What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
LitCrawl, Farm Trails, David Lynch Retrospective, a Taylor Swift tribute band, plus a chance to learn Morris Dancing, and more
Science Buzz: Big Bang to Self-Realization: Are There Universal Laws Underlying the Evolution of Consciousness?
Monday, May 12, at 6 pm to 7:30 pm, at Hopmonk (in the Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $10.
Peter Walker is convinced that each individual life is on an inner as well as outer journey. He will examine the link between the human being and the greater cosmos, from the so-called ‘Big Bang’ to the ending of our expanding universe. Do the laws of thermodynamics — particularly entropy and energy conservation — govern every stage of cosmic evolution? Are there other universal laws that are active for both microcosm and macrocosm? What principles shape the trajectory of human consciousness, guiding humanity from chaos toward coherence, from separation to unity? Does the rise of self-awareness mirror the universe’s journey toward a higher order? By applying primal laws within, do we align with nature’s flow and accelerate our “self-realization’ — an awakening that is not separate from the cosmos but an extension of it? Let’s have a conversation, if you dare!
Film: Bad Shabbos
Tuesday, May 13, 1 pm and 7 pm, Rialto Cinemas Sebastopol, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $15.75.
Kyra Sedgwick and Cliff Smith lead a hilarious ensemble cast in the award-winning comedy BAD SHABBOS, winner of the Audience Award at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival. When David and his fiancée Meg gather for his family’s traditional Shabbat dinner on New York’s Upper West Side, things spiral faster than you can say “hamotzi” when an accidental death (or…murder?) derails the evening entirely. With Meg’s devoutly Catholic parents due any moment to meet David’s very Jewish family, soon Shabbat becomes a comedy of biblical proportions. Part of the Sonoma County Jewish Film Festival. Get tickets.
Produce Exchange/Donation
Tuesday, May 13, 5 pm to 5:45 pm, at the Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Ave. (Hwy. 12), Sebastopol. Free.
Bring your extra produce to the Grange to share and exchange. Anything leftover will be donated. Master Food Preservers will be on hand to answer food preservation questions.
Planning Commission Meeting
Tuesday, May 13, 6 pm, at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
The Planning Commission will discuss the Housing Element Update by Napa/Sonoma Collaborative; Sebastopol Downtown Grant Update by Fehr & Peers; resolution for general plan consistency for the city of Sebastopol; Capital Improvement Plans for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and the Planning Commission chair and vice-chair voting system. See the agenda and documentation here.
Pro-Democracy Rally
Tuesday, May 13, from 4:30 pm to 6 pm, at the corner of Bodega Avenue and Main Street. Free.
With vibrant and positive spirits, bring your signs and passion to the crossroads in downtown Sebastopol every Tuesday, 4:30 pm to 6 pm, to encourage local citizens to join the fight for democracy.
Bike to Work Day is Thursday, May 15
There will be two Morning Energizer Stations in Sebastopol on Bike to Work Day: one at the entrance to the Joe Rodota Trail on Petaluma Avenue and another at Community Market, 6762 Sebastopol Ave.
Hikes With Hounds
Thursday, May 15, 5 pm to 6:30 pm, at Ragle Ranch Regional Park (Gazebo Group Picnic Area). Free.
Are you a dog lover and want to spend quality time with your pup in the parks? Good news: You are barking up the right tree with these hikes! Each program will be an exciting opportunity to work on training your dogs. Learn how you can support your best bud to walk nicely on trails with our certified dog trainer and interpreter. Se habla español. This is a free program, but parking is $7 unless you have a Regional Parks membership pass, in which case, it’s free. No registration required.
Friends of the Sebastopol Library Book Sale
Wednesday, May 14 to Saturday, May 18, varied times, at the Sebastopol Regional Library, 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol.
Sale includes adult/children/teen books and is open to all. Most books are bargain-priced at $1, even the newest fiction. Most children and teen books are 25-50 cents. Proceeds help the Sebastopol Library continue its mission of providing great reading, wonderful free programs and fantastic services to West County. Cash or check only. Opening night is Wednesday, May 15, 5 pm to 8 pm; all day bargains, Thursday, May 16, 10 am to 6 pm; half price day, Friday, May 17, 10 am to 6 pm. $5 per bag day, Saturday, May 18, 10 am to 2 pm.
Film: Angst (a film about anxiety)
Thursday, May 15, 5:30 pm to 7 pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $10.
