Upcoming Vallejo Events — Circus at the Fairgrounds

VALLEJO — This week you can enjoy a five-ringed circus, shop from small businesses while being entertained by live music on the waterfront, run with mermaids on Mare Island, and meet local artists, musicians and downtown business owners during Art Walk.

The Garden Bros. Nuclear Circus will be at the Solano County Fairgrounds with two shows on both Thursday and Friday, and three shows on both Saturday and Sunday.

The five-ringed circus, which claims to be the largest circus on earth, is an action-packed, fast-paced, 100-minute performance with acts named Human Slingshot, Wheel of Death, Human Cannonball and Motorcycles in the Sphere of Fear, to name a few. Arrive early to enjoy the kid’s zone and circus treats. Click here for a free kid’s ticket while they last.

This will be the first month for the Second Saturday’s small business monthly market on the Vallejo waterfront, which will run through September. Shop from a curated collection of local small businesses and food, drink and treat vendors. There will be a Mother’s Day “Bikes and Blooms” themed photo opportunity too. The entertainment line-up of live music and DJs presented by the Free Music Collective will make for a fun event. 

The Mermaid Run on Mare Island on Saturday morning is part of the Mermaid Series that provides a platform for women to pursue goals in fitness and in life. Select your run from the 5K, 10K, half marathon or the youth run for kids under 12. The 10K and the half marathon both have one climb that takes you up to the top of the Mare Island Preserve. 

This month’s Art Walk should be lively in the longer days and good weather. Browse the works of local artists or pick up some handcrafted soaps and cosmetics while being entertained by live bands.

Of course there’s lots of live music to enjoy. Groovemasters will groove at the Empress Theatre Lounge tonight, indie band Everything Nowadays plays at Bambino’s restaurant on Friday,  DW Edwards and Lighting up the Soul will rock at Gentleman Jim’s on Saturday, and Ariel Marin will have a Funkin Fantastic Dance Party at Vino Godfather on Sunday.

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

Wednesday, May 8

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

Groovemasters

Groovemasters features three of the six members of Beaufunk, and the funky guitar playing of Charles Spikes. The band is seasoned and well-versed in rhythm and blues, funk, gospel, and most any other genre you could name. Most of all, they groove like very few can – thus the name, Groovemasters.

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

Wednesday Night Open Mic

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

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

Thursday, May 9

Art Beat Radio Show – Literary Dialogues with Nina Serrano

Accomplished Vallejo author Nina Serrano interviews a literary guest

• Thurs, 10:30 a.m. to noon
• Ozcat Radio
• 89.5 FM KZCT

Pop-up Pantry market

After you’ve shopped here for your groceries, browse our second-hand clothing treasure racks!
Some items are new with tags!

• Thurs, noon to 1 p.m.
• Norman C King Community Center
• 545 Magazine Street

Garden Bros. Nuclear Circus

The very best performers from over 22 countries make up this action jammed, fast paced 100 minute performance in a theatrical European five-ring setting. Olympic gymnasts, the funniest clowns, back flipping dogs and more. Kid zone includes pony rides, a giant slide, bouncy house, and face paining.

• Thurs, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Drive

Adult Craft Club - Make It Together - Batik

Join us for a planned craft night at the Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library every second Thursday of the month. This month we will be doing watercolor painting inspired by Batik techniques.

• Thurs, 6 to 7 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Garden Bros. Nuclear Circus

The very best performers from over 22 countries make up this action jammed, fast paced 100 minute performance in a theatrical European five-ring setting. Olympic gymnasts, the funniest clowns, back flipping dogs and more. Kid zone includes pony rides, a giant slide, bouncy house, and face paining.

• Thurs, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Drive

Friday, May 10

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.

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

Garden Bros. Nuclear Circus

The very best performers from over 22 countries make up this action jammed, fast paced 100 minute performance in a theatrical European five-ring setting. Olympic gymnasts, the funniest clowns, back flipping dogs and more. Kid zone includes pony rides, a giant slide, bouncy house, and face paining.

