Upcoming Vallejo Events — Annual Waterfront Weekend celebrates 10th anniversary

VALLEJO — The annual Vallejo Waterfront Weekend will enliven the waterfront with music and activities, LaRussell will celebrate his birthday at the Fairgrounds Sunday and community engagement events will provide opportunities to learn more about Vallejo mayoral candidates and to express concerns about Vallejo’s air quality.

The Vallejo Waterfront Weekend, now in its 10^th year, is a free community festival held on Vallejo’s waterfront, with activities and entertainment for the entire family.

Saturday’s live music lineup is Dan Ashley, The Frazier Connection, D-Groove, Carnival and the Curtis Family C Notes. Activities include ferry tours, a kid zone, a Ducky Derby, a classic car show, a martial arts tournament and a splash chair, when you can dunk government officials and other prominent community members.

Sunday’s events include a pet adoption parade and a mid-day performance by Verismo Opera. The rest of Sunday’s music will be live-streamed by Power 88 FM.

Activities on both days include the Whaleboat Regatta, the Ducky Derby and a disc golf tournament on the Waterfront Promenade on Mare Island. Proceeds from the event benefit local nonprofits.  See the complete schedule here.

LaRussell will celebrate his birthday with a performance at the Solano County Fairgrounds on Sunday afternoon. Vallejo’s latest hip-hop sensation recently packed downtown Vallejo at his performance during the August Summer Nights festival.

Ticket prices, in addition to the $10 parking pass, are offer based, but the site warns, “All offers won't be accepted. This is a special show. Please consider artist's time, effort, & energy.”

Campaigning for November’s election is heating up. Two mayoral candidate forums will be held this week, one this Wednesday evening at the John F. Kennedy Library Joseph Room, and another on Monday evening at the Coal Shed Brewery on Mare Island. 

Then on Sunday, "Verses for Voters: A Poetic Pulse for Democracy" will host an afternoon of poetry and civic engagement at the Empress Theatre Lounge. 

The afternoon event highlights include special guest speaker, NAACP Vallejo Branch President Patricia Schmidt Hunter, followed by a Q&A session, community poetry open mic, and a special screening of “Suppressed and Sabotage,” a vital 30-minute film exposing the changing landscape of voting rights across America. Sponsored by Vallejo Center for the Arts with Poets Laureates Jacalyn Eyvonne and Kathleen Herrman. 

Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board Chair Davina Hurt will visit the John F. Kennedy Library on Saturday at noon to talk with community members about air quality issues and concerns. This event is the third in a series of Clean Air Talks that will be held throughout the Bay Area. Comments made at the Clean Air Talks will be shared with the air district’s board of directors at their monthly meetings.

These are just some of the highlights of this week’s events. Be sure to check the list below for more live music, art, and recreational activities.

Wednesday, October 2

Paper Flower Crowns, Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by dropping in October 1st-October 15th to create your own Frida-inspired flower crown. Frida Kahlo was born in 1907 in Mexico City, Mexico. She was a Mexican painter and was most well-known for her use of bright colors and self-portraits. The flowers in her in flower crown represent the natural beauty of Mexico and her deep appreciation for bringing nature to life.

• Wed, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Storytime at Children's Wonderland

Join us for storytime at Children's Wonderland Park at every Wednesday at 11:15 AM! Admission to Children's Wonderland is free to all Vallejo residents.

• Wed, 11:15 am to 11:45 am
• Children’s Wonderland
• 360 Glenn St., Vallejo

Vallejo Mayoral Candidate Forum

Andrea Sorce, Ravi C. Shankar, Dwight Monroe Jr. and Pippin Dew will present their qualifications for Vallejo Mayor, as they dive into issues that concern Vallejo voters. Ask questions and engage in dialog with the candidates.

• Wed, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library – Joseph Room
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Lawyers in the Library

The Vallejo JFK Library offers the Lawyers in the Library program on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. Each meeting is 15 minutes. Space is limited and slots fill up on a first come, first serve basis. Call (866) 572-7587 or come in-person at 9am on the day of the program to reserve a spot.

