Upcoming Vallejo Events — Maker Faire returns to Mare Island

VALLEJO —  Maker Faire will transform the Mare Island Promenade this weekend, and a wide variety of live, local music – from hip-hop to jazz to classical – can be enjoyed throughout the week.

Now in its second year on Mare Island, Maker Faire festivities will take place Friday through Sunday on the promenade next to the water in front of the coal shed buildings, and span from the island side ferry terminal to the south up to Building 271, a five-story glass warehouse to the north. 

Maker Faire is 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, and discounts are available for Vallejo residents.

The San Francisco Bay Ferry will provide free shuttle service between the Vallejo mainland and Mare Island throughout the event on Saturday and Sunday, with an additional afternoon ferry back to San Francisco.

Friday is Maker Faire Field Trip 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.

Local music events begin Wednesday with the Carmen Blues Band at the Empress Lounge, followed by a Ric Alexander jazz and wine tasting event at the lounge on Thursday evening.

Then on Friday evening, you can catch jazz singer Joyce Grant at the Mare Island Coal Shed Brewery, or later on Friday night, get your hyphy energy on at Carnalito's Customs with Vallejo DJs and performances by Trunk Boiz and Baby F3.

Start your day on Saturday morning at Moschetti Coffee Roaster’s free coffee tasting, with the smooth sounds of the Sobre Cuerdas duo.

On Saturday evening, enjoy dinner with a waterfront view and live jazz by the Bryan Girard Trio at Manny’s Steakhouse, or groove to Rendishun's Latin, pop, soul and rock inspired music while dining on Italian-inspired cuisine at Bambino’s.

If you feel like dancing into the wee hours, check out the Night Owls’ top 40 covers on Saturday night at Gentleman Jim’s.

A Vallejo Symphony fundraiser string quartet concert will be held on Sunday afternoon at the Vallejo Museum, featuring music by Dvořák, Piazzolla, Gardel and more.

On Monday night, the Townhouse Ramblers play acoustic Americana, folk and blues at the Townhouse Cocktail Lounge.

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

Wednesday, October 16

DIY Mythological Bird Craft

Celebrate Filipino Heritage Month by crafting the mythological bird known as the Sarimanok. Known for its vibrant colors, it's a symbol of good luck. Paper materials and instructions are provided.

• Wed, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Storytime at Children's Wonderland

Join us for storytime at Children's Wonderland Park at every Wednesday. Admission to Children's Wonderland is free to all Vallejo residents.

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

Matinee: Mayor Humphrey of Minneapolis

A new documentary film covering Hubert Humphrey's time as Mayor of Minneapolis from 1944-1948. Director Mick Caoutte will join us after the video for discussion and Q/A.

• Wed, noon to 2 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St., Vallejo

STEAM with Miss Christine

Join us for a STEAM activity where we explore different projects that spark curiosity and creativity.

• Wed, 3 to 4 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., 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. Space is limited and slots fill up on a first come, first serve basis. Please call (866) 572-7587 or come in-person at 9 a.m. 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

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

Carmen Ratti Blues Band

Ratti leads his current project, The Carmen Ratti Band featuring vocalist Jill Dineen, with a crew of all-stars, delivering a palette of blues that keeps audiences listening for hours. Look for a diverse feel of smoldering guitar work that molds a diverse menu of original tunes and innovative cover songs.

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

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., Vallejo

Thursday, October 17

DIY Mythological Bird Craft

Celebrate Filipino Heritage Month by crafting the mythological bird known as the Sarimanok. Known for its vibrant colors, it's a symbol of good luck. Paper materials and instructions are provided.

• Thurs, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Mayoral Debate

Community Event — Mayoral Debate with Dwight Monroe Jr., Pippin Dew, Ravi Shankar and Andrea Sorce. Student-Led Event hosted by the MIT Academy Justice and the Law Program.

• Thurs, 6 to 9 p.m.
• MIT Academy
• 2 Positive Place, Vallejo

October Sip & Paint

Local artist Jena Webber will guide you through, step-by-step, as you paint your very own masterpiece!  Your "Sugar Skulls - Día de los Muertos" themed image will be done on a 16x20 canvas. The class will be held inside The Great Room of the mansion, or weather permitting, the outdoor garden area.

