20 Fabulous Fall Festivals and Events in Sonoma County

Sonoma County comes alive in the fall with festivals that celebrate the best of its art and agriculture. Think fresh harvest activities, seasonal eats, local wines you won’t find anywhere else, live music, and plenty of dancing. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, it’s the perfect time to soak up the scene and join in the fun.

For specific event details, check out our Events page.

September

Healdsburg International Short Film Festival

The Healdsburg International Short Film Festival offers a variety of short films, from drama to comedy, documentary to animation.

Petaluma Antique Faire

Petaluma’s annual fall antique marketplace features a quality selection of art, estate jewelry, vintage décor and more from more than 200 dealers. Admission to the street fair is free and antiques are available for purchase. Located in historic Downtown Petaluma on Kentucky Street, Fourth Street and Western Avenue, and in the A Street parking lot.

Real Neato Music Festival

The Rio Nido Roadhouse celebrates the region’s “Second Summer” on the first day of fall with this one-day music festival that highlights indie artists from around California on two separate stages. In addition to live music and dancing, you can enjoy food and drinks by local makers. 

Russian River Pride

The Russian River Alliance presents an annual three-day Pride festival in Downtown Guerneville and Johnson’s Beach, which ends with the splashy, colorful Russian River Pride parade. Food and drink are offered by local vendors, and there’s plenty of dancing to live music.

Sonoma County VegFest

The Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building hosts VegFest, the county’s “celebration of compassionate, healthy and environmentally responsible living.” The festival includes live music all day, vegetarian food vendors, vegan boutiques, eco-friendly products, vegan cooking demonstrations and more. VegFest is a fundraiser for nonprofit Compassionate Living.

Sonoma County Wine Celebration

Held at various Sonoma County wineries and restaurants each year, this weekend-long celebration highlights a live charity auction that raises funds to support area nonprofits. Auction lots include rare wines, once-in-a-lifetime trips, and wine and culinary experiences. Ancillary events include a welcome reception and chef’s table dinners at local restaurants.

Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival

The Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, centered on Sonoma Plaza and presented by the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation, is a weekend-long celebration of the wine harvest and Sonoma County winemaking heritage. Kicking off with a 5K Fun Run through scenic Sonoma Valley, the festival includes the Sonoma Valley Grand Tasting of exclusive wines and local cuisine, as well as a traditional grape stomp and live auction of area wines and experiences.

Weekend Along the Farm Trails Fall Tour

Local farmers and producers open their gates and barn doors to offer a taste of life on the farm. Visit with farm animals, and see how cheese, cider, and jam are made. Pick pumpkins, apples and flowers, shop from farm stands, and enjoy the autumn bounty of Sonoma County!

October

Greek & Middle Eastern Festival

Each year, St. George Orthodox Church in Rohnert Park hosts a weekend-long celebration of Greek and Middle Eastern culture with Mediterranean cuisine (think shawarma, gyros, falafel, baklava and more), an international marketplace, live music, traditional dances, and a kids carnival corner.

Healdsburg Crush

The only wine-tasting event held at the iconic Healdsburg Plaza, Healdsburg Crush invites guest to experience the best of the region’s autumn crush season with tastings of limited production wines from more than 60 premium local wineries. In addition to tastes of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines, the event includes food vendors, an onsite raffle, and a wine-focused silent auction.

Petaluma Pride Festival 

Held each year at the Petaluma Fairgrounds, this free-to-attend all ages festival features live music and performances, food trucks, drinks, activities for kids and adults, and a community fair. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and chairs for relaxing in the shade.

Rocktoberfest at Vintage House

This one-night, high-energy event features two bars, a packed dance floor, and a “Dress as Your Favorite Rock Star” costume contest. Eat from a local food truck and enjoy cold drinks under twinkling patio lights.

Shone Farm Fall Festival

Santa Rosa Junior College’s Shone Farm, which is set in the heart of the Russian River Valley, throws an autumn festival each year to showcase its students’ seasonal produce, flowers, and wines. Activities include u-pick opportunities, hay bale rides, animal meet-and-greets, and a rotten fruit slingshot. 

Sonoma County Art Trails

This annual, free, and county-wide open-studios tour showcases more than 150 local, juried artists, who keep 100% of their own artwork sales. Use the event’s printed or digital map to plan your route.

Sonoma County Harvest Fair

Since its debut in 1975, Sonoma County’s Harvest Fair has been held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, highlighting the area’s art, wine, food, and agriculture. The event includes a tasting pavilion with local food and wine pairings, as well as the Professional Wine Competition, featuring hundreds of locally sourced wines, and the World Championship Grape Stomp.

Sonoma CRU Fall Soirée Series

Held at various Sonoma-area venues, including the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, this series consists of six concerts by professional musicians presenting their arrangements of timeless songs by Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder and more, plus holiday favorites.

Tapas Short Play Festival

Pegasus Theater Company’s annual Tapas Short Play Festival, held at the Mount Jackson Masonic Lodge in Guerneville on weekends throughout October, feature original short plays by Northern California playwrights.

November

Dia de Muertos on Healdsburg Plaza

Celebrate the Day of the Dead with an altar lighting ceremony, face painting for kids and adults, and performances by area musicians and folklórico dancers. The event also inlcudes a classic car show, food vendors, and hands-on craft stations.

IPA10K & Hallowine Half Marathon

Held at The Barlow in Sebastopol, this celebration of beer, wine, running, and music includes the signature IPA10K and Hallowine Half Marathon, as well as the 3K with Wagging Tails, various Beer Mile races, and post-race craft brew and wine festivals. 

Wine & Food Affair

During this annual two-day event, more than 50 Sonoma County wineries invite ticketholders to their tasting rooms to showcase a bite of one of their favorite recipes, paired with a wine that brings out its best flavors.

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Written by Melanie Wynne