• Wed, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Vallejo Run Club

Join the Vallejo Run Club on our weekly Saturday morning and Wednesday evening runs. Our group meets, rain or shine, next to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. We run 1-3 easy miles. Beginners to ultra marathoners welcome.

• Wed, 6:20 pm to 7:20 pm
• Vallejo Ferry Terminal
• 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Tia Carroll & Anthony Paule

Tia Carroll captivates audiences with her powerful voice, undeniable charisma, and deep passion for the blues. Meanwhile, Anthony Paule, a talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter, draws inspiration from the authentic soul and blues recordings of the 60s and 70s.

• Wed, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre Lounge
• 324 Virginia St., Vallejo

Wednesday Night Open Mic

A friendly space for both beginning musicians and seasoned professionals. Comedians and poets also welcome.

• Wed, 8 to 11 p.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St., Vallejo

Thursday, October 3

Paper Flower Crowns, Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by dropping in October 1st-October 15th to create your own Frida-inspired flower crown. Frida Kahlo was born in 1907 in Mexico City, Mexico. She was a Mexican painter and was most well-known for her use of bright colors and self-portraits. The flowers in her in flower crown represent the natural beauty of Mexico and her deep appreciation for bringing nature to life.

• Thurs, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Finding the Hardest Ones, Part 2 (Genealogy Speaker Series)

The Genealogy Society of Vallejo-Benicia's Thursday October 3 meeting featured speaker is James M. Baker, PhD. His topic is "Finding the Hardest Ones, Part 2” This is Part 2 of a two-part presentation. Mr. Baker will use Case studies to show problem solving methods where key data are missing by analyzing data such as naming patterns, birth/marriage witness data, inheritance data, sibling data, timelines, family migrations, and other data already in your [...]

• Thurs, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
• Online Event

Friday, October 4

Paper Flower Crowns, Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by dropping in October 1st-October 15th to create your own Frida-inspired flower crown. Frida Kahlo was born in 1907 in Mexico City, Mexico. She was a Mexican painter and was most well-known for her use of bright colors and self-portraits. The flowers in her in flower crown represent the natural beauty of Mexico and her deep appreciation for bringing nature to life.

• Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Snack Time with Miss Christine

Join us and celebrate the start of Filipino American Heritage Month. Learn and enjoy some traditional Filipino snacks.

• Fri, 11 a.m. to noon
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

The Makery: Open Use Hours & Make it Fridays!

The Makery! Equipment includes: 3D printer, vinyl cutter, digital production equipment, and much more! Drop-in and discover what we have, or make an appointment to use specific equipment. Don't know what to make? Check out 'Make it Fridays!' we will have a special activity to get your creative muscles working.

• Fri, 2 to 4:45 pm
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Pound, Workout

Pound is a workout which mixes of plyometrics and pilates, but the most important part is to have fun! Please join us for a full-body workout featuring light-weighted drumsticks! Pound is a mixture of plyometrics and pilates, but the most important part is to have fun! The workout will consist of a warmup song, 2 squat songs, 2 lunge songs, 2 ab songs and a cooldown. Sticks and yoga mats will be provided. We encourage you to bring water bottle.

• Fri, 4 to 4:30 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Fright Fest

Experience the transformation and prepare for nights of frights into a realm of haunted horrors and eerie entertainment. With haunted mazes, terrifying scare zones, and hair-raising shows, it's a scream-inducing extravaganza for thrill-seekers. Enjoy the park's rides in the dark, making it the ultimate destination chills of the Halloween season. *Some attractions and events require additional costs for admission

• Fri, 6 to 10 p.m.
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
• 1001 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo

Hattie Craven

Hattie Craven pushes the envelope in soul, folk and Americana music. Craven is a multidimensional artist whose fan base transcends age and genre.

