What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
July 3rd Fireworks on Morris St., David Luning at Peacetown, Burners meetup and more
Beginning - Advanced Tap for Adults (Summer Session)
Tuesdays for 6 weeks beginning June 30, at Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Court, Occidental. $120.
Welcome to the wonderful world of tap! This class offering runs six weeks and teaches three levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. These classes are for those who wish to discover tap dance and those who wish to continue exploring. The Summer Session will be led by Starr Hergenrather. A limited supply of tap shoes is available for use at the class; please contact ahead of time to ensure the right size is available. Beginner from 10:15-11 am, Intermediate from 11 am-12 noon, and Advanced from 12:30-1:30 pm. Register here.
Grange General Meeting & Potluck
Tuesday, June 30, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at the Sebastopol Grange Hall, 6000 Sebastopol Ave. (Hwy. 12), Sebastopol. $10.
Grangers warmly welcome guests and visitors to this monthly general meeting. Come for social time starting at 5:30 pm, followed by a potluck dinner and music. Please bring an appetizer, entree, side, or dessert to share (lovingly labeled), and your own dishes and utensils. The Grange will serve freshly prepared entrees from Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine in Sebastopol. Speaker Barbara McChesney of End Plastic Soup will discuss the environmental impacts of plastic and ways communities can take action. Learn more.
Preserve the Season: Intro to Pickling and Fermentation
Tuesday, June 30, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, at Gather, 122 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $150.
Pickling is one of the simplest and most satisfying ways to preserve the season — transforming fresh produce into something bright, flavorful, and long-lasting. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the fundamentals of two core approaches to preservation: vinegar-based pickling and salt-based fermentation. We’ll cover pickling basics, how to choose your ingredients, and the tools you’ll need to get started, then make a selection of recipes that highlight each style so you can recreate and build on them at home. Register here.
Family Story Time
Wednesday, July 1, 10:30 am to 11 am, at the stage in Ives Park.
The Sebastopol Library may be temporarily closed, but the library’s family story time continues in Ives Park. Join your local librarian in singing, reading, and playing together to build early literacy skills and a joy of reading. Bring a blanket and meet us on the main stage at Ives Park.
Peacetown: David Luning
Wednesday, July 1, from 5 to 8 pm, at Ives Park, Sebastopol.
Here’s the word from Jim Corbett: “This week’s Peacetown features superstar songwriter and local wit David Luning with his fabulous band. He was greatly influenced by the songs of John Prine, but his lyrics and melodies are uniquely his own creations. Born and raised in West County, Peacetown is proud to embrace him. Opening the show will be Bring Joy, under the direction of Jason Beard, who also directs Poor Man’s Whiskey, the act that opened the Peacetown series and brought a huge crowd to Ives Park. There’s a deep friendship between these two bands, so expect some unique collaborations during the performances. This week’s Arts Workshop artists are Cheryl Woods and Susan Barri. Music runs 5 pm to 8 pm with a break between bands featuring a moment of silence and the peaceful vibrations of the magic flute.”
North Bay Burners Meet Up
Wednesday, July 1, at 6 pm, at HopMonk Sebastopol, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol.
Come share a brew with your Burning Man kin. Let’s chat about years past and years to come. Do you have any questions about going to the Burn this year? Is it your first time? You want to bring your kids? Do you want to volunteer but don’t know where to start? Do you have an art project you're excited about? There will be plenty of folks at this event to help and answer questions. Come to HopMonk in Sebastopol and enjoy like-minded people’s company.
Film: Arrivals: A Truth & Justice Community Screening
Wednesday, July 1, 7 pm, at Rialto Cinemas Sebastopol, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $16.50.
A panel discussion hosted by Peter Coyote follows the screening. “Arrivals” brings together three women from different generations to share deeply personal stories of immigration, identity, belonging, family, and the realities of navigating a system that is often misunderstood. From legal challenges to emotional impacts, their experiences reveal both the complexity of immigration in America and the resilience of those building a life here. The screening is followed by a panel discussion and community conversation with filmmakers, participants and local partners working in immigrant legal advocacy, labor, civic engagement and community support. Proceeds support VIDAS (Vital Immigrant Defense Advocacy and Services) and Northern California Public Media. Get tickets.
The Indivisible Sonoma County Film Series: 1776
Thursday, July 2, 1 and 7 pm, at Rialto Cinemas Sebastopol, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $11.50.
The nation’s founding fathers harmonize their way through the founding of America in this musical adapted from the popular Broadway show. Colonial representatives gather in Philadelphia with the aim of establishing a set of governmental rules for the burgeoning United States. A panel discussion follows the 7 pm screening. Get tickets.
Spoken Word Poetry
Thursday, July 2, at 4:20 pm, at Sonoma Chocolatiers, 6988 McKinley Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Enjoy an evening of spoken word poetry, chocolate and a warm beverage. Call or come into the store to sign up if you’d like to perform. Poetry readings happen at Sonoma Chocolatiers on the first Thursday of every month.
Sebastopol’s Annual 3rd of July Fireworks & Music Extravaganza
Friday, July 3, from 4 pm to 10 pm, at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris Street, Sebastopol. $17–$60 (kids 5 and under free).
Presented by the Kiwanis Club of Sebastopol, this year’s celebration has moved to the Community Cultural Center while Analy High School undergoes construction (fireworks will still launch from the high school’s field). Expect live music from School of Rock House and CONTIGO, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and the Kiwanis Kids Corner with an obstacle course, face painting, cornhole, and more. Morris Street and Johnson Street close to traffic starting at 2 pm. No outside alcohol, fireworks, weapons, or pets (service animals excepted). Early bird tickets and full details here.
Swifty (Taylor Swift Tribute)
Saturday, July 5, 1 pm, at HopMonk Sebastopol (in the Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol. $37.82.
Swifty is a Taylor Swift tribute band "by Swifties, for Swifties." Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Swifty captures the infectious energy of the Eras Tour, with the intimacy of your favorite local band. Actor and musician Gillian Eichenberger sparkles as Taylor. Her backup band is headed by prolific singer/songwriter Jon Chi. Bust out your bodysuit, throw on your friendship bracelets, and get ready to "Shake It Off" to your favorite songs!
Summer Camps
Still looking for a summer camp experience for your kids? There are still a few openings in these local programs:
Sebastopol Center for the Arts Summer Camps
Sebastopol Community Cultural Center Summer Camps
Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation Camp Tule (
Pulse Camps at Duckworth Family Farm
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Hi all. This is only my 2nd year here. So I'm surprised that we don't have a 4th of J parade! However, I'll try to check out the fun Friday, but I won't get back from work til 6.