Upcoming Vallejo Events — Earth Day and Opening Day for boaters

VALLEJO — This week celebrates both Earth Day and Opening Day on the Bay, the official start of the boating season, and Mare Island will rock out at the  Decked out at the Quarters music festival.

The Earth Daze festival on Saturday is a family-oriented event that aims to educate and inspire students, parents, and businesses about the environmental health of the planet. Downtown Vallejo next to the Farmers’ Market will come alive with free food samples, yoga classes, a drum circle, poetry readings, kids’ activities and all-day educational events.

Or, in the spirit of Earth Day, join the Vallejo Watershed Alliance for a cleanup of the Blue Rock Springs Creek on Saturday morning.

Both the Vallejo Municipal Marina and the Vallejo Yacht Club will kick off the opening of the boating season this weekend. The Marina’s Opening Day event midday Saturday will offer boat watching, food, drink and local artwork.

Then on Sunday, the Vallejo Yacht Club will combine their annual Opening Day party with their 125th Anniversary celebration. The event will begin at 11 a.m. with a flag raising and blessing of the fleet,  then a ducky derby after lunch, followed by a boating competition called a poker run, and end with a prime rib dinner.

Also on Sunday afternoon, the Decked out at the Quarters music festival on Mare Island’s Officer’s Row will feature six stages and over 20 bands, rocking genres from jazz and folk to R&B. The family-friendly event will also offer food trucks, beer, wine, lemonade, face painting, community art and more.

If you like retro automobiles, check out Carnalito's Customs Car Club - 2nd Annual Car Show at Wilson Park on Saturday, and enjoy live music, raffles, and games for kids and adults.

The Greater Vallejo Recreation District will hold a Recreation Expo at Children's Wonderland Park on Saturday afternoon. This free family friendly event will have vendor booths, entertainment, a raffle, and concessions available for a nominal fee. Register the day of the event to receive 10% off for each GVRD youth summer camp. All parents must be accompanied by a child for entry to the park!

An artist reception for the Art of the African Diaspora satellite exhibit will take place at Ethnic Notions Fine Art Gallery & Multicultural Bookstore on Saturday afternoon. An artist talk will be held at 2:30 p.m.

Chamber music fans can partake at the Vallejo Museum on Saturday night when The Verve Trio performs piano trios by Amy Beach, Rebecca Clarke, and Joan Trimble at the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum.

Then on Sunday afternoon, the Vallejo Symphony’s “Place and Spirit” show at the Empress Theatre on Sunday afternoon will open with Darius Milhaud’s composition “The Creation of the World.” Ferde Grofe’s “Grand Canyon Suite” and George Gershwin’s “Piano Concerto in F” will also be performed, with renowned pianist Elizabeth Dorman taking center stage.

Or if jazz is your thing, check out The Walnut Creek Jazz Band with singer Joyce Grant at Vino Godfather on Saturday afternoon. Their eclectic mix of genres and styles include swing, funk, Latin, vocal jazz, and pop. Later that evening you can catch a dinnertime jazz show with the Bryan Girard trio at Manny’s Steakhouse on the waterfront.

Bambino’s Restaurant is trying something new on Sunday, with an R&B brunch in collaboration with the Free Music Collective. Shake your tail feathers with nostalgic Bay Area anthems, some tasty mimosas and good eats.

This summary is only a sampling of this week’s upcoming events. Scroll down the list below for more art, poetry, comedy and live music, and be sure to check our events page for late-breaking updates, artist workshops and kids’ activities.

Wednesday, April 23

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 p.m. to 7:20 p.m.
• Vallejo Ferry Terminal
• 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Jr. De Ville

Jr. De Ville is a seasoned is a vet of the blues, gracing festival stages and hitting radio shows like the House of Blues hour. “With his magical stage presence, soulful vocals and searing guitar solos, Jr. De Ville is a force to be reckoned with in the years to come” – Dan Ackroyd House of Blues Radio show

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

Poetry by the Bay

Enjoy live spoken word poetry from bay area poets! Come share your work at Vallejo’s longest running poetry open mic! Founded in 2008 by Kyrah Ayers. Hosted by Keith Thompson. A warm, welcoming environment open to all, including beginners.