• Fri, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Co. – Coal Shed Brewery
• 850 Nimitz Ave., Vallejo

Reflection Goth Night

A Unique Goth night with DJ Owen Owington Owensford curating the music and setting the mood for the night under the night sky at Moschetti Coffee. Classic goth, nu goth, industrial, goth metal, EBM, synth pop, cyberpunk, dark wave, new wave, post punk, 80s, 90s and more. Free coffee and pastries Outdoor event, BYOB. Art & food vendors. All ages, no cover.

• Fri, 9 p.m. to midnight
• Moschetti Coffee
• 11 Sixth St. (Curtola Pkwy. & Solano Ave.), Vallejo

Saturday, October 5

Vallejo Run Club

Join the Vallejo Run Club on our weekly Saturday morning and Wednesday evening runs. Our group meets, rain or shine, next to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. We run 1-3 easy miles. Beginners to ultra marathoners welcome.

• Sat, 8 to 9 a.m.
• Vallejo Ferry Terminal
• 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Community Coffee Tasting, Live music by Sobre Cuerdas

Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes while listening to live music. Sobre Cuerdas plays an eclectic mix of original tunes and covers and brings notes of Venezuela with pop sensibilities to Vallejo. Coffee cupping, or coffee tasting, is the practice of observing the tastes and aromas of brewed coffee. Join us to sample coffees from around the world side-by-side, develop your palate and discover coffees you love.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Moschetti Coffee
• 11 Sixth St. (Curtola Pkwy. & Solano Ave.), Vallejo

Farmers' Market

Shop here for a great selection of California-grown greens, fruits and veggies, ethnic varieties, as well as some nice specialty booths with baked goods and such at  down-to-earth prices.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Marin Streets, Vallejo

Paper Flower Crowns, Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by dropping in October 1st-October 15th to create your own Frida-inspired flower crown. Frida Kahlo was born in 1907 in Mexico City, Mexico. She was a Mexican painter and was most well-known for her use of bright colors and self-portraits. The flowers in her in flower crown represent the natural beauty of Mexico and her deep appreciation for bringing nature to life.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Guided Birds of Prey Hike

Join Larry Broderick for a Bird of Prey Hike at Lynch Canyon Open Space Park. Take advantage of this special opportunity to discover, observe and learn about eagles, hawks and other raptors. This hike will offer raptor identification tips and views of resident and over-wintering birds of prey. Bring your binoculars and join a group to see the magnificent bids that rely on our protected agricultural open spaces for habitat. Birders of all levels of experience welcome.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Lynch Canyon
• 3100 Lynch Rd., Fairfield

Vallejo Waterfront Weekend

Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of VWW with activities, special appearances by The Curtis Family, Dan Ashley, DJs, local vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits. The Vallejo Waterfront Weekend is a free community festival held each year on Vallejo’s waterfront with activities for the entire family, including whaleboat races, live music all day Saturday, an expansive car show, Kornhole Tournament, Glo Run, Filipino Martials Arts, Disc Golf Tournament, and much more.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Green
• 301 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Kababayan Kids

Join us as we read a Tagalog-English bilingual book! We'll also sing Tagalog songs, learn Tagalog words, and end with a fun activity!

• Sat, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Clean Air Talk with Bay Area Air Quality Management District

Bay Area Air District’s Board Chair, Davina Hurt will be here in a casual setting to talk about your air quality issues and concerns. The BAAQMD welcomes all thoughts, questions, and comments related to air quality and climate change in your community. People with air quality concerns can take advantage of this opportunity.

• Sat, noon to 1 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Fright Fest

Experience the transformation and prepare for nights of frights into a realm of haunted horrors and eerie entertainment. With haunted mazes, terrifying scare zones, and hair-raising shows, it's a scream-inducing extravaganza for thrill-seekers. Enjoy the park's rides in the dark, making it the ultimate destination chills of the Halloween season. *Some attractions and events require additional costs for admission.

