VALLEJO — This week offers a huge variety of events and activities, including the fourth annual Mare Island PedalFest, volunteer opportunities at Coastal Cleanup Day, fundraisers for well-loved Vallejo institutions, as well as comedy, art and live music.
Mare Island Pedal Fest on Sunday morning offers bike tours of the island, beginner to advanced bike races, a bike swap for bikes and bike parts, and a free kids-only bike rodeo.
Cool off the kids Saturday evening with the SpongeBob SquarePants Movie at the Cunningham Pool Dive-In Movie Night.
Two big fundraiser dinner soirees are happening on Saturday – The Loma Vista Farm pasta dinner at the Admiral’s Mansion on Mare Island, and the Vallejo Sister City Association’s dinner at the Filipino Community Center. Both events will have games and entertainment and hold live and silent auctions.
The entertainment lineup at Empress Theatre’s Sunday fundraiser reads like a who's who of popular bands that have played there over the past decade.
Or you can help your community without spending a dime by participating in the Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday morning, or join the Capitol Stairs Community Stewards at their landscaping workday on Sunday.
Learn about Social Justice in Public Health Thursday at Touro University’s free webinar on “Technology, Environmental Justice and the Built Environment” with technology startup and urban planning expert Molly Turner.
Imbibe in your literary passions at the “Books on Tap” historical book discussion at Napa Smith Brewery next Tuesday.
Other offerings at the Empress begin tonight with bluesman Bobby Walker in the lounge. Comedian Michael Blackson will host two shows in the main theater on Thursday, and Filipino actor, singer and songwriter Randy Santiago will play in the theater on Saturday with special guest Ella May Saison, the “Phillipine Queen of Soul.”
Bambino’s restaurant’s lineup has Rendishun band on Friday and A Pryor Engagement on Saturday. Vino Godfather hosts Papa Joe and the New Deal on Saturday and Private Practice on Sunday.
You can catch the longest running drag show in Solano County at the Townhouse with Holotta Tymes and Friends on Saturday night, and the dark sounds of cybergoth with DJ Zero Effs on Sunday.
Artists take note: the deadline for applications to Greater Vallejo Recreation District’s request for proposals for the Lake Dalwigk Park improvement project ends on Thursday.
This Sunday is the last day to catch “ForbHidden - Our hidden sex, sexuality, gender and identity in art” at Mare Island Art Studios. The “Neverwas Haul,” a rolling Victorian contraption by Obtainium Works, will be open for tours during the show.
Check the listings below for more music and activities.
Wednesday, September 20
Center Stage, Talent Showcase
This fundraiser for the Greater Vallejo Recreation District's 's Adaptive Recreation Program features a talent showcase, refreshments, raffles, and a silent auction. Individuals with any disability may reach out to us to perform. Tickets $20.
- Wed, noon to 2 p.m.
- Vallejo Community Center
- 225 Amador St.
Bobby Walker
Bobby Walker plays all kinds of music - blues, root's rock n roll, R&B and country blues.
- Wed, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Empress Theatre Lounge
- 324 Virginia St.
Lawyers @ Your Library
Brief legal advice and referral available on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Sign up opens at 9 a.m. on the day of the program. Lawyer consultations from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Wed, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- John F. Kennedy Library
- 505 Santa Clara St.
Thursday, September 21
Deadline for Lake Dalwigk Park Project Call For Artists
Greater Vallejo Recreation District & City of Vallejo invite emerging and established artists from all backgrounds and disciplines to submit a proposal to design up to 2 art pieces at Lake Dalwigk Park.
DBC Bakery Popup
You can get everything from bread, pastries, croissants, cookies, all delicious, not to mention a very wonderful selection of homemade preserves, while they last!
- Thurs, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Dillon Bread Company
- 451 Ryder St., Suite B
Storytime at Children's Wonderland
Join us and our friends from the Solano County Library for the free storytime program.,
- Thurs, 11 to 11:45 am
- Children’s Wonderland
- 360 Glenn St.
