What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
SOUP community event, Poet Robert Hass, Jazz Mafia, Eco-Friendly Garden Tour and so many Mother's Day events
Senior Walking Group
Monday, May 4, 10 am to 11:30 am, at Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167 North High St., Sebastopol. $0-$5.
Seniors gather weekly in front of the Senior Center to go on a low-impact walk about town. A great opportunity to connect with other seniors in your area. Pre-registration required. Register online at sebastopolseniorcenter.org or call 707-829-2440. Senior Center members are free; non-members are $5.
The Epic IEP
Monday, May 4, 6 pm to 9 pm, at Analy High School, 6950 Analy Ave., Sebastopol. $49 to $299.
The Epic IEP – Sebastopol is a live, hands-on event for parents, caregivers, and educators who want clearer, stronger IEPs for children with special needs. Together, we’ll walk through real-world strategies, tools, and examples you can use right away to support each child’s unique learning needs. Get tickets.
Beginning Sewing Series
Wednesdays, May 6 to 27, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at Chimera Arts and Maker Space, 6791 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. $299.55.
Get ready to stitch up some fun and learn the basics of sewing at Chimera Arts—no experience required. We are working on a different project each week and all supplies are included. Our projects are designed to be fun and easy for beginners. The skills you will learn during this series will set you up for success with any kind of sewing projects you want to get into. Learn more.
Sebastopol City Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 5, 6 pm, at Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
The council will hear an update on volunteer programs for the Sebastopol Police Department (Police Explorer Program, Citizens Academy, Horse Mounted Unit), as well as a financial update on the General Fund and Enterprise Fund. There will be two public hearings: one on a lot split of the St. Sebastian Catholic Church property and another on the purchase of cameras for the Sebastopol Police Station. The council will also discuss the new Water Master Plan; cost allocation methodology; a 3% cost of living adjustment for management, mid-management employees and the police; and an employment contract for Mary Gourley as the city’s official city manager. See agenda and documentation here.
Film: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Wednesday, May 6, 6 pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $16.50.
Shy freshman Charlie is befriended by two outgoing senior students, who teach him about first love and friendship. However, as his friends prepare for college, Charlie must confront his troubled past. This event is a benefit for NAMI Sonoma County Youth Advisory Board, and there will be a Q&A moderated by Hana Casita, Program Coordinator, NAMI. Get tickets.
Carbon Conversations: Solar + Battery Box
Wednesday, May 6, 7 pm, at Sebastopol Grange Hall, 6000 Sebastopol Ave. (Hwy 12), Sebastopol. Free.
Learn how to use a repurposed solar panel to charge a portable battery box (PBB). At this workshop you’ll learn how to test an used solar panel, what can PBBs power, what size PBB is appropriate for you and what to look for when shopping for PBBs. If you have at PBB, consider bringing it. Learn more.
Free Screening of Great Performances: SUFFS
Wednesday, May 6, 1 pm to 3:30 pm, Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. Free.
Join NorCal Public Media and Rialto Cinemas for this free screening of the Broadway musical SUFFS, which tells the story of the American suffragist movement and the remarkable friendships, heartbreak, and action that brought women together—or, in some cases, tore them apart. Premiering nationwide on PBS’s “Great Performances” in May, you can see it streamed live at Rialto Cinemas. Get tickets.
Holding Spaces: Celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility
Wednesday, May 6, 2 pm to 3:30 pm, at Wischemann Hall, 465 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
Celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility with Nick Lawrence and his band, with songs from his album, “I Am A Man.” His eclectic album covers rock, funk, calypso, poignant ballads, country & western “Stand to Pee,” and a raunchy blues number called “I Got My Dong Sewn on Yesterday.” Register online or call 707-829-2440.
What Matters Most (Part 1)
Wednesday, May 6, 3 pm to 5 pm, Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167 North High St., Sebastopol. Free.
Join Redwing Keyssar, RN—author, nationally recognized expert, and director of education at Humanity in Healthcare—for a clear, supportive workshop to help you create a personalized Advance Directive for Healthcare. Reserve your spot.
Observational Drawing 3-Week Course
Wednesday, May 6, 6 pm to 9 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. $175.
In this three-week course, participants will learn and practice observational skills and fundamental drawing techniques that will inform all of their other creative pursuits. This course is for anyone who wants to practice and advance their drawing skills—beginners, those who haven’t practiced in years, or any artists who just want to learn more and practice with consistent feedback and guidance. Learning to draw is truly learning to see— a skill that anyone can be taught, practice, and hone. Through demonstration, practice, and reflective discussion, this class will explore the foundations of classical drawing techniques in a low-pressure environment. Reserve your spot.
