Upcoming Vallejo Events — Solano County Fair

VALLEJO — The four-day-long Solano County Fair begins Thursday, kicking off a busy weekend in Vallejo. Vallejo Art Walk will light up the downtown Friday evening, the annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival will celebrate the community’s diversity on Saturday, and the Classic Rock Festival on Mare Island will present your favorite “Dad Rock” on Sunday, Father’s Day.

The Solano County Fair will open at the fairgrounds Thursday with Family Ag Day, where you can meet local farmers who grow our food and the amazing animals they raise. There will be live music every day at the fair. Friday through Sunday there will be dog agility competitions, racing pigs, and after dark, a lighted drone/pyro show.

Friday is Super Friends day, when the fairground gates will open early for pre-registered members of the special needs community. Saturday features the Junior Livestock Auction and the Out at the Fair Pride event. 

The fair will close on Sunday with Hispanic-Latino Heritage Day, which will feature a car show, and Latin music and dancing.

The long June days make this a great time to visit Art Walk on Friday and browse wares from local artists and enjoy a wide variety of live music in the street. 

Most of Art Walk’s activity centers around Virginia Street, but don’t miss what’s happening around the corner on Georgia Street. Have dinner and watch Doug the Magician at Bambino's Restaurant, then check out the Vallejonomics showcase next door at LaDell’s Shoes, which will feature art and music by local youth. Then head across the street to congratulate Vintage Vagabond art studios on their second anniversary celebration. A little farther afield on Pennsylvania Street, the work of former Vallejo artist Jeff Snell will be on display and for sale.

It wouldn’t be June without a Juneteenth celebration. The event will begin on Saturday with a parade from Tennessee Street to the festival on the waterfront. The festival emphasizes health, education, and the entrepreneurial spirit of dozens of participating small business owners. Youth awareness of Juneteenth will be promoted through essay, poetry and art contests and scholarship opportunities. 

Celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday at the Classic Rock Festival on Mare island. Five bands will perform your favorite "Dad Rock" hits, including tributes to The Allman Brothers, Tom Petty, Steely Dan, Bob Dylan and The Grateful Dead. Kids activities include face painting, nerf ax throwing, bubbles, and art creation stations.

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 and recreational activities.

Wednesday, June 12

Free Bike Repairs and Helmets

Children can have their bikes repaired and learn about bicycle safety. Helmets are provided while supplies last. Special thanks to Bay Area Bike Mobile & Safe Routes to School.

• Wed, 2 to 5 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave

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

Evan Thomas Blues Band

It’s the grit, in his soulful voice and his cryin’ guitar which sets him apart. Evan Thomas’s classic, electric blues guitar style, is influenced by some of the great guitar players of our time. The Evan Thomas Blues Band also features Wally Schnalle on drums, George Franklin on Bass, and Noel Catura on Sax.

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

Vallejo Seaweed VS Martinez Sturgeon

Cheer on the Vallejo Seaweed as they battle the Martinez Sturgeon.

• 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, June 13

Art Beat Radio Show – Literary Dialogues with Nina Serrano

DH Lala's Art Beat radio show covers the local art scene. Local author, activist and educator Nina Serrano interviews other writers every second Thursday.

• Thurs, 10:30 a.m. to noon
• Ozcat Radio
• 89.5 FM KZCT

The 75th Solano County Fair - Family Ag Day

From live demonstrations to interactive exhibits, Family Ag Day is a fun-filled adventure for the whole family, sparking a love for agriculture and where our food comes from. The fair also features carnival rides and live music.

• Thurs, 4 to 10 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Drive

Adult Craft Club - Make It Together

Join us for a guided start-to-finish craft night at the Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library every second Thursday of the month.

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

Sip & Paint - Island Vibes

Local artist Jena Webber will guide you step-by-step, as you paint your very own"Island Vibes" themed image, created specially for you on a 16x20 canvas. The class will be held inside The Great Room of the mansion. Your first glass of wine is included with admission. All art supplies will be provided.

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

Friday, June 14

Craft Buffet

Drop in for a creative morning of arts and crafts. Tables of supplies will be available. Come let your imagination inspire you.