Social Justice in Public Health Series
The second of Touro University’s Social Justice in Public Health Webinar Series is “Technology, Environmental Justice and the Built Environment.” Speaker: Molly Turner, MA
- Thurs, 5 to 7 p.m.
- Webinar registration
Comedy in the V
African King Of Comedy, Michael Blackson, will rip the stage, and Mac Maine and Jerrell Parker will roast each other as they go toe to toe in our special Comedy In The V Sig Off.
- Thurs, two show times:
- 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- 9 to 10:30 p.m.
- Empress Theatre
- 330 Virginia St.
Friday, September 22
Rendishun Band
Rendishun's mission is to fill the air with pop, classic and soft rock, R&B and soul. Enjoy dinner, drinks and dancing. No cover
- Fri, 6 to 9 p.m.
- Bambino’s
- 301 Georgia St. #122
Saturday, September 23
Coastal Cleanup Day
The state's largest annual volunteer event is a chance for everyone to help clean up trash from our environment before the rains come and wash it out to the coast and ocean.
- Sat, 9 a.m. to noon
- Vallejo, CA – multiple sites
Community Coffee Tasting
Mingle with friends and neighbors while sipping free coffee samples. There’s 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
Papa Joe and the New Deal
Papa Joe and the New Deal will move you with soul, R&B, reggae, old school funk and Latin rock.
- Sat, 1 to 4 p.m.
- Vino Godfather
- 1005 Walnut Ave.
Autumn Equinox Ritual & Celebration
Celebrating community, inspiration, and the abundance of the harvest season. Ritual by Cystal starts at 4 p.m., then Air Lift Underground will bring us a psychoactive stream of consciousness word jazz late into the night, with a special set from DJ Stockholm Syndrome
- Sat, 4 to 11 p.m.
- IntegriTea Art + Event Space
- 717 Marin St.
Loma Vista Farm Pasta & Auction Fundraiser
Proceeds go toward improvements for the animal habitats on the Farm. Pasta, wine, live auction, silent auction, games, live artist painting, professional photographer, and more! Sponsorship and donation opportunities available.
- Sat, 4 to 7 p.m.
- The Admiral’s Mansion
- 1065 Walnut Ave.
Randy Santiago- Eye Labyu Bay Area
Filipino actor, singer and songwriter Randy Santiago and special guest, Ms. Ella May Saison, perform with the CityLights band.
- Sat, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Empress Theatre
- 330 Virginia St.
A Pryor Engagement
Enjoy dinner, drinks and dancing along with the soulful sounds of Jonathan Pryor and A Pryor Engagement.
- Sat, 6 to 9 p.m.
- Bambino’s
- 301 Georgia St. #122
Vallejo Sister City Dinner & Auction
International dinner featuring foods from each of our six sister and three friendship cities around the world. Live & silent auction, no-host bar, prizes and entertainment. This year's theme is "Philippines", with spectacular cultural performances.
- Sat, 6 to 11 p.m.
- Filipino Community Center
- 611 Amador St.
Adrian West Trio
Adrian West Trio plays a fun mix of originals, covers and instrumentals spanning acoustic rock, jazz & classical styles. Vocal harmonies, acoustic guitar, electric violin, upright bass, percussion & live looping.
- Sat, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Mare Island Brewing Co. Taproom
- 289 Mare Island Way
Dive-In Movie Night - SpongeBob SquarePants
Swim while watching a movie! No swimming experience needed, Lifeguards will be on deck. Concessions available. The Spongebob Squarepants Movie, “Bigger. Better. More Absorbent” begins at 7:15 p.m. Price: $5.00 pre-registration; $7.00 at the door
- Sat, 6:45 pm to 9 p.m.
- Cunningham Pool
- 801 Heartwood Ave.
The Town House Divas, Drag Show
Holotta Tymes & Friends let it out at the longest running drag show in Solano County.
