Upcoming Vallejo Events — LaRussell to headline Vallejo street festival Thursday

VALLEJO — The last August Summer Nights block party this year features a free show by renowned Vallejo rapper, LaRussell. 

This prolific artist has rejuvenated the Vallejo rap scene, releasing 32 albums over six years. Food trucks, street performers, art vendors and a kid zone round out the event with fun for the whole family, Thursday evening in downtown Vallejo on Georgia and Marin Streets.

If you’re not ready to go home when the block party winds down, head over to the Red Men’s Hall for their “4th Corner Speakeasy” after-party, with live music by The Usual Suspects.

A Taste of the Bay Food Festival at the Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Green on Saturday afternoon will feature food vendors from around the Bay Area and goods from local small businesses. Vallejo Poet Laureates will join the festivities hosting a Poetry Playground and Chalk Walk, where you can take your creativity to the sidewalk. Free chalk for children while supplies last.

The Vallejo Chamber of Commerce will welcome Good Neighbor Flea Market to Vallejo with a ribbon cutting on Saturday morning. This new business is a vibrant marketplace where vendors can sell clothing, antiques, toys, furniture, coins, and produce, and shoppers can find unique treasures. 

Two opportunities for musicians to jam together are happening this week. IntegriTea will celebrate the international “Play Music On the Porch Day” on Saturday afternoon. You can bring your own instrument or borrow one of theirs. Then on Monday evening, unwind at the monthly Community Drum Circle at the Mira Theatre and celebrate life through the beat of drums.

Bay Area Comics will make you laugh with family-friendly comedy while you dine on Italian inspired cuisine at Bambino's restaurant this Tuesday evening. No cover with dinner. 

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

Wednesday, August 28

Storytime at Children's Wonderland

Storytime at Children's Wonderland Park is free to all Vallejo residents.

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

Anime Cafe

Socialize, snack, and enjoy anime/fandom activities. This month: Pokemon-Ball Rice Crispy Treats! Attendees will help decide what we will do for the activity/theme next month.

• Wed, 2 to 4 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave.

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

Chicago Blues All-Stars

Chicago Blues All-Stars is an American blues band based in Chicago that incorporates elements of funk, soul, R&B, and hip-hop. The band includes numerous inductees in the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame and has been a headliner for shows such as Buddy Guy’s Legends featured on PBS and at music venues Kingston Mines and House Of Blues.

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

August Book Club: Day of the Locust by Nathanael West

Join us for a lively discussion about "Day of the Locust," a 1939 classic about California dreaming and Hollywood scheming. No novel more perfectly captures the nuttier side of Hollywood, reflecting the follies, scandals, and the lunacies of an entire nation.

• Wed, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
• Alibi Bookshop
• 624 Marin St.

Poetry by the Bay

This is the spot where poets gather to share their work and to hear the work of others. Come experience what’s been created, curated, and aged for nearly two decades. Vallejo’s longest running poetry open mic since 2008. Tickets are free, but seating is limited so reserve yours today

• Wed, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Mira Theatre
• 51 Daniels Ave.

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.

Thursday, August 29

August Summer Nights - LaRussell

Vallejo rapper LaRussell is the headliner for the last August Summer Nights show this year, playing on the Georgia Street Stage at 6 p.m. LaRussell has rejuvenated the Vallejo rap scene with prolific album production. Food trucks, street performers, art vendors and a kid zone will make it a fun event for all.

• Thurs, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Marin Streets

4th Corner Speakeasy - August Summer Nights After-party

Music, dancing, comedy, full bar, and live music by the Usual Suspects.

• Thurs, 8:30 to 11:45 pm
• Red Men’s Hall
• 431 Georgia St.

Friday, August 30

Family Storytime

Our family storytimes are great for screen-free families. Have children of different ages? Bring them all! These stories and activities are for everyone.

• Fri, 10 a.m. to 10:30 am
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave.

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.

Live Music Friday with Deep Basement Shakers

Stompin’ barrelhouse, early blues and roots music with a unique sound featuring piano, washboard, suitcase and assorted DIY percussion.

• Fri, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Co. – Coal Shed Brewery
• 860 Nimitz Ave.

How to Survive an Apocalypse

An apocalyptic romantic comedy by Jordan Hall, directed by by Matthew Goff. A young and successful urban couple becomes convinced that their lifestyle is coming to an end. They become “preppers,” hoarding supplies and learning to hunt. But their obsession takes its toll, and they are both forced to imagine the apocalypse without the love of their life.

• Fri, 8 to 11 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St.

Saturday, August 31

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. Sample coffees from around the world side-by-side, develop your palate and discover coffees you love that you never knew existed.

• 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, 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

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for Good Neighbor Flea Market

Join the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce as we welcome this new business to Vallejo! We will be cutting the ribbon at 10am sharp with shopping & food after! This unique to Vallejo business is sure to have something for everyone! Good Neighbor Flea Market is a vibrant marketplace where vendors can sell clothing, antiques, toys, furniture, coins, and produce. Shoppers can explore a multitude of vendors and find unique treasures. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 10:30 am
• Good Neighbor Flea Market
• 200 Tennessee St.