• Fri, 10 a.m. to 11:00 am
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave.

The 75th Solano County Fair - Super Friends Day

Gates Open Early for Super Friends Day, for our special needs community (by invite/registration only). The fair also features carnival rides and live music.

• Fri, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Drive

Rock Painting

Chill with teen volunteers and paint a rock! Keep it, give away, or do anything you like.

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

Poet Laureates at the Fair

Vallejo’s Poet Laureates Kathleen Herrmann, Jacalyn Eyvonne, and former Poet Laureate D.L. Lang will be performing on Friday, June 14th at the Bay Stage at the 75th annual Solano County Fair.

• Fri, 1:15 pm to 1:45 pm
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Drive

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.

Music at the Chapel: The Valley String Quartet

Music will include: Bach Brandenburg, Mozart Divertimento, Themes from Carmen by Bizet, Strauss Waltz’s, and tango music. ‍Performers: Kyle Craft - violin, Caleb Forchen - violin, Sabine Hirsohn - viola, Tess Van Wagner – cello‍. Doors will open at 2:30pm to give you time to enjoy the luminous Tiffany stained glass windows.

• Fri, 3 to 4 p.m.
• St. Peter’s Chapel
• 1181 Walnut Ave.

2nd Friday Art Walk

The Vallejo Art Walk takes place all over the downtown area and includes local merchants, street vendors, musicians and galleries.

• Fri, 5 to 9 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Marin Streets

Vintage Vagabond Second Anniversary Celebration

Celebrate the second anniversary of The Vintage Vagabond - Gallery & Flea, and The Studios on Georgia! Meet the artists, enjoy some yummy treats, and of course, score some great deals on art and vintage goodies!

• Fri, 5 to 9 p.m.
• Vintage Vagabond
• 310 Georgia St.

Jeff Snell Art Sale

Artist Jeff Snell left a lot of artwork behind when he moved to the East Coast. Now it's for sale. Come see his canvas art and mixed media,  now available for purchase.

• Fri, 5:30 to 9 p.m.
• Yurtastic
• 301 Pennsylvania St. #104

Art Walk Party - Live Music, Local Art

IntegriTea will feed your head with hot, organic, nootropic teas, fresh, local art and original music

• Fri, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin St.

Hands-on Cooking Class: Filipino Instant Pot!

Sustainable Solano's local food team welcomes Art Swenson, co-author of The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook, for an engaging hands-on cooking class that combines culture, food and everyone's favorite kitchen tool for creating both traditional and modern Filipino dishes.

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

Strolling Magic Show - Featuring Doug the Magician

Come to lovely downtown Vallejo to enjoy our 2nd Friday Art Walk and stop by our place for dinner and a show. Enjoy an evening full of magic, wonder and amazement brought by Doug the Magician. 🪄

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

Vallejonomics: Art and Music Showcase

Join us for an immersive experience celebrating the vibrant local art scene and the power of music. This event aims to showcase the incredible talent of our youth artists and bring the community together for an unforgettable evening.

• Fri, 6 to 8 p.m.
• LaDell’s Shoes
• 301 Georgia St. #100

4th Corner SpeakEasy - Tom & Jenny Stand Up Comedy Show

Music, comedy, vintage Vallejo. See and be seen! Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

• Fri, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Red Men’s Hall
• 431 Georgia St.

Live Music Friday with Mónica María

Mónica María's music reflects her Californian roots mixed with traditional, earthly and contemporary sounds of Latin America. A vocalist, multi instrumentalist and composer, her songs are innovative and expressive of a world where cultures coexist, where fear is transformed by compassion, where we learn to truly love ourselves, and where we view the world from an empathetic and holistic state of mind.

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

80's Night with DJ Zero Effs

DJ Zero Effs takes you back to the 80s every second Friday after Art Walk

• Fri, 8:30 to 11:45 pm
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St.

Saturday, June 15

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

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 by the Sobre Cuerdas duo. Sample coffees from around the world side-by-side, develop your palate and discover coffees you love that you never knew existed!

