What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
Flynn Creek Circus, Indivisible Town Hall, the return of the buffalo, No Kings protest, Acorn Musecology, music, art, and so much more
Burning (with permits) resumes today. Learn more.
History Buzz Cafe: Three Financial Amigos that Made America: Willing, Hamilton & Morris, Jr.
Monday, Oct. 13, 6 pm, at Hopmonk (in the Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol. $10.
Hear a 30-minute presentation on the three financial heroes that made the founding of America possible, followed by an open-mic session exploring the ideals of America and its founding. You are invited to share your own favorite insights and stories about the founding of America and its lessons for today.
Coffee with the Mayor
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 4 pm to 5 pm, at City Hall, 7120 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Mayor Stephen Zollman hosts this monthly event, which provides local coffee and donuts and is an informal opportunity for residents to ask questions and share ideas. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own reusable or recyclable cup.
Produce Exchange
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 5 pm to 5:45 pm, at the Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Bring the extra produce from your garden to the Grange to trade with others for items you need. Any produce left over at the end of the event will be donated to the food pantry. Master Food Preservers will be on hand to answer questions.
Planning Commission Meeting
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 6 pm, at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
There will be a public hearing on proposed modifications to the exemptions section of the existing Formula Business Ordinance to better define ‘similar businesses.’ There will also be a workshop on the upcoming code changes to the Housing Element. See agenda and documentation here.
Film: The True Story of Tamara De Lempicka & the Art of Survival
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 1 pm and 7 pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $15.25.
“The True Story of Tamara De Lempicka & the Art of Survival” is a visually stunning and sweeping feature documentary that traces the life and survival of the renowned painter through her powerful paintings – from her rise to international stardom in 1920s Paris to her move to the United States in 1940, fleeing the rise of fascism, and her revival in the current art market. Q&A with director/writer/producer Julie Rubio and co-producer Blake Wellen to follow both screenings. Get tickets.
Film: Bring Them Home
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 1 pm and 7pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol $15.25
“Bring Them Home” tells the story of a small group of Blackfoot people and their mission to establish the first wild buffalo herd on their ancestral territory since the species’ near-extinction a century ago, an act that would restore the land, re-enliven traditional culture and bring much needed healing to their community. Q&A with Producer/Writer/Director Daniel Glick to follow screenings! Get tickets.
Film: Democracy Noir
Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 15-16, varied times, at the Rialto Cinemas, 6868 Mckinley Ave., Sebastopol. $14-$15.
As Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán dismantles Hungary’s democratic institutions, three women—a journalist, a politician, and a nurse—work tirelessly to fight for their country’s soul. A chilling exposé of far-right nationalism and an inspirational beacon of resistance. The Trump regime sees Orban as a role model - Donald and Victor are good buddies. Part of the Indivisible Sonoma County Film Series in partnership with Rialto Cinemas. Wednesday, Oct. 15, 5:10 pm, and
Thursday, Oct. 16, 12:30 and 7:35 pm. Get tickets.
Indivisible Sonoma County Truth in Media Town Hall
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 7 pm to 9:30 pm, at the Community Church of Sebastopol, 1000 Gravenstein Hwy., Sebastopol. Free.
Theme of the evening: “A Republic, If You Can Keep It: The Right & Necessity to Protest Against a Tyrannical Government.” Join Stephen Rohde, former civil rights attorney and President Emeritus of the Southern California ACLU Foundation; Renee Saucedo, immigration attorney activist/Program Coordinator at ALMAS Libres/Raizes Collective and Director of Graton Day Labor Center; Daniel Solnit, political and union organizer & lead organizer for the Green Party of California as they discuss the current Trump regime, what we have learned from our history of dissent and protest, and how we can effectively organize and mobilize to defend democracy.
Alejandro Escovedo Band
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 8 pm, at HopMonk, The Abbey, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $53.37.
Join HopMonk at this 21+ show. No one has really ever been able to define themselves and their music like singer-songwriter Alejandro Escovedo does. His life in music of all kinds sometimes feels like a swirl through the sky, where his songs point out all the majesty and mystery of how he sees the world. The sounds he makes take him places that he might not even predict, but once there, greatness always follows. Get tickets.
