VALLEJO — There’s a lot going on this Saturday in Vallejo.The Pista Sa Nayon Philippine Independence Day celebration on Mare Island and the Battle on the Bay car show downtown will face off across Vallejo’s waterfront.
Meanwhile, Alibi Bookshop will celebrate their five-year anniversary, and a new art show opens at Mare Island Art Studios.
The annual Pista Sa Nayon festival at the Mare Island Waterfront Promenade will celebrate Filipino culture and tradition with food, live music, DJs, a fashion show, and a separate kid-friendly stage with music and entertainment. Parking is limited so take advantage of a free ferry ride between the mainland and the island.
The Battle on the Bay festival will fill the streets near City Hall, and will feature live music by Timex Social Club and 5 Ways Up, food vendors, a kid zone and a car show and contest with over 500 custom cars and other vehicles.
Also on Saturday, Alibi Bookshop will celebrate their five-year anniversary with champagne, live music, a raffle and giveaways, and of course, books.
Priscila Soares’ “MyLuckyEars” solo art show that explores her journey as a hard of hearing individual opens on Saturday at Mare Island Art Studios. Immerse yourself in her creations and explore your own relationship to sounds and communication through art activities.
These are just some of the highlights of this week’s happenings. Be sure to check the list below for more live music, baseball, literature, art, theater and recreational activities.
Wednesday, May 29
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 pm to 7:20 pm
- Vallejo Ferry Terminal
- 289 Mare Island Way
Jr. De Ville
Dan Ackroyd calls De Ville a true bluesman "“With his magical stage presence, soulful vocals and searing guitar solos Jr. De Ville will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.”
- Wed, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Empress Theatre Lounge
- 324 Virginia St.
Vallejo Seaweed VS Martinez Sturgeon
The Vallejo Seaweed faces the Martinez Sturgeon. Come on out and support Vallejo’s home team!
- Wed, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
- Wilson Park
- 1007 Solano Ave.
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, May 30
Grow Through What You Go Through
Solano County Behavioral Health raises mental health awareness with activities and a comedy show by 1°of Separation close to close out Mental Health Awareness Month.
- Thurs, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- John F. Kennedy Library
- 505 Santa Clara St.
Shut Up and Write!
Join Benicia Literary Arts for an evening of focused writing time at the Benicia Library. All genres and experience levels are encouraged, and don't worry, no one will see what you've written! This is about getting your writing done and meeting other local writers.
- Thurs, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Benicia Public Library
- 150 East L St.
- Benicia
Alibi Bookshop May Book Club: "Trust Exercise" by Susan Choi
Alibi Bookshop's May Book Club discussion of award winning "Trust Exercise" by Susan Choi.
- Thurs, 7 to 10 p.m.
- Alibi Bookshop
- 624 Marin St.
Friday, May 31
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.
A Martini Affair with Alvon and Friends
Enjoy meticulously crafted cocktails, captivating entertainment, and gourmet hors d'oeuvres. Vote on your favorite martini, mingle with connoisseurs and indulge in an evening of taste, style, and pure excitement. Live music by Alvon and friends Don't miss this night of martini magic!
- Fri, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- Empress Theatre Lounge
- 324 Virginia St.
Shiva in the Garden of Eden
In this new play by Daphne White, estranged family members, a contested will and an enraged ghost collide in this dysfunctional family play set in a post-pandemic New York. Shiva in the Garden of Eden is the story of an immigrant family unraveling after the death of an unhinged matriarch.
- Fri, 8 to 10 p.m.
- Bay Area Stage Theatre
- 515 Broadway St.
Saturday, June 1
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 a.m. to 9:00 am
- Vallejo Ferry Terminal
- 289 Mare Island Way
Alibi Bookshop's Five Year Anniversary Party!
Live Music with The Corner Laughers and lots of other fun things planned
- Sat, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Alibi Bookshop
- 624 Marin St.
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 the Sobre Cuerdas duo’s reggae, jazz and Spanish-influenced covers and original tunes.
- 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 & 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
Battle on the Bay
Chelu Car Show, Festival, and Free Concert is a free family friendly community event. There will be about 500 custom cars, motorcycles, bikes, and other custom vehicles, a car contest, food, craft, and nonprofit vendors, kid zone, pie eating contest, cultural performances, and live music by 5 Ways Up band and Timex Social Club.
- Sat, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Downtown Vallejo
- Santa Clara and Georgia Streets
First Saturdays Fitness - Yoga
Yoga is a great way to de-stress, build up strength, and increase flexibility. Instructor Amy Raupach will guide the group through a beginner/intermediate-friendly session. No yoga mat? No problem! We have one you can borrow! All ages welcome.
- Sat, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- JFK Library – Joseph Room
- 505 Santa Clara St.
Hands On "Zero Waste" Cooking Class
Learn how you can cut back on household food waste, save money and resources, and be part of the solution! In partnership with Solano County Library, Sustainable Solano's local food team will lead a hands-on cooking class that explores what to do with those wilting herbs, radish tops, bumper crop of peppers and more.
- Sat, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Vallejo Community Center
- 225 Amador Street
Vallejo Pista Sa Nayon
Join us as we cherish memories, celebrate diversity, and honor the spirit of Vallejo Pista Sa Nayon. Live music, Filipino food, DJ showcase, live music, fashion show, youth stage, vendors. Free ferry between the Vallejo waterfront and Mare Island
- Sat, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Mare Island Promenade
- 850 Nimitz Ave.
