What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
Valentine's events, Botanica Fairy Fest, speed dating/friending, square dancing and more
Medicare Today: What Needs to Change?
Monday, Feb. 9, 3 pm to 4:30 pm, at the Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167 North High St., Sebastopol.
Two facilitators from the Healthcare for All Working Group, a Sonoma County nonprofit dedicated to universal healthcare, will lead this interactive discussion where your experiences and ideas guide the conversation. Explore real experiences with Medicare, discuss what improvements are most needed, and learn about potential solutions being considered at the state and national levels. Registration required. Register here.
Irish Music Class for All Instruments
Mondays, Feb. 9 to March 16, 5 pm to 6:15 pm, in Sebastopol. $150-$220 (sliding scale).
Discover the hypnotic melodies, pulsing rhythms, and worldwide customs of traditional Irish music and learn a new Irish tune each week by ear. Mixed-level class suitable for most instrumentalists. Instructor: Suzuki Cady. Classes are held at a private home in Sebastopol, California (address provided upon signup). Register now.
Science Buzz Cafe: The Roaring 2020s
Monday, Feb. 9, 6 pm, at HopMonk (in The Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $10.
Mary Fricker, former Press Democrat business writer and award-winning author, will talk about how we can save the American (and world) economy and avoid a financial meltdown.
Free Tax Preparation
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 9 am to 3:30 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 292 S. High St., Sebastopol. Free.
AARP Tax-Aide will be providing free tax preparation on Tuesdays beginning Feb. 3 through April 14. You do not need to be a senior or a member of AARP to use our service. We have no age or income restrictions. Tax Packets are available at the Sebastopol Senior Center, Sebastopol Library and the SebArts Gallery. Text or call for an appointment: 707-582-0251.
Learning Laguna Docent Training Orientation #2
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 10 am to 12 pm, at the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa. Free.
Become a docent and co-lead classroom visits and field trips for school children so they can learn about and connect to their home watershed. Learning Laguna Docents are trained volunteers who teach the Learning Laguna school program in 2nd-4th grade classrooms throughout the Laguna de Santa Rosa watershed and during student field trips to Laguna preserves. Attend orientation to find out if being a docent is a good fit for you! Register here.
Studio Ghibli Film Club for Teens: Ponyo
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, at the Sebastopol Library, 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol.
Come to the library for a magical journey into the world of Studio Ghibli. The library is hosting a special series of screenings featuring beloved animated classics from the legendary Japanese studio. Snacks provided. Grades 7-12. This week’s film is Ponyo (2008), rated G, 1h 41m. A five-year-old boy develops a relationship with Ponyo, a young goldfish princess who longs to become a human after falling in love with him.
Mend & Befriend
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, at Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Road (Hwy. 12), Sebastopol. Free.
Everyone is invited to socialize while mending or crafting at Mend & Befriend. Gather at the Grange to mend and craft while making new friends. Join in at our hand-craft circle every other month. Learn new skills, get help with a project, and strengthen our community one stitch at a time. Each event will include a clothes swap/ fabric swap.
Sebastopol Planning Commission
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 6 pm, at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
The planning commission will identify one of four options for the Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Grant “Reimaging the Core” to recommend to the City Council for its March 3 meeting. Once the preferred alternative is agreed upon, the consultant will develop conceptual design plans, a draft, and a final report for the Planning Commission and City Council in April 2026. The planning commission will also discuss of creation of Parks Commission Ad Hoc Committee at their Feb. 10 meeting. See agenda and documentation.
Intergenerational Conversations
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 10:20 am to 2 pm, at Analy High School Library, 6950 Analy Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Are you interested in speaking with teens, sharing your knowledge and getting a fresh perspective? In collaboration with Gravenstein Health Action Coalition, Sebastopol Area Senior Center and Analy High School will bring together seniors and teens for discussion on varied topics. Session 1 is from 10:20 am to 11:55 am, and Session 2 is from 12:30 am to 2 pm. Register here.
Peacetown Presents: 3 Acre Holler
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 6 pm, at HopMonk (in The Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave. Sebastopol. Free.
3 Acre Holler is singer Cori Wood and singer/multi-instrumentalist Layne Bowen. The band derives its name from Cori’s family property near Forestville. Cori and Layne have played in a variety of bands together in Northern California. They are drawn to Appalachian inspired material, particularly those songs with darker themes.
Learn to Square Dance
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 7 pm to 8:30 pm, at Wischemann Hall, 465 Morris St., Sebastopol. First three classes are free.
Looking for a hobby/distraction/place to find joy? Modern social square dancing is fun to learn and fun to dance with our club’s supportive community of square dancers. Our caller teaches and sings along with a wide variety of music with short breaks during the evening. You’ll be dancing the very first night. Give it a try just for fun…first 3 classes are free. The full 10-week class is $35, due on the 4th class. Everyone is welcome—singles, couples, lesbian, gay, straight. No partner needed. Casual attire. Come early for parking and registration. Learn more.
Friend or Flame: Speed Dating and Friending Event
Thursday, Feb. 12, 4 pm to 6 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol.
Join SebArts, the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center and the Sebastopol Senior Center for a fun evening of speed dating for friendship or more. The event is geared for folks 50+ who are looking for companionship. Let’s meet and have some fun getting to know others! Everyone, regardless of sexual preference, is welcome. RSVP here.
Death Medicine: An open mic exploration of death and grief
Friday, Feb. 13, 7 pm to 10 pm, at Main Street Theater, 104 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $15.