- Sat, 10:30 to 1:30 am
- Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
- 401A Georgia St.
Sunday, September 24
Mare Island PedalFest
Mare Island PedalFest is focused on gathering all ages and abilities for two-wheeled fun, food and frivolity. A four part event including bike races, kids bike rodeo, bike swap and a family-friendly bike tour. Mare Island PedalFest benefits the Mare Island Historic Park Foundation and Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition.
- Sun, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Mare Island Promenade
- 850 Nimitz Ave.
Capitol Stairs landscaping volunteer workday
Help create a place-making public work of art that will revitalize the Capitol Stairs.
- Sun, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Capitol Steps
- Capitol Street at Sonoma Boulevard
Kayak Practice and Fun (Postponed until next week)
Paddle around Lake Chabot. Kayak and safety gear provided if you don’t have your own. $10 suggested donation. Check the group Facebook page for updates and time changes.
Sun, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.postponed to October 1- Lake Chabot
- Dan Foley Park
Causing Cultural Anarchy V, ForbHidden
The theme for this show is “Our hidden sex, sexuality, gender and identity in art.” These daring pieces threaten the norms of our own beliefs, as well as culture in general.
- Sun, noon to 4 p.m.
- Mare Island Art Studios
- 110 Pintado St.
Neverwas Haul Tours
The Haul is a 3-story Victorian House on Wheels that was built by Obtainium Works for Burning Man in 2006. Open on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of every month and for special events.
- Sun, noon to 4 p.m.
- Mare Island Art Studios
- 110 Pintado St.
Private Practice
Enjoy the sweet sounds of Private Practice, playing everything from R&B, classic soul and jazz smooth while sipping on Vino Godfather’s award-winning wine.
- Sun, 1 to 4 p.m.
- Vino Godfather
- 1005 Walnut Ave. @ Kansas St.
Slide Thru Sundaze
A Day Party In The V??! Special guest DJs, drinks, food and vendors.
- Sun, 2 to 7 p.m.
- H Lounge
- 472 Benicia Rd.
Keeping it Live! Empress Theatre benefit concert
Prepare to be swept away by an incredible lineup of diverse bands, each set to deliver performances that will resonate with music lovers of all tastes. By attending, you’re not only treating yourself to a night of incredible music, but also playing an active role in sustaining an invaluable cultural institution.
- Sun, 3 to 6 p.m.
- Empress Theatre
- 330 Virginia St.
Black Sunday with DJ Zero Effs
Last Sunday of the month is Black Sunday, featuring dark sounds of cybergoth, industrial, metal and death rock.
- Sun, 8:30 to 11:30 p.m.
- Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
- 401A Georgia St.
Monday, September 25
City Council Special Meeting
Applicant interviews for appointments to fill 1 vacancy on the Civil Service Commission and 2 member and 3 alternate vacancies on the Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee.
- Mon, 6:15 pm to 9 p.m.
- Vallejo Room – lower level of the JFK Library
- 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, September 26
Flavor Town Tuesdays!
This is a free community event for the entire family. Food trucks, outdoor games, live music and much more.
- Tues, 4 to 7 p.m.
- Children’s Wonderland
- 360 Glenn St.
Sew September: Mending
Mending will extend the life and add character to your favorite, well loved clothing. In this class we will learn different mending methods. Bring your own items that need a little TLC for practice.
- Tues, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- John F. Kennedy Library
- 505 Santa Clara St.
Books on Tap
Historical book discussion. Choose a fiction or non-fiction book about history and come prepared to discuss it with others. Adults 21+ are welcome.
- Tues, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Napa Smith Brewery
- 101 Yolano Dr.
Editor's note - updated with changes to kayak group schedule.
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Gretchen Zimmermann
Gretchen Zimmermann founded the Vallejo Arts & Entertainment website, joined the Vallejo Sun to cover event listings and arts and culture, and has since expanded into investigative reporting.
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