• Fri, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Drive

2nd Friday Art Walk

The Vallejo Art Walk takes place all over the downtown area and includes local merchants, street vendors, musicians and galleries.

• Fri, 5 to 9 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Marin Streets

Everything Nowadays

Everything Nowadays brings indie vibes infused with post punk energy. Show free with dinner. Arrive early to get a seat near the stage.

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

May Art Walk Party - Live Music, Local Art

We'll be feeding your head with hot, organic, nootropic teas and fresh, original music by Air Lift Underground and David El 3-Oh!, woth a late-night set from DJ Ennui Goa and a very special fire performance from the Fire Cats.

• Fri, 6 to midnight
• IntegriTea Art + Event Space
• 717 Marin Street

Garden Bros. Nuclear Circus

The very best performers from over 22 countries make up this action jammed, fast paced 100 minute performance in a theatrical European five-ring setting. Olympic gymnasts, the funniest clowns, back flipping dogs and more. Kid zone includes pony rides, a giant slide, bouncy house, and face paining.

• Fri, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Drive

80's Night with DJ Zero Effs

DJ Zero Effs takes you back to the 80s every second Friday after Art Walk

• Fri, 8:30 to 11:45 pm
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St.

Saturday, May 11

Mermaid Run Mare Island

All levels of walkers, joggers and runners welcome. Select your run from the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon or Youth run for kids under 12. The 10K and the Half Marathon both have one climb that takes you up to the top of the Mare Island Preserve. Mermaids receive a stylish race shirt, finisher medal, necklace and post race food.

• Sat, 7:30 a.m. to noon
• Mare Island Promenade
• 850 Nimitz Ave.

Glen Cove Community Garage Sale

Over 40 homes will participate in the Glen Cove Community Garage Sale. Maps of participating homes will be handed out at Glen Cove Center from 8am-11am on the day of the sale, and digital maps will be available online at glencovevallejo.com by the afternoon of May 10.

• Sat, 8:00 am to 3 p.m.
• Glen Cove Shopping Center
• 122 Robles Way

Humane Society Garage Sale Fundraiser

The Humane Society of the North Bay will be at the community-wide Glen Cove Garage Sale! It's the perfect opportunity to snag some fantastic finds while supporting shelter animals in need. Every purchase you make goes directly towards helping the animals in our shelter.

• Sat, 8:00 am to 3:30 p.m.
• Humane Society of the North Bay pop up
• Flying Cloud Ct.

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, 8:00 am to 9:00 am
• Vallejo Ferry Terminal
• 289 Mare Island Way

Community Coffee Tasting with live music by Duo Gadjo

Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes. Duo Gadjo’s repertoire includes many French classics. Their distinctive French Cafe sound emanates from their Gypsy guitars, a melodica and Isabelle Fontaine’s lovely voice.

• Sat, 9:00 am to 2 p.m.
• Moschetti Coffee
• 11 Sixth St. (Curtola Pkwy. & Solano Ave.)

Farmers' Market

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

• Sat, 9:00 am to 2 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Marin Streets

Hands-On Cooking! Creativity & Sustainability in the Kitchen

Join Chef Lisa Nunez-Hancock for this hands-on workshop and learn logistical tips for planning a week of healthy and economical meals. Together we will make black bean burgers, a chipotle aioli, smashed potatoes and a seasonal vegetable from a local farm. We will also discuss several other menu possibilities that can be created from one afternoon of cooking.

• Sat, 10:00 am to noon
• Vallejo Community Center
• 225 Amador

Intro to Permaculture

Learn how to apply permaculture principles to design your home, garden and community. This interactive and all-age friendly workshop will dive into the principles of permaculture and how they can be applied in and out of the garden. Attendees will have the opportunity to plant herbs and and companion plants in an established tree guild. Registration is required.

• Sat, 11:00 am to 1 p.m.
• First Christian Church
• 1035 Indiana St.

