Upcoming Vallejo Events — Lemon Festival returns

VALLEJO — The annual Lemon Festival fundraiser party will return to Vallejo on Saturday for the first time since the pandemic. 

This year’s party at the Red Men’s Hall on Georgia Street will benefit the Capitol Stairs landscaping project and feature live jazz by Bob Nadler and the Lemon Drops, as well as lemony treats and cocktails.

Also on Saturday, Fiestas Primavera (Spring Festival) will debut in Benicia City Park. This celebration of Mexican and Hispanic culture celebrates the coming of spring with live music, dancing and delicious food. 

Vallejo event organizer Mario Saucedo was invited to bring a cultural event to Beincia to foster appreciation of Hispanic immigrants and help counter the racism at the root of the dangerous “La Migra” game played by Benicia students. 

Children’s activities include face painting, piñata making and an opportunity to display their artwork about the impact of racism in their community. 

Bambino’s Restaurant in Vallejo transforms into a “Noche De Salsa” Latin night club many Saturday nights after dinner hours. This week’s event features singer/songwriter Carlos Xavier, who combines the R&B, rock and hip-hop musical influences of the San Francisco neighborhood where he grew up with the Latin rhythms of his Nicaraguan heritage.

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Benicia Chamber Players will play music written by women composers at the Benicia Community Congregational Church on Sunday afternoon. 

Sydney Allen, the first Miss Vallejo, will visit the Mare Island Art Studios “Winged Beings” gallery show on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. Come out to meet this spirited young woman and learn about her vision for the betterment of Vallejo.

The “Jewish People, Stories, Voices, Vision” exhibit at the Vallejo Museum comes to a close on Sunday  afternoon by celebrating Purim with costumes, storytelling, music, food, comedy and dancing.

Vallejo’s volunteer kayaking group is back at Lake Chabot on Sundays now that winter is over. The tranquil lake is great for boating beginners, with plenty of experienced kayakers on hand to provide boating and safety tips. Kayaks and safety gear are provided if you don’t have your own. Only a small donation is requested

Check the list below for much more live music, recreation and art happenings.

Wednesday, March 20

Ribbon Cutting at Dan Foley Turf Field

Celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated multi-use synthetic turf playing field.

• Wed, 4 to 5 p.m.
• Dan Foley Park
• 1499 North Camino Alto

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.

Andre Thierry - SOUL

Thierry grew up experiencing the French Kreole dances his grandparents held at their church parish and he developed a love for traditional French Kreole music. He has crafted a career true to his culture and love of music.

• Wed, 6 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, March 21

Art Beat Radio Show – Literary Interview

Literary guest TBA

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

Friday, March 22

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.

Saturday, March 23

Vallejo Run Club Weekly Run

The Vallejo Run Club meets each Saturday morning, rain or shine, next to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. Beginners to ultra marathoners welcome! Sat, 8 a.m. to 9:00 am

• Sat, 8 a.m. to 9:00 am
• Vallejo Ferry Terminal
• 289 Mare Island Way

Beautify Vallejo Day

Trash Pick up downtown in the York Street corridor, downtown alleys. Bring gloves. Sponsored by: Vallejo Beautification Commission Partners: Cal Maritime Central Core Restoration Company and Vallejo Main Street.

• Sat, 8:45 a.m. to noon
• Parking Lot I
• 425 York Street

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 fruits & veggies at  down-to-earth prices.

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

Fiestas Primavera / Spring Festival

“Fiestas Primavera” is a Mexican/Latino Indigenous tradition that celebrates the coming of spring. The vibrant entertainment will include elaborately costumed Aztec Dancers and culminate with a Latin pop and jazz band. Children’s activities will include La Catrina face painting, pinata making, and an exploration of the Mexican/Latino and Indigenous cultures through educational art projects.

• Sat, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Benicia Park
• Military E at 1st St

Kitty Meet and Greet - pet adoptions

Community Cat Advocates has cats and kittens at the Vallejo PetSmart on every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Come meet your next best friend!

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

Winged Beings Art Show

Winged Beings Invitational Art Show by JeanCherie and Friends.

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

Next Episode

Next Episode is a Bay Area Party Band specializing in energetic dance, pop and smooth grooves that appeal to both older and younger generations.

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

Izzy Wasserstein reading, and conversation with Naseem Jamnia

Alibi Bookshop and Tachyon Publications are proud to present author Izzy Wasserstein and her sci-fi debut "These Fragile Graces, This Fugitive Heart." Wasserstein will read and be in conversation with Naseem Jamnia, author of "The Bruising of Qilwa," a queer, noir technothriller of fractured identity and corporate intrigue.

