Amaturo Sonoma Media Group

Seventh Annual M.F.K. Fisher Emerging Writers Contest
2026-02-01 - 2026-05-25, 2026-02-03 - 2026-05-27, 2026-02-06 - 2026-05-30, 2026-02-10 - 2026-06-03, 2026-02-13 - 2026-06-06, 2026-02-17 - 2026-06-10, 2026-02-20 - 2026-06-13, 2026-02-24 - 2026-06-17 and 3 more dates | CA
It’s hard to believe that this is our Seventh Annual M.F.K. Fisher Emerging Writers Contest! This time it’s being run under the auspices of the recently formed M.F.K.Fisher Foundation. We’ve had entries and winners from all over the world and from just down the road these past years. We’ve already begun receiving registrations and essays! Once again, we have a stellar panel of judges helping us.

The theme this year is Fire. Warming, illuminating, transforming. It evokes glow, destruction, passion and so much more.

Submissions begin: Submissions are currently being accepted (as of February 1, 2026).
Deadline for submissions: Monday, May 25, 2026 - 5 p.m. PST
Contest entry and details: mfkfisher.org/emerging-writers-contest
Format: Writers are invited to submit an original unpublished essay or short story (poetry not accepted) in PDF format, 300–500 words for children and youth, 750 words maximum for adults 18 and older. Please include your name, category, and essay title at the top of your submission.
Entries accepted in three age categories:
Adults 18 and older
Youth (13–17) (must have parent or legal guardian's consent (indicate on registration))
Children (8–12) (must have parent or legal guardian's consent (indicate on registration))
Entry Fees:

Adults: $50

Children and Youth: Thanks to a generous donation by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, all entries for children and youth are free of charge.

Prizes include:

$250.00 awarded to the first place winner in each category
An additional $250.00 awarded to the grand prize winner
First, second and third place submissions (and their authors’ names) in each category will be published on the M.F.K. Fisher Foundation website.

Terms of entry:By entering the M.F.K. Fisher Emerging Writers Contest you agree that the M.F.K. Fisher Foundation may screen your submission through GPTZero (or a similar tool) and may use the results, at the Foundation’s sole discretion, to evaluate originality and eligibility. Entrants further agree to allow the M.F.K. Fisher Foundation to publish/reprint your essay and name. Employees/board members of the M.F.K. Fisher Foundation and immediate family members are exempted from entering.

Sausalito Center for the Arts hosts Marin Open Studios Showcase Gallery
2026-04-24 11:00 - 2026-05-10 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sausalito Center for the Arts, 750 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA, United States
The Sausalito Center for the Arts is proud to host the Marin Open Studios Showcase Gallery where 260 artists will have their work featured.

Start your open studio adventure with us to see artwork from each of the 260 participating artists in one place. Then visit your favorite artists in their studios, discover their spaces nearby, see artwork up close, and support local artists by directly purchasing work. Sculpture, abstract and figurative painting, ceramics and pottery, photography, mixed media, textiles, jewelry, watercolor, pastels, glass, drawing, wood, encaustics, digital media, and much more - there's something for everyone!

How to plan your self-guided tour:
Browse the Showcase Gallery to see the latest artwork from all the artists in one place.
Pick up a Tour Guide at SCA to plan your route.
The Showcase Gallery is open April 24 to May 10 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

Acoustic Sunsets at Sonoma Botanical Garden
2026-05-06 17:30 - 2026-09-16 20:00, 2026-05-13 17:30 - 2026-09-23 20:00 | Sonoma Botanical Garden, 12841 HWY 12, Glen Ellen, CA, 95442, United States
Acoustic Sunsets returns for its third season! From May 6 through September 16*, the Garden extends its hours Wednesday evenings until 8:00 pm. Each evening features live music by Bay Area musicians in our outdoor amphitheater from 5:30–7:30 pm. Guests are invited to bring picnics and well-behaved dogs on leash, enjoy wine tastings with local vintners, and unwind in the Garden’s beautiful, natural setting. New this year! Monthly Noche Latina nights celebrating Latin music and culture in conjunction with the special exhibition Spirit Guides: Fantastical Creatures from the Workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles.
Free for Sonoma Botanical Garden members and included in general admission for non-members. This is a drop-in program and tickets are sold at check-in, no advance registration is required.
*No concerts June 10 or July 1

Park Rx - Beginner Hiking for Fitness at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
2026-05-09 08:00 - 2026-06-27 12:00, 2026-05-16 08:00 - 2026-07-04 12:00 | Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood, CA, 95452, United States
The Hiking for Fitness Series is back! Join us on this fitness program, where the leaders will guide you on a series of 8 weekly hikes with the challenge increasing each week. Before the first hike, the leader will discuss proper shoes, hydration, incorporating hiking poles, proper pacing, etc. The group’s final hike aims for the long route up Brushy Peaks Trail, where hikers can enjoy the beautiful vistas.
The series costs $80 (plus a $10 parking fee per visit. Note that the Sugarloaf Annual Pass is $59 and valid at Sugarloaf and Jack London SHP), or free-of-cost for participants with a March 2026 or newer Park Rx from a Sonoma County Medical Provider.
Click https://sugarloafpark.org/activities/parks-rx-program/ for information on our Park Rx program and to download the form. The number of available Park Rx tickets is limited; please have your Rx ready at the time of sign up.