Vallejo Plant & Seed Exchange

Donation Drop offs will be on the 11th between 11-12:30 and the swap should start around 1:30 and go until around 4:30. Items to donate/swap are plants seeds old envelopes or small bags (for seeds in bigger bags for individuals) and garden related items. Victory Garden Seedlings, Monarch Milkweed Project, Northbay Rose Society, JFK Seed Library and others will be there. Possible topic talk categories: grafting, [...]

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Vallejo Yacht Club
• 485 Mare Island Way

2nd Saturday’s Vallejo - Bikes & Blooms

Come experience what waterfront parks were made for. Every 2nd Saturday, shop small, support local and come check out everything from new food and drinks, treats, trends, designers, craft makers, artists, collectors, live music, guest DJs, service and a Mother’s Day “Bikes and Blooms” themed photo opportunity.

• Sat, noon to 5 p.m.
• Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Park
• 301 Mare Island Way

Kitty Meet and Greet - pet adoptions

Come meet your next best friend! Evening appointments also available. All cats and kittens who are adopted out through Community Cat Advocates have been tested, vaccinated to age appropriate levels, microchipped and spayed or neutered.

• Sat, noon to 3 p.m.
• PetSmart
• 952 Admiral Callaghan Ln.

Poetry in Notion

Join Vallejo’s Co-Poets Laureate Jacalyn Eyvonne and Kathleen Herrmann for a casual read around poetry circle. Bring some poetry to share or just come and listen! Meets in the Program Room.

• Sat, noon to 2 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

The Billy Martini Show

70's musical tribute. Journey back in time with the best of vintage rock, funk, R&B, and disco. Get ready to dance, groove, and rediscover the magic of classic tunes with a fresh twist.

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

Garden Bros. Nuclear Circus

The very best performers from over 22 countries make up this action jammed, fast paced 100 minute performance in a theatrical European five-ring setting. Olympic gymnasts, the funniest clowns, back flipping dogs and more. Kid zone includes pony rides, a giant slide, bouncy house, and face paining.

• Sat, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Drive

Vallejo Plant & Seed Exchange

Donation Drop offs will be on the 11th between 11-12:30 and the swap should start around 1:30 and go until around 4:30. Items to donate/swap are plants, seeds, old envelopes or small bags (for seeds in bigger bags for individuals) and garden-related items. Victory Garden Seedlings, Monarch Milkweed Project, Northbay Rose Society, JFK Seed Library and others will be there.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Vallejo Yacht Club
• 485 Mare Island Way

Garden Bros. Nuclear Circus

The very best performers from over 22 countries make up this action jammed, fast paced 100 minute performance in a theatrical European five-ring setting. Olympic gymnasts, the funniest clowns, back flipping dogs and more. Kid zone includes pony rides, a giant slide, bouncy house, and face paining.

• Sat, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Drive

Git Wit It

Git Wit It brings the heat to our stage and the dance floor is alive! Their music carries across many genres and you're sure to have a good time. Enjoy this free show with dinner. Arrive early to get a seat near the stage.

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

Live Music with Richard March

Richard March’s breezy roots-based musicality recalls the heart-on-your-sleeve tradition of Jason Isbell, Patti Griffin, Tom Petty, Paul Simon, and Jackson Brown. His songs explore social commentary, aspirational self-talk, compassion, impressionistic descriptions of his beloved Bay Area hometown, and the many lives he’s lived.

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

Garden Bros. Nuclear Circus

The very best performers from over 22 countries make up this action jammed, fast paced 100 minute performance in a theatrical European five-ring setting. Olympic gymnasts, the funniest clowns, back flipping dogs and more. Kid zone includes pony rides, a giant slide, bouncy house, and face paining.

• Sat, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Drive

DW Edwards & Lighting Up the Soul

Get ready to be "Lit Up" with singer and songwriter DW Edwards & Lighting Up the Soul. Get in early, get a seat and get ready to dance. $10 cover after 10pm

• Sat, 9 to 11:59 pm
• Gentleman Jim’s
• 1324 Lincoln Rd E

Townhouse Divas Drag Show

Come join Vicodonia Knightingale, Charity Kase and Holotta Tymes every 2nd and 4th Saturday night at the Townhouse Cocktail Lounge! These are the Divas you want to see!