A film screening of the movie Angst, a film about anxiety. This 45-minute film will discuss how young people live with anxiety and how caretakers can assist them. The film explores expression, how to seek help, and how to support young people who live with anxiety. After the film, there will be a panel discussion with members of our Youth Advisory Board, including a Q&A with the audience. There will be a prize giveaway at the screening. All who attend are entered into the giveaway for free. Hosted by NAMI Sonoma County’s Youth Advisory Board in partnership with Rialto Cinemas Sebastopol. Get tickets. (If this event is cost-prohibitive for you, please contact info@namisoco.org for free tickets.)
Morris Dance Workshops with Apple Tree Morris
Thursday. May 15, 7:30 pm to 9 pm, at Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris Ave., Sebastopol. Free
Apple Tree Morris is offering a free series of four family-friendly, all-inclusive workshops, culminating in a public performance. Come dance with us—with bells on! Thursdays May 8, 15, 22, and 29, 7:30-9 pm. Don’t worry that you missed the first one! Come to the last three. Find out more. Learn more about Morris Dancing in this Sebastopol Times article from 2024.
The Alchemy of Storytelling: An evening with Anita Gail Jones
Friday, May 16, 6 pm to 7:30 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol, $10.
Join Anita Gail Jones for a multi-faceted keynote experience, centered around her debut novel, The Peach Seed. Anita will dive into the wonder-working of storytelling through her three passions: visual art, literary art, and oral tradition storytelling. Because she uses the age-old storytelling method of tapping into energy in the room, like flowing water, Anita’s talks are never the same river twice. Anita will kick-off the evening with a screening of the book trailer as a prelude to weaving an original fable, Cloth & Tale, into her discussion of creative process, artists as innovative self-promoters, and a reading from The Peach Seed. Get tickets.
Willowside School Nursery Plant Sale
Saturday, May 17, 9 am to 2 pm, Willowside School Nursery, 5285 Hall Road (at Willowside Road), Santa Rosa. Free.
Welcome to the Willowside School Nursery Plant Sale. Join the nursery crew behind the district office off Willowside Road for a day filled with beautiful plants. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there’s something for everyone at this event. They have thousands of plants, including drought-tolerant perennials, many California natives, a multitude of succulents, grasses, salvias, alstromeria and many beautiful plants to invite beneficial insects, butterflies and hummingbirds into your garden. rices range from $4 to $50. With a majority of our inventory in 1-gallon containers priced at $8. Cashs or check only. Learn more.
Farm Trails: Blossoms, bees & barnyard babies
Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, varied times at varied locations.
Visit local farms and producers in all their springtime splendor! Registration is free and easy, and will give you access to the insiders' guide to a family-friendly agrarian adventure throughout Sonoma County. Learn more.
Heirloom Fruit Tree and Plant Sale, with Garden Walks and more
Saturday, May 17, 10 am to 2 pm, at Luther Burbank Experiment Farm, 7777 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Free, but donations gratefully accepted.
Skilled docents will provide free walking tours of the Luther Burbank Experiment Farm, sharing stories of the rich botanical history created in Sebastopol. Stroll through our 3-acre demonstration farm and learn about Burbank and his impact on our culinary and gardening world. Fruit trees, tomatoes, perennials, succulents, and more will be available for purchase. Plants for sale include locally grown and Luther Burbank-created varieties, suitable for our Sonoma County environment. Fruit tree experts will be on hand to answer your questions and help you select the perfect tree or plant for your living space. Our public garden and picnic tables are free to use and provide a lovely place to bring your own picnic. Enjoy the day with us! This is a project by the Western Sonoma County Historical Society.
LitCrawl Sebastopol
Saturday, May 17, 2 pm to 6 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 South High St., Sebastopol. Free.
One of the most anticipated afternoons of the year, Sebastopol’s LitCrawl is a massive, one-day literary pub crawl through Sebastopol’s downtown district. LitCrawl Sebastopol brings together over 200+ authors and close to 1K fans for Sonoma County’s largest FREE pop-up literary event. Learn more. See the schedule here.
Community Market Book Swap and Live Music
Saturday, May 17, Book Swap: 2 pm to 6 pm; Live Music: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at Community Market, 6762 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol.
Go to a book swap in the afternoon and then top off your Lit Crawl day by rocking out on the lawn with The Retrofits at the Lit Crawl After Party hosted by Sebastopol Community Market. Bring your friends, bring your family, and come party with us. It’s free, it’s local, and it’s going to be a blast.
19th Annual Farm to Feast Fundraiser Event
Saturday, May 17, 4 pm to 10 pm, at Summerfield School, 655 Willowside Road, Santa Rosa.
