with Nature through Art: Lara Call Gastinger meet & greet
Friday, Aug. 28, from 4:30 pm to 6 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. Free.
Join Copperfield’s at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts for a special afternoon with acclaimed botanical illustrator and naturalist Lara Call Gastinger in celebration of her inspiring new manual, A Perpetual Journal Practice: Building a Connection with Nature through Art. Discover how the simple practice of observing and recording the natural world can deepen creativity, mindfulness and connection. Stop by anytime between 4:30 pm to 6 pm to meet the author, have your book personalized, and learn more about the transformative practice that has inspired thousands of artists and nature lovers around the world. Buy the book here.
Live Music Fridays at Pax: Karen Joy Brown
Friday, Aug. 28, from 5 pm to 7 pm, at Pax Wines, 6780 McKinley St., Sebastopol. Free.
Enjoy a casual Friday evening of live music and local wines at a small, family-run winery in The Barlow. Karen Joy Brown is a Northern California-based singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and genre-blending acoustic pop, jazz, and Americana music. With over 20 years of performing experience—including her time in the three-part harmony band The Bootleg Honeys—she delivers heartfelt, reflective songwriting.
Sebastopol Commons Information Session
Friday, Aug. 28, 5:30 pm, at St. Stephen Episcopal Church, 500 Robinson Road, Sebastopol. Free.
Come learn about the Sebastopol Commons community development project and the committee’s proposal to move the library, senior center and city hall to the O’Reilly complex at 1003/1005 Gravenstein Hwy. N. The proposal will go before the City Council on Sept. 15 to seek funding for additional exploration. Childcare provided. You are welcome to bring something to eat or purchase food at Wylde Cafe, which closes at 6 pm.
Neighborhood Cocktail Hour and Ratepayer Town Hall
Friday, Aug. 28, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. Sliding scale $10–$35.
Conceptual artist Kate Haug spent three years digging into how the city of Sebastopol runs its water and sewer system — prompted by the question “Why is my water bill so high?” Using art history, performance, and audience participation, she traces the policies and history behind local water pricing and asks whether the current bureaucracy serves ratepayers and democracy. The evening opens with a 5:30 pm reception and cocktails, followed by the talk from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Although Haug sits on the city’s Water and Sewer Enterprise Oversight Committee, this talk isn’t authorized by or representative of the city. Get tickets.
Potluck Joyful Dinner with Slow Food Russian River
Friday, Aug. 28, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, at Ragle Ranch Park (Lions Grove Picnic Area), 500 Ragle Road, Sebastopol. Free ($7 parking within the park).
Slow Food Russian River hosts a community potluck picnic in a shaded grove at Ragle Ranch. This picnic will be the perfect place for everyone to come together to share good food, get to know one another, and perhaps make new friends. Bring a dish to share along with your own reusable plate, utensils, and cup; drinking water is provided. All ages welcome. Learn more.
Ghosts of Electricity (Bob Dylan Tribute)
Friday, Aug. 28, 8 pm, at HopMonk Sebastopol, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $35.75.
An all-star Bob Dylan cover band, paying tribute the only way they know how…by rockin’ out and taking Dylan songs to where they’ve never gone before. Every show is an adventure, with four-part harmonies, gentle ballads and over-the-top, guitar-driven rock and roll. Get tickets.
Planning with Intention: Understanding VSED and Your Options
Saturday, Aug. 29, from 12:30 pm to 2 pm, at Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167 N. High St., Sebastopol. $5–$8.
Learn about VSED (Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking), an end-of-life option that allows mentally capable individuals to make personal decisions about their care and comfort. This presentation offers a compassionate, educational overview of: What VSED is and how it works; who may consider VSED and why; the role of caregivers, hospice, and medical support; the legal framework surrounding VSED; what to expect during the process; and important considerations for individuals and families. An informative and respectful conversation on planning and personal choice at the end of life. Call (707) 829-2440 to reserve your spot.
The Wonderful World of Natural Dye
Saturday, Aug. 29, from 2 pm to 6 pm, at Gather Sebastopol, 122 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $220.