• Wed, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Mira Theater
• 51 Daniels Avenue, Vallejo

Wednesday Night Open Mic

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

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

Thursday, April 24

Art Beat Poetry Hour

Spoken word artists wishing to share their original poetry on the radio are welcome to join in a live studio broadcast on the 4th Thursday of the month. Poets take turns at the mic open mic style for an hour long poetry show.

• Thu, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• OZCAT Radio
• 189.5FM KZCT

The Makery

Come experience Solano County Library's makerspace- The Makery! Equipment includes: 3D printer, vinyl cutter, digital production equipment, drawing tablets and much more! Drop-in and discover what we have. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

• Thu, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo

Storytelling Workshop

Through a guided storytelling process, participants will explore personal narratives and develop confidence in self-expression.

• Thu, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo

The Ric Alexander Friendship Experience

Witness Ric Alexander’s signature performance, which you may have seen on his recent tour with Tony Toni Tone’, where he masterfully plays two saxophones simultaneously. His unique, smooth, and melodious approach never fails to enchant his audience. Last year, Ric unveiled “Ric Ashea”, his venture into marketing and consulting. Enjoy exclusive tastings of wine & Champagne, courtesy of Ric Ashea. Doors open at 5:30 pm | Show begins at 6:30 pm

• Thu, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Empress Lounge
• 324 Virginia St, Vallejo

April Book Club: "The Serviceberry" by Robin Wall Kimmerer

"Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer was one of the most popular Book Clubs we have ever had, so let's read and discuss her new book, "The Serviceberry" in honor of Earth Day.

• Thu, 7 p.m. to
• Alibi Bookshop
• 624 Marin St, Vallejo

Friday, April 25

The Makery

Come experience Solano County Library's makerspace- The Makery! Equipment includes: 3D printer, vinyl cutter, digital production equipment, drawing tablets and much more! Drop-in and discover what we have. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

• Fri, 2 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo

Hot Air Balloon PaintNight at the Ferry Taproom

Join Napa Valley Painting at our Ferry Taproom for an intro to painting class starting at 6pm on April 25th! A perfect event to do with friends, family, or a significant other, while being guided through a hot air balloon painting. Paint supplies are included.

• Fri, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Ferry Taproom
• 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Johnny Steele Variety Show

Johnny Steele is a comedian, comedy writer, event host, speaker, coach, actor, and broadcaster. Host of radio and TV talk shows in San Francisco, Steele has written humor for clients including Robin Williams, CEOs, and municipalities.

• Fri, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Empress Lounge
• 324 Virginia St, Vallejo

Saturday, April 26

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

Blue Rock Springs Creek Earthday Cleanup

Celebrate Earth Day and enhance one of Vallejo’s beautiful waterway and join us at Blue Rock Springs Creek for a cleanup throughout the creek corridor. Wear comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, hat, sunscreen, and gloves. It’s a family-friendly event, and volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome (if you are under 18, you must be accompanied by an adult). Vallejo Watershed Alliance will provide tools, buckets, water and refreshments.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Blue Rock Springs Creek Corridor (park at Wardlaw Dog Park)
• 1805 Ascott Pkwy., Vallejo

Farmers’ Market

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

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

Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day at Alibi Bookshop!

Independent Bookstore Day was established in 2013 to promote, celebrate, and highlight the value of the Independent bookstore community. Alibi Bookshop will have exclusive merchandise, raffles, freebies, story time, a libro.fm golden ticket hunt, treats, and more.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Alibi Bookshop
• 624 Marin St, Vallejo

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 while listening to live music. Duo Gadjo’s music style is often called ‘Gypsy Jazz’ as pioneered by the great guitarist Django Reinhardt who, singlehandedly created this new genre by infusing the American art form with his French, and Gypsy influences. Music plays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Moschetti Coffee Roaster
• 11 6th St., Vallejo

Carnalito's Customs Car Club - 2nd Annual Car Show

Carnalito's Customs Car Club 2nd Annual Car Show Is happening April 26th. We going to have music, games for kids and adults, and raffles!

