What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
April 20-26: Amy Goodman at the Rialto, Apple Blossom Parade and Festival, the first Occidental Ukulele Festival and more
Steal This Story, Please!
Monday to Thursday, April 20, 21, 22, 23, varied times, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $16.
This gripping film chronicles the 30-year career of trailblazing journalist Amy Goodman, as she takes on soldiers, politicians, and corporate media in a fearless pursuit of truth. Goodman and director Tia Lessin will be on hand for a Q&A at the Monday, 6:20 pm show, which is already sold out. The Rialto scheduled a second, earlier showing at 3:40 pm—that sold out too. They just added a third Monday showing at 1:30 pm. Get tickets.
Hallmarks of Healthy Aging
Monday, April 20, 3 pm to 4:30 pm, at Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167 North High St., Sebastopol.
Join Dr. Peter Madill and Dr. Allan Bernstein to learn about healthy aging. As we get older, many parts of the nervous system change, and paying attention to them can improve your overall health and well-being. This presentation will connect these changes to the Hallmarks of Healthy Aging, a scientific framework that explains how the body works to stay healthy and prevent disease. You’ll also learn about two critical systems: the gut microbiome (the “second brain”) and the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. Register now.
What do Texts and Poems Have in Common? (Grades 7-12)
Tuesday, April 21, 3:30 pm to 5 pm, at Sebastopol Regional Library, 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Ever wanted to turn a text, DM, or even a breakup letter into a poem? Welcome to epistolary poetry! Bring your phones and explore the art of writing letter poems. Learn more.
Girl Scout Unicorn Party
Tuesday, April 21, 5 pm to 6 pm, at Apple Blossom Elementary School, 700 Watertrough Road, Sebastopol. Free.
Attend this magical Unicorn Party to experience Girl Scouts and learn more about joining or starting a Troop near you. Kids can participate in a fun unicorn activity and learn about Girl Scout adventures in the area. All families are welcome to attend. Please RSVP so organizers can plan for supplies.
Sebastopol City Council Meeting
Tuesday, April 21, 6 pm, at Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
The meeting will start with interviews for the Climate Action Committee. There are two public hearings: an appeal of an alcohol permit and request for a budget amendment of $13,875 for Police Department’s new video security system (to be reimbursed out of the Police Endowment Fund). The council will also discuss a pavement improvement project for Palm Avenue and Strout Street; a $15,000 fee waiver request for the Apple Blossom Festival; a resolution waiving Budget Committee review for Special Event Permit Fee Waivers of $1,500 or less; and an amendment to City Council Protocols to limit staff time for agenda items proposed by city council members. See the agenda and documentation.
The Shepherd and the Bear
Wednesday, April 22, 1 pm and 7 pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $16.
Set high in the majestic French Pyrenees, “The Shepherd and the Bear” explores a conflict provoked by the reintroduction of brown bears in the midst of a traditional shepherding community. The film follows an aging shepherd who struggles to find a successor as bears prey on his flock, and a teenage boy who becomes obsessed with tracking the bears. Through its breathtaking cinematography and immersive storytelling, this documentary explores tradition, community and humanity’s relationship with a vanishing natural world. Get tickets.
An Evening of American Roots Music: A Benefit for Walker Creek Music Camp
Wednesday, April 22, 7 pm to 10 pm, at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. $35.
The concert supports Walker Creek Music Camp’s mission to provide world-class music education and access to traditional American roots music for students of all ages. Proceeds from the event help fund classes, youth programming, and scholarships. Audience can expect an inspiring evening of live music, showcasing bluegrass, old-time, jazz, swing and other forms of American roots music. Music from the Walker Creek All-Stars, Hildaland, and Pacific Drive. Get tickets.
Neuroplasticity in Action
Thursday, April 23, 4 pm to 6 pm, at Sonoma Wine Shop/La Bodega Kitchen, 2295 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Sebastopol. Free.
Are you ready to unlock your brain’s incredible power to heal? Join Dr. Laura Polak for the final, most empowering session in our series at La Bodega, where we dive into the revolutionary science of neuroplasticity—your brain’s astonishing ability to reorganize itself and create new neural pathways. Reserve your spot.
Pulse at Laguna Lab
Thursday, April 23, 7 pm to 10:15 pm, at Laguna Lab, 117 Morris St., Sebastopol. $20-$30 sliding scale.
Come to Laguna Lab for a night of dancing with PULSE, a local partner dance group. A’lan Abruzzo will be our guest teacher and DJ for the night. 7 pm - Partner dance class: Activate your partner dance embodied awareness; 8 pm - PULSE social dance; 10 pm(ish) - closing circle. $20+ in advance online, $25+ at the door (cash/venmo only). Online sales end day-of at 12 pm on Thursday. Get tickets.
SMART Nutrition Presentations: Small Nutrients, Big Impact
Friday, April 24, 10 am to 11 am, at Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167 North High St., Sebastopol. $8.