Discover the rich colors that plants, flowers, and natural materials can bring to cloth in this immersive, deep-dive workshop. Whether you're new to natural dyeing or ready to expand your skills, you'll spend the day exploring the complete natural dye process, from preparing fibers to creating layered color and one-of-a-kind botanical prints. Through a combination of demonstrations and hands-on practice, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of natural dyes and the confidence to continue experimenting at home. Reserve your spot.
Biodynamic Gardening: Ferments, Sprays & Compost Preparations
Saturday, Aug. 29, from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm, at Gather Sebastopol, 122 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $150.
Join the Gather team at Three Springs Community Farm, near Freestone, for a hands-on introduction to building healthy soil using herbs, weeds, and other common plants to create natural garden inputs. Guided by farmer Willow Summer, you'll explore practical biodynamic techniques that support healthier, more resilient gardens. Get tickets.
Art of Resilience — An Evening with Nathalie Kardjian
Saturday, Aug. 29, 4 pm to 10 pm, at Laguna Lab, 117 Morris St., Sebastopol. $37.25.
An evening with San Francisco–based multimedia artist Nathalie Kardjian, a Syrian-born, Armenian-American painter, photographer, and filmmaker whose bold, vividly colored work explores hardship, displacement, and the transformative power of resilience. She is known for her ongoing documentary project "Hairlock Stories." Get tickets.
An Evening of Anti-Nuke Films, Discussion and Music
Saturday, Aug. 29, from 7 pm to 9 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. $5–$20.
An evening centered on the legacy of Daniel Ellsberg, who moved from nuclear war planner to anti-war activist. Join us for two short films, “An Ordinary Insanity,” based on late life interviews with Ellsberg about the need to eliminate nuclear weapons, and “Golden Rule: A Journey for Peace,” about the sailing ship The Golden Rule which sailed to the Marshall Islands in 1958 to end nuclear testing and which has been restored by Veterans For Peace and sails around the US coast and down its major rivers spreading the message of peace. The films will be followed by discussion led by Patricia Ellsberg, Daniel’s widow; Judith Ehrlich, director of “An Ordinary Insanity”; and Gerry Condon of Veterans For Peace. Get tickets.
W.I.T.C.H. at Hopmonk
Saturday, Aug. 29, 8 pm, at HopMonk Sebastopol, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $48.18.
A pioneering Zambian psychedelic act, W.I.T.C.H. is one of the defining acts of Zamrock, a fusion of Western rock and rhythm & blues with traditional African sounds. The name is an acronym, standing for “We Intend to Cause Havoc.” Get tickets.
Rare Tomato Tasting & Watercolor Workshop
Sunday, Aug. 30, from 1 pm to 5 pm, at Hope Acre Farm, Sebastopol. $110.
Taste a selection of rare heirloom tomatoes before learning to paint your favorites in watercolor. Your tomatoes will be served with local bread and cheese, and presented with passionate musing by farmer Jai, whose knowledge is expansive and excitement is infectious. Seated in the farm’s lush outdoor space, participants will learn watercolor technique and drawing skills. With demonstrations and individual instruction, participants of all experience levels can walk away with a joyful creative experience. Reserve your spot.
History Talk: Cnopius Field – Sebastopol’s First Airfield (1925-1942)
Sunday, August 30, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. Main St., Sebastopol.
Did you know that in 1925, Sebastopol had its own nationally recognized airfield? Learn about this piece of unique history at a free talk at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts on Sunday, August 30th. The airfield was the first in Sonoma County, long before the Charles M. Schultz-Sonoma County Airport. It played a major role in the barnstorming era of the 1910s-1930s and was a lively hub for early aviation events, stunt flying, and community gatherings. Gary Greenough will share the colorful and fascinating history of when Sebastopol was a flying hub. This 1-hour talk is a project from the Western Sonoma County Historical Society. It will be preceded by a short update by the society board about what is happening at the Historical Society, Luther Burbank Experiment Farm, and West County Museum. The event is free and open to the public.
Readers may not be aware that we have our own master drummer right here in West County--Kim Atkinson. He has trained with several African master drummers and has been performing and teaching djembe and conga classes, drum circles and events on a regular basis for the past 40 years. His website is kimatkinson.com. Highly recommended!