• Thurs, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
• Vino Godfather
• 1005 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

Ric Alexander & Friends

Ric Alexander, alongside his musical companions deliver r a night filled with the velvety jazz tones and the refined pleasure of wine tasting. Alexander recently unveiled Ric Ashea, his venture into marketing and consulting, designed to bring the wine-tasting journey of esteemed local vineyards to performance venues.

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

Friday, October 18

DIY Mythological Bird Craft

Celebrate Filipino Heritage Month by crafting the mythological bird known as the Sarimanok. Known for its vibrant colors, it's a symbol of good luck. Paper materials and instructions are provided.

• Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Family Storytime

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

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

Maker Faire 2024 - Field Trip Day

Friday's Field Trip Day event will offer programmed youth performances and activities only. Group rates available. Maker Faire invites everyone, from young preschoolers to seasoned retirees, to dive into a world of discovery, innovation, and joy.

• Fri, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Mare Island Promenade
• 850 Nimitz Ave., Vallejo

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

Fright Fest

Experience the transformation and prepare for nights of frights into a realm of haunted horrors and eerie entertainment. With haunted mazes, terrifying scare zones, and hair-raising shows, it's a scream-inducing extravaganza for thrill-seekers. Enjoy the park's rides in the dark, making it the ultimate destination chills of the Halloween season. *Some attractions and events require additional costs for admission

• Fri, 6 to 10 p.m.
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
• 1001 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo

Joyce Grant

For the past 10 years, Joyce Grant has been the lead vocalist for City Swing, an 18- piece big band based out of San Francisco, and is a frequent participant in the West Coast Ragtime festival. As a songwriter she has put lyrics to several of Scott Joplin’s pieces and released the CD In The Morning, a collection of original songs ranging in style from jazz to blues to R&B. She performs regularly throughout the Bay Area, bringing her sensitive and powerful vocal interpretations to appreciative audiences that keep coming back for more.

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

GVRD Homecoming Boutique

GVRD Boutique is open for any young person in need of a dress or suit for Homecoming. This is a free event for students of all Vallejo schools. The event will be held while supplies last. Advanced registration is encouraged, but walk-ins will be welcomed. For more information contact us at (707) 648-4600

• Fri, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Vallejo Community Center
• 225 Amador St., Vallejo

Vallejo Open Studios - Opening Reception

The Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum will host a special, month-long show featuring Vallejo Open Studios artists, Oct. 18 through Nov. 9. Meet the artists and get a Vallejo Open Studios preview at the 0pening reception on Oct. 18. Vallejo Open Studios is free, self-guided tour of artist studios and venues throughout Vallejo, Saturday and Sunday Nov. 9 & 10. The museum will be open during Open Studios weekend. Pick up an Artist Directory there to plan your tour.

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

The Benicia Ghost Walk

Benicia has many ghost stories. Are they true? Come on our Ghost Walk, done in collaboration with Benicia's Capitol Speakers Toastmasters Club, and find out for yourself! We will be visiting 5 places that are known haunts. At each place, a Toastmaster will let you in on all the secrets. Tickets $25 All proceeds will benefit the Benicia Historic Society's Caboose Project.

• Fri, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
• Historic Train Depot
• 90 First St., Benicia

Let's Function Entertainment presents: Function Friday

The first ever function Friday will feature Vallejo's hottest DJs and a special performance from the Trunk Boiz! Unlike the previous 3 shows we've put on, Function Friday will be our first event showcasing the next generation of DJs coming outta Vallejo! We will be featuring names like Swaggy B, Big Vince, So Fresh, Hugo, Maney, Isah, & KB.

• Fri, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• Carnalito’s Customs
• 905 Tennessee St., Vallejo

Saturday, October 19

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

Community Coffee Tasting — Live music by Sobre Cuerdas

Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes while listening to live music. Sobre Cuerdas plays an eclectic mix of original tunes and covers and brings notes of Venezuela with pop sensibilities to Vallejo.

