What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
A crucial city council meeting, book and art events, samba, seed saving, burlesque and more
The Love Choir in the town plaza
Monday, May 18, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, in the Gazebo in the downtown plaza, Sebastopol. Free.
The Love Choir, under the direction of Jim Corbett, aka “Mr Music,” begins its summer run in the town plaza tonight, May 18, and every Monday evening from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The Love Choir is an open community choir, that sings a variety of familiar songs including Beatles, Bob Marley, classic rock n roll hits, country, gospel and folk.
Monday Evening Mug Workshop
Monday, May 18, 6 pm to 8 pm, at Ritual Ceramics, 487 S. Main St., Sebastopol. $60.
Reward yourself for making it through Monday by indulging in creativity to start your week off right. Decompress by getting your hands dirty and enjoying the tactile grounding that the clay brings. We will explore hand-building techniques such as coil, pinch, and slab building to bring your very own vessel to life. All skill levels are welcome and no previous experience with clay is necessary. All materials provided. After class is over, your mugs will be fired, and you can pick them up in two to three weeks. (Read the Sebastopol Times article on Ritual Ceramics.) Reserve your spot.
Let’s Tap! Tap dance for adults in Occidental
Tuesdays, May 19 to June 9, varied levels 10 am to 1:30 pm, Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Court, Occidental. $80.
Welcome to the wonderful world of tap. This class offering is for four weeks on Tuesdays starting May 19. Classes are offered at three levels: beginner from 10:15 am to 11 am, intermediate from 11 am to 12 pm, and advanced from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. Classes are open to those who wish to discover tap dance and those who wish to continue exploring. Classes will be led by Starr Hergenrather and Gabe Copeland. A limited supply of tap shoes is available for use at the class. Please contact us ahead of time to ensure we have the right size for you. Reserve your spot.
Preserve the Season: Strawberries
Tuesday, May 19, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, at Gather, 122 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $150.
Strawberries are one of the most beloved fruits of the season—bright, fleeting, and perfect for preserving. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to capture their flavor at its peak and carry it into the months ahead. Reserve your spot.
Film: Lotto and Berenson: Crossed Destinies
Tuesday, May 19, 1 pm and 7 pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $21.50.
“Lotto and Berenson: Crossed Destinies” follows the intertwined journeys of Lorenzo Lotto, a forgotten Renaissance master, and Bernard Berenson, the American Jewish art critic who resurrected his legacy. Through the eyes of actor Alessandro Sperduti, the film retraces Lotto’s artistic path across Italy, uncovering the painter’s personal and professional struggles. At the same time, it explores Berenson’s fascination with Lotto’s ability to capture the human soul, creating a profound reflection on art, ambition, and the fear of being forgotten. Get tickets.
Social Service Day
Tuesday, May 19, 1:30 pm to 3 pm, at the Sebastopol Library, 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
On a quarterly basis, Sebastopol Regional Library hosts a Social Service Day, where local organizations with public service missions table in the forum room to support community needs. This month meet the following organizations: 211 United Way, Buckelew, Joblink, Legal Aid of Sonoma County’s HOME Eviction Defense & Tenant Stabilization Program, Mobile Support Team, Nation’s Finest, Sonoma MERP (Medical Equipment Recycling Program), SonomaWORKS, West County Health Center.
Crochet Summer Crop (or not) Top
Tuesdays, May 19 and May 26, 4 pm to 6 pm, at Gather, 122 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $100.
Ready to turn your crochet skills into something wearable? In this hands-on, two-part workshop, you’ll learn how to make a lightweight, loosely fitted crop top designed to suit your body and style. Reserve your spot.
Sebastopol City Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 19, 6 pm, at Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
Lots of important issues at this week’s city council meeting! There will be two presentations: a report on Gravenstein Commons by St. Vincent de Paul and an annual report on the Barlow Hotel, which is requesting a share of TOT tax revenue. The council will also decide whether to adopt the Sustainable Transportation Grant’s “Reimagining the Core” Plan, which would convert both Petaluma Avenue and Main Street to two-way traffic and add pedestrian safety and streetscape elements. The council will also consider approval of the town’s Emergency Operations Plan, a special event fee waivers for Micah’s Hugs and whether to raise the financial compensation for city council members. See agenda and documentation.
Guy Fieri Appearance and Bottle Signing
Wednesday, May 20, 5 pm to 6 pm, at Pacific Market, 550 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Sebastopol. Free.