Brushstrokes for Earth
The Vallejo Center for the Arts and Arts Benicia are excited to unveil the collaborative exhibition, Brushstrokes for Earth and Solano Water Stories: Artists Voices. This unique project aims to shed light on critical environmental issues and spark conversations about sustainability and social justice, showcasing a vibrant collection of new works by artists from the Vallejo and Benicia area.
- Sat, 12 to 4 p.m.
- Temple Art Lofts Gallery
- 340 Virginia St
MyLuckyEars - Priscila Soares Solo Art Show
Soars said she has poured her heart into a collection of paintings, sculptures, and illustrations centered around the theme of deafness and hearing loss. The show will feature the launch of her illustrated children’s book titled “Cesaria Feels the Beat.”
- Sat, 12 to 4 p.m.
- Mare Island Art Studios
- 110 Pintado St.
Git With It
Git With It plays classic rock, funk, R&B, pop, and more.
- Sat, 1 to 4 p.m.
- Vino Godfather
- 1005 Walnut Ave. @ Kansas St.
Live music TBA
At press time this is what Bambino's had posted on Facebook: "We will have a band for Saturday and will be announcing them later today," so see their Facebook page for details. Free show with dinner.
- 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, hits the Ferry Taproom with original songs wandering through grief, growth and a life full of stories.
- Sat, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Mare Island Brewing Co. Ferry Taproom
- 289 Mare Island Way
Vallejo Seaweed VS Martinez Sturgeon
The Vallejo Seaweed faces the Martinez Sturgeon. Come on out and support Vallejo’s home team!
- Sat, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
- Wilson Park
- 1007 Solano Ave.
James and the Giant Peach Junior
Roald Dahl's fantastical tale of a boy, his insect friends and their amazing journey across the ocean on a giant piece of fruit. Event by On the Fringe Visual and Performing Arts
- Sat, 7 to 9 p.m.
- Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum
- 734 Marin Street, Vallejo, CA 94590
Pride kick off celebration - Love is Love
Join us for entertainment and dancing to kickoff Pride 2024 in Vallejo. Comedian Julia Jackson, musician Tifa Love and DJ Ro spinning all night. Hosted by Shaunte Neely
- Sat, 7 to 10 p.m.
- IntegriTea
- 717 Marin Street
Shiva in the Garden of Eden
In this new play by Daphne White, estranged family members, a contested will and an enraged ghost collide in this dysfunctional family play set in a post-pandemic New York. Shiva in the Garden of Eden is the story of an immigrant family unraveling after the death of an unhinged matriarch.
- Sat, 8 to 10 p.m.
- Bay Area Stage Theatre
- 515 Broadway St
Sunday, June 2
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 after Wednesday for updates - dates and times may change because of weather or volunteer availability.
- Sun, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Lake Chabot
- Dan Foley Park
- 1461 N Camino Alto
Brushstrokes for Earth
The Vallejo Center for the Arts and Arts Benicia are excited to unveil the collaborative exhibition, Brushstrokes for Earth and Solano Water Stories: Artists Voices. This unique project aims to shed light on critical environmental issues and spark conversations about sustainability and social justice, showcasing a vibrant collection of new works by artists from the Vallejo and Benicia area
- Sun, 12 to 4 p.m.
- Temple Art Lofts Gallery
- 340 Virginia St
Soul'd Out Band
Get ready for a night of non-stop hits and timeless classics with Soul'd Out! This talented band will take you on a musical journey through the decades with their eclectic mix of genres and styles.
- Sun, 1 to 4 p.m.
- Vino Godfather
- 1005 Walnut Ave.
Vallejo Seaweed VS Bakersfield Train Robbers
The Vallejo Seaweed faces the Bakersfield Train Robbers. Come on out and support Vallejo’s home team!
- Sun, 2 to 10 p.m.
- Wilson Park
- 1007 Solano Ave.
Shiva in the Garden of Eden
In this new play by Daphne White, estranged family members, a contested will and an enraged ghost collide in this dysfunctional family play set in a post-pandemic New York. Shiva in the Garden of Eden is the story of an immigrant family unraveling after the death of an unhinged matriarch.
- Sun, 3 to 5 p.m.
- Bay Area Stage Theatre
- 515 Broadway St
Monday, June 3
Community Drum Circle
You are in for a treat! Join us in-person at the Mira Theatre every 1st Monday of every month to connect and celebrate life through the beat of the drums. All ages, cultures, genders, and abilities are welcome. Bring a drum, shaker, or other instruments.
- Mon, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Mira Theatre
- 51 Daniels Avenue
Vallejo Senior Roundtable
Information and Discussion for Seniors on topics relevant to their needs. Speaker TBA
- Mon, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
- Florence Douglas Center
- 333 Amador St.
Vallejo Seaweed VS Marysville Drakes
The Vallejo Seaweed faces the Marysville Drakes. Come on out and support Vallejo’s home team!
- Mon, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
- Wilson Park
- 1007 Solano Ave.
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
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.
Tuesday, June 4
The Flavor Town Tuesday's
Flavor Town will feature some of Vallejo's most popular and hidden gem eateries. We hear those food trucks revving their engines — you know what that means: Join us on Tuesday evenings at Children’s Wonderland Park throughout the summer for dinner. Let the kids play while you enjoy food, desserts, cocktails and more.]
- Tues, 4 to 8 p.m.
- Children’s Wonderland
- 360 Glenn St.
Family Friendly Comedy
Bay Area Comics - Family Friendly comedy and Italian inspired cuisine - first and third Tuesdays at Bambino's. No cover with dinner.
- Tues, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- Bambino’s
- 301 Georgia St. #122
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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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