Join Summerfield School for its 19th Annual Farm To Feast Dinner on our biodynamic farm. This event is their biggest fundraiser of the year, Embrace the groovy style of the ’70s as they turn back time through an inventive menu created and prepared by local chefs from Handline Restaurant and Marla Bakery. Dishes will pull inspiration from iconic foods of that decade, with sustainable ingredients locally sourced and produce harvested from our seven-acre certified biodynamic farm. Event goers will enjoy wine tasting from a curated group of ultra-premium producers, signature non-alcoholic refreshers, themed décor and activities, live auction, dancing, and live music from locally renowned band, Fleetwood Macramé. Get tickets.
Particles of Speech: Spoken Word & Music
Saturday, May 17, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 South High St., Sebastopol. Free.
Join us for a performance of spoken word poetry over traditional and non-traditional hip-hop music. This group is reviving a genre that combines poetry/prose with rhythmic music. In English with some Bengali. Get tickets.
David Lynch Retrospective
Saturday, May 17 to May 22, varied times, at Rialto Cinemas 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol.
Rialto Cinemas presents a David Lynch Retrospective, including the films Blue Velvet, Dune, Elephant Man, Eraserhead, Inland Empire, Lost Highway, Mulholland Drive, Twin Peaks, and Wild at Heart. Go here, then scroll down to see Lynch films.
First Annual Bloom Hip Hop & Car Show
Sunday, May 18, 11 am to 6 pm, Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. Adults $10 presale, $15 at the door. Kids 12 and under free,
A community celebration of youth and culture in support of the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center’s youth programming. Live DJs, Breaking Battle, Emcee Cypher, live graffiti mural. Also enjoy a DJ scratch showcase; music, art, and dance workshops; beatbox showcase; lowrider & hot rod car show; arts and crafts vendors; local eats and more. Get tickets.
Declutter & Enhance: Organize and Edit Photos on Your iPhone
Sunday, May 18, 12 pm to 4 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. $85.
Sick of scrolling through a messy camera roll? Learn how to clean up, edit, and organize your iPhone photos in this hands-on workshop. You’ll learn smart ways to sort and declutter, easy editing tools to enhance photos, tips for a clean, eye-catching gallery. Open to all skill levels—iPhone users and other camera phone users welcome! Although we do demonstrate on an iPhone. Note: You should already be comfortable using your phone. We won’t cover basic functions or settings. What to Bring: Fully charged phone, Pencil and paper, Quick snack/coffee. Reserve your spot.
Swifty: a Taylor Swift tribute band
Saturday, May 17, 1 pm, at HopMonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave - Sebastopol. $20.
Swifty is a Taylor Swift tribute band “by Swifties, for Swifties.” Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Swifty captures the infectious energy of the Eras Tour, with the intimacy of your favorite local band. Actor and musician Gillian Eichenberger sparkles as Taylor, and features a live band headed by prolific singer/songwriter Jon Chi. Bust out your bodysuit, throw on your friendship bracelets, and get ready to “Shake It Off” to your favorite songs! Get tickets.
Live Music Sundays with Spike Sikes & Band
Sunday, May 18, 2 pm to 4 pm, at Horse & Plow Tasting Room, 1272 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Sebastopol. $10.
Spike grew up in El Paso, Texas, and studied jazz at the University of North Texas. Spike’s music goes by many names. Soul. Swing. Rhythm & Blues. Jazz. Jump. It’s a sound that’s classic and simple, but when it’s done right, it hits the spot and has you grinning from ear to ear. His vast knowledge of music and impressive backing musicians always make for a soulful and joyful performance. Get tickets.
David Worm Leads Joyful Noise Community Sing
Sunday, May 18, 4 pm to 5:30 pm, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 500 Robinson Road, Sebastopol. By donation.
Join song leader David Worm as he takes participants on a journey of sound, song and improvisation. David is a longtime colleague of Bobby McFerrin and often co-leads workshops with Bobby or solo. We are looking forward to a variety of melodies and rhythms, and songs that uplift and evolve into communal masterpieces. He is also a founding member of SoVoSo. He composes the music, your voice brings it to life. Everyone contributes to the magic. No experience necessary, all are welcome!
PEEK INTO NEXT WEEK: Want to go to the Rotary Centennial gala on May 24? Reserve your tickets by Friday, May 16. Contact Aleia Coate at aleia_c@yahoo.com, 707-889-6430 or online at sebastopolrotary.com (under Quick Links, then Centennial Gala Event).
See What’s Happening Sonoma County for more music listings.
Want us to feature your event in “What’s happening this week in Sebastopol?” Submit your events to the Sebastopol Community Calendar. This is one of the many resources I use to put this column together.