New Events in Sonoma County, California

Feast Above the Russian River debuts Oct. 6
Experience a Sonoma Wine Country dining experience like none other, at the first-ever Feast Over the Russian River from 4-8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6.

Enjoy an evening of wine, food, friends, and live music on the historic Guerneville Bridge above the beautiful Russian River. A reception, mingle, wine, and hors d’oeuvres kick off the evening from 4-5 p.m., and seating starts at 5 p.m. Dine on a meal prepared by some of Sonoma County’s best-of-the-best chefs while sipping world-class Sonoma County wines in a truly unique setting.

Built in 1922, the metal truss bridge spans a highly scenic stretch of the Russian River. It carried Highway 116 traffic across the river until a newer bridge was built upstream in the late 1990s. Today the Guerneville Bridge is open to pedestrians and cyclists. Proceeds from Feast Over the Russian River benefit the Russian River Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center.

Russian River Chamber of Commerce
16209 1st St. Guerneville, CA 95446
707-869-9000
russianriver.comchamber-of-commerce

First ‘The Freshtival’ beer festival set for Oct. 12
Only craft beers straight from the brewery and less than seven days old will be poured in the main festival area of The Freshtival, a special beer festival set to debut Saturday, Oct. 12, in Rohnert Park, in central Sonoma County.

Hosted by HenHouse Brewing Company in collaboration with the Bay Area Brewers Guild, The Freshtival will feature more than 100 different fresh-from-the-brewery beers, plus live music, delicious food, a gallery of beer industry art, and interactive beer-freshness edutainment. Admission is $20-$55; proceeds benefit the Bay Area Brewers Guild.

The Freshtival
SOMO Village, 1100 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park, CA 94928
707-978-4577
www.henhousebrewing.comthefreshtival

Pinot on the River moves to Santa Rosa Oct. 5
After more than 15 years of pouring limited-production West Coast Pinot Noirs in Healdsburg, the annual Pinot on the River festival is relocating to Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa, in central Sonoma County.

Enjoy some of the best Pinot Noirs that California has to offer as more than 40 small-production artisanal wineries join with guest artisan food vendors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019 to celebrate all things Pinot Noir. Meet the winemakers and other Pinot-loving consumers. Proceeds benefit Sonoma County Pride.

Pinot on the River
Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-433-0433
www.pinotfestival.com

Healdsburg Crush pours in the plaza Oct. 20
Stroll through the historic Healdsburg Plaza while sampling limited-production West Coast Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sparkling Wines, and a few longtime favorites at the inaugural Healdsburg Crush festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in the Russian River Valley town of Healdsburg in northern Sonoma County.

More than 60 wineries will be pouring and will be joined by several local food vendors. The event also features a silent auction boasting a large collection of locally produced Pinot Noir, as well as raffles for instant wine cellars and premium large-format bottles. All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin.

Healdsburg Crush
Healdsburg Plaza, Healdsburg Avenue and Matheson Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448
707-528-7977
www.healdsburgcrush.com

Pumpkin Nights coming to Sonoma County Fairgrounds
Santa Rosa becomes one of four cities nationwide hosting Pumpkin Nights when the interactive Halloween experience comes to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds from Thursday, Oct. 10 to Sunday, Nov. 5.

Pumpkin Nights was founded in 2016 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds with a mission to showcase local artists and celebrate this magical time of year without the gore and scares.

Guests are transported to an enchanted world with dazzling, multi-sensory Halloween displays and seven Pumpkin Lands created with more than 3,000 artistically hand-carved real and synthetic pumpkins.

There’s also a fire show, an outdoor movie screening, a bounce house for the little ones, a variety of treats and drinks, and more at Pumpkin Central. Tickets are advance purchase only, at $20 general (ages 13-59), $18 seniors (60-plus), $16 children (4-12), and free for 3 and under; a family pack for two adults and two kids is $65.

Pumpkin Nights
Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-545-4200
www.pumpkinnights.com

Experience Sonoma County, where Life Opens Up. 

Just as wine “opens up” when it’s allowed to breathe, Sonoma County inspires visitors to open up to new experiences. Just 30 miles north of San Francisco, Sonoma County is one of California’s top food and wine destinations, home to more than 425 wineries ranging from rustic to regal. Hike among towering redwoods, cruise along rugged Pacific coastline, and get to know inviting small towns. Or, just sit back and take it all in. Because here, you’re free to go your own way.

For a free visitors guide or information on hotels, wineries, events, spas, attractions, and dining in Sonoma County, visit www.sonomacounty.com or call 707-522-5800.