Upcoming Vallejo Events — Live indie music at the Empress Lounge

VALLEJO — There are plenty of fun things to do in Vallejo this week, with live music, art shows, a rollerblading bootcamp and an author event among the many activities to choose from.

The third installment of the Indie After Dark series of shows will liven up the Empress Lounge with original music on Thursday evening. The show will feature San Francisco trio Sting Raze and special guest Mothball Fleet. Sting Raze fuses electronic, garage rock, and psychedelic sounds. Mothball Fleet will open the show with hypnotic rhythms and haunting melodies. Indie After Dark gives independent emerging artists an intimate venue to play their music on the third Thursday of each month.

There are many more options to enjoy live music this weekend. Singer and guitarist Arriane Del will play at the Coal Shed Brewery on Friday evening, Ariel Marin and her band will rock out at Vino Godfather on Saturday afternoon, jazz singer Joyce Grant will perform at the Ferry Taproom later that evening, and Foreverland, a Michael Jackson tribute band, will play at the Empress Theatre on Saturday night.

For late night Saturday entertainment, check out the “Serve it to ‘Em Saturdays” drag show at the Townhouse Cocktail Lounge hosted by Ava LaShay, Queera Nightly and Avery Night.

The “Give Me Light” art show opens  at the Personal Space Gallery on Sunday Afternoon. Live music by Paon will highlight the event. The matrix of artworks curated by Isaac Vazquez-Avila functions like a kaleidoscopic prism on reality, that at once fractures and brings into focus the sensory elements of moving through space.

On Saturday afternoon, Vallejo author Dr. Thomas Snyder will celebrate the release of his book, "Mare Island Naval Hospital: A History 1864 - 1957”  at Alibi Bookshop. The painstakingly researched book spans nearly a century of naval history and medical innovations.

If you’re into roller skating, the Carquinez Quad Squad will begin a five-week long roller derby bootcamp on Sunday at the Solano County Fairgrounds. Participants 18 and over will learn the non-contact beginner roller skate skills necessary to play roller derby as safely as possible.

Women’s History Month continues with the “Women building Vallejo - Inaugural Breakfast Celebration” on Saturday morning at the Norman C. King Community Center. The event will feature a delicious breakfast, refreshing beverages, educational guest speakers, and interactive activities designed to inspire personal and professional growth.

These are just some highlights of upcoming events. Scroll down the list below for more music, art, poetry and recreational activities, and check our events page for late-breaking updates.

Wednesday, March 19

Bilingual Storytime

Stories, music, movement and fun for kids 0-5 years of age every Wednesday morning at 10:30 AM. Cuentos, música, danza, y diversión para niños de edades 0-5 cada Miércoles a las 10:30 en la mañana.

• Wed, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Anime Cafe

Socialize, snack, and do anime themed activities.

• Wed, 2 to 3 p.m.
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave. Vallejo

Read to a Dog

By providing safe, positive interaction with animals, Read to a Dog offers children a relaxed, non-judgmental environment in which to practice reading. Recommended for children ages 5-12.

• Wed, 4 to 5 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Homework Help Center

Grades K-8 can work with a tutor for one-on-one homework help. Drop-ins welcome. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Wed, 4 to 6 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Pound Workout

Please join us for a full-body workout featuring light-weighted drumsticks! Pound is a mixture of plyometrics and Pilates.The workout will consist of a warm-up song, 2 squat songs, 2 lunge songs, 2 ab songs and a cooldown. Sticks and yoga mats will be provided. We encourage you to bring water bottles! All participants must be over the age of 18. April 9th and 30th classes will be held outside, weather permitting

• Wed, 5 to 5:30 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Lawyers in the Library

The Vallejo JFK Library offers the Lawyers in the Library program on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. Each meeting is 15 minutes. Please call or come in-person at 9am on the day of the program to reserve a spot. If you would like more information, please call us at (866) 572-7587.

