Upcoming Vallejo Events — Great Vallejo Race brings sailboats to the waterfront

VALLEJO —  The Vallejo Yacht Club will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday with food, drink and boating information during the annual Great Vallejo Race. 

Live music and dancing take place in the clubhouse on Saturday evening. Vallejo’s waterfront-facing restaurants and parks also offer great views of the sailboats as they race from Berkeley to Vallejo on Saturday, and back to Berkeley on Sunday.

Vallejo’s multicultural community will be out in force this weekend. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a fiesta downtown on Saturday, and Los Cochinos Latin rock and soul at Vino Godfather on Sunday.

Also on Saturday, the Aloha festival will bring the spirit of Hawaii to Mare Island. Then the Urban Strategies Council will celebrate the achievements of Black Bay Area leaders at an event at the downtown library on Sunday.

The Cinco de Mayo celebration will fill the 200 block of Georgia Street with live music, dancers, Mexican food, vendors and children’s activities in a daylong festival on Saturday. Then on Sunday, the actual fifth of May, Los Cochinos will perform original music in the style of Santana at Vino Godfather on Sunday afternoon. 

Saturday’s Lei of Aloha Hawaiian festival is a daylong family-friendly free event at the waterfront promenade by the Mare Island Brewing Company’s Coal Shed Brewery on Mare Island. Experience the Aloha spirit with hula performances, beer, wine, food, and craft vendors.

Sunday’s “Celebrating Black History 366” event will celebrate the achievements of Black Bay Area leaders with music, dance, poetry and soul food at the John F. Kennedy Library’s Joseph Room on Sunday afternoon.

Bay Area comedians and musicians will lend their talents to commemorate and celebrate the life of Rich Freedman at the Empress Theatre on Sunday afternoon. Freedman was a community leader, award-winning reporter and humanitarian who was known for his heartwarming sense of humor.

For fun a little farther afield, bring your kids and a kite to the free annual Lynch Canyon Kite Festival on Saturday. Bay breezes, grassy hills and open fields make for ideal kite-flying conditions at Lynch Canyon between Vallejo and Fairfield.  

Or watch amazing sheepdogs at the annual McCormack Ranch sheep dog trials in Rio Vista either Saturday or Sunday. Net proceeds from the event support the Solano Rural Defense organization.

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

Wednesday, May 1

Lawyers in the Library

The Lawyers in the Library program offers free 15-minute appointments with attorneys. Please come in-person at 9 a.m. or call 866-572-7587 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 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

Tribute to James Cotton

The iconic harmonica man James Cotton is considered the last great harp titan of the generation that produced Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson 2, Jr Wells, Big Walter, and many more. The James Cotton Blues Band is Mark Hummel, Steve Freund, Tim Wager, Kevin Coggins, and Bob Welch, all of whom performed with Cotton

• Wed, 6:30 to 8:30 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 2

World Press Freedom Day

Seven journalists from Turkmenistan and local journalists will participate in a forum in the Fireside Room of the Benicia Public Library. Co-sponsored by Benicia Literary Arts, the Turkmeni journalists will discuss media and media access with four U.S. journalists. The public is invited.

• Thurs, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• Benicia Public Library
• 150 East L St

Friday, May 3

First Friday Lunch Mob at Taqueria Los Amigos

Join the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce for lunch. This is a great way for potential chamber members to get to know the organization while supporting a local restaurant.

• Fri, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Los Amigos Taqueria
• 5184 Sonoma Blvd. #310B

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.

4-H First Fridays - STEM Exploration

Explore science with the local Sherwood Forest 4-H Club. Open to all, but recommended for elementary school-aged children.

• Fri, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

The Foreigner

Play by Larry Shue, directed by Trey Reeves. The scene is a fishing lodge in rural Georgia where nonstop hilarity ensues.

• Fri, 8 to 10:30 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St .

Reflection Goth Night

An intimate night with DJ Owen Owington Owensford curating the music and setting the mood for the club that feels like a house party, presented by Its Danse Macabre. Classic Goth - Nu Goth - Industrial - Goth Metal - EBM - Synth Pop - CyberPunk - Dark Wave - New Wave - Post Punk - 80s - 90s and more. Note the new location.

• Fri, 9 to midnight
• Morningstar Delights
• 401 Georgia St.

Saturday, May 4

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

Community Coffee Tasting

Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes.