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

DIY Mythological Bird Craft

Celebrate Filipino Heritage Month by crafting the mythological bird known as the Sarimanok. Known for its vibrant colors, it's a symbol of good luck. Paper materials and instructions are provided.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Farmers' Market

Shop here for a great selection of California-grown greens, fruits and 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, Vallejo

Free Family Day

Free admission all day the third Saturday of every month. With children's story-time at 11 a.m. brought to you by  First 5 Vallejo, Alibi Bookshop and Angels with Heart

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

Maker Faire 2024

Ignite your curiosity and be part of the Maker Faire experience – where imagination comes to life and the future is forged. Get ready for a celebration of creativity, ingenuity, and the spirit of DIY at the Maker Faire Bay Area 2024.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mare Island Promenade
• 850 Nimitz Ave., Vallejo

Paper Shredding

The City of Vallejo and VALCORE Recycling sponsor shredding events on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Watch while your paper is shredded on site. This event will happen rain or shine.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• VALCORE Recycling
• 38 Sheridan St., Vallejo

Public Speaking Seminar by Toastmasters

Learn how to advance your skills at this interactive hybrid meeting and open house with keynote speaker Sally Philbin, Distinguished Toastmaster and District 57 Director. Learn tips on how to speak more effectively and with confidence giving presentations. We will give ideas on how to organize thoughts when speaking without preparation.

• Sat, 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
• Cogir of the North Bay
• 2261 Tuolumne St., Vallejo

Fright Fest

Experience the transformation and prepare for nights of frights into a realm of haunted horrors and eerie entertainment. With haunted mazes, terrifying scare zones, and hair-raising shows, it's a scream-inducing extravaganza for thrill-seekers. Enjoy the park's rides in the dark, making it the ultimate destination chills of the Halloween season. *Some attractions and events require additional costs for admission

• Sat, noon to 11 p.m.
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
• 1001 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo

Vallejo Jazz Jam

Vallejo Jazz Jam's mission is to provide a supportive and non-competitive environment for musicians of all levels to explore our rich heritage of jazz standards. Musicians of all ages, genders and levels welcome.

• Sat, noon to 2 p.m.
• Mira Theatre
• 51 Daniels Ave., Vallejo

Floating Pumpkin Patch - 1

Kick off the spooky season with us! Join us for the floating pumpkin patch! Enjoy music, art and crafts, bounce house, concessions for purchase, and best of all dive in for the pick of your favorite pumpkin! Space is limited, so advance registration is recommended.

• Sat, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
• Cunningham Pool
• 801 Heartwood Ave, Vallejo

Benicia Witching Wine Walk 2024

Something's brewing, Benicia! Thirsty witching witches haunt downtown First Street to sample wine and tasty bites at shops and galleries. Costumes are encouraged. Enjoy up to 15 tastes and souvenir glass with over 30 downtown locations (and wines) to chose from. Lite bites are served at select locations.

• Sat, 1 to 5 p.m.
• Benicia Main Street
• 90 First St., Benicia

Community Drum Circle

The community drum circle is back on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Bring your favorite drum or borrow one of ours. Bring a beverage, maybe a snack if you like, most importantly, bring your smile.

• Sat, 1 to 3 p.m.
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin St., Vallejo

Insights Into Bookbinding

Anita Engles is Executive Director of the American Bookbinders Museum in San Francisco, the only museum in America dedicated to preserving the art and history of bookbinding. Anita will present some insights into bookbinding that incorporate binding tools in the McCune Collection that were owned and used by Dr. McCune as well as examples of some of the items that bear his binder’s mark.

• Sat, 1 to 3 p.m.
• McCune Room, John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Floating Pumpkin Patch - 2

Kick off the spooky season with us! Join us for the floating pumpkin patch! Enjoy music, art and crafts, bounce house, concessions for purchase, and best of all dive in for the pick of your favorite pumpkin! Space is limited, so advance registration is recommended.

• Sat, 2 to 3 p.m.
• Cunningham Pool
• 801 Heartwood Ave., Vallejo

Bryan Girard Trio

Saxophonist Bryan Girard will be joined onstage by the Leber brothers - Lorn on guitar and Jeremy on keyboard. These two are among the best the Bay Area has to offer and it's an honor to work with them. Their music is intense, rhythmic and emotionally compelling. Along with a spectacular waterfront view and plenty of free parking, Manny's offers good food at reasonable prices and, of course, a full bar.

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

Rendishun

Come and enjoy Rendishun and their Latin, Pop, Soul & Rock inspired music with us! No cover with dinner.

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

Dance Patrol with DJ Double D at the 4th Corner SpeakEasy

Move to the sounds of DJ Double D $10 Cover, Cash Bar Alcohol Served to Age 21 and Above.

