The centerpiece of Sonoma, the Sonoma Plaza is the go-to spot for a true Sonoma experience with top-notch food, farmers markets and live music. Complement your wine tasting in the valley and join locals and visitors for a one-of-a-kind, small-town Wine Country good time.

Here are the top events on the historic Sonoma Plaza:

Sonoma Art Walk - First Thursday of each month: Join the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art for this free, monthly event celebrating the art community and our local businesses. You’ll enjoy music, poetry, dance, paintings, ceramics and photography and meet their artists.

Farmers Market - Tuesdays May through September: A local favorite, the Tuesday Farmers Market is a great way to support local restaurants, shops, and farmers. Bring your chairs and blankets and picnic dinner on the lawn while listening to live music.

Farmers Markets

Sonoma Valley Authors Festival - May: This weekend of literature has something for book lovers of all ages. Hosted at the Lodge, the Authors Festival has discussions, a community bookstore, a dinner with the authors, and Students Day supporting educational programs. Special events on the Plaza include author readings in front of City Hall.

Bear Flag Celebration - June: Native Sons of the Golden West Sonoma Parlor 111 holds this event every year. The day starts with a ceremony at the Bear Flag Monument followed by a re-enactment of the Bear Flag in the Grinstead Amphitheater and a live band. No need to bring a picnic lunch, the Native Sons is cooking chicken and hot dogs throughout the day.

4th of July Celebration: The famous old-fashioned 4th of July celebration starts with a morning parade around the Plaza with floats featuring local bands, community groups and businesses. After the parade head into the park for food, art, live music, and activities for the kids. Once the sun has gone down, gather at or near Arnold Park to watch the elaborate firework show put on by the local firefighters. Fourth of July is truly a spectacular day to visit Sonoma. One of the top Independence Day Parades in America.

4th of July

Sonoma City Party - August 1st: The City Party celebrates Sonoma’s history, residents, and local businesses. Nonprofits will be serving food such as sandwiches, hot dogs, turkey legs, and desserts. There will also be wine and beer for purchase. Set up your picnic blanket and chairs on the lawn and mingle with friends and the community. And, with live music all night, you’re going to want to also pack your dancing shoes!

Red & White Ball - August 25th: This is Sonoma Valley’s biggest fundraiser for its public schools. There is a family-style dinner with a mouthwatering menu provided by Stellar Catering, the finest Sonoma wines, and live music and dancing under the stars. Remember to wear your red and white!

Red and White Ball

Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival - September 27th-29th: The Vintage Festival is a celebration of Sonoma’s harvest. It’s a weekend full of food, wine, art, and music. There is a glow-in-the-dark parade and a 5k and 12k race. Do not miss the best part of the weekend - the grape stomp! Put on some old clothes, take off your shoes, and start stomping local grapes as fast as you can.

Grape Stomp Vintage Festival

Sonoma Valley High School Homecoming Rally - October: On Friday of Homecoming Week, the students have a parade down Broadway that ends with a rally at the Plaza. Sit in the Grinstead Amphitheater with students and teachers while the football teams, cheerleaders and dancers, coaches, and Homecoming candidates pump up the crowd in preparation for their football games that night.

Spooktacular - October: Celebrate Halloween with your family at Sonoma’s Spooktacular. Dress in your Halloween costume and check in at the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau to get a list of participating businesses. Then walk around the Plaza and trick-or-treat at local bakeries, shops, and restaurants.

Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza - November 16: During the holiday season, the Sonoma Plaza is lit up with 100,000+ sparkling lights. The official lighting will take place on November 16th. Join the community for holiday music performed by the Transcendence Theatre Company, live jazz music, presentations by community leaders, and food trucks. The Plaza will continue to be lit for the holiday season until the end of December.

2017 Lighting Transcendence


If you’re ready to start planning your vacation to Sonoma Valley, check out www.sonomavalley.com or request your free welcome kit here for insider tips, deals and special offers.