What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
Sebastopol Bloom festival, Sherlock at Analy, a Sebastopol Walk, spiders and much more
Persian Pop-up
Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 20 and 21, 3 to 8 pm, at Viva Mexicana, 841 Gravenstein Ave. S., Sebastopol.
Join Sima Mohamadian for two Persian Night pop-ups on Oct. 20 and 21. If you haven’t tried Persian cuisine yet, this is the perfect chance to fall in love with its bold flavors, rich aromas, and vibrant dishes. Starting Oct. 20, they’ll be hosting Persian pop-ups every Monday and Tuesday from 3 pm to 8 pm. Reserve your spot by calling 707-823-5555 or email info@vivamexicana.com.
Documentary—Cracking the Code: The Biotech Revolution
Monday, Oct. 20, 7 pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $15.25.
“Cracking the Code” is an inspiring story of vision, perseverance, and the power of science to change the world. Phil Sharp’s journey from a Kentucky farm boy to Nobel laureate embodies the American Dream and the triumph of entrepreneurial spirit. His 1977 groundbreaking discovery of RNA splicing rewrote the rules of molecular biology and ignited a scientific revolution. Get tickets.
Sebastopol City Council Meeting
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 6 pm, at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
The Public Arts Committee will give an informational presentation. In addition, the council with discuss proposed actions recommended by the City Attorney in response to the issues at Woodmark Development, examine the new Budget at a Glance format, discuss the new flag policy, and consider creating an Ad Hoc Committee to prepare for the 125th celebration of the incorporation of the city of Sebastopol (1902-2027). See the agenda and documentation here.
What Matters Most
Wednesdays, Oct. 22 at 2:30 pm and Nov. 12 at 4:30 pm, at the Sebastopol Senior Center, 167 N. High St., Sebastopol. $20-$30.
Create an in-depth Advance Directive for healthcare. Join the Senior Center for this two-part workshop, where we will create a personalized plan, discuss the realities and options for when you have a serious illness. In Part 1, learn the difference between documents like Advance Directives, Power of Attorney, Living Wills, POLST forms and more, and start crafting a plan that reflects your values and choices for care in a hospital setting or wherever you are at the end of life. Part 2, bring your questions, finalize your document and make it official. A notary will be on site to help you legalize your Advance Directive. (You must attend both sessions to access the notary service. Bring a valid ID or passport if you’d like to use this service.) Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Call today to secure your spot: 707-829-2440.
Met Opera Live: La Sonnambula
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 1 pm and 6:30 pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $23.95 to $31.95.
Following triumphant Met turns in Roméo et Juliette, La Traviata, and Lucia di Lammermoor, Nadine Sierra summits another peak of the soprano repertoire as Amina, who sleepwalks her way into audiences’ hearts in Bellini’s poignant tale of love lost and found. In his new production, Rolando Villazón—the tenor who has embarked on a brilliant second career as a director—retains the opera’s original setting in the Swiss Alps but uses its somnambulant plot to explore the emotional and psychological valleys of the mind. Get tickets.
Bitchin Bajas
Thursday, Oct. 23, 8 pm, at Sebastopol HopMonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $28 to $36.
Bitchin Bajas is an American band operated as a side-project by Cooper Crain, who is also guitarist/organist of the Chicago band Cave. The other members are Dan Quinlivan and Rob Frye. The group is known for their hypnotic blend of ambient and experimental sounds. Get tickets.
Our Wild Watershed: An Intro to Spiders
Thursday, Oct. 23, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, at Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa. From $11.49.
Join us this October for a crash course in all things eight-legged and amazing. Just in time for spooky season, the Laguna Foundation invites you to explore the fascinating world of spiders—some of our most spectacular yet misunderstood neighbors. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or downright creeped out, this presentation is designed to reveal the beauty, diversity, and surprising charm of these tiny hunters. Reserve your spot.
Sebastopol Bloom Fest 2025
Friday to Sunday, Oct. 24-26, at various times and locations around Sebastopol.
Sebastopol Bloom is a three-day celebration of food, music, art, wellness, and community. It brings together farm-to-table culture, conscious music, spiritual practice, movement and yoga, and local artisans under the theme of “Embrace Connection.” See our article on this event. Learn more and get tickets here.
Sherlock Holmes at Analy High School
Friday to Sunday, Oct. 24-26, varied times, at Analy High School, 6950 Analy Ave., Sebastopol. $20.
The game’s afoot! Come see Analy’s fall play, “Sherlock Holmes & the West End Horror.” Friday at 7 pm, Saturday 2 pm and 7 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm. Get tickets.
Benefit Concert at Pax Wines for the Redwood Empire Food Bank
Friday, Oct. 24, 5 pm to 7:30 pm, at Pax Wines, 6780 McKinley St., Suite 170 Sebastopol. Free
A benefit for Redwood Empire Food Bank, featuring musicians Jenny Kerr, Brindl, Parson Jones, Karen Joy Brown, little door, Brittany Aquamarine, Stevie Cornell, The StriderFactor, and Late But Ready. RSVP.