• Sat, noon to 11 p.m.
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
• 1001 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo

MIHPF Founders Day Behind the Fences Bus Tour

Join us on a unique journey by bus to three rarely-seen Behind the Fences locations on the historic Mare Island Naval Shipyard. Local Historian, Dennis Kelly and Mare Island Historic Park Foundation docents will be on hand to provide the fascinating histories and tales behind these historic spots as we peer inside the Haunted Armory Building 77, Old 84 Mare Island Prison, and the original Mare Island Stables (the second oldest building on the Island).

• Sat, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
• Savage & Cooke
• 1097 Nimitz Ave., Vallejo

Holiday with the Junta, Photography Exhibit, Presentation, and Reception

Opening night reception for "Holiday with the Junta, Witnessing Life in Military Controlled Myanmar." A photography exhibit by Andreas Schmidt, that documents his recent journey through Myanmar, known to many as Burma. The night will include a presentation by Schmidt on the state of this civil war. Please plan to visit this rare peek into a society and people that are largely ignored. Suggested $20 donation at the door, proceeds benefit Mira Theatre.

• Sat, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Mira Theatre
• 51 Daniels Ave., Vallejo

Red's Blues

Bambono’s will host Red's Blues on our stage, a band that brings traditional blues, original Americana roots and dance music together for your listening pleasure. No cover with dinner.

• Sat, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Bambino’s
• 301 Georgia St. #122, Vallejo

Live Music with Matt Jaffe

Jaffe has co-written with Chuck Prophet and Tom Higgenson of Plain White T’s, crisscrossed the country opening for Blues Traveler and Alejandro Escovedo, and recorded half a dozen albums alongside luminaries of the Bay Area music scene. Inspired by the great lineage of rock n' roll, he marries literary lyrics with the undeniable urge to dance.

• Sat, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Co. Ferry Taproom
• 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Struggle & Resistance, Filipino American History Month

Join us for a traditional Filipino dinner at the Vallejo Museum while speakers share their personal stories about growing up in Vallejo. $75 General admission, $60 Filipino American National Historical Society members. Fundraiser for the Filipino American National Historical Society, Vallejo Chapter, in collaboration with the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum

• Sat, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St., Vallejo

Stroll Down Penny Lane

Stroll Down Penny Lane is a live performance with beautiful accompanying films of the music of the most iconic songwriter of our age: Paul McCartney. The show includes songs spanning McCartney’s career – from early influences to the Beatles, through the Wings period, and beyond. You’ll also hear songs that have never been performed in concert – anywhere, by anyone!

• Sat, 8 to 10:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St., Vallejo

The Culture Shock Band

Get ready to dance and listen to the amazing vocals of lead singer Jacque Azevedo & The Culture Shock Band's talented musicians. They perform a wide selection of songs and styles from all eras including R&B, Pop, Latin, and more. Get in early, get your drink and a piece of the dance floor! $10 cover after 10pm.

• Sat, 9 p.m. to midnight
• Gentleman Jim’s
• 1324 Lincoln Rd. E, Vallejo

Sunday, October 6

Vallejo Waterfront Weekend

Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of VWW with activities, special appearances by The Curtis Family, Dan Ashley, DJs, local vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits. The Vallejo Waterfront Weekend is a free community festival held each year on Vallejo’s waterfront with activities for the entire family, including whaleboat races, live music all day Saturday, an expansive car show, Kornhole Tournament, Glo Run, Filipino Martials Arts, Disc Golf Tournament, and much more.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Green
• 301 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Fright Fest

Experience the transformation and prepare for nights of frights into a realm of haunted horrors and eerie entertainment. With haunted mazes, terrifying scare zones, and hair-raising shows, it's a scream-inducing extravaganza for thrill-seekers. Enjoy the park's rides in the dark, making it the ultimate destination chills of the Halloween season. *Some attractions and events require additional costs for admission

• Sun, noon to 10 p.m.
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
• 1001 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo

Relatively Small Works

A group art show featuring art 12 inches and under by MIAS artists, plus Jose Martinez solo art show in the small gallery.