The Backyard BBQ Live Music Lineup @ The Bird Restaurant!
2026-05-09 16:00 - 2026-09-26 21:00 | The Bird Restaurant, 4776 Sonoma Hwy, Santa Rosa, CA, United States

The Backyard BBQ Live Music Lineup at The Bird!
2026-05-09 16:00 - 2026-09-26 21:00, 2026-05-15 16:00 - 2026-10-02 21:00 | The Bird Restaurant, 4776 Sonoma Hwy, Santa Rosa, CA, United States

Tabletop Nature Talks: Rocks of Sonoma County
2026-05-10 12:30 - 15:30 | Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood, CA, 95452, United States
Curious about what rocks and minerals make up the trails at Sugarloaf? Join California Naturalist Erik Hanson anytime between 12:30-3:30 pm outside the Visitor Center for a hands on look at some specimens of what you can expect to find in the park and surrounding landscape. Free; no RSVP required. Future Tabletop Nature Talks will occur approximately every two Sundays and highlight plant defenses and more!

Shrek Jr. Brings Big Laughs and Bigger Heart to Santa Rosa Stage
2026-05-10 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-15 23:00 - 2026-05-16 00:00 | Kid Street Charter School, 709 Davis St, Santa Rosa, CA, 95401, United States
Get ready for ogre-sized fun as Shrek Jr. takes the stage this May at Kid Street Charter School Theater. This lively, family-friendly musical brings everyone’s favorite green ogre to life in a colorful production full of humor, heart, and high-energy performances.

Based on the beloved story, Shrek Jr. follows Shrek on an unexpected adventure with fairy tale misfits, unlikely friendships, and a powerful message that true beauty comes from within. With catchy songs, playful comedy, and meaningful lessons about acceptance and belonging, the show is designed to entertain audiences of all ages, especially young children and their families.
Directed by Charlie Bird, this production showcases the talent and enthusiasm of young performers, creating a joyful theater experience that is both inspiring and entertaining.

Performance Dates:
May 8 through 10 and May 15 through 17

Fridays: 7pm

Saturdays: 4:30 and 7pm

Sundays: 3pm

Location:
Kid Street Charter School Theater
709 Davis St.
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Tickets:
Only $7 each – www.ATheaterForChildren.com
Families are encouraged to attend and enjoy an affordable, high-quality live theater experience that celebrates creativity, confidence, and community.

A Theater for Children
A theater for children provides a creative space where young performers can explore their imagination, build confidence, and learn the joy of storytelling. Through teamwork and hands-on experience, kids bring stories to life on stage while making lasting memories.

Fundraiser for Technology High Students heading to Odyssey of the Mind World Finals!
2026-05-12, 2026-05-15 | CA
Five remarkable 9th graders from Technology High School just did something extraordinary. They competed against teams from across Northern California — and won. Now they’re heading to the Odyssey of Mind World Finals in Iowa this May.
Odyssey of Mind is an international competition where students take on complex, open-ended problems using creativity, engineering, performance, and pure teamwork. Every idea, every solution, every performance comes entirely from the students themselves.
These five kids have put in months of hard work to get here. But getting to Iowa takes more than talent — it takes resources. They’re currently fundraising to cover travel, shipping, lodging, and registration fees.
You can help send them to the World stage.
Sonoma County, let’s show these students what community support looks like!

Annie Elizabeth Comedy at The California Theatre
2026-05-12 19:30 - 21:00 | California Theatre, 528 7th St, Santa Rosa, CA, 95401, United States
Annie Elizabeth is a Los Angeles-based stand-up comedian currently on her debut national tour - and she's doing it while undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Six months ago, Annie was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer. The kind that, not long ago, had no good options. But, thanks to decades of cancer research, she has a 97% chance of survival. That news didn't just change her prognosis - it changed everything. She quit her day job, booked her first tour, and decided that if life was going to be this short and this strange, she was going to spend it doing exactly what she loves - Standup Comedy.

Positive Results is the show that came out of all of it. It's about getting the call no one wants, about the absurdity of sitting in a doctor's oﬃce and laughing anyway, about family and fear and the reckless, beautiful decision to finally go after your dreams. It is dark and funny and deeply human - and a portion of every ticket sold goes directly to the cancer research that saved Annie's life.

Annie Elizabeth performs regularly in Los Angeles, CA. Positive Results is her first national tour.

