What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
Mother's Day events, Green Valley Food and Wine Festival, a film premiere, plus an herbal hootenanny, dancing, cider, wine and more ways to celebrate springtime
Diving into Color: In-Depth Color Mixing with Acrylics
Mondays, May 5 - 19, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. $100.
In this three-class series, create a solid foundation for your art with an exploration of the inner workings of color. Mix, blend and pop. Add depth and subtly to your artworks by working with the color wheel and exploring color interactions. Learn techniques in color mixing, tints and shades, complementary colors and learn more about color interactions. This is a technical class approached with an attitude of freedom and experimentation. Reserve your spot.
Line Dancing at Hopmonk
Monday, May 5, at 6 pm, at Hopmonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $12.
Join Hopmonk for some boot-scootin’ line dances. Dance lessons start at 6 pm. Learn more.
Sebastopol City Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 6, 6 pm, at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
The council will hear financial updates on the general fund and enterprise funds and a report on a recent Sister City visit. They will decide whether to give a fee waiver for police services to the Gravenstein Apple Fair. They will also discuss giving letters of opposition or support on a variety of issues (see agenda for full list of these) to Cal Cities, and choose three key local issues to submit to the Sonoma Mayors and Councilmembers Board. Finally, the council will also decide whether to have a summer recess. See agenda and documentation.
The Indivisible Sonoma County Film Series: The Producers
Wednesday, May 7, 1 pm and 7 pm at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $11.50.
Down-and-out producer Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel), who was once the toast of Broadway, trades sexual favors with old ladies for cash contributions. Max’s new accountant, Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder), offhandedly muses that if Max found investors for a new production that turned into a flop, he could legally keep all the extra money. The duo begins to put together the worst play possible, titled “Springtime for Hitler,” with a terrible director and a hippie-freak star. Get tickets.
Intro to Social Square Dancing
Wednesday, May 7, 6 pm to 7 pm, at Wischemann Hall, 465 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
Looking for joy? Modern Social Square Dancing is fun to learn and fun to dance with this club’s supportive community of square dancers. Caller Michael Levy teaches and sings to a wide variety of music. You’ll be dancing the very first night. No partner needed, casual attire. All are welcome—lesbian, gay, straight, gender fluid. First lesson is free. Register at contact@redwoodrainbows.org, drop-ins welcome. Come early for parking. Learn more.
Cider Salon - Cider, Food Pairing and Local Trivia
Thursday, May 8, 5 pm to 7 pm, at Ethic Ciders home orchard, 8490 Occidental Road, Sebastopol. $45.
The folks at Ethic Cider are excited to host friends and neighbors to their monthly Cider Salon event. Food pairing with three heirloom ciders. Trivia games. Grab a friend and join Ethic for an evening in the orchard. Advanced ticket purchase is required!
Our Wild Watershed: Herons and Egrets
Thursday, May 8, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, at Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa. $12.
Join the Laguna Foundation for a presentation about herons and egrets, those iconic and elegant wading birds, often spotted at the Laguna de Santa Rosa. Discover the fascinating natural history of these species, from the majestic Great Blue Heron to the striking Snowy Egret. Learn about their anatomy, behavior, and unique adaptations, all the while uncovering the secrets of their courtship and nesting habits. The talk will also cover local nesting population trends and what makes this area a birdwatcher’s paradise. Presentation by with Emiko Condeso. Get tickets.
Film World Premiere: The Eternal Song
Thursday, May 8, 6:15 pm to 9 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. $15 to $50 donation.
In 2022, filmmakers and Sebastopol residents Maurizio Benazzo and Zaya Ralita Benazzo set out to document ancestral healing in indigenous communities across the globe. What began as a single film evolved into something much greater—a cinematic journey through 13 territories, from the Arctic to Africa to the Amazon, exploring the deep scars of colonization and the living wisdom carried by land, lineage and ancestral spiritual traditions. Q&A with the directors is included in this event. Get tickets.
Live Music at Pax Winery: Dillon Forsythe
Friday, May 9, 5 pm to 7 pm, at Pax Wines, 6780 McKinley St., Sebastopol. Free.
Hear acoustic folk covers and original music by singer-songwriter Dillon Forsythe. Pax has live music on most Friday evenings. Spend a casual evening enjoying live music and local wines at this small, family-owned and operated winery in The Barlow. Free entry. No reservations are required. The tasting room is family and dog friendly so please feel free to bring the whole crew.
Metal Forging 101
Saturday, May 10, 10 am to 1 pm, at Chimera Arts and Maker Space, 6791 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. $205.
Unleash your inner blacksmith! Join our Metal Forging Class and learn the art of shaping molten metal into powerful, custom creations. You will be introduced to the parts of the anvil and how they are used; hammer control for effective movement of metal; the basics of drawing out, tapering and bending; operation of a propane forge, and shop safety. Each student will complete an S hook. If time allows, students may complete more hooks of varying designs. Reserve your spot.