Bring your songs, poetry, stories, dance or any other expression your heart feels called to offer around the topics of death and grief. This event is organized by The Luminous Threshold Collective, a group of life doulas, death midwives, deathcare workers, deathwalkers or deathtenders. We want to increase community building, support and engagement around the topics of death, dying, grief and loss and, in so doing, heighten everyone’s moment-to-moment awareness of the beauty and preciousness of the gift of life. Get tickets.
Chuck Prophet & the Make Out Quartet
Friday, Feb. 13, 8 pm, at HopMonk (in The Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave. Sebastopol. $60,
There are just a few tickets left for this Valentine’s Day weekend event with Chuck Prophet, Stephanie Finch (Bride of Chucky), Vicente Rodriguez, and The Make Out Quartet. Prophet says, “This anti-V-Day event with The Make Out Quartet will be hot, hot, hot.” Get tickets.
Happy Galentines Day
Friday, Feb. 13, 6 pm to 7:30 pm, at Region, 180 Morris St., Sebastopol. $40.15
Honoring the beauty of women’s friendships with a cozy, creative Galentine’s gathering. Spend time together over a glass of wine as you create a special simple flower arrangement to cherish at home or give as a gift. Ticket includes a glass of Hawley wine, a charcuterie cup (cheese, meat, crackers, nuts, fruit & chocolate) and a vintage vase to hold the seasonal buds and florals that you’re drawn to. There will be a selection of flowers to choose from and floral guide assistance by the co-founder of Region, Kerry Thedorf. Reserve your spot.
Sonoma Lovers Celebration: A Valentine’s Tasting Experience
Saturday, Feb. 14, 11 am and 1:30 pm sessions, at Gold Ridge Organic Farms, 3387 Canfield Road, Sebastopol. $78.
Spoil the special someone in your life this Valentine’s Day with an intimate tasting and tour experience at Gold Ridge Organic Farms. Tour the orchards and olive groves aboard our apple-themed trolley, then be seated at individual tables for a self-guided tasting flight and pairing board, accompanied by live music. Your tasting experience includes four premium olive oils, plus a house-made apple cider syrup, and citrus shrub. Each flight is accompanied by locally sourced chocolate, artisan cheese, macarons, crackers, and fresh bread—everything you need for a memorable Valentine’s Day celebration. Limited to 20 guests per session. Live music by the Lisa Liu Duo. Get tickets.
A Classic Valentine’s Day: Wine & Chocolate
Saturday, Feb. 14, 3 pm to 7 pm, at Region, 180 Morris St., Sebastopol. $37.54
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a timeless pairing of wine and chocolate at Region. This evening is designed for romance and indulgence, with thoughtfully selected wines are paired with decadent chocolates. This is a guided experience, highlighting our Wine Wall of 50+ local wines all available by the taste, glass and bottle. Reserve your spot.
Valentine’s Day at Laguna Lab: Family Day and Adult Evening
Saturday, Feb. 14, 3 pm to 11:30 pm, at Laguna Lab, 117 Morris St., Sebastopol. Cost unknown.
Discover Sebastopol’s newest event/happenings venue. All-day flower and chocolate pickups for your loved ones. Music for dancing and celebration. We will be having a family-friendly day from 3 pm to 6 pm with animals from Goatlandia, photos with the goats, Valentine’s arts and crafts and much more. In the evening, the event turns into adults-only date night from 8 pm to 11pm with dessert, love potions, live DJs, dancing, and a dance performance.
Mimi Pirard sings timeless French classics
Saturday, Feb. 14, 3 pm to 5 pm, at Reichwage Winery, 1689 Pleasant Hill Road, Sebastopol.
Mimi Pirard is hitting the stage to bring you a Valentines Day filled with timeless French classics. If you love the charm and soul of French music, this in-person event is perfect for you. Get tickets.
Hot Flash 2 Dance
Saturday, Feb. 14, 5 pm to 8 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 South High St., Sebastopol. $15.
Come dance your cares away to ’80s, ’90s, and early aughts music with DJ Beastie Bryce. A community dance event that ends at a reasonable hour! Get tickets.
Botaníca Fest: A Fairytale Folk Festival
Sunday, Feb. 15, noon, at Botanica Nursery and Gardens, 3970 Azalea Lane, Sebastopol. Free.
Crow Feet Collective and Big Shovel Booking are hosting Botanica Fest, a folk festival in the forest. Enjoy performances from over 20 acoustic musicians in the garden under the forest canopy and vibrant camellias at Botaníca Nursery! Local vendors, art projects, community potluck. Bring blankets, a picnic, family, and friends. Parking is limited so carpooling is encouraged. Learn more.
Art Exhibit Reception: Circle of Six
Sunday, Feb. 15, 2 pm to 4 pm, Sebastopol Regional Library, 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Come to the Sebastopol Library and meet the artists of Circle of Six, whose art exhibit, “Celebrate!”, is on display in the library Forum Room from now through March 14. The Circle of Six began as an art critique group, coming together to support and inspire each other in their individual creations. They so enjoyed and benefited from this process that they decided to exhibit as a collective.
An Afternoon of Chocolate Love with David Gambill
Sunday, Feb. 15, 3 pm to 5 pm, at La Bodega Kitchen, 2295 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Sebastopol. $35.
Come meet David Gambill of Sonoma Chocolatiers. Enjoy an afternoon of tasting (not just eating) cacao (“The Food of the Gods”) and discover how a humble cocoa bean turns into one of the most complex foods on earth. Trace the journey from bean to bon bon across cultures and centuries, as you taste exceptional chocolates, finishing with a truffle made from the wine you’ll be enjoying. Reserve your spot: 707-996-1230.
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.