What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
America's past and future, free Christmas dinner, caroling, folk jam potluck, non-Christmas music and more...
Looking for America: The Committee of Secret Correspondence and the Founding of America
Monday, Dec. 22, 6 pm at Hopmonk (in The Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $10.
Join in the conversation about liberty, tyranny, and the process of founding America— past and present. The evening will begin with a description of significant events and key individual biographies that made the impossible possible—defeating the British Empire and then building a constitutional republic—including mission statement and operating manual. Also, two short stories you’ve never heard: The former slave that became the Founding Mother of America, and Mr. Civility and the first Colonial Treaty of 1722.
Cozy Retreat: Tea, Reads, & Device-Free Activities
Tuesday, Dec. 23, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Sebastopol Regional Library, 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Embrace the Danish concept of hygge (hoo-gah) at the library and enjoy a cozy space to slow down with teatime and analog activities. Take this hour to go on a “digital fast” and read, knit, write a letter to a friend while relaxing music fills the room. Soft conversation is welcome. Tea and light refreshments will be served. RSVP here.
Note: Over the holidays, the Sebastopol Library will be closed on Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1.
Ice Plant Removal Workday
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, at Doran Regional Park. Free.
Let’s face it. Sometimes the holidays are a lot. Here’s one way to take a break: join a dedicated group of volunteers from the California Native Plant Society as they remove ice plant at Doran Park. While pretty, ice plant chokes out native plants and reduces habitat for endangered birds like the Snowy Plover. The group meets every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To sign up, text Jan Lochner, CNPS Invasive Plant Co-Chair, at 707-569-4724.
Silent Night, Holy Night
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 4 pm to 5 pm, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal, 500 Robinson Road, Sebastopol. Free.
Outdoor Christmas carol service and walk-on Christmas Pageant. All children are invited to join in the pageant. Family friendly. Dress warmly.
Holiday Merriment at the Senior Center
Thursday, Dec. 25, 1 pm to 4 pm, at the Sebastopol Senior Center, 167 N. High St. in Sebastopol. Free.
If you’re looking for a place to feel connected this holiday season, our doors are open to you! Whether you’re seeking company, conversation, or simply a warm and peaceful space, we invite you to stop by on Dec. 25, 1 pm to 4 pm. Here, everyone belongs, and together we can share comfort, laughter, and the true spirit of the season. Call us to register: 707-824-2990.
NOTE: With the exception of this event, the Sebastopol Area Senior Center and The Legacy will be closed from Dec. 24 - Jan. 1. The Harvest Cafe will be closed from Dec. 22 to Jan. 2.
Sebastopol Holiday Dinner on Christmas Day
Thursday, Dec. 25, 1 pm to 4 pm, at the Sebastopol Community Church, 1000 Gravenstein Hwy., Sebastopol. Free.
The Rotary Club of Sebastopol Sunrise will host its annual Holiday Meal (with toys for the kids) at the Sebastopol Community Church from 1 pm to 4 pm. All community members are invited, and the meal is free. Santa Claus is expected to make his annual visit.
Rio McFarland & Late But Ready at Pax
Friday, Dec. 26, 4:30 pm, at Pax Wines, 6780 McKinley St., Sebastopol. Free.
Rio will be playing his own featured set of hip-hop and heavy metal at Pax Wines tasting room on Friday, Dec. 26. The Late But Ready duo opens at 4:30 pm, followed by Rio’s set at 5:30 pm. Come raise a glass and rock out!
Freestone Peaches + Sea Child
Saturday, Dec. 27, 8 pm, at Hopmonk (in The Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $30.57.
Freestone Peaches is Northern California’s premier Allman Brothers Band tribute band. Featuring dual harmony lead guitars, double drums, tractor bass, Hammond organ and an exceptional vocalist, Freestone Peaches will have you on your feet while they’re hitting the note! Freestone Peaches brings the raw energy and full throttle rock & roll of the legendary Allman Brothers Band live on stage. Get tickets.
Sonoma County Folk Society End of Year Potluck and Music Jam
Sunday, Dec. 28, 12 pm to 5 pm, at the Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Every 5th Sunday the Sonoma County Folk Society holds a music jam, co-sponsored by the Grange, for all levels of acoustic musicians to share their music with others. This is their end-of-year potluck and jam. Bring your instrument and join in the fun. Email potluck coordinator Janette Duncan to tell her what dish you will bring (or get ideas) for the potluck dinner. Learn more about the Sonoma County Folk Society at socofoso.com.
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. Submitting your event to the community calendar doesn’t guarantee that your event will make it into “What’s Happening this Week,” but it means that I will see it and consider it.