• Sat, 8:30 to 11 p.m.
• Red Men’s Hall
• 431 Georgia St., Vallejo

The Night Owls

The Night Owls are back in the house at Gentleman Jim's on Sat, July 13th! Come get your dance on with this dynamic top 40 band! Come early, get your dancing shoes ready! $10 cover after 10 p.m.

• Sat, 9 p.m. to midnight
• Gentleman Jim’s
• 1324 Lincoln Rd. E, Vallejo

Sunday, October 20

Maker Faire 2024

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 5 p.m.
• Mare Island Promenade
• 850 Nimitz Ave., Vallejo

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, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Lake Chabot, Dan Foley Park
• 1461 N Camino Alto, Vallejo

Fright Fest

Experience the transformation and prepare for nights of frights into a realm of haunted horrors and eerie entertainment. With haunted mazes, terrifying scare zones, and hair-raising shows, it's a scream-inducing extravaganza for thrill-seekers. Enjoy the park's rides in the dark, making it the ultimate destination chills of the Halloween season. *Some attractions and events require additional costs for admission

• Sun, noon to 10 p.m.
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
• 1001 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo

Relatively Small Works

A group art show featuring art 12 inches and under. & Jose Martinez solo art show in the small gallery.

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

Special Spooky Sunday Event with author of Alcatraz Ghost Story

Special Spooky Sunday Event with Brian Stannard, Author of Alcatraz Ghost Story "Alcatraz Ghost Story: Roy Gardner's Amazing Train Robberies, Escapes, and Lifelong Love. Richly researched, drawing on contemporary newspaper accounts, Alcatraz Ghost Story explores the life of Roy Gardner in the context of his great love story and the larger backdrop of drug addiction, incarceration, and the racial and labor violence of the 1920s and 1930s

• Sun, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
• Alibi Bookshop
• 624 Marin St., Vallejo

A String Quartet Concert in Support of the Vallejo Symphony - Impressions of the Americas

A String Quartet Concert in Support of the Vallejo Symphony “Impressions of the Americas.” $75 per seat. Meet and greet the musicians after the performance.

• Sun, 3 to 8 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St., Vallejo

October Book Club: The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires

Let's have some fun and read something a little scary, a little thought provoking... And a lot hilarious! "The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires" by Grady Hendrix.

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

Monday, October 21

DIY Mythological Bird Craft

Celebrate Filipino Heritage Month by crafting the mythological bird known as the Sarimanok. Known for its vibrant colors, it's a symbol of good luck. Paper materials and instructions are provided. ]

• Mon, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Speakeasy Expressions Poetry Open Mic

Join host Remo Valentino for Speakeasy Expressions Poetry Open Mic every other Monday night starting at 7 p.m. at Chris Club at 656 Benicia Road in Vallejo. Come share your spoken word poetry on stage to a live audience, or just grab a few drinks and watch the show. 21+ venue.

• Mon, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Chris’ Club
• 656 Benicia Rd, Vallejo

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., Vallejo

Tuesday, October 22

DIY Mythological Bird Craft

Celebrate Filipino Heritage Month by crafting the mythological bird known as the Sarimanok. Known for its vibrant colors, it's a symbol of good luck. Paper materials and instructions are provided.

• Tues, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Campanelli Youth Chorus after-school class

The Campanelli Youth Chorus class, sponsored by Vallejo Choral Society (VCS) and administered by Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD), offers an enriching choral education and performance experience to school-age children throughout Solano County and beyond. The youth chorus class empowers students to find their voice and develop an appreciation for singing and its power to lift the human spirit.

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

Vallejo CreativiTea Club

Vallejo CreativiTea Club (previously called Doodle and Draw) is now every Tuesday night. Get together with your downtown arts community to work side by side on art projects while sipping tea and listening to music. Bring a project you're working on, or get inspired to start something fresh. We will have some art supplies available. This free event is open to all ages and skill levels.

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

City Council Regular Meeting

Agendas can be viewed on the City Agendas & Videos website and are posted a minimum of 72 hours in advance for regular meetings and 24 hours in advance for special meetings. There will be a video link at the left of the agenda page once the meeting begins. This will also serve as a future archive of the meeting. For remote participation, use the direct Zoom link found in the first paragraph of the agenda.

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

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

Submit your event listings for inclusion to events@vallejosun.com

Advertise your events on the Vallejo Sun website by contacting ads@vallejosun.com

Editor's note — this story was updated to add the Vallejo Open Studios Artist Reception.