Learn to Square Dance
Wednesday, May 6, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, at Wischemann Hall, 465 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
Modern Square Dancing brings together music, movement, and a friendly, supportive community. No experience needed—our caller guides you every step of the way with fun music and live singing. It’s free, and you’ll be dancing right away. No partner needed, casual attire. Everyone is welcome! Register: contact@redwoodrainbows.org. Drop-ins also welcome. Come early for parking and registration.
Spoken Word Poetry
Thursday, May 7, at 4:20 pm, at Sonoma Chocolatiers, 6988 McKinley Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Enjoy an evening of spoken word poetry, chocolate and a warm beverage. Call or come into the store to sign up if you’d like to perform. Poetry readings happen at Sonoma Chocolatiers on the first Thursday of every month.
SOUP Sonoma County
Thursday, May 7, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. $5 to $50.
SOUP is a community dinner where your vote funds a local idea. Four people from our community will each share a project they believe could make our town better. Each presenter has four minutes to pitch their idea and answer questions from the audience. After hearing the ideas, we’ll share a simple meal together — soup, salad, and bread — and everyone votes for the project they 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. Get tickets.
A Conversation of Mythic Imagination with Brian R. Martens
Thursday, May 7, 7 pm to 8:30 pm, at Many Rivers Books & Tea, 130 S. Main St., Sebastopol. Free.
Join us as Martens leads a conversation shaped by image, story, and transformation. We’ll begin with Rainer Maria Rilke’s “The Panther,” where seeing becomes a kind of reckoning where the question of how we break through our own inner cages begins to stir. Then we’ll shift into storytelling with the ancient tale of “The Old Woman and the Black Dog,” a story that asks each listener, “Where do you stand within it, and what has it come to teach you?” Brian will be available at the conclusion of the event to sign his books Three Raven Gate and Merlin’s Wing.
Live Music by Winemaker Fred Scherrer & Michael Jordan
Friday, May 8, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, at at Region, 180 Morris St., Sebastopol. Unknown price.
From growing the grapes, to making the wine, Winemaker Fred Scherrer is also a seasoned musician with killer guitar skills. Join us in May for your chance to meet owners & winemaker Fred and Judi Scherrer with their good friend Michael Jordan playing along. Each evening, Fred will go from pouring wine to picking the guitar—it’s always a fun evening. There will be specials on Scherrer wines by the glass, or enjoy the choice of 50+ wines from our Wine Wall. We also have local restaurant menus you can order dinner from. Your reservation includes a complimentary pour of Scherrer wine and the best seats in the house for a fun music jam-out session. Get tickets.
Noches Latinas Latin Rave: Karol G Theme Night—a benefit for Latino Service Providers
Friday, May 8, 9 pm, at HopMonk (in The Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $27.46.
Latin rave featuring Raggaeton, cumbia, merengue, banda. A portion of every ticket sold goes to benefit Latino Service Providers (LSP) is a Sonoma County-based nonprofit dedicated to uplifting youth and families by promoting wellness, equity, and community leadership. Get tickets.
See more Hopmonk events here.
CircleSing Day of Song
Saturday, May 9, 10:30 to 2 pm, at Ives Park stage, Willow St. and Jewell, Sebastopol. $20-$30.
Come to this inspiring day of improv and singing in community with circle leader and teacher David Worm. 10:30 am to noon: skill-building workshop, 12:30 to 2 pm for an afternoon Circle Sing. Learn more.
Making Lip Balm and Body Scrub with Anna O’Neil
Saturday, May 9, 10:45 am to 12 pm, at Gold Ridge Organic Farms, 3387 Canfield Road, Sebastopol. $67.25.
Come to Gold Ridge Organic Farms’ charming Apple Cottage for a beautiful hands-on experience in learning how to craft your very own lip balm and body scrub using organic olive oil and essential oils to make each creation uniquely yours. Whether you’re treating yourself or looking for a fun and memorable way to celebrate Mother’s Day with your mom, this is the perfect excuse to get creative together. Reserve your spot.
Coffee & Couture Sip and Thrift
Saturday, May 9, 11 am to 4 pm, at various locations. Free.
Enjoy a Sebastopol Sip and Thrift, supporting women-owned local shops. Try signature coffee drinks and treasure hunt through local thrift shops. Collect stamps for a chance to win a fabulous gift basket. Participating businesses include Coffee & Moore, Attico, Saivya & Co., Hardcore Espresso, and Launch Recycled Clothing.
Book signing: Geckos, Incense and the Moon
Saturday, May 9, 12 pm to 2 pm, at Copperfield’s, 138 N. Main St., Sebastopol.
Geckos, Incense and the Moon is a deeply personal and vividly written travel memoir by a woman who, at age 73, leaves her home to live on her own in Vietnam for a year—just as the world, unexpectedly, is shutting down. Meet and greet with local author Anja Woltman. Drop by Copperfield’s on Saturday, May 9, from 12 pm to 2 pm, to meet the author and get your book signed. Learn more.