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

McCormack Ranch Sheep Dog Trial

Don't miss the return of the McCormack Ranch sheep dog trials! The event takes place rain or shine, so tickets are non-refundable. Enjoy a hayride from the parking lot to the course. Don’t forget to bring a folding chair, blanket, and your binoculars for the best experience. Admission is $35.00 per day for adults and children over 13, children 5 through 12 is $5 and under 5 years old are free. Net proceeds from the event support the Solano Rural Defense organization.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• McCormack Ranch
• 7680 Montezuma Hills Rd.
• Rio Vista

Cinco de Mayo Festival

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year with a wonderful fiesta in downtown Vallejo. Enjoy live entertainment, ballet folklórico, Solo singers, banda music, vendors, Mexican food, vendors, kids entertainment and much more.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia between Sacramento and Santa Clara Streets

Great Vallejo Race

The Great Vallejo Race is a family-fun event. Lots of sailboats, boaters and boating info. The Vallejo Yacht Club will be open to the public for a free day-long event with live music in the evening and food and drink available for purchase. After Race Party: Racers will be greeted at the club by a live band upon arrival. Specialty cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks will be available starting at 3pm.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Vallejo Yacht Club
• 485 Mare Island Way

Lynch Canyon Kite Festival

Bay breezes, grassy hills and open fields make for ideal kite-flying conditions at Lynch Canyon. Bring a kite, drinking water, a picnic lunch. Dress for weather and rough terrain, and wear sun protection. Solano County Parks has waived the parking fee for this day.

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

Vallejo Crop Hunger Walk

The Vallejo Crop Hunger Walk is a 3k walk along the Vallejo waterfront to raise funds and awareness of hunger and poverty issues in our world and community.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to noon
• Vallejo waterfront
• Sign up to participate here

First Saturdays Fitness - Yoga

Yoga is a great way to de-stress, build up strength, and increase flexibility. Instructor Amy Raupach will guide the group through a beginner/intermediate-friendly session. No yoga mat? No problem! We have one you can borrow. All ages welcome.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to noon
• JFK Library – Joseph Room
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Vegetable Gardening 101

Interested in growing your own food? Solano County Master Gardeners will present the basics of vegetable gardening. Seeds, pots and soil provided to attendees at no cost. After the presentation, check out the Springstowne Seed Lending Library to get started on your own vegetable garden. All ages welcome.

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

Lei of Aloha

Family-friendly and free event with live entertainment, hula performances, beer, wine, food, and craft vendors to experience the culture of Hawaii. ‍

• Sat, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Mare Island Promenade
• 850 Nimitz Ave.

May the 4th Be with You Family Paint Day!

Which side of the force are you on? Join us for a 2-hour session of family-fun "Star Wars" themed painting with our instructor, while listening to some of your favorite Star Wars hits! Take home a beautiful masterpiece, even Yoda would be proud of! $25, per person, canvas and paint kit included.

• Sat, noon to 2 p.m.
• Children’s Wonderland
• 360 Glenn St.

42nd Annual Rose Show and Sale

The North Bay Rose Society is holding its 42nd annual rose show and sale. Open to the public from 1pm - 4pm. Admission is free.

• Sat, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Blue Rock Springs Golf Club
• 655 Columbus Pkwy.

Cartooning with Adrian "Age" Scott

Teens will learn the basics behind cartooning and how to create their own characters. Vallejo native and published author Adrian "Age" Scott will be here to teach you how to create an original character and storyline fit for your own comic book. A limited number of attendees will receive a free comic. Help to celebrate the debut of Scott’s new book, “I Ain’t No Joke”. There will be book sales and signing after the class.

• Sat, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Mother's Day Celebration Weekend

In honor of all mothers and women, Ethnic Notions Fine Art Gallery & Multicultural Bookstore hosts an incredible Mother's Day Celebration.
Artist talk by fine craft artist Soraya Sojous-Brooks on Saturday, May 4 at 3 p.m.
Artist talk by textile artist Constance Terrell on Sunday, May 5 at 3 p.m.

• Sat, 1 to 5 p.m.
• Ethnic Notions Fine Art Gallery & Multicultural Bookstore
• 930 Marin St.

The Jam Awakens: Revenge of the Quads - Roller Derby

Roller Derby tournament. General admission $20, VIP $50. Kids under 12 are free with an adult. Food and beverage available for purchase onsite. Parking is included in ticket price. Costumes and cosplay highly encouraged

• Sat, 1:30 to 6 p.m.
• McCormack Hall, Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Dr.

Bryan Girard Jazz Trio

Saxophonist Bryan Girard will be joined by Greg Sankovich and Lorn Leber. Buy dinner and listen to a live jazz show for free! Manny has great views and a full bar. Advance dinner reservation recommended.

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

Pre-Mother's Day Concert

Give your mom a Mother's Day gift she'll never forget at the historic Empress Theatre with the soulful sounds of Klassic Man, the ultimate tribute to Marvin Gaye

• Sat, 5 to 9:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St.

David El 3-Oh

Enjoy music infused with Latin, rock and hip-hop vibes by David El 3-Oh! Show free with dinner.

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

Live Music with Hannah Jern-Miller

Hannah Jern-Miller is a guitar/harmonica player, singer, and artist from Petaluma, CA. She has been bringing her smooth blend of folk, blues, bluegrass, and vintage rock music to the world for over 15 years.