Chef and philanthropist Guy Fieri is coming to Sebastopol in support of his and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar’s Santo Spirits brand. The event consists of a meet and greet and bottle signing. Must be 21+. First come, first served. No ticket or RSVP required.
Bike SHORTS, a biking film fest to benefit Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition
Wednesday, May 20, 6 pm to 8 pm, at Rialto Cinemas Sebastopol, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $20.
As part of their efforts to get folks rolling on bikes again, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition has put together a series of short films that feature the accessibility of cycling at any age. The films include “Kidical Mass,” “In The Dirt,” and “Cycling Without Age,” films that celebrate the joy of cycling and the many ways bicycles benefit our communities and environment. The coalition is also partnering with the Sebastopol Senior Center, which operates Cycling Without Age, a trishaw program that gives older adults the opportunity to experience the outdoors through shared bike rides. Get tickets.
Chamber of Commerce Mixer at Blush & Glo Salon & Spa
Thursday, May 21, 5:30 pm, at Blush & Glo Salon, 130 South Main St., Sebastopol.
Join the Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce for a community mixer at Blush & Glo Salon and Spa. Appetizers, beverages, a raffle (bring your business cards), networking and much more. All are welcome.
Book event: Girl in a Box
Thursday, May 21, 7 pm to 8:30 pm, at Many Rivers Books, 130 S. Main St., Sebastopol. Free.
An evening of conversation with Paldrom Catharine Collins, based on her memoir Girl in a Box: Seeking Enlightenment as a Tibetan Buddhist Nun. As a wide-eyed spiritual seeker from Oklahoma, she sought enlightenment, centered on the desire for transformation and the promises of the path. Paldrom will draw us into her search, the pull of spiritual teachers and teachings, and what began to emerge when the path no longer unfolded as expected.
Carving in Clay: Sgraffito Plates with Kelly
Thursday, May 21, 6 pm to 8 pm, at Ritual Ceramics, 87 S. Main St., Sebastopol. $60.
Paint and carve your very own masterpiece in this two-hour class centered around the ancient art of sgraffito, a surface design technique of scratching or carving through a layer of color to reveal the contrasting hue of the clay underneath. All experience levels are welcome, and students will be provided with materials, tools, and forms to practice sgraffito and make their own unique piece. Reserve your spot.
Fall Risk Screening
Friday, May 22, 1 pm to 4 pm, at Wischemann Hall, 465 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
Determine if you are at risk for falling by completing a series of simple physical and cognitive tests designed to assess your balance, strength, and mobility. Understanding your risk factors empowers you to take preventive steps through exercises, home safety modifications, and lifestyle changes. Registration is required. To register, call the Sebastopol Area Senior Center at (707) 829-2440.
Thotty’s Naughty Revue
Friday, May 22, 7:30 pm to 9 pm, at Main Street Theater, 104 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $25-$35.
Thotty McNaughty is thrilled to bring to Sebastopol a monthly revue featuring a wide variety of performers. The May show is Thotty’s actual birthday celebration! Enjoy burlesque and pole acts from Kim, Troy, Linda Lindo, Wilee Walrus, Lucky Lex, Carrenne, Thotty McNaughty, and Krystle. Tickets start at $25 for general admission, $30 for 2nd row seating and $35 for the up close and immersive experience of the front row. Get tickets.
4th Annual Occidental World Music & Dance Festival
Saturday, May 30, 10 am to 9 pm, at Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Court, Occidental. $75-$80.
This unique festival of world music celebrates diversity and participation. Think of it as a musical passport where you can experience music and dance from around the world all in one place. There will be more than 40 workshops and performances to choose from. At a time when things seem divisive, music transcends to create unity through a global community. Get tickets and learn more. (See our story on the festival.)
Nature Linocut Workshop
Saturday, May 23, 10 am to 4 pm, at the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa. $147.99
Celebrate spring in this fun and beginner-friendly linocut printmaking workshop. We’ll start with a short nature photo walk around our beautiful blooming Native Plant Garden to gather inspiration, then head into Heron Hall to create a small series of hand-printed cards on a variety of paper choices. No experience is required. Students can work from photographs or sketches and will learn to carve and print a 4 x 6 inch rubber block using a carving tool and water-soluble inks. Whether you’re new to printmaking or looking to expand your skills, this hands-on workshop offers a supportive space to create something truly special. Class fee includes all materials. Reserve your spot.
Seed Saving Basics
Saturday, May 23, 10:30 am to 11 pm, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 500 Robinson Road, Sebastopol. Free.