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

Lemon Festival

Fundraiser for Capitol Stairs maintenance ad repair. Live Music by Bob Nadler & the Lemon Drops Jazz Band. Enjoy tasty lemony delights and lemon cocktails. No host bar. Tickets $20.

• Sat, 5 to 7 p.m.
• Red Men’s Hall
• 431 Geogia Street

Live music by Essence

Essence plays a pleasurable mix of jazz, R&B and rock. No cover charge with dinner

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

Live Music with S.R. Laws

S.R. Laws serves up an original style of Rock, Roll, Rhythm, and Soul.

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

Equinox Party

Local art and music from Air Lift Underground, and a late night DJ set from DJ Ennui Goa

• Sat, 7 to 11 p.m.
• IntegriTea Art + Event Space
• 717 Marin Street

Forejour – Tribute to Foreigner and Journey

Forejour recreates the soundtrack of a generation with stunning accuracy. Their multi-media show transports audiences back to the heyday of MTV as the band performs the live soundtrack to cherished videos on screen.

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

Carlos Xavier - Noche De Salsa

Noche de salsa - Salsa night. $15 cover. Xavier is a San Francisco born singer/songwriter with parents from Nicaragua. He draws influence from the music of his upbringing; R&B, hip-hop, salsa, and baladas, and combines them with Latin rhythms.

• Sat, 10:30 to 1:00 am
• Bambino’s
• 301 Georgia St. #122

Serve it to 'em Saturdays

Fabulous drag performers very 4th Saturday at the Townhouse, with Queera Nightly and Avery Night. Hosted by Ava LaShay

• Sat, 10:30 to 1:30 am
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St.

Sunday, March 24

Touro Demonstration Food Forest Installation Workshop

Get your hands dirty and help create a food forest on the Vallejo campus. This last of the three-part series will focus on plant selection, optimum growing conditions and how to arrange a garden space.

• Sun, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Touro University California
• 1310 Club Drive

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

"Open Mare Island" Self-Guided Tours

Walk through 142 years of Mare Island Naval Shipyard history. This free touring event follows a printed driving & walking guide through Mare Island, with docent-staffed stops at St. Peter’s Chapel, Alden Park, the Historic Core, Naval Cemetery and the Mare Island Preserve. Start at Quarters Coffee House to pick up your tour map and enjoy a cup of coffee, compliments of Mare Island Co.

• Sun, noon to 2 p.m.
• Quarters Coffee House
• 1015 Walnut Ave.

Jazz Sunday with Laura Dorais

Song stylist Laura Dorais will be backed by keyboardist Bob Johns to bring us 3 hours of jazz and American Songbook standards. No cover with brunch.

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

Winged Beings Art Show

Winged Beings Invitational Art Show by JeanCherie and Friends Regular hours Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. through March 30.

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

The Jewish People - Stories, Voices, Vision. Closing celebration

Closing Purim celebration for the exhibit curated by Askari Sowonde. Costumes, storytelling, music, food, comedy, dancing—there's fun for everyone! A children's area will be available and people of all ages are welcome. Security will be provided. There is no charge.

• Sun, 1 to 6 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St.

Benicia Novelists Meet & Greet

Join us for a delightful afternoon at The McCune as members of the Benicia Novelists Circle share excerpts from their writings on a variety of topics, emceed by Karen Finlay, proprietor of the Alibi Bookshop. Finger food & light refreshments will be served.

• Sun, 2 to 4 p.m.
• McCune Room, John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Child/Adult Workshop: Magical Glass

The world of stained glass will come alive for you and your child in this fun, interactive workshop at St. Peter’s Chapel on Mare Island. The session will start with a look at the Chapel’s luminous stained glass windows, which include 25 by Tiffany Studios, as the children learn how they were made and what stories they tell. ‍

• Sun, 3 to 4:15 p.m.
• St. Peter’s Chapel
• 1181 Walnut Avenue, Mare Island

Her Voice: Chamber Music by Women Composers

“Her Voice” celebrates the rich heritage of string quartet compositions by women composers from diverse historical and cultural backgrounds.
Program: Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel – “String Quartet in E-flat Major,” Jessie Montgomery – “Strum,” Florence Price – “String Quartet in G Major,” and Ethel Smyth – “String Quartet in C Minor.”

• Sun, 3 to 5 p.m.
• Benicia Community Congregational Church
• 1305 W 2nd St.

Monday, March 25

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

Tuesday, March 26

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

City Council Regular Meeting

Agendas can be viewed on the city’s Agendas & Videos web page and are posted a minimum of 72 hours in advance of regular meetings. Zoom option available for remote participation.

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