Explore how micronutrients play a powerful role in bone health, immunity, brain function, and longevity. Whether you attend one talk or the full series, you’ll gain credible insights, practical tools, and renewed confidence in navigating nutrition at every stage of life. Caitlin Beale, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian and freelance health writer with experience in clinical nutrition, education, research, and private practice. Reserve your spot.
Olive Oil Challah Demo
Friday, April 24, 10:30 am to 12 pm, at Gold Ridge Organic Farms, 3387 Canfield Road, Sebastopol, $31.
Learn to mix, knead, braid, and bake olive oil challah. Stephanie Rosenbaum Klassen will demonstrate her version of this rich, soft egg bread made with our estate-grown olive oil and local honey—perfect for any celebration. We’ll also include a recipe (and taste) of Challah French Toast with Apple Cider Syrup. Reserve your spot.
Documentary: Suburban Fury
Friday, April 24, time TBA, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $16.
“Suburban Fury” is a gripping portrait of Sara Jane Moore, a single mother from suburban San Francisco who, in 1975, attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford. More than a historical retelling, the documentary is an intimate character study — and a chilling mirror of America’s ideological divide. “Suburban Fury” traces her transformation from patriotic volunteer and government informant to disillusioned revolutionary with a gun in her hand. Fifty years later, Moore’s story feels eerily prescient — a reflection of how ordinary citizens can be swept into extremism, conspiracy, and rage. Starts Friday. Learn more.
Tone Ranger + Siren & Seer + DJs Dragonfly & Timoteo Gigante
Friday, April 24, 7 pm to 2 am, Laguna Lab, 117 Morris St., Sebastopol. $22-$27.
Join Laguna Lab for an immersive night of forward-thinking sound and deep dancefloor music featuring Tone Ranger and Siren & Seer, with support from DJs Dragonfly and Timoteo Gigante. Learn more and get tickets..
Apple Blossom Pre-Party
Friday, April 24, 6 pm to 9 pm in Ives Park.
Free pre-festival party at Ives Park with live music, food trucks, and magical glow-in-the-dark features.
80th Annual Apple Blossom Parade
Saturday, April 25, 10 am to noon, from Analy High School, down Main Street.
The parade down Main Street kicks off Saturday morning at 10 am. One of Sebastopol’s signature events, the Apple Blossom Parade starts at Analy High School and steams down Main Street, ending at Calder. The theme this year is “Blossoms of Oz.”
80th Annual Apple Blossom Festival
Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26, 11 am to 6 pm, at Ives Park.
After the parade, the fun continues at the Apple Blossom Festival in Ives Park. Rides for kids, two stages of live music, local crafts, and tons of food and fun.
The Sebastopol Times will be posting a preview article by Rollie Atkinson about Apple Blossom this afternoon.
18th Annual Beer Blossom
Saturday, April 25, noon to 6 pm, at HopMonk, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $30.57.
The 18th Annual Beer Blossom is a free, all-ages festival, paralleling the Apple Blossom Festival. The event features live music from The Pulsators, Tracorum, Dgiin, and Tumbleweed Soul Duo. Get tickets.
See all of this week’s Hopmonk events, including Ellie James & Loralee Christensen, the Bella Rayne Band and Pete Floyd and more.
Music to My Ears Presents: The Addams Family
Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26 & May 2-3, varied times, at Main Street Theater, 104 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $15.
Join us for a spirited production of The Addams Family! This 60-minute adaptation features a talented cast of performers ages 10–17, bringing the iconic, delightfully macabre family to life with energy, humor, and heart. We invite you to enjoy an evening of theatrical fun filled with charm, wit, and just the right touch of spookiness. Matinee and evening performances. Get tickets.
Occidental Ukulele Festival
Saturday, April 25, 10 am to 8:30 pm, at Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Court, Occidental. $50.
Join us for Occidental’s First Annual Ukulele Festival. Workshops, jams, performances and more for all you ukulele players and fans! Musicians of all experience levels are welcome at this inclusive event. Get tickets.
George Kahumoku
Saturday, April 25, 7 pm to 8:30 pm, at Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Court, Occidental. $39.19.
Renowned Hawaiian slack key guitarist, vocalist, and storyteller George Kahumoku presents an evening of warmth, virtuosity, and aloha spirit. A multiple Grammy Award winner and master of traditional kī hō‘alu (slack key guitar), Kahumoku weaves together lush guitar melodies, rich vocals, and captivating stories that celebrate Hawaiian culture, history, and the joy of sharing music. Get tickets.
Men’s Gathering at the Labyrinth
Sunday, April 26, 1 pm to 3 pm, at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol.
Men don’t often have spaces where they can just show up, talk, reflect, and be real without pressure. This isn’t therapy. This isn’t performance. This is a space to slow down, speak openly (or just listen), and be around other men in a grounded, honest way. The labyrinth is located behind the baseball field behind the Community Center. Take the path that starts behind the Youth Annex at 495 S. Morris St. Learn more.
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