• Sun, noon to 4 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St., Mare Island, Vallejo

Ariel Marin Funkin Fantastic Dance Party!

Ariel Marin is a refreshingly eclectic powerhouse songstress on track to be the next global superstar. A recording artist with a 5 octave range, and angelic pipes, she is a force of nature. Her award-winning multi-genre band plays it all - from Fleetwood Mac to Motown, Sade to Lynyrd Skynrd, Journey to The Eagles, Chaka Khan to top 40 radio hits, classics….Funk, Rock, Soul, Pop, Folk, Country, R&B, Motown, Gospel, & Jazz, they have you covered!!!

• Sun, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Vino Godfather
• 1005 Walnut Ave. @ Kansas St., Vallejo

LaRussell & Compenny

LaRussell, Vallejo’s latest homegrown hip-hop sensation, is your friendly neighborhood rapper, preacher, motivational speaker, and everything in-between. Songs like “Boss Market Blues” spotlight the struggles he faced growing up poor in a small port town, songs like “Furley Goat” with Nef the Pharaoh revive the beaming spirit of Mac Dre, and “KING KONG” is a hyphy roar in the face of the music industry.

• Sun, 2 to 6 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo

Verses for Voters-Poetic Pulse for Democracy

"Verses for Voters: A Poetic Pulse for Democracy" invites you to an electrifying afternoon of poetry and civic engagement that promises to ignite the spirit of democracy in our community. This unique event blends the power of words with the urgency of political action, creating a space where poetry and activism converge. As we face crucial challenges to our democratic institutions, this event is a powerful reminder of the influence of the people's voice in shaping our future.

• Sun, 2 to 5 p.m.
• Empress Theatre Lounge
• 324 Virginia St., Vallejo

Monday, October 7

Community Drum Circle

You are in for a treat! Join us in-person at the Mira Theatre every 1st Monday of every month to connect and celebrate life through the beat of the drums. This is a monthly gathering spot for community drumming and friends. Drumming is a great way to release stress, boost immunity, brighten mood, and have tons of fun. All ages, cultures, genders, and abilities are welcome. Bring a drum, shaker or other instruments and a beverage.

• Mon, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Mira Theatre
• 51 Daniels Ave., Vallejo

Paper Flower Crowns, Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by dropping in October 1st-October 15th to create your own Frida-inspired flower crown. Frida Kahlo was born in 1907 in Mexico City, Mexico. She was a Mexican painter and was most well-known for her use of bright colors and self-portraits. The flowers in her in flower crown represent the natural beauty of Mexico and her deep appreciation for bringing nature to life.

• Mon, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Vallejo Mayoral Candidate Forum

Grab a brew and a bite, take a seat, and listen in for a moderated discussing featuring all four of the 2024 Vallejo Mayoral candidates, as they dive into some of the issues voters want to know about. If time allows, questions will be taken from the audience.‍

• Mon, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Co. – Coal Shed Brewery
• 850 Nimitz Ave., Vallejo

Speakeasy Expressions Poetry Open Mic

Join host Remo Valentino for Speakeasy Expressions Poetry Open Mic every other Monday night starting at 7 PM at Chris Club at 656 Benicia Road in Vallejo. Come share your spoken word poetry on stage to a live audience, or just grab a few drinks and watch the show. 21+ venue.

• Mon, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Chris’ Club
• 656 Benicia Rd., Vallejo

Townhouse Ramblers

Acoustic Evening of Americana, Folk and Blues featuring Don Bassey, Pato Milo, Jeff Campitelli, Rich Adams, Mark Reed, Eric Wood, Erin Bakke, plus some very special guests, now 1st & 3rd Mondays

• Mon, 7 to 10 p.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St., Vallejo

‌A more detailed list of upcoming events can be found here.

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