Bilingual Family Storytime

Swing by and dive into a whirlwind of tales in English and Spanish, spiced up with a dash of singing, dancing and playtime! Disfruta de los cuentos, canciones, y rimas con tu familia.

• Sat, 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 am
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave.

A Taste of the Bay Food Festival

You’re Invited to join us at this food festival featuring food vendors from around the Bay Area. You will also have a chance to shop with Bay Area small businesses.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Green
• 301 Mare Island Way

Poetry & Art Chalk Walk

Come to the Waterfront Park in Vallejo and participate in our Poetry Playground and Chalk Walk activities, a part of the Taste of the Bay Food Festival. Learn about our environment from Recology and take your creativity to the sidewalk. Draw your vision of our beautiful planet! Free chalk for children as long as supplies last.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Green
• 301 Mare Island Way

Artiszen's Art of Community Exhibit

Mare Island Art Studios and Artiszen Cultural Arts Center are joining to celebrate the Art of Community, featuring guests from Artiszen’s past shows, along with some exciting new artists and a sneak peak at Erin Bakke’s beautiful upcoming book. Embracing the old school Artiszen 'Art of Community' style, we aim to bring the community together and celebrate that magical "Vallejo Art Renaissance" that began 10 years ago, while looking forward to a future filled with even more community art.

• Sat, 12 to 5 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Play Music On the Porch Day

August 31 is International Play Music On the Porch Day. We intend to get together on the porch at the IntegriTea Space and play some music together. Bring an instrument, or borrow one of ours.

• Sat, 12 to 4 p.m.
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin St.

Alibi Bookshop Presents: An Afternoon With Poet Amy Lee

Please join us for a very special afternoon celebrating poet Amy Lee, and the release of her book, "Bird with a Bright Object." a collection of original poetry created to inspire lovers of words. AmyLee's work explores Life, Grief, Family, Ancestors, Love, Nature, and Self-reflection with an open mind and heart.

• Sat, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
• Alibi Bookshop
• 624 Marin St.

Phil Greene

Enjoy an evening of your favorite covers from the 60's to today covering Rock, Folk and Country genres!

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

Joyce Grant

Singer songwriter Joyce Grant determined at an early age that she was going to be a singer and spent her elementary and high school days performing in choir and musical theater. Her unique shows consist of a blend of jazz, blues, country western, Rhythm and Blues, and funk. Her vocal interpretations range from sensitive to powerful to cheeky over a broad spectrum of charts.

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

How to Survive an Apocalypse

An apocalyptic romantic comedy by Jordan Hall, directed by by Matthew Goff. A young and successful urban couple becomes convinced that their lifestyle is coming to an end. They become “preppers,” hoarding supplies and learning to hunt. But their obsession takes its toll, and they are both forced to imagine the apocalypse without the love of their life.

• Sat, 8 to 11 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St.

Salinas Brothers Band & Friends

With a blend of rock and jazz and a little rhythm & blues, The Salinas Brothers sound is one of a kind. Get in early and get ready to dance. $10 cover after 10pm

• Sat, 9 to 12:00 am
• Gentleman Jim’s
• 1324 Lincoln Rd. E

Sunday, September 1

Kayak Practice and Fun

Paddle around Lake Chabot, weather permitting. Kayak provided if you don’t have one. $10 suggested donation. Check the Facebook Kayaking Biking group for updates. Dates and times may change because of weather or volunteer availability. Bring your kayak, PFD, and gear, or we will provide you with what you need free of charge to help you decide what is best for you.

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

Nocturnes at Personal Space

This is the last day of the Nocturnes exhibition featuring the work of eight artists.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Personal Space Art Gallery
• 1505 Tennessee St.

Artiszen's Art of Community Exhibit

Mare Island Art Studios and Artiszen Cultural Arts Center are joining to celebrate the Art of Community, featuring guests from Artiszen’s past shows, along with some exciting new artists and a sneak peak at Erin Bakke’s beautiful upcoming book. Embracing the old school Artiszen 'Art of Community' style, we aim to bring the community together and celebrate that magical "Vallejo Art Renaissance" that began 10 years ago, while looking forward to a future filled with even more community art.

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

How to Survive an Apocalypse

An apocalyptic romantic comedy by Jordan Hall, directed by by Matthew Goff. A young and successful urban couple becomes convinced that their lifestyle is coming to an end. They become “preppers,” hoarding supplies and learning to hunt. But their obsession takes its toll, and they are both forced to imagine the apocalypse without the love of their life.

• Sun, 3 to 6 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St.

Special Sunday Edition Karaoke — British Invasion!

On this special edition of Sunday Karaoke, we are celebrating the British Invasion and will sing songs that came out of all of the United Kingdom, past and present.

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

Monday, September 2

Community Drum Circle

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 or two.

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

Movement with Mary Jane

We are excited to welcome you to Movement with Mary Jane. A guided movement flow to enhance the mind, body, spirit connection. Let’s conspire to inspire. This is an infused experience for people 21 and over, unless you have a doctor’s recommendation.

• Mon, 6 to 9 p.m.
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin St.

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, September 3

"I Need A Mic" writing workshop

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

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

Vallejo Doodle and Draw Night

Drawing club open to all ages and skill levels. This is a free event. Donations appreciated.

• Tues, 6 to 8 p.m.
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin 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

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

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