Mother’s Day Wine & Chocolate Experience
Saturday & Sunday, May 9-10, 1 pm to 5 pm, at Region, 180 Morris St., Sebastopol. $31 and up.
Join Judi Scherrer for an intimate, seated tasting featuring Scherrer Winery wines paired with artisan chocolate. Start with a welcome pour of Rosé, then move through a curated flight of three wines paired to highlight fruit, texture and indulgence. Bring mom on Sunday or your closest girlfriends on Saturday. Reservations recommended.
Mother’s Day Weekend Cookie Pairing
Saturday and Sunday, 12 pm to 9 pm, at Golden State Cider, 180 Morris St., Sebastopol. Price unknown.
Treat mom to something a little sweet and a little sparkling. Golden State Cider is teaming up with Sebastopol Cookie Company for a Mother's Day weekend pairing of handcrafted cookies and crisp Sonoma County cider. Limited pairings, while supplies last. Bring mom, bring a friend, and make a Barlow afternoon of it. Learn more.
An Afternoon of Poetry with Robert Hass & Forrest Gander
Saturday, May 9, 4 pm to 5:30 pm, at North Bay Letterpress Arts, 925 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Sebastopol. $25 donation.
North Bay Letterpress Arts is thrilled to host an afternoon of poetry with Robert Hass and Forrest Gander, who, together, bring decades of writing, translation, friendship, and literary engagement to this special reading. Please reserve your space as our seating is limited. Beautiful letterpress broadsides of poets’ work available with a donation to NBLA. Get tickets.
Jazz Mafia
Saturday, May 9, 5 pm to 8 pm, at Furthermore Wines, 3541 Gravenstein Hwy., Sebastopol. $30.
Adam Theis and his Jazz Mafia “Mobtet,” featuring vocalist Yvette Pylant, will take the stage at Furthermore Wines, filling the courtyard with lively jams and big energy. Wine and wood-fired pizzas will be available for purchase. Get tickets.
Vocal Voyage Concert
Saturday, May 9, 6 pm to 7:30 pm, at Main Street Theater, 104 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $10.
Enjoy an evening that celebrates the rich tapestry of vocal styles and talents. The study of singing is a profound journey of self-discovery, where one learns to breathe deeply, articulate text with emotion, and truly get to know oneself. Music to My Ears’ students have immersed themselves in this transformative process and are eager to share their vocal journey with you. Get tickets.
Occidental Community Choir “Postcards”
Saturday, May 9, at 7 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 South High St., Sebastopol. $30.
Occidental Community Choir’s (OCA) live concerts feature an eclectic mix of locally composed music, classical and contemporary choral pieces, poetry, and spoken word from our community in the redwoods of Northern California. Postcards are small acts of connection that matter (often more than we realize) because they carry our presence, care, love, and hope across distance. This concert is in that spirit. Get tickets.
OCA is also showing on Friday, May 8, at 7 pm, at Tomales Town Hall, Tomales, and on Sunday, May 10, 3 pm, at Mother’s Day Concert at The Glaser Center, Santa Rosa.
The Gill Brothers Band at HopMonk Sebastopol
Sunday, May 10, 7 pm, at HopMonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol. $26.94
From the idyllic peaks of Cobb Mountain to the far reaches of these United States, brothers Connor and Jacob Gill have carried the craft of the guitar and song together for over a decade. Gill Brothers Band have toured the west coast extensively, bringing their brand of rural California rock into big city centers—and Sebastopol. Get tickets.
Eco-Friendly Garden Tour 2026
Saturday, May 9, 10 am to 2 pm, at various gardens in Sonoma County and Marin. Free.
Tour gorgeous, inspiring, water-saving garden throughout the area. Find out more.
Film: Georgia O’Keeffe: the Brightness of Light
Sunday, May 10, 12 pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $14.75.
“Georgia O’Keeffe: the Brightness of Light” is a feature documentary film exploring the life and art of the most important American woman artist of the 20th century. Known as the “Mother of American Modernism,” O’Keeffe exploded on the New York art scene in the 1920s with her paintings of flowers, bones, and the beauty of nature. Nude photographs of O’Keeffe taken by her lover, Alfred Stieglitz, shocked the public and contributed to the perception that her paintings were sexually charged. In the 1970s, O’Keeffe, famously isolated in the New Mexico desert, emerged as an iconic role model for second-wave feminists. Get tickets.
With respect to this offering: The Epic IEP on Monday, May 4, 6 pm to 9 pm, at Analy High School, 6950 Analy Ave., Sebastopol. $49 to $299.
In Sonoma County, you can also receive FREE help in understanding your child's IEP and get FREE advice about advocating for your child's education from Matrix: https://www.matrixparents.org/