• Wed, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

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

Chris James & Patrick Ryan

Chris James and Patrick Rynn are at the forefront of today’s Blues movement. They lead their own widely acclaimed band and have toured the world playing behind some of the greatest Blues legends in the field. The duo’s tough, real-deal electric music is firmly rooted in the Chicago Blues tradition.

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

Wednesday Night Open Mic

A friendly space for both beginning musicians and seasoned professionals. Comedians and poets also welcome. First come, first serve sign-up. 3 songs or 15 minutes. We run through the roster until people run out of songs or energy.

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

Thursday, March 20

Stay & Play @ JFK

Join other families at this library play group. Build friendships and community. This event will repeat every Thursday morning with open play plus a reading corner. Adult supervision is required.

• Thu, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

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

Teen Empowerment Workshop Session 2

Workshop by Club Stride focuses on overcoming limiting beliefs to promote confidence and motivation. Each workshop integrates practical tools and activities like vision boards, group discussions, and strategies for long-term success. "Kaizen: Small Steps, Big Impact" - Teaches incremental improvement techniques for sustained personal and academic growth.

• Thu, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Through the Veil Thursdays - An Exploration of Metaphysical Arts

Through the Veil Thursdays is a weekly exploration of the metaphysical arts. Join us every Thursday at the Integrity Space with a rotating cast of facilitators focusing on a variety of intuitive arts over a hot cup of tea or coffee.

• Thu, 6 to 9 p.m.
• 717 Integrity Project
• 717 Marin St., Vallejo

Sting Raze with special guests Mothball Fleet

Sting Raze with special guests Mothball Fleet at Empress Marquee Club. Doors open at 6:30 PM, show starts at 7:30 PM. Sting Raze is a San Francisco-based trio known for their fusion of electronic, garage rock, and psychedelic sounds. Mothball Fleet brings their unique blend of heavy, hypnotic rhythms and haunting melodies, promising an unforgettable live experience.

• Thu, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
• Empress Lounge
• 330 Virginia St., Vallejo

Intuitive Mind with Dr. G

Learn about the energy of thought and of the body, according to science. Consciously build a thought pattern that provides a psychic perception. Topics include a broad review of matters pertaining to the Mystic & Healing Arts.

• Thu, 7 p.m.
• 717 Integrity Project
• 717 Marin St., Vallejo

Friday, March 21

Family Storytime

Our family storytimes are great for the whole family. Have children of different ages? Bring them all! These stories and activities are for everyone.

• Fri, 10 to 10:35 a.m.
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

March Mini Makers

Kids ages 2-6 are invited to attend the March Mini Makers series of hands-on STEM activities. Today we will use recycled materials to build our own creation.

• Fri, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

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

Skewer Sculptures

Celebrate Women's History Month at Springstowne Library. Join Jie-Jie's Art Box with making skewer sculptures using inspirational words, stickers, and drawings. Materials will be provided.

• Fri, 3 to 4 p.m.
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Arriane Del

Singer, dancer & guitarist Arriane Del, commands the stage with an unmatched energy and charisma that sets her apart as the ultimate performer. Specializing in Top 40 covers, pop, dance, soul, R&B, classics, jazz, and more, her dynamic repertoire caters to diverse audiences.

• Fri, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Co - Coal Shed Brewery
• 850 Nimitz Ave., Vallejo

Saturday, March 22

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

Community Coffee Tasting with Sobre Cuerdas

Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes while listening to reggae pop fusion by the Sobre Cuerdas duo. Music played from 10 a.m. to 1p.m.

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

Women Building Vallejo - Inaugural Breakfast Celebration

Women across Vallejo and beyond are invited to come together for the Women Building Vallejo – Inaugural Breakfast Celebration, a transformative event dedicated to empowerment, connection, and collective vision-building. The event will feature a delicious breakfast, refreshing beverages, educational guest speakers, and interactive activities designed to inspire personal and professional growth. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with women-led businesses and vendors, exploring products and services that contribute to community success.