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

The Foreigner

Play by Larry Shue, directed by Trey Reeves. The scene is a fishing lodge in rural Georgia where nonstop hilarity ensues.

• Sat, 8 to 10:30 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St .

The Night Owls

Get your dancing shoes ready to dance with this dynamic band. Come early, $10 cover after 10 p.m.

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

Sunday, May 5

McCormack Ranch Sheep Dog Trial

Don't miss the return of the McCormack Ranch sheep dog trials! The event takes place rain or shine, so tickets are non-refundable. Enjoy a hayride from the parking lot to the course. Don’t forget to bring a folding chair, blanket, and your binoculars for the best experience. Admission is $35.00 per day for adults and children over 13, children 5 through 12 is $5 and under 5 years old are free. Net proceeds from the event support the Solano Rural Defense organization.

• Sun, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• McCormack Ranch
• 7680 Montezuma Hills Rd.
• Rio Vista

Great Vallejo Race

The Great Vallejo Race is a family-fun event. Lots of sailboats, boaters and boating info. The Vallejo Yacht Club will be open to the public for a free day-long event with live music in the evening and food and drink available for purchase. After Race Party: Racers will be greeted at the club by a live band upon arrival. Specialty cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks will be available starting at 3pm.

• Sun, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Vallejo Yacht Club
• 485 Mare Island Way

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

Spring Show - Mare Island Artists

Mare Island Artists Group Show. Open all Sundays in May. A special artist reception will be held next Sunday on May 12 from noon 5 p.m.

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

Celebrating Black History 366

Let's celebrate and learn about the achievements of Black Bay Area leaders throughout history. Music, dance, poetry, soul food, and a special tribute to Bay Area legends.
Free event by Urban Strategies Council.

• Sun, 12:30 to 4 p.m.
• JFK Library – Joseph Room
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Community planning input session for Carquinez Park

Come join Vallejo City Council Member Tina Arriola and GVRD Board Member Thomas Judt and share your thoughts on improving Carquinez Park. This will be an open forum soliciting everyone's input. Bring your questions, ideas and comments and as a community we will begin this stage of the planning process to improve Carquinez Park

• Sun, 1 to 2 p.m.
• Norman C King Community Center
• 545 Magazine St.

Los Cochinos

Los Cochinos is an established Latin rock and soul band that performs original music in the style of Santana.

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

Mother's Day Celebration Weekend

In honor of all mothers and women, Ethnic Notions Fine Art Gallery & Multicultural Bookstore hosts an incredible Mother's Day Celebration.
Artist talk by fine craft artist Soraya Sojous-Brooks on Saturday, May 4 at 3 p.m.
Artist talk by textile artist Constance Terrell on Sunday, May 5 at 3 p.m.

• Sun, 1 to 5 p.m.
• Ethnic Notions Fine Art Gallery & Multicultural Bookstore
• 930 Marin St.

The Foreigner

Play by Larry Shue, directed by Trey Reeves. The scene is a fishing lodge in rural Georgia where nonstop hilarity ensues.

• Sun, 3 to 5:30 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St.

Tribute to Richard Freedman

Bay Area comedians and musicians will lend their talents to commemorate and celebrate the life of Rich Freedman, a local community leader, award-winning reporter, and humanitarian. Freedman's heartwarming sense of humor never failed to bring smiles to our faces. Known for his legendary stories and memorable Cow Comedy appearances in support of local charities, Freedman has truly captivated our community. The event, titled “The Cow has Jumped Over the Moon,” will showcase an eclectic mix of entertainers to an audience comprised of his friends, family, and community members.

• Sun, 3 to 6:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St.

Monday, May 6

Community Drum Circle

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, and a beverage or two. Participation is free. Let us know in advance if you need a drum to borrow.

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

Vallejo Senior Round Table - Caltrans Update

Bart Ney of CalTrans will be give an update on the SR 37 update, the SR 29 overlay, the Fairgrounds Drive and State Route 37 interchange redesign, and the American Canyon and Napa roundabout projects.

• Mon, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
• Florence Douglas Center
• 333 Amador St.

Speak Easy Expressions Poetry Night

Poetry for the soul - open mic every other Monday at Chris' Club.

• Mon, 7 to 11 p.m.
• Chris’ Club
• 656 Benicia Rd.

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.

Tuesday, May 7

Campanelli Youth Chorus after-school class

Campanelli Youth Chorus is an after-school class that offers an enriching choral education and performance experience to school-age children, ages 7 and older. No audition or previous music experience is required.

• Tues, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• Vallejo Community Center
• 225 Amador St.

Family Friendly Comedy

Bay Area Comics - Family Friendly comedy and Italian inspired cuisine - first and third Tuesdays at Bambino's. No cover with dinner.

• Tues, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
• Bambino’s
• 301 Georgia St. #122