The Great Other at HopMonk Sebastopol
Friday, Oct. 24, 8 pm, at Sebastopol HopMonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $24.87.
The Great Other is an alternative progressive metal band hailing from the East Bay. They create heartfelt, mind-bending, goosebump-inducing, ambient and heavy metal music. Get tickets.
Meet the Maker with Balletto Vineyards
Friday, Oct. 24, 5:30 pm, at Region, 180 Morris Street, Sebastopol. $41.
As the last grapes are pressed and the cellar doors close on another harvest, we gather once more at Region to raise a final glass together. This ‘last cheers’ is just as meaningful as the splash of Champagne over the first bin of grapes brought in — and it bookends a season rooted in hard work, passion, and deep tradition. Celebrate that tradition alongside John and Terry Balletto and their amazing team, including Winemaker Anthony Beckman, and enjoy wine, food, music and fun. Get tickets.
Second Annual Nonprofit Walk
Saturday, Oct. 25, 9 am. Meet at the downtown plaza. Free.
Please join us for the second annual Nonprofit Sebastopol Walk! We will tour many of our non-profits as well as stop by Copperfield’s, which will host a couple of our nonprofits for the day. During this time of reduced federal funding, come learn about all of the amazing work that these nonprofits do for our community and how you can support them! Leader: Mayor Stephen Zollman.
The Empty Nest Journey: A Parent’s Guide to Letting Go with Grace
Saturday, Oct. 25, 10 am to 7 pm, in Sebastopol. $249.
Your child is stepping into adulthood and leaving the nest. You’re stepping into something just as profound. Too often, empty nesting is treated as something to endure alone—yet it is a sacred life transition that deserves to be honored and witnessed. This experiential retreat offers you the space to process the grief, fear, and uncertainty of letting go while embracing the possibility, renewal, and rebirth of your next stage of parenting. Location upon registration. Learn more.
Growing Great Garlic
Saturday, Oct. 25, 10 am to 11 am, at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 500 Robinson Road, Sebastopol. Free.
Join this annual informative and inspiring class on growing great garlic! Class will cover bed preparation, planting times, as well as when and how to harvest and store. Dive into the different types of garlics from porcleins to artichoke types to determine what’s best for your needs. And learn how you can participate in the Garlic Stewardship project. Taught by Sara McCamant, who has been growing beautiful garlic for over 30 years. Learn more.
Free Pumpkin Painting at the Playground Cafe
Saturday, Oct. 25, 10 am to 1 pm, at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 500 Robinson Road, Sebastopol. Free.
Get into the Halloween spirit with pumpkin painting at the Playground Café at St. Stephen’s Church. Fun for kids and adults alike, with seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice lattes and hot spiced apple cider from the café.
Next Stop Comedy
Saturday, Oct. 25, 7 pm to 8:30 pm, at Ektimo and Duncan Peak Vineyards, at Ektimo Vineyards, 4950 Ross Road, Sebastopol. $27.86.
Next Stop Comedy brings top stand-up comedians to your favorite local venues. Each show features a novel line-up with popular acts seen on TV and heard on your favorite podcasts. Get tickets.
New Monsoon at HopMonk Sebastopol
Saturday, Oct. 25, 8 pm, at HopMonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $26.24.
New Monsoon is a staple of the San Francisco Bay Area Jam/Rock Band scene. With an eclectic blend of world-inspired rhythms, collaborative songwriting, deep grooves and extensive jams, New Monsoon incorporates many influences into their own brand of rock ‘n roll. Celebrating over 25 years of making music, New Monsoon is better than ever, after year years of national touring and performing at top venues and festivals, including Red Rocks, Bonnaroo, and Austin City Limits Fest. Get tickets.
Halloween DJ Dance Party & Costume Contest
Saturday, Oct. 25, 9 pm, at Crooked Goat Brewing, 120 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
The Goat goes ghost mode and DJ Beastie Bryce will be spinning from 9 pm to midnight. Come in your best costume and show us what you’ve got—spooky, silly, or straight-up legendary! 21 and over. Learn more.
Cultivate Presence: Walking Meditation + Sound Healing
Sunday, Oct. 26, 10:30 am to 12 pm, at Botanica Nursery and Gardens, 3970 Azalea Lane, Sebastopol. $20.
Tune in, feel the various frequencies of nature in this magical forest and enliven your innate wisdom. You will be instructed in how to tap into the field of coherence that is found when you engage mindfully with nature. A gentle, short sound bath of Tibetan Bowls and chimes will be played to begin and end the experience. Everyone is encouraged to bring a bagged lunch to enjoy by the pond or in the forest at the end of the gathering. Get tickets.
See What’s Happening Sonoma County for more Sebastopol music listings.
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