4 Fun Things To Do in Cotati

Situated in the center of Sonoma County along Highway 101, Cotati is a modern community with strong historic roots, particularly in agriculture and music.

Thanks to a gap in the mountains to the west, coastal fog often reaches Cotati in the summer, creating a milder, somewhat cooler climate than in neighboring communities such as Santa Rosa or Sebastopol.

Laid out in the 1890s and covering less than two square miles, Cotati is one of only two towns nationwide (the other is Detroit) with a hexagon street pattern instead of the standard grid.

The compact downtown has a friendly, small-town atmosphere — particularly on weekend nights when students from nearby Sonoma State University fill the plaza and restaurants.

Here are four fun things to do in Cotati:

1. Attend the Cotati Community Farmers’ Market

Held in historic La Plaza Park, this seasonal market features locally-grown veggies, fruits, flowers, artisan foods, and arts & crafts. There’s always live entertainment, activities for children, wine, beer, and community fun. The market is open June through September on Wednesdays, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

2. Visit La Plaza Park

This hexagonal-shaped downtown plaza, designed in the 1890s, is a California Historical Landmark and the location for fun-filled events throughout the year. One of the most acclaimed is summer’s Cotati Accordion Festival – the largest event of its type in the state – when the plaza bursts with Cajun beats, music with a Spanish flair, dancing, and lots of fun. Other events include free movies in the park, the Cotati Music Festival (June), the Kids Day Parade & Festival, Oktoberfest, Holiday Tree Lighting, the weekly seasonal farmers market, and much more. Even when no event is scheduled, it’s a great place to hang out and watch the world go by.

3. Check Out Tradewinds

Music lovers will enjoy jazz, blues, funk, soul, and more at this small bar in Cotati – considered one of the Top Nightlife Spots in the county. You’ll find live music almost every night, and you can dance to a DJ on Thursday evenings. Amenities include pool tables, a jukebox, craft beers, and outdoor patio seating.

4. Discover Diverse Cotati Restaurants

The charming downtown area is a ‘Best of’ restaurant destination all on its own in southern Sonoma County. A quick stroll along Cotati’s Old Redwood Highway between Highway 116 and Valparaiso Avenue reveals virtually any cuisine you could crave, including classic American at Superburger, BBQ at Jaded Toad, Mexican at Mi Ranchito, Thai at Tiny Thai, Vietnamese at Mai Vietnamese, and a taproom at Flagship Taproom.