Green Valley Food and Wine Festival
Saturday, May 10, 12 pm to 5 pm, at Graton Town Square in downtown Graton. Tickets start at $44.
Celebrate local food and wine with Green Valley wine-makers and taste-makers at the first annual Green Valley Food & Wine Festival. Live music all day, 20+ local wineries, VIP early access, farm fresh local cuisine, beverage garden, kids village, silent auction, and more. 100% of festival proceeds benefit the new Graton Town Square—as a gathering place for markets, music and cultural experiences. Hosted in partnership with nonprofit ReVillage Green Valley. Get tickets.
Eco-Friendly Garden Tour 2025
Saturday, May 10, 10 am to 4 pm, at various locations around the North Bay.
The Eco-Friendly Garden Tour is a public outreach and education program that promotes sustainable landscaping practices by showcasing inspiring gardens throughout Sonoma and Marin counties. The tour highlights Russian River-Friendly and Bay-Friendly landscaping best practices and supports qualified, water-efficient landscapers by featuring their personal or client’s gardens. Learn more.
Community Market Clothing Exchange
Saturday, May 10, from 10:30 am to 2 pm, at Community Market, 6762 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Bring gently used clothing and browse items others have donated, all free of charge. Whether you have clothes to give or just want to find something new, everyone is welcome to bring what you can and take what you need. No money is needed to participate. After 2 pm, any remaining items should be taken to the nearby Goodwill. This event is hosted in partnership with Community Market’s Green Team, Zero Waste Action Sonoma County, and Launch. It’s perfect for all ages and supports reuse, sustainability, and mutual aid.
Mother’s Day Flower Potting
Saturday, May 10, 11 am to 3 pm, at Sebastopol Hardware Center, 660 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Sebastopol. Free.
Celebrate Mom with blooms and fun! Join Sebastopol Hardware for a hands-on flower potting event where you can create a beautiful, personalized gift for Mother’s Day. Choose from a variety of vibrant flowers and decorate your own pot. Perfect for all ages. Whether you’re potting a gift for Mom or bringing her along for a fun outing, this event is a sweet way to celebrate the day. All supplies provided while they last — come early for the best selection.
Ladies Afternoon Tea
Saturday, May 10, 12 pm to 2 pm, at the Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167 N. High St., Sebastopol. $10-$15.
Join the Senior Center for a lovely afternoon of tea, treats, and great company at the Senior Center. Come connect and enjoy a special day with friends. Afternoon tea attire is encouraged, but not necessary. Space is limited. Registration is required. Members, $10/non-members $15. Reserve your spot.
Herbal Spring Fling Hootenanny
Saturday, May 10, 12 pm to 6 pm, at Hessel Farmers Grange, 5400 Blank Road, Sebastopol, $20.
Come to an Herbal Spring Fling Hootenany and a celebration of plants and community—a fundraiser for the Sonoma County Herb Association. Spend the day exploring a unique marketplace filled with handmade herbal products, art, delicious food, and a variety of plants for sale. Enjoy live music from the beloved local band, the Marshall House Project, and dance to the sounds of local favorite, DJ Noah Deezlee. Bring a blanket, relax with friends, and sip on locally crafted beer, wine, and herbal libations. Get tickets.
Saturday Night Wine Flights and Karaoke Night
Saturday, May 10, 7:30 pm, at La Bodega/Sonoma Wine Shop, 2295 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Sebastopol.
Enjoy this laid-back evening of food, wine, and music. Join the folks at La Bodega for a relaxed Saturday gathering featuring a special event menu, alongside our full restaurant offerings, including French vegan cuisine and a delectable dessert selection. Enjoy our special $25 wine flight, curated to match your personal tastes and preferences. Non-alcoholic options are always available. Unwind with great music or sing along—whether you’re performing or just soaking in the good vibes, everyone’s welcome. Please RSVP to karaoke@joyfulweb.net.
Buddha’s Birthday Celebration
Sunday, May 3, 10 am to 2 pm, at Rocks and Clouds Zendo, 618 N. Main St., Sebastopol.
[Rescheduled from last week] Join Rocks and Clouds Zendo in Making a Flower Bower (10 am to 12 pm); Buddha’s Birthday Celebration Ceremony, 12 pm to 1 pm; and a Community Potluck, 1 pm to 2 pm.
Mother’s Day Celebration at Region
Sunday, May 11, 12 pm to 5 pm, at Region, 180 Morris St., Sebastopol. Varied prices.
Spend a day with Region to celebrate Mom. Every mother who visits Region on Sunday will get a complimentary chocolate-covered strawberry and a free welcome pour of sparkling wine. Expand your experience with the choice of three different wine flights: an introduction to Scherrer Winery; new releases with a Chocolate Pairing; and a Sonoma Pinot Noir Terroir Study. Pick from three menus from local Barlow restaurants for lunch or dinner. Reserve your spot.
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.