• Sat, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
• Norman C. King South Vallejo Community Center
• 545 Magazine St., Vallejo

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

Dungeons & Dragons

Hosted by Game Master Mr. Calloway. Create your Player Character and explore this doomed world. No Experience Necessary. Ages 12 and up. Remote participation options.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

From Life

Join us for “From Life,” an evocative exhibition by acclaimed artist JeanCherie, featuring a stunning collection of sculptures, paintings, and drawings inspired by live human models. This retrospective highlights Cherie’s extensive career in sculpture, showcasing her dedication to capturing the essence of the human form.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado 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, noon to 3 p.m.
• PetSmart
• 952 Admiral Callaghan Lane, Vallejo

Ariel Marin

Known as "Sade of The Bay" Ariel Marin is a refreshingly eclectic powerhouse songstress on track to be the next global superstar. A recording artist with a 5 octave range, and angelic pipes, she is a force of nature. She plays it all, from Fleetwood Mac to Motown, Sade to Lynyrd Skynrd, Journey to The Eagles, Chaka Khan to top 40 radio hits, classics.

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

Community Art Celebrated With Poetry

All visitors are welcome to write a poem about a piece of artwork in the "Community Art Celebrated With Poetry" exhibit. Poets will read their poems at the open mic and meet the artists on Friday, April 11 at 6:00 p.m. at the gallery.

• Sat, 3 to 5 p.m.
• Temple Arts Lofts Gallery
• 340 Virginia Street, Vallejo

"Mare Island Naval Hospital: A History" Book Release

We are honored and thrilled to host Vallejo's own Dr. Thomas Snyder and celebrate the release of his book, "Mare Island Naval Hospital: A History 1864- 1957.” Not only is "Mare Island Naval Hospital" important medical history, it's important Naval and Vallejo/Mare Island history as well. This meticulously researched work, nearly a century of medical and naval history, offers an insightful and engaging narrative that highlights the intrepidity, creativity, and resourcefulness of those who served.”

• Sat, 4 p.m.
• Alibi Bookshop
• 624 Marin St, Vallejo

Live Music Saturday with Joyce Grant

Vallejo local singer, Joyce Grant returns to the Ferry Taproom with her powerful mix of jazz, blues, and R&B.‍

• Sat, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Company - Ferry Taproom
• 289 Mre Island Way, Vallejo

Foreverland

Foreverland: The Electrifying Tribute to Michael Jackson, has been leading a larger-than-life celebration of Michael Jackson's musical legacy from coast to coast. A different kind of tribute band, you won't see any impersonations here. Instead, Foreverland simply aims to honor and do justice to the music and spirit of the King of Pop. Michael Jackson lives forever with Foreverland, as they carry out his mission to move audiences' hearts and dancing feet with music night after night.

• Sat, 8 to 10:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia 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, March 23

Carquinez Quad Squad 2025 Spring Bootcamp

Welcome to Carquinez Quad Squad. We would love for you to join our Spring 2025 Roller Derby Bootcamp, 03/23/25-04/29/25: Tuesdays 6 to 8 p.m. Sundays 11a.m. to 1 p.m. These sessions focus solely on the non-contact beginner roller skate skills necessary to play roller derby as safely as possible. For participants 18 and over

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sheep Barn - Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Dr, Vallejo

Pilates for the Community with David El

Join David El for Pilates with the community. $20 Suggested donation

• Sun, 11 a.m. to noon
• 717 Integrity Project
• 717 Marin St, Vallejo

St. Peter's Chapel - Self-guided Tour

St. Peter's Chapel is open to the public every second and fourth Sunday of the month. 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.

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

From Life

Join us for “From Life,” an evocative exhibition by acclaimed artist JeanCherie, featuring a stunning collection of sculptures, paintings, and drawings inspired by live human models. This retrospective highlights Cherie’s extensive career in sculpture, showcasing her dedication to capturing the essence of the human form.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St., Vallejo

Bunco Party

Join us at The Arc-Solano for an afternoon of Bunco! This fun dice game is fast-paced and easy to master. Our doors will open at 1 pm and we'll get started with our first game by 1:30 pm. We'll have fun prizes for our winners and finger foods to keep your tummy happy. The Arc-Solano promotes personal growth, community understanding, and full participation of people with developmental disabilities and their families through support, education, and advocacy.

