Upcoming Vallejo Events — Spring Carnival returns to the waterfront

VALLEJO — The annual Spring Carnival comes to Vallejo’s waterfront this week, plus a new play opens at Bay Area Stage, and the Vallejo Symphony will perform “Porgy and Bess” at the Empress Theatre.

The carnival by Butler Amusements will open at the Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Park Thursday evening and will run through the weekend. The rides range from gentle merry-go-rounds to whiplash excitement.

On Friday, Bay Area Stage Theatre will open the comic play, “The Foreigner,” which will run through May 5. Written by Larry Shue, the author of “The Nerd,” the play demonstrates what can happen when a group of devious characters deal with a stranger who (they think) knows no English.

Marc Taddei will conduct George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” at the Empress Theatre on Saturday evening. The folk opera, known for the song “Summertime,” tells the story of Porgy’s attempts to rescue Bess from a life of abuse.

The McCune room at the John F. Kennedy Library has resumed their free monthly Sunday programs. This week, Valerie and Michael Nelson of Magical Moonshine Theatre will perform a toy theater version of “Mutiny on the Bounty” complete with live ukulele music and dancing hula girls. The Nelsons will also talk about the Victorian era paper puppet form and show some of their toy theater collection. 

Two elegant fundraisers are scheduled for Saturday evening. “ASoirée in Paris” will raise funds for the Florence Douglas Center with dinner, music, raffles, and live and silent auctions. 

The Vallejo Sister City Association's 4th Annual Black & White Gala will celebrate at the Vallejo Yacht Club with dinner and dancing. Proceeds will benefit the Vallejo Sister City Youth Diplomacy Program.

“Tour:20,” a celebration of cannabis and hip-hop culture, will take place at Carnailto’s Customs on Sunday evening, with Pacewon, DJ So Fresh, and several other artists. The event is affiliated with the Tour for Life mental health and suicide prevention project.

These are just some highlights from a long list of events happening this week. Be sure to check the list below for more live music, art, poetry, theater and recreational activities.

Wednesday, April 17

Lawyers in the Library

The Lawyers in the Library program offers free 15-minute appointments with attorneys. Please come in-person at 9 a.m. or call 866-572-7587 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 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

Carmen Ratti Band

The Carmen Ratti Band featuring Jill Dineen performs with scorching, high-energy performances, raw, powerful lead vocals, superbly emotive guitar, an exceptional groove, and an inspired, dynamic mix of show-stopping originals and steamy, innovative covers.

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

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, April 18

Art Beat Radio Show – Literary Interview

Accomplished Vallejo author Nina Serrano interviews a literary guest

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

Vallejo Spring Carnival

Enjoy rides, games, and food with the family. from your favorite carnival experience. $5 Admission, unlimited rides $32. Weather Permitting, event schedule is subject to change.

• Thurs, 5 to 10 p.m.
• Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Park
• 301 Mare Island Way

A Celebration of Poetic Diversity

Enjoy an evening of poetry with Vallejo Co-Poet Laureate Kathleen Herrmann, Suisun Poet Laureate Excalibur. and Vallejo poet Anna Quismario.

• Thurs, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• Alibi Bookshop
• 624 Marin St.

Fun Home

Fun Home is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. It tells the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined the author’s family and her life.

• Thurs, 7 to 10 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St.

Friday, April 19

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.

Vallejo Spring Carnival

Enjoy rides, games, and food with the family. from your favorite carnival experience. $5 Admission, unlimited rides $32. Weather Permitting, event time, and schedule are subject to change.

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

Dakota Linn

Dakota Linn rocks the Town House Cocktail Lounge starting at around 7 p.m. Great music, tasty new beers, and No Cover Charge.

• Fri, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St.

Fun Home

Fun Home is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. It tells the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined the author’s family and her life.

• Fri, 7 to 10 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St.

The Foreigner

Play by Larry Shue, directed by Trey Reeves. The scene is a fishing lodge in rural Georgia where nonstop hilarity ensues.

• Fri, 8 to 10:30 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St.

Saturday, April 20

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 with live music by Duo Gadjo

Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes. Duo Gadjo’s repertoire includes many French classics. Their distinctive French Cafe sound emanates from their Gypsy guitars and a melodica.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Moschetti Coffee
• 11 Sixth St.