Poetry in Print: A Reading from Watershed Moment
Thursday, Oct. 16, 5:30 pm to 7 pm, at the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa. $11.49.
Join us for an evening of poetry inspired by the natural world and the art of letterpress printing. This special reading features many of the writers whose words appear in Watershed Moment, our current exhibit created in collaboration with North Bay Letterpress Arts. Readers include both established and emerging voices, among them Pulitzer Prize–winning poet Forrest Gander and former Sonoma County Poets Laureate Elizabeth Herron and Gwynn O’Gara, along with judi goldberg, Eric Johnson, Adrian Lürrsen, and Cheryl Pfeil von der Heyde. Get tickets.
Sebastopol Library closed on Thursday, Oct. 16.
All branches of the Sonoma County Library are closed for a staff day.
Flynn Creek Circus: The Bridge
Thursday, Oct. 16 to Sunday, Oct. 19, varied times, at the Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. Start at $23.
Inspired by a wolf, Nordic Legend and the architecture of connection, ‘The Bridge’ is a freshly conjured visual feast sprinkled with cloaked commentary and gorgeous imagery. It wouldn’t be Flynn Creek Circus without irreverent comedy and thrilling surprises. A troll, a goat, a shadow, a wolf… the 2025 season show features lovable characters and huge acrobatic stunts like never before. Get tickets.
Ceramics Sculpture: Mythical Mask Makers (for kids)
Thursdays, Oct. 16 and Oct. 23, 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 South High St., Sebastopol. $50.
Create expressive ceramic masks, human or other worldly creatures inspired by world myth and your imagination. You’ll give your mask personality, power, and a story all its own—whether it’s a mysterious forest spirit, a silly trickster, or a mighty creature from your imagination. For ages 6-12.
Food For Thought Benefit at Lori Austin Gallery
Thursday, Oct. 16, 5 pm to 8 pm, at Lori Austin Gallery, 6790 McKinley St. (in the Barlow), Sebastopol. $20 donation.
Enjoy classically styled wines by Pax, plus cheese and chocolate tastings—all while exploring inspiring artwork and jewelry. A portion of all art sales will support Food For Thought, helping to nourish our community.
Hitchcock Film Festival 2025
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17-18, varied times, at Bodega Bay Grange Hall, 1370 Bodega Avenue Bodega Bay. From $23.18.
Friday Night / Movie Night Benefit & Costume Contest, 5:30 pm to 9 pm, features appetizers, popcorn, drink ticket and more followed by the screening of The Birds (1963). Cocktails, wine, beer, and concessions are available for for purchase. On Saturday afternoon from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, see The Trouble With Harry (1955), followed by another showing of The Birds from 7 pm to 9 pm. Get tickets.
Until That Day, SCCC, & Village Rhythms present: III Kings
Friday, Oct. 17, 7 pm to 9:45 pm, at Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. Sliding general admission scale.
Come out for an evening of music in celebration of unity, tolerance, and diversity with the III Kings band. Opening the evening’s performance is Kai Guthrie, a young musician from Sebastopol. Get tickets.
Free Compost Giveaway
Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 am to 12 pm, behind the Sebastopol Community Center Youth Annex, 425 Morris St, Sebastopol. Free.
Free compost available for pick-up; first come, first served. Bring your own shovels and buckets as the compost will be loose. Compost is certified USDA organic and CDFA approved, from WM Redwood composting facility. This event is organized by the Sebastopol Climate Action Committee in partnership with Zero Waste Sonoma.
No Kings Protest in downtown Sebastopol
Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 am to noon, at the four corners of Main Street and Bodega Ave.
Part of the national “No Kings: National day of defiance” in response to the Trump Administration’s policies and means of governing.
Sonoma County Art Trails Open Studios Tour
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19, 10 am to 5 pm, at various art studio addresses. Free.
Final weekend of Sonoma County Art Trails, a free, county-wide open studios tour showcasing 155 local, juried artists. This premier annual event invites art lovers to step inside the studios where creativity comes to life—connecting directly with artists in the spaces where they work. Not sure where to go? Check out the Art Trails Preview Show at Sebastopol Center for the Arts or find a map and see examples of all the artists’ work at sonomacountyarttrails.org.
Community Gardening Workshop
Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 am to 12 pm, Sebastopol Regional Library Main Reading Room, 7140 Bodega Ave, Sebastopol. Free.