• Sun, 1 to 4 p.m.
• The Arc-Solano
• 3272 Sonoma Blvd. Suite 4, Vallejo

"Give Me Light" Artist’s Reception and Opening

Give Me Light is curated by Isaac Vazquez-Avila. Live music by Paon and beverages by Village. This show marks the first in a series of artist-curated exhibitions* that invites an artist to gather the work of the creative forces behind their present thinking. The matrix of artists culled together here function together like a kaleidoscopic prism on reality that at once fractures and brings into focus the sensory elements of moving through space.

• Sun, 2 to 5 p.m.
• Personal Space
• 1505 Tennessee St, Vallejo

Poetry Open Mic & Live Music

Let's explore the spoken word as we commune over poetry, music, tea, and community.

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

Salsa & Bachata Class

Salsa & Bachata Class by Cuban Rhythm and Rumba Studio, Every Sunday!

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

Monday, March 24

Cardio Fitness

Want to relieve stress and get fit at the same time? Come boogie at the library for an upbeat workout jamming to some hip hop, R&B, Latin, and Bollywood tunes. This workout involves a combination of dancing and other cardio-aerobic, non-weight training.

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

Movement with Mary Jane

Movement with Mary Jane is a guided movement flow to enhance the mind, body, spirit connection. This is an infused experience for people 21 and over, exceptions made if you have a doctor’s recommendation. 6 to 7 p.m. is the "Inhale Session,” where we vaporize our herbal allies and unwind over freshly brewed tea. 7 to 8 p.m. is the "Exhale Flow", where we center in our breath and find balance in our bodies through a guided series of yoga-inspired movements and stretches, moving into gentle, breath-informed dance.

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

Emotions Anonymous

Emotions Anonymous is a support group open to anyone experiencing emotional difficulties and who are willing to find support in a recovery group. The Vallejo chapter is open to all and recognizes that the symptoms or situations may be different, but the weekly support offered may remind others they are not alone in their struggles. We welcome people of all ages and backgrounds to come together to share their personal experiences and learn to find serenity and peace of mind.

• Mon, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Build It Day!

Families: Stop in any time this week to play with building supplies. Create at your own pace and add onto what others build. Test out the discovery ramps and see what kind of wooden marble run you can create. What can you engineer out of the materials available?

• Mon, to
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Tuesday, March 25

Baby Bounce

Just for babies and their grownups! Bring your baby for some cozy, active time on your lap. Baby storytime is designed for meaningful one-on-one interaction between baby and caregiver. We'll have songs, rhymes, a book or two, and plenty of activities for both of you that are developmentally appropriate for children from birth to when they start walking.

• Tue, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Family Storytime

Our family storytimes are great for the whole family. Have children of different ages? Bring them all! These stories and activities are for everyone.

• Tue, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Road to Employment

Get help with your job search by meeting with a representative from Solano County's Work Force Development Board.

• Tue, 2 to 4 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

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

Sahaja Yoga

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

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

City Council Regular Meeting

City Council meetings are hybrid in-person and on Zoom. Agendas can be viewed on the City Agendas & Videos webpage and are posted a minimum of 72 hours in advance for regular meetings and 24 hours in advance of special meetings. A video link at the left of the agenda page will also serve as a future archive of the meeting. For better live video performance, use the direct Zoom link found in the first paragraph of the agenda window, on the second tab. City Council meetings are also broadcast on Vallejo’s cable channel, VCAT.

• Tue, 7 to 11 p.m.
• Zoom link
• Vallejo City Hall
• 555 Santa Clara St, Vallejo

Editor's note — this story was updated to correct the day of Dr. Thomas Snyder's book release at Alibi Bookshop.