Earth Day Cleanup

The Earth Day Cleanup in Vallejo is at Blue Rock Springs Creek behind Wardlaw Park. Join cities, agencies, and hundreds of volunteers in picking up trash and recyclables from local parks, schools, trails, streets and waterways, as we care for our communities and environment.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 11:30 am
• Wardlaw Park
• 1805 Ascot Pkwy.

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

Healing Through Sound: Free Community Sound Bath Meditation

As we navigate through life’s ebbs and flows, finding moments to ground ourselves and reconnect with our inner peace becomes essential. This sound bath meditation is designed to do just that – a communal space where you can lay down, close your eyes, and immerse in the healing vibrations of sound.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 11:00 am
• Washington Park
• 900 Ohio St.

Mare Island Tree Tour

Experience 142 years of not just naval history, but tree history, as we explore the "roots" of the various tree species on Mare Island. We will meet for coffee, have an introductory talk, go on a tree tour, led by tree marketing expert, Sarah Gaskin, of A Plus Tree LLC. (May be sold out)

• Sat, 10 a.m. to noon.
• Quarters Coffee House
• 1015 Walnut Ave.

3rd Annual Benicia Diversity Festival

The free festival will feature a diverse lineup of performers and musicians, reflecting the vibrant tapestry of our community. From dynamic dance routines to soulful musical acts, the festival will captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

• Sat, noon to 5 p.m.
• Benicia City Park
• First Street @ Military West

Portals - Fiber Expressions Art Quilters

Every stitch tells a story and every quilt unveils a gateway to imagination. Step into a mesmerizing realm of creativity at Portals, where the Fiber Expressions group explores this fascinating and multifaceted theme.

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

Vallejo Spring Carnival

Enjoy rides, games, and food with the family. from your favorite carnival experience. $5 Admission, unlimited rides $32. Weather Permitting, event schedule is subject to change.

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

Roots Man Project

Roots Man Project’s high energy Roots Reggae dance music can fire up a crowd in no time, and it's all feel-good positive vibes.

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

Youth Poets in the Spotlight

Vallejo Co-Poet Laureates Kathleen Herrmann and Jacalyn Evone present an exciting evening of poetry and creativity. This event showcases the talent and passion of young poets in our community. Get ready to be inspired and moved by the creativity of the next generation of poets. Join us in supporting these rising stars as they share their powerful words and unique perspectives.

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

717 Project Earth Day Party - 4/20

Celebrate Earth Day and all things green with live, original music, local art, and tea. The event will begin at 4 p.m. with a community drum circle, and the music will go all night.

• Sat, 4 to 2:00 am
• IntegriTea Art + Event Space
• 717 Marin St.

Bryan Girard Jazz Trio

Saxophonist Bryan Girard will be joined by Greg Sankovich and Lorn Leber. Buy dinner and get listen to a live jazz show, free. Advance dinner reservation recommended.

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

"A Soirée in Paris" fundraiser

This year’s theme is Soirée in Paris. Festivities include dinner, music, raffles, a grand silent auction, and an exciting live auction. Soiree attire encouraged.

• Sat, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Florence Douglas Center
• 333 Amador St.

David El 3-Oh

David El 3-Oh’s music styles include jazz, latin rock and hip-hop. No cover with dinner. Arrive early to get a seat near the stage.    

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

Vallejo Sister City Association's 4th Annual Black & White Gala

Join us for a night of dancing, delicious food, and great company, all while supporting a good cause. All proceeds will benefit the Vallejo Sister City Youth Diplomacy Program.

• Sat, 6 to 10 p.m.
• Vallejo Yacht Club
• 485 Mare Island Way

Live Music Saturday with Jimbo Scott & Friends

A favorite of the Bay Area’s folk and Americana scene, Jimbo Scott has been entertaining audiences far and wide for more than a decade, including 2 years as a member of the famed NorCal Jamgrass band, Poor Man’s Whiskey. His solo work evokes traditions of Tennessee country and bluegrass, Oakland soul in sepia toned California landscapes and life-scapes.

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

Fun Home

Fun Home is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. It tells the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined the author’s family and her life.

• Sat, 7 to 10 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St.

The Foreigner

Play by Larry Shue, directed by Trey Reeves. The scene is a fishing lodge in rural Georgia where nonstop hilarity ensues.

• Sat, 8 to 10:30 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St.