Join our permaculture teacher as we learn about gardening all year long while creating a beautiful and delicious library landscape. All ages invited. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Press Fest at Luther Burbank Experiment Farm
Saturday, Oct. 18, 11 am to 3 pm, at Luther Burbank Experiment Farm, 7777 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
The Press Fest 2025 will feature apple tastings, demos of apple pressing using an antique apple press, garden walks, docent tours, plant sales, live folk music, picnic grounds, and more. The plant nursery sale will include heirloom fruit trees and perennials, and advice in building your productive and beautiful 2026 garden. The antique cider press will be operating from 11 am onwards, and apple tasting will start at 11:30 am. We will collect votes for the tastiest local apple variety! Music from local folk band Jam Nation will begin at noon. Docent tours will occur throughout the day. Slow Food Russian River volunteers will also be operating reservation-based apple pressing on the only free community press in the United States. Press Fest at Luther Burbank Farm is a project of the Western Sonoma County Historical Society.
Screamin’ Mimi’s 30th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, Oct. 18, 12 pm to 5 pm, at Screamin’ Mimi’s, 6902 Sebastopol Ave, Sebastopol.
Come say hello, try a special anniversary sundae, try an ice cream pearl and help celebrate their 30th year in Sebastopol.
Imagination and Grace: New Exhibition Artist Reception
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2 pm to 4 pm, at 186 North Main St., Sebastopol. Free.
New exhibition artist reception for Marion Segal, presenting a solo show of her stunning collages on rich textiles at Soft Medicine Sanctuary and Showstoppers Artist Collective. Also, a new photo exhibition of beautiful horses at Lost Hearts and Souls Horse Rescue. A fun and immersive experience… enjoy tasty treats in a welcoming atmosphere. Experience the transformation of the reflective and imaginative worlds created by Marion’s collage art; and make an optional collage of your own to share with your community.
Covered in Birds – Benefit Concert
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19, varied times, at the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa. $35.
Acorn MusEcology Project presents The Acorn MusEcology Project is an 18-voice choral ensemble based in Sonoma County, composing and performing original music that explores our collective role as caretakers in our relationship with our animal and plant brethren and living systems. Concert programs are created to advance the causes of environmental stewardship—toward the rediscovery, healing, and reimagining of a vibrant planet beyond our own time. Their newest production, “Covered in Birds,” is a benefit concert for the Bird Rescue Center and the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation. Get tickets.
Muir’s Annual Tea & Tarot
Saturday, Oct. 18, 3:30 pm to 7:45 pm, at Muir’s Tea Room, 330 South Main St., Sebastopol. $140.
Join a gathering of some of the region’s top tarot readers for an especially enchanting late afternoon and dinner High Tea. This candlelit event will feature our Black Hat Society High Tea menu with additional courses, a private reading, beautiful decor and a take home favor. Witch attire and costumes are welcome. Seating is very limited for this event and will sell out. Get tickets.
Aged to Perfection: Gala for the Sebastopol Senior Center
Saturday, Oct. 18, 5 pm to 9 pm, at Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. $135.
This year’s Aged to Perfection gala them is “Funkadelic Fantasy: Celebrating all things ’70s.” Incredible live auction items, fantastic raffle prizes, catering provided by Harvest Cafe. DJ Bearcake will be spinning classic 70s tunes, and there’ll be ’70s dance lessons! Every ticket purchased includes a variety of delightful appetizers, refreshing beverages, a scrumptious buffet-style dinner, lively entertainment, and, of course, the chance to dance the night away. Wear your favorite ’70s style! (optional). This event supports a wide range of senior services. Get tickets.
Django Reinhardt Style Open Music Jam
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2 pm to 4 pm, at Sebastopol Regional Library Meeting Room, 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
This loose knit group of musicians gathers approximately monthly to play and share the style of swing music made famous by Django Reinhardt. This delightful music is not often played on commercial media but has stayed alive by being played in small groups, both in performance and informal jams. This jam is open to acoustic instrumentalists and best suited for those with moderate to high proficiency on their instrument. Most tunes are selected from the 2008 Django Fakebook. Listeners and newcomers are welcome.
See What’s Happening Sonoma County for more Sebastopol 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.
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