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Wilson Park
• 1007 Solano Ave., Vallejo

Earth Daze

A local, environmentally friendly, family-oriented festival to educate and inspire students, parents, and businesses to reduce or eliminate the use of plastics for the sake of humanity and planetary health. The goal of EARTH DAY around the globe is to achieve a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by 2040, with the ultimate goal of building a plastic-free future for generations to come.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Marin Streets, Vallejo

Opening Day on the Bay

Join us for a day filled with fun, sun, and sea breeze. This event is your chance to kick off the boating season with a bang. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just looking for a good time, there's something for everyone. From boat watching to good drinks, food trucks to local artwork, this day has it all. So grab your sunscreen and shades, and come celebrate the start of boating season on the beautiful bay. Partnering with: Mare Island Brewing Co., Vallejo Cellars, and Fuego's Pizzeria

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Vallejo Municipal Marina
• 42 Harbor Way, Vallejo

Recreation Expo

Join us for GVRD's Recreation Expo! This is a fun and friendly event for the entire family. We have some great activities lined up: Class Demos, vendor booths, entertainment, raffle, and concessions available for a nominal fee, and much more. Did we mention, if you register the day of the event you'll receive 10% off for each GVRD youth summer camp! This is a free event to the community. All parents must be accompanied by a child for entry to the park!

• Sat, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Children's Wonderland Park
• 360 Glenn St., Vallejo

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 dewormed, treated for fleas, tested for Felv and FIV, vaccinated to age appropriate levels, microchipped and spayed or neutered.

• Sat, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• PetSmart
• 952 Admiral Callaghan Lane, Vallejo

The Intrepid Stitch - Travels Across Time & Geography

Join us at Mare Island Art Studios this April for a stunning fiber arts exhibition! "The Intrepid Stitch" showcases the works of talented guest fiber artists, weaving together stories of travel, history, and cultural journeys through intricate textile creations. Explore how fiber art transcends time and geography in this unique and inspiring show.

• Sat, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St., Vallejo

Art of the African Diaspora - Satellite Exhibit II - Artist Reception

Ethnic Notions will exhibit select works by local artists of African descent for the 28th annual, Art of the African Diaspora, Satellite Exhibit II. Featuring Robert Simmons, Yolande Patton, ColorBlynd by Noni, Simone Nia Rae, Cole Ware and Chamia LaRae. Exhibit showcased April 12 through May 31, 2025. Artist Reception: Saturday, April 26th, 1 to 4 p.m. Artist Talk at 2:30

• Sat, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Ethnic Notions Fine Art Gallery & Multicultural Bookstore
• 930 Marin St., Vallejo

The Walnut Creek Jazz Band

Get ready for an afternoon of Big Band music at its best with The Walnut Creek Jazz Band! This talented band will take you on an unforgettable musical journey with their eclectic mix of genres and styles, including swing, funk, Latin, vocal jazz, and pop.

• Sat, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Vino Godfather
• 1005 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

Byran Girard Jazz Trio

Saxophonist Bryan Girard will be joined by guitarist Lorn Leber and Kurt Ribak on bass for evening of straight-ahead jazz. Manny has great views and a full bar. Advance dinner reservation recommended.

• Sat, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Manny's Steakhouse
• 295 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

The Breedloves & Friends

The Breedloves & Friends perform covers that are well known and loved but in a way you may have never heard before while incorporating different instruments such as flute and ukulele. Between their fun and unique cover renditions they also have wonderfully crafted original music all for your enjoyment.

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

Gala "Springtime"

The April Gala is the main fundraiser for the Florence Douglas Center in Vallejo, CA. Monies raised are used to provide for affordable health and wellness programs, lifelong learning opportunities, support services, and innumerable resources for those 50 plus.

• Sat, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Florence Douglas Center
• 333 Amador Street, Vallejo

The Hitch-Hiker Film Noir

A crime film noir by the most prominent female filmmaker of the 1950s, Ida Lupino. The Hitch-Hiker follows Roy and Gilbert as they set off from southern California toward a fishing trip in Mexico. Along the way, they pick up a hitchhiker who then takes out a gun and holds the two friends hostage. The hitchhiker savagely forces one of the friends to shoot a tin can out of the other's hand and tortures the men, even forcing them to continue with him on foot when their vehicle breaks down. The film is accompanied by live orchestra.

• Sat, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St, Vallejo

"Free to Be Myself:" Piano Trios by Beach, Clarke, and Trimble

The Verve Trio performing Beach, Clarke, and Trimble at the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum

• Sat, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St, Vallejo

Serve it to ‘Em Saturdays

Ava LaShay hosts Serve it to ‘Em Saturdays drag show, 4th Saturdays, with Queera Nightly and Avery Night.