Vallejo Symphony - Porgy and Bess

George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” arranged by Russell Garcia, featuring Tiffany Austin as Bess and Robert Sims as Porgy. Narrated by Bradley Kynard. Marc Taddei conducts.

• Sat, 8 to 10 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St.

Country Music Night - Southbound 101

Kick the dust off your boots and join us on the dance floor while modern country band Southbound 101 gives you a stompin' good time! Get there early! $10 Cover after 10PM

• Sat, 9 to 11:45 pm
• Gentleman Jim’s
• 1324 Lincoln Rd. E

Sunday, April 21

Los Rehenes, Ladrón y mas

Ladrón, Los Rehenes, Jaime Espinoza y Los Fugitivos, Grupo Libra, Los Mismos, Los Baron de Apodaca, Los Dinnos, Los Bondadosos, y mas. Menores de 10 entran completamente gratis!.

• Sun, 1 p.m. to desconocido
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Dr.

Brickmania's 2nd Anniversary Celebration

Meet the Brickmania crew and celebrate their second year in California.

• Sun, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Brickmania
• 350 Georgia St.

Earth Day Plant Swap

Bring your extra plants, cuttings, supplies, or seeds to exchange with fellow plant enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to expand their plant collection and connect with like-minded individuals.

• Sun, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Mira Theatre
• 51 Daniels Ave.

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

Portals - Fiber Expressions Art Quilters

Every stitch tells a story and every quilt unveils a gateway to imagination. Step into a mesmerizing realm of creativity at Portals, where the Fiber Expressions group explores this fascinating and multifaceted theme.

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

Vallejo Spring Carnival

Enjoy rides, games, and food with the family. from your favorite carnival experience. $5 Admission, unlimited rides $32. Weather Permitting, event time, and schedule are subject to change.

• Sun, noon to 10 p.m.
• Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Park
• 301 Mare Island Way

Pride & Joy

This group is the Pride of the Bay Area and a Joy to anyone who loves to dance. They have achieved this by presenting the most timeless pop/soul music of our time in an electrifying high energy show that pulls the audience directly into the heart of their performance.

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

Mutiny on the Bounty - Toy Theater

International performers Michael and Valerie Nelson of Magical Moonshine Theatre will share some of their toy theater collection and performances. Come and learn more about this Victorian era paper puppet form, explore some rare books, drink wine and enjoy snacks provided by the McCune. The Nelsons will perform their version of “Mutiny on the Bounty,” a toy theater work with lots of animation! Contains lots of dancing, ukuleles, surfing, bathing, and a few tropical drinks in the hammock.

• Sun, 2 to 4 p.m.
• McCune Room, John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

The Foreigner

The scene is a fishing lodge in rural Georgia —the evil plans of a sinister, two-faced minister and his redneck associate; the fact that the minister’s pretty fiancée is pregnant; and many other damaging revelations made with the thought that Charlie doesn’t understand a word being said. Nonstop hilarity! Play by Larry Shue, directed by Trey Reeves. Tickets $22 general admission, $20 for 65 and older.

• Sun, 3 to 5:30 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St.

Vallejo Symphony - Porgy and Bess

George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” arranged by Russell Garcia, featuring Tiffany Austin as Bess and Robert Sims as Porgy. Narrated by Bradley Kynard. Marc Taddei conducts.

• Sun, 3 to 5 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St.

Tour: 20, featuring Pacewon

Celebrating cannabis and hip hop culture with Rhymosaurs, N8 & Tha G, Los Tones, Sydequest, Lil Mic, Mr Rozzi, Travesty, Synse, D-Bo, Tha Gho$t, Pizzo, Jezzyman, and DJ So Fresh. $20 at the door. 21And up. Proceeds go to mental health charity.

• Sun, 8 to midnight
• Carnalito’s Customs
• 905 Tennessee St.

Monday, April 22

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.

Tuesday, April 23

Campanelli Youth Chorus after-school class

Campanelli Youth Chorus is an after-school class that offers an enriching choral education and performance experience to school-age children, ages 7 and older. No audition or previous music experience is required.

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

City Council Regular Meeting

City Council meetings are now hybrid in-person and on Zoom. Agendas can be viewed on the City Agendas & Videos web page a minimum of 72 hours in advance. There will be a video link at the left of the agenda page once the meeting begins.

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