• 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

Vallejo 34th Annual Juneteenth Parade

The 2024 Vallejo Juneteenth Festival will begin with a parade through downtown and end at the festival at the waterfront. Parade route map in the link above.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 10:30 am
• From Tennessee St. at Sonoma Blvd. to Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Park

Free Family Day

Free admission all day the third Saturday of every month. With children's story-time at 11 a.m.

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

Vintage Vagabond Second Anniversary Celebration

Celebrate the second anniversary of The Vintage Vagabond - Gallery & Flea, and The Studios on Georgia! Meet the artists, enjoy some yummy treats, and of course, score some great deals on art and vintage goodies! 

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Vintage Vagabond
• 310 Georgia St.

The 75th Solano County Fair - Junior Livestock Auction and Out at the Fair

It’s a proud moment for young Livestock exhibitors when they walk into the sale ring with their animal at the Solano County Fair Junior Livestock Auction. Out at the Fair® is a one-of-a-kind event that celebrates diversity and inclusiveness in a fun and festive atmosphere. The festivities at the fairgrounds provide a perfect backdrop for a day filled with music, food, games, and entertainment for all ages.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Drive

Vallejo 34th Annual Juneteenth Festival

This free event is one of the city's largest and most popular events and provides an opportunity for the entire community to participate in the national observance of this historic event in our country.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Park
• 301 Mare Island Way

Brushstrokes for Earth

The Vallejo Center for the Arts (VCA) 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, noon 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, noon to 4 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Community Drum Circle

The community drum circle is back on the 3rd Saturday of each month. As usual, 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.

Kalimba Weekend Dance Party

This “Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire” show returns to Vino Godfather for an EWF experience so satisfying it transports audiences back to the excitement of the first time they heard these unforgettable songs.

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

Jeff Snell Art Sale

Artist Jeff Snell left a lot of artwork behind when he moved to the East Coast. Now it's for sale. Come see his canvas art and mixed media,  now available for purchase.

• Sat, 3 to 5 p.m.
• Yurtastic
• 301 Pennsylvania St. #104

Red Eye Gypsy

Enjoy an evening of live music, bringing R&B, Rock, Latin Rock and Salsa together in a beautiful blend for your listening pleasure.

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

Live Music Saturday with David Bustamante

David Bustamente is a long time Bay Area singer,songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. He is the band leader for the legendary S.F. FilAm Rock band, Dakila.

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

Johnny & The B'Goods at Gentleman Jim's

Dance the night away with Johnny Ramos and the B'Goods! R&B, pop, funk. Arrive early, get your beverage, and get ready to dance! $10 cover after 10pm

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

Sunday, June 16

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 for updates - dates and times may vary 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 (VCA) 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, noon 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.”

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

The 75th Solano County Fair - Hispanic-Latino Heritage Day

Latin music, Ballet Folklorico and a car show add a Latin flair to the last day of the fair, which also features carnival rides, food, games, and entertainment for all ages.

• Sun, noon to 10 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Drive

Kalimba Weekend Dance Party

This “Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire” show returns to Vino Godfather for an EWF experience so satisfying it transports audiences back to the excitement of the first time they heard these unforgettable songs.

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

The Mare Island Classic Rock Festival - Father's Day 2024

family friendly Father's Day celebration of Classic Rock featuring five fantastic bands, food and craft vendors.

• Sun, 1 to 9 p.m.
• Mare Island Promenade
• 850 Nimitz Ave.

Bryan Girard Jazz Trio

Saxophonist Bryan Girard will be joined by Tim Campbell on keyboard and guitarist Dave Bell. Buy dinner and get listen to a live jazz show FREE! Manny has great views and a full bar. Advance dinner reservation recommended.

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

Monday, June 17

Movement with Mary Jane

A guided movement flow to enhance the mind, body, spirit connection. Let’s conspire to inspire.

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

Vallejo Seaweed VS San Rafael Pacifics

The Vallejo Seaweed battle the San Rafael Pacifics.

• 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.

Editor's note — this story was updated to add the Bryan Girard Jazz Trio at Manny's on Sunday.