If you are new to seed saving, this is a perfect class to learn how to successfully grow your own seeds. Learn about plant families, integrating seed saving into a home garden, and preventing cross-pollination. Taught by Sara McCamant, Youth & Garden manager at Ceres Community Project. No ticket or RSVP required, just show up.
The Fascinating Life of Isadora Duncan
Saturday, May 23, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, at the Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167 N. High St., Sebastopol. Members $5, non-members $8.
The dance legacy of Isadora Duncan (1877–1927) represents a profound revolution in the aesthetics of classical and historical dance. Breaking away from rigid forms, Duncan championed natural movement, emotional expression, and freedom of the body, forever changing the language of modern dance. This special program features acclaimed solo dancer Lois Flood, whose expressive performance brings Duncan’s visionary style to life. Lois is the guest narrator who provides rich historical context and insight into Duncan’s enduring influence. Reserve your spot.
Book event: Romancing Normal
Saturday, May 23 from 12 pm to 2 pm, at Copperfield’s, 138 N. Main St., Sebastopol. Free.
Meet and greet with Santa Rosa author L. Flick Hatcher featuring his new book Romancing Normal, which follows the journey of Drew Carter, a romantic, closeted baby-boomer whose mission is to date gay away by finding a woman who so captivates his heart that his lust for men is obliterated, leaving him free to fulfill The Plan: great job, beautiful wife, 2.25 kids, white picket fence and Ford Country Squire station wagon. Maybe even a pony. From straight to gay to grey, Drew learns to love himself and fulfills a plan even greater than he’d hoped for, proving that nice guys don’t finish last.
Sip & Stroll Fundraiser for the Graton Town Square
Saturday, May 30, 4 pm to 6 pm, in downtown Graton
This Sip & Stroll Tasting features Green Valley wines and local food growers and purveyors. This joyful community fundraiser is bringing together local wineries, seasonal bites, live music, growers, makers, and neighbors for an early-spring evening supporting the future of Graton Town Square and public life in West County. Get tickets.
SambaDá
Saturday, May 23, 8 pm, at HopMonk (in The Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $30.57.
SambaDá musically unites the Americas, drawing from percussion-based styles of South and Central America, blended with that good old funk and reggae back beat so familiar to crowds of North America. Brazilian natives Papiba Godinho and Dandha da Hora bring their profound knowledge and respect for the roots of Afro-Brazilian song and dance. Together, their band has developed a type of samba-reggae-funk with a universal appeal. Get tickets.
Plein Air Watercolors at Ragle
Saturday, May 30, 10 am to 1 pm, at Ragle Ranch Regional Park in Sebastopol. $65.
Learn to paint landscapes en plein air at Ragle Ranch. In this single-session workshop, participants will learn and practice watercolor while spending time outdoors at our beautiful local park. Students will choose a scene to paint and receive instruction on the basics of landscape painting, including composition, color temperature and value, linear perspective and atmospheric perspective. Gain a new appreciation for the beauty of your surroundings through close observation and careful rendering. All levels of experience are welcome! Feel free to bring a portable easel if you have one and a lightweight folding chair. Otherwise seating is at picnic tables and park benches or on the ground. All other materials are provided. Reserve your spot
Summer Camps for Kids
Still looking for a summer camp experience for your kids? Check out these local options.
Sebastopol Center for the Arts Summer Camps
Sebastopol Community Cultural Center Summer Camps
Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation Camp Tule (
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 we 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 we will see it and consider it.
Sebastopol residents should pay close attention to this city council meeting and, if possible, attend in person. Several of the most controversial issues this council has faced in years are being taken up at once, including the Barlow Hotel’s request for a share of TOT revenue, the “Reimagining the Core” 2-way traffic changes, the Emergency Operations Plan, and increasing council compensation. These are not minor housekeeping items. They deserve careful public review, clear explanations, and thoughtful debate.
Too often, major decisions with long-term consequences are presented in a rushed way that makes it hard for residents to fully understand what is being approved and why. If you care about transparency, accountability, traffic, public safety, city finances, and the future shape of Sebastopol, show up and watch closely. Public presence matters, especially when the decisions are this significant.
Do Hotels that have not yet been built, have a right to ask for sharing of this TOT/Bed tax revenue? Is that typical?
If we are cutting money so badly from public works, how does it seem fit to raise compensation for council members?
I don’t necessarily need answers here, just asking questions.
Traffic concerns us, as we are just outside of town, and the creation of a two way traffic system will impact all of our lives and businesses greatly.