• Sat, 10:30 to 11:59 pm
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St.

Sunday, May 12

Kayak Practice and Fun

Paddle around Lake Chabot, an easy, fun kayaking site that’s safe for beginners. Kayak provided if you don’t have one. $10 suggested donation. Check the Facebook Kayaking Biking group for updates. Dates and times may vary because of weather or volunteer availability.

• Sun, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Lake Chabot
• Dan Foley Park, 1461 N Camino Alto

Bryan Girard Jazz Quartet

Saxophonist Bryan Girard will be joined by Greg Sankovich on keys, Dave Bell on guitar and drummer /whistler extraordinaire, Gerry Kennett. Buy lunch and listen to a live jazz show FREE! Bambino's is a wonderful Italian-inspired restaurant with full bar.

• Sun, noon to 3 p.m.
• Bambino’s
• 301 Georgia St. #122

Spring Show Artist's Reception

Various artworks by Mare Island Art Studios artists, with a special musical performance by Sobre Cuerdas and complementary pizza by Dough Bodega

• Sun, noon to 5 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Ariel Marin - Funkin Fantastic Dance Party!

Ariel Marin is a refreshingly eclectic powerhouse songstress with a 5 octave range. Ariel’s 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

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

Garden Bros. Nuclear Circus

The very best performers from over 22 countries make up this action jammed, fast paced 100 minute performance in a theatrical European five-ring setting. Olympic gymnasts, the funniest clowns, back flipping dogs and more. Kid zone includes pony rides, a giant slide, bouncy house, and face paining.

• Sun, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Drive

Mother's Day Sip & Paint

Treat Moms and Grandmas, or any special women in your life, to a fun afternoon in our outdoor garden while creating your very own masterpiece with local artist/instructor, Jena Webber.  Celebrate Moms and special friends while painting, sipping, listening to great music and enjoying an array of tasty desserts. Arrive early to enjoy a delicious lunch from Lasagna con Amore  while enjoying the sounds of Ariel Marin performing 1-4pm adjacent to your painting class

• Sun, 2 to 4:30 p.m.
• Vino Godfather
• 1005 Walnut Ave. @ Kansas St.

Garden Bros. Nuclear Circus

The very best performers from over 22 countries make up this action jammed, fast paced 100 minute performance in a theatrical European five-ring setting. Olympic gymnasts, the funniest clowns, back flipping dogs and more. Kid zone includes pony rides, a giant slide, bouncy house, and face paining.

• Sun, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Drive

Garden Bros. Nuclear Circus

The very best performers from over 22 countries make up this action jammed, fast paced 100 minute performance in a theatrical European five-ring setting. Olympic gymnasts, the funniest clowns, back flipping dogs and more. Kid zone includes pony rides, a giant slide, bouncy house, and face paining.

• Sun, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Drive

Monday, May 13

Women Supporting Women

Women Supporting Women is a group of business women that are coming together to help us navigate the challenges of being business women. Designed to follow some of the guiding principles outlined in the book This Is Not the Life I Ordered, by Deborah Collins Stephens, Michealane Christini Risley, Jackie Speier & Jan Yanehiro, this group will meet monthly.

• Mon, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Suite Treatments Inc.
• 3729 Sonoma Blvd

Tuesday, May 14

"I Need A Mic" writing workshop

Ray Davis @poetdavis hosts the I Need a Mic Writing Workshop. Writers of all genres welcome.

• Tues, 11:00 am to 12:30 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

City Council Regular Meeting

City Council meetings are now hybrid in-person and on Zoom. Agendas can be viewed on the City Agendas & Videos web page at least 72 hours (three business days) in advance. There will be a video link at the left of the agenda page once the meeting begins.

• Tues, 7 to 11 p.m.
• Vallejo City Hall
• 555 Santa Clara St.