Upcoming Vallejo Events – Maker Faire resumes, youth theater

VALLEJO —  This weekend Maker Faire resumes on Mare Island, On the Fringe Youth Theatre opens a musical comedy at the Vallejo Museum, and Earl “E-40” Stevens will be honored with a key to the city.

Two little-used warehouses that flank the historic coalsheds on the Mare Island waterfront promenade will be filled with quirky inventions, contraptions and art on the final weekend of Maker Faire’s debut on Mare Island. The fire art sculptures will be lit up on the weekend evenings.

Friday is Maker Faire “Preview Day,” with smaller crowds and student groups browsing the many exhibits. Expect bigger crowds on Saturday and Sunday, with event traffic diverted to a parking lot on the north side of the Causeway, and shuttles to and from the faire.

Don’t let the apparent traffic barricade prevent you from turning left onto Nimitz Avenue to visit the art exhibit at Mare Island Art Studios, open both Saturday and Sunday. The Neverwas Haul three-story Victorian steampunk art car in the studio’s parking lot will be open for free tours on Sunday. 

The City of Vallejo will honor rapper and entrepreneur E-40 with an honorary street sign and keys to the city at a ceremony on Magazine Street on Saturday morning.

The Dolphin Charters’ tour of the Napa River offers a relaxing form of entertainment on a Saturday afternoon cruise and Mare Island Heritage Trust fundraiser. Sip some wine, watch migrating birds, and sit back and enjoy the view.

On Friday, catch a free preview of the citywide Vallejo Open Studios at the opening reception for the month-long exhibit at the Vallejo Museum.

On the Fringe Youth Theatre will open their production of the musical comedy, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” at the museum on Friday. It will run through this weekend and the next.

Saturday is the museum's monthly free admission day, so you can catch the Open Studios exhibit then, as well as story time for kids at 11 a.m. Then the International KidsNFilm Festival will have three screenings at 1, 3 and 5 p.m.

There’s always a wide variety of music in Vallejo, with free salsa dance lessons at Waterfront Park and hip-hop artists Stone II and Yungn Lil'P at the new Thow Wow Studio on Tennessee Street on Saturday, in addition to the usual fare.

The bimonthly Dillon Bread Company bakery popup this Thursday will feature Halloween-themed treats and vintage décor. 

Check the listings below for more live music, literature, and community events.

Wednesday, October 18

Carmen Ratti Blues Band

Carmen Ratti Band featuring vocalist Jill Dineen, delivers high-energy contemporary blues to every show, with powerful originals and steamy covers.

• Wed, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre Lounge 
• 324 Virginia St. 

Lawyers @ Your Library

Local attorneys offer free legal advice and referral. Sign up in-person or by phone (1-866-572-7587) starting at 9:00 AM on the day of the program. Lawyer consultations from 5:30-7:30 PM.

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

Thursday, October 19

DBC Bakery Popup

Get yummy, fresh artisan-baked treats while they last. This popup features Halloween-themed treats and Sarah Cain’s Spirited Sweet Chocolates.

• Thurs, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Dillon Bread Company 
• 451 Ryder St., Suite B 

Storytime at Children's Wonderland

Join our friends from the Solano County Library for free storytime.

• Thurs, 11 a.m. to 11:45 am 
• Children’s Wonderland 
• 360 Glenn St. 

Social Justice in Public Health - The Digital Divide as a Social Determinant of Health 

Touro University’s Social Justice in Public Health Seminar (webinar) series continues with a discussion on the digital divide as a social determinant of health and models for expanding affordable broadband access to advance civil and human rights and gender equity. Speaker Maya Wiley, J.D. is a renowned expert on racial justice and equity. 

• Thurs, 5 to 7 p.m.
• Online

Haunters: the Art of the Scare

Documentary about how haunted houses for Halloween have spawned a controversial subculture of full-contact terror simulations. There will be an optional group discussion about the topics presented following the film.

• Thu, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 
• John F. Kennedy Library, Program Room 
• 505 Santa Clara St. 

Online Monarch Butterfly Habitat Workshop

Solano Resource Conservation District is offering a free online workshop to help residents learn how to provide monarch habitat in as little as 100 square feet in their own backyard. 

• Thurs, 7 to 8 p.m.
• Online

Friday, October 20

Maker Faire

Friday is “Preview Day,” with smaller crowds and an emphasis on student activities. Reward your curiosity and spark your creativity. Tickets are cheaper purchased in advance online!

• Fri, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Mare Island Promenade 
• 850 Nimitz Ave. 

The Makery: Open Use Hours & Make it Fridays!

Come experience Solano County Library's maker space. Equipment includes: 3D printer, vinyl cutter, digital production equipment, and much more!

• Fri, 2:00 to 4:45 p.m. 
• John F. Kennedy Library 
• 505 Santa Clara St. 

Jassver art and fashion show, with music by David Bustamante and Bobby Santos

Music by David Bustamante and Bobby Santos, and a fashion show by our very own local artist Veronica Lindsey. Minors welcome, kids 12 and under are free. 

• Fri, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
• Vino Godfather 
• 1005 Walnut Ave. @ Kansas St. 

Live Music with Groovy Judy

Enjoy dinner, drinks and dancing and share the love with Hendrix inspired funk rock, good food and a family friendly vibe.

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

Vallejo Open Studios Opening Reception

The Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum will host a special, month-long show featuring VOS Artists Oct. 21 through Nov. 25. Meet the artists and get a preview at the opening reception.