TICKETS:
PURCHASE IN ADVANCE AND SAVE!
Zones A and B ensure a seat. Zone C has limited seating, plus standing room.
Zone A $30
Zone B $25
Zone C $20 (does not guarantee seating)
Tickets at the door $30 (Zone C only)

Doors open 6:30pm.
Our kitchen serves our All New Menu from the time doors open until end of intermission. (Kitchen available only at events with 60 or more advance tickets sold)
Date and Time: 12th May 2026, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Venue Details: The California Theatre of Santa Rosa, 528 7th Street, Santa Rosa, California, 95401, United States

Wine Sales Symposium
2026-05-13 08:30 - 16:30 | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sonoma Wine Country, One Doubletree, Rohnert Park, CA, United States
The Wine Sales Symposium is an in-person conference designed for winery owners, sales leaders, marketing executives, and decision-makers focused on driving revenue in an increasingly complex marketplace.
The 2026 program confronts the realities reshaping wine sales today. From artificial intelligence influencing brand visibility and purchasing decisions, to evolving wine club retention strategies, shifting distribution dynamics, and the redefinition of hospitality experiences, this year’s sessions focus on what wineries must understand and act on, to remain competitive.

Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market
2026-05-13 17:00 - 2026-08-12 21:30 | 4th St & Old Courthouse Square Santa Rosa, Old Courthouse Square, 600 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA, United States
Santa Rosa’s Wednesday Night Market is Sonoma County’s premier street fair. Local community and visiting tourists come out in big numbers to celebrate the spirit of Sonoma County every Wednesday for 14 weeks. With an average nightly attendance of 7,000 – 9,000 people Wednesday Night Market is the perfect opportunity for businesses to connect with a large and local audience.
Celebrating Community for 37 years on the beautiful Courthouse Square in downtown Santa Rosa, the Wednesday Night Market Board of Directors produces this free event for the whole family. Located 50 miles North of San Francisco in Sonoma County Wine Country the Wednesday Night Market brings wine country life together in one place with the finest local street foods, sweet treats, artists, wellness products, community non-profit groups, exhibits and a live concert every Wednesday, May through August. Guests sip local microbrews and wines as they shop and take home something from our amazing variety of local artists and food producers selling chocolates, tie dye, jewelry, candles, teas, cookies, crystals, cheeses, hummus and more. Families have fun in the Kids Space and Exhibitor Area.
Would you like to become a sponsor? Please contact us year around if interested in supporting this community event.

The 2026 Charity Classic benefitting the Family Justice Center of Sonoma County
2026-05-15 19:00 - 23:00 | Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club, 333 Country Club Dr, Santa Rosa, CA, 95401, United States
Join us for two unforgettable days of fun, community, and giving back! Kick things off Friday, May 15, with live music from Dry Creek Station, 2025 Country Summer openers. On Saturday, May 16, compete in our morning Pickleball Tournament and/or afternoon Golf tournament, then celebrate at our Gala Dinner & Auction beginning at 6 p.m.
Event Dates: Friday, May 15th – Saturday, May 16th

Friday: Dry Creek Station LIVE at 7PM

Saturday: Pickleball, Golf & Gala. 7AM Pickleball / 1PM Golf

Location: Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club

Wilderness First Aid Course at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
2026-05-16 08:30 - 2026-05-17 17:00 | Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood, CA, 95452, United States
Gain the confidence and the skills to handle a first aid emergency. Lead by Safety Training Pros, classes are fun with lots of hands-on skills practice. The emphasis is on making good decisions by staying calm and safe, doing a good patient assessment, and having good communication and leadership.
Join our classes, where it is safe to learn and OK to make mistakes. Wilderness First Aid is 16 hours (two 8-hour days) and focuses on practicing skills and covering patient assessment, shock and bleeding, head and spinal injuries, wounds, musculoskeletal injuries, and heat and cold illnesses. It also includes a half-day of outdoor scenario practice of first aid and leadership skills.
Gain the tools and knowledge to handle a wilderness first aid emergency. Registration includes day use fee and class materials. Successful completion of the class includes a Wilderness First Aid certificate.
The instructor will additionally offer a one-hour CPR/AED course immediately after the Wilderness First Aid course. The course will focus on both adults and children and comes with a 2-year certification.
The group camp will be available for those who wish to camp on Saturday and Sunday night at no additional cost. Please reach out to alma@sonomaecologycenter.org if you plan on taking advantage of this opportunity.

Trail Crew Saturdays
2026-05-16 09:00 - 13:00 | Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood, CA, 95452, United States
Volunteers play a crucial role at keeping Sugarloaf Ridge State Park open and accessible to all! Help Sugarloaf with trail restoration work by coming to our monthly Saturday Volunteer Trail Crew, 9:00 am-1:00 pm. Activities include bridge and step construction, installing signs, clearing, lifting, carrying, and hiking.
Meet at the White Barn. Bring gloves, hat, and water that you can carry hands-free (i.e. bring a backpack). Wear long pants, boots or sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Long sleeves are suggested as poison oak is present. We have tools and trained crew leaders with tasks for all. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. We will provide tools and refreshments.