• Sat, 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St, Vallejo

Sunday, April 27

Brunch Upon A Time

Bambino's is throwing for the first time ever ~ "Brunch Upon A Time" hosted by Free Music Collective. If you love R&B, Bay Area anthems, loads of nostalgia and shaking your tail feather while sipping on some tasty mimosas & good eats, then this is the event for you.

• Sun, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Bambino's Vallejo
• 301 Georgia street #122, Vallejo

St. Peter's Chapel - Self-guided Tour

If you've never seen the interior be prepared to be astounded by the 29 stained-glass windows and the magnificence of the interior. Docents will be available to answer all your questions. All we ask is a $5 donation toward the chapel maintenance fund. A museum by itself, St. Peter's Chapel, built in 1901, is known for its large collection of stunning Tiffany windows, vaulted ceilings with exposed redwood beams, and historic plaques, you’ll find yourself in awe of the craftsmanship on display.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• St. Peter’s Chapel
• 1181 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

Vallejo Yacht Club 125th Aniversary/Opening Day

11a.m. Flag raising -11:30 Memorial Service -12:00 Lunch - 12:30 Ducky Derby- 1:00 Blessing the fleet- 13:30 Poker Run - Prime rib dinner $35

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Vallejo Yacht Club
• 485 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Decked Out at The Quarters

Experience an afternoon of unforgettable live music at the historic Mare Island on Officer’s Row. Decked Out at The Quarters brings together Bay Area’s unique and talented acts for a one-day-only music extravaganza you won't want to miss. With over 20 bands rocking genres from jazz and folk to R&B. Food Trucks, Beer, Wine, Lemonade, Face Painting, Community Art and more! Join us for a family-friendly Mare Island one-of-a-kind music festival. Please RSVP for free event.

• Sun, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Officer’s Row
• 1015 Walnut Ave, Vallejo

The Intrepid Stitch - Travels Across Time & Geography

Join us at Mare Island Art Studios this April for a stunning fiber arts exhibition! "The Intrepid Stitch" showcases the works of talented guest fiber artists, weaving together stories of travel, history, and cultural journeys through intricate textile creations. Explore how fiber art transcends time and geography in this unique and inspiring show.

• Sun, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St., Vallejo

Preserving Solano History

Elissa DeCaro, lifelong resident of Solano County, has a B.A. in History and co-authored Suisun City and Valley.  An advocate for historic preservation, Elissa is President of Solano County Historical Society and Treasurer forVacaville Heritage Council as well as past Chair of Solano Historical Records Commission. Elissa will present an informative overview of the valuable work and accomplishments of these organizations in their efforts to preserve Solano history including ongoing projects to digitize thousands of historical documents, photographs and maps with Internet access to the images.

• Sun, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• The McCune Collection
• 505 Santa Clara Street - lower level, Vallejo

Teahouse Poetry Open Mic & Live Music

Let's explore the spoken word as we commune over poetry, music, tea, and community. We meet on the second and fourth Sunday of each month, organized by Vallejo's very own poets laureate.

• Sun, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• 717 Integrity Project
• 717 Marin St, Vallejo

Vallejo Symphony - Place and Spirit

We conclude our season in a suitably grand fashion with a program that celebrates place and spirit. The place is one of the most singular on earth - the Grand Canyon. Ferde Grofe said of his Grand Canyon Suite. We are happy to present Gershwin’s fabulous Piano Concerto in F, with our close musical friend, the virtuoso Elizabeth Dorman. We open the program with The Creation of the World, Milhuad’s response to American jazz.

• Sun, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St, Vallejo

Salsa & Bachata Class at H Lounge Bar in Vallejo, Every Sunday!

Salsa & Bachata Class at H Lounge Bar in Vallejo by Cuban Rhythm and Rumba Studio, Every Sunday!

• Sun, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• H Lounge
• 472 Benicia Road, Vallejo

Tuesday, April 29

The Makery

Come experience Solano County Library's makerspace- The Makery! Equipment includes: 3D printer, vinyl cutter, digital production equipment, drawing tablets and much more! Drop-in and discover what we have. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

• Tue, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo

Sahaja Yoga

Know and experience the true meaning of Yoga during a weekly Sahaja Yoga session. All are welcome.

• Tue, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo

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

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