October 2017 Sonoma County Music Picks

Between harvest parties, haunted houses, pumpkin patches, apple picking, and Halloween prep, October in Sonoma County is filled with pumpkin-spiced excitement and lots of chances to hear some great music.

In fact, bluegrass music provides the soundtrack for harvest in wine country and Halloween is the perfect excuse to dress up and dance the night away.

Here are a few of the musical acts coming to Sonoma County this October:

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Friday, Oct. 13

The Phoenix Theater in Petaluma

The timing could not be more perfect for the Rocky Horror Picture Show to play on the big screen at The Phoenix this year. Join all the fun of playing along to this musical cult classic on Friday the 13th. Dress up, geek out, and do the Time Warp again. Tickets available online.

Cotati Oktoberfest

Saturday, Oct. 14

All Over Downtown Cotati

Break out the lederhosen and get ready for German food, Sonoma County craft brews on tap, and contests including a costume contest, the tankard hoist, yodeling, and the world-famous wiener dog race.

In addition to traditional pub fare, the band AlpinersUSA will be playing traditional Oktoberfest music, including polka. Tickets available online.

Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble

Sunday, Oct. 15

Weill Hall, Green Music Center in Rohnert Park

This October, Weill Hall welcomes a traditional English chamber orchestra. Drawn from the principal players of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields orchestra, the London-based Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble has released more than 30 recordings of classical, romantic, and modern music over the last half-century. You can grab your tickets on their website.

Mike Love

Thursday, Oct. 19

Mystic Theatre in Downtown Petaluma

Reggae star Mike Love brings a multitude of influences to Sonoma County, all tied together by the common goal of making the world a better place. His grassroots method of releasing his albums independently — and performing 250 plus shows a year — has built a fanatical following for his music and his message. Tickets on the Mystic’s website.

Ricky Ray Band

Friday, Oct. 20

Sonoma Cider in Healdsburg

The Ricky Ray Band brings high-energy Southern Roadhouse music to Sonoma County.

The Santa Rosa favorite combines many covers from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Brooks & Dunn to Jerry Jeff Walker that will have you up and dancing.

No tickets needed, but you may want to make a reservation for dinner at the taproom.

Funkendank Oktoberfest with The Motet, Dragon Smoke, Afrolicious

Saturday, Oct. 21

Somo Village in Rohnert Park

The second annual Fϋnkendänk Oktoberfest Beer and Music Festival is coming back to Sonoma County.

The celebration fuses craft beer, specialty sours, and danky, hop-forward ales with Funk music from bands The Motet, Dragon Smoke, and Afrolicious.

Get your tickets to this beer and music fest online.

If your idea of Halloween Weekend is dressing up, eating candy, and dancing with friends to cover bands, then Sonoma County has a few options for you:

Halloween With AQUA NETT at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa

Halloween Covers Show at the Phoenix in Petaluma

Wonder Bread 5 at the Mystic in Petaluma

Pro Tip: Get in the autumn spirit by creating a Bluegrass station on Pandora as the background music to any late afternoon barbeques with friends this October.