• Fri, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

On the Fringe Youth Theatre presents “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” a delightful musical comedy. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words.

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

Saturday, October 21

Community Coffee Tasting

Mingle with friends and neighbors while sipping free coffee samples. There is a new cafe at the roasting site with an espresso machine and an outdoor grill offering 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 and veggies, exotic varieties, as well as some nice specialty booths with local honey and baked goods and such at  down-to-earth prices.

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

"E-40" Street naming ceremony

The City of Vallejo is organizing a ceremony to honor Earl “E-40” Stevens to celebrate his life and legacy as a hip-hop icon. The City will unveil E-40’s honorary street sign designation, provide him with a key to the city and deliver a proclamation reading. 

• Sat, 10 a.m. to noon
• E-40 Street 
• Magazine and Del Sur Streets 

Free Family Day

Free admission all day. Join us at 11:00 am for story time in English, Spanish and Tagalog, recommended for children aged 8 and under. Participants under age five receive a free new book and a plush toy. Snacks are available for kids of all ages. 

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum 
• 734 Marin St. 

Maker Faire

Immerse yourself in a world where robots come alive, art defies boundaries, drones soar through the sky, and groundbreaking technology shapes the future. Tickets are cheaper purchased in advance online!

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Mare Island Promenade 
• 850 Nimitz Ave. 

Back to the Future Toastmasters Open House with Pizza

Learn public speaking tips and tricks with Toastmasters.We help one another grow and achieve our speaking goals.  Hybrid meeting

• Sat, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 am 
• Online and at Cogir of the North Bay
• 2261 Tuolumne St. 

Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Sale

Find pumpkins for sale, animals to enjoy, a train to ride, plants to buy, and activities to participate in. Admission to the festival is free. Prices for the individual activities vary.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Loma Vista Farm
• 150 Rainier Dr.

José Martinez and Mark Martin Exhibition

Artwork by José Martinez and Mark Martin will be up during the month of October. Bring something for the community Dia De Los Muertos altar. Often it is a picture or remembrance of a loved one. A table is set up where you can make your own paper flowers.

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

The International KidsNFilm Festival

A great lineup of family-friendly short stories, animations, and stop-motion films by local youth and professional filmmakers from across the globe. VCUSD students with student IDs can attend for free!

• Sat, screenings at 1, 3 and 5 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St.

Time Bandits

. With a repertoire of all your favorite dance hits, ranging from classic to modern, this band will have you on your feet and dancing all night long. 

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

Napa River Cruise - Mare Island Heritage Trust Fundraiser

Cruise up the Mare Island Strait and the Napa River. Migration is underway so expect to see shorebirds and waterfowl. Wine and non-alcoholic drinks, light appetizers and desserts will be served.

• Sat, 3:30 to 6 p.m.
• Vallejo Municipal Marina 
• 42 Harbor Way 

Salsa Saturdays

Come in your tropical best attire. Free salsa instruction 4:30 p.m. Free style/public salsa 5:30-7 p.m. 

• Sat, 4 to 7 p.m.
• Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Park 
• 301 Mare Island Way 

Live Music with Ron McGee

Enjoy dinner, drinks and dancing to the contemporary jazz of Ron McGee.

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

Live Music Saturday with Micah Hammac

Vallejo artist and singer-songwriter Micah Hammac’s original songs wander through grief, growth and a life full of stories.

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

Stone II & Yungn Lil'P

Stone II & Yungn Lil'P are coming to the newest music venue in Vallejo along with performances from Magz, CJ, LLO, DJ KB, DJ Isah, & Tamajah Bless. Advance ticket purchase recommended.

• Sat, 7 to 11 p.m.
• Thou Wow Studio 
• 905 Tennessee St.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

On the Fringe Youth Theatre presents “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” a delightful den of comedic genius. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words.

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

Sunday, October 22

Maker Faire

Immerse yourself in a world where robots come alive, art defies boundaries, drones soar through the sky, and groundbreaking technology shapes the future. Tickets are cheaper purchased in advance online!

• Sun, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Mare Island Promenade 
• 850 Nimitz Ave. 

Neverwas Haul Tours

Come tour the world-famous Neverwas Haul, a 3-story Victorian House on Wheels that was built for Burning Man in 2006. Mare Island Art Studios is about a six-block walk from the Maker Faire entrance.

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

José Martinez and Mark Martin Exhibition

Artwork by José Martinez and Mark Martin will be up during the month of October. Bring something for the community Dia De Los Muertos altar. Often it is a picture or remembrance of a loved one. A table is set up where you can make your own paper flowers.

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

Monday, October 23

City of Vallejo Districts 3 and 6 Community Meeting

Hear City staff provide the latest information on public safety and crime, weed abatement and fire hazards, economic development, maintenance and more. You are invited to share your input on these important topics.

• Mon, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Glen Cove Elementary 
• 501 Glen Cove Pkwy. 

Filipino American Author and Historian Mel Orpilla

Author, historian and Filipino American advocate Mel Orpilla discusses his book “Filipinos in Vallejo”, providing a fascinating insider’s look at Filipino history and culture.

• Mon, 6 to 7 p.m.
• JFK Library – Joseph Room 
• 505 Santa Clara 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.

• Mon, 7 to 10 p.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge 
• 401A Georgia St. 

Tuesday, October 24

City Council Regular Meeting

City Council meetings are now hybrid in-person and on Zoom. The Oct. 24 meeting agenda is linked here.

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

Editor's note: This story as been was updated to add the KidsNFilm, Vallejo Open Studios and Loma Vista Farm events.