VALLEJO — Second Friday Art Walk is back this month after their January hiatus for its 10th anniversary and the 100th ever Vallejo Art Walk.
Since it launched on Valentine's Day in 2014, the Art Walk has become a fixture of Vallejo’s downtown. Check out the works of local artists, enjoy performance art and music, and browse the shops and galleries on Marin and Georgia streets that stay open late.
IntegriTea will extend their Art Walk activities after 9 p.m. when the rest of Art Walk shuts down, with local musicians, DJs and artists.
Also on Friday, parents can drop the kids off at “Parent’s Night Out” event at the Vallejo Community Center. They’ll be entertained with movies, pizza and games while their parents enjoy a grown-up date night.
Other good activities for kids are happening this week.
The Springstowne Library has a Valentine card making station set up during open hours weekdays through Friday. Supplies are provided for people of all ages to make their own cards.
On Saturday, kids can attend an art workshop with artist Tyson Snow and learn how to use acrylic paint and pastels.
Faith Food Friday is holding a family-friendly garden workshop on Saturday in collaboration with First Five Solano. This will give kids a chance to get their hands dirty while learning how to grow their own food
Does your child like to sing? The Vallejo Choral Society’s Campanelli Youth Chorus class is held every Tuesday after school through May. Drop-ins are welcome and scholarships are available. Instructor Colleen McAdams creates a welcoming and encouraging learning environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves.
Live music shows for grownups this week include soul band W.M.P.H (What Makes People Happy) at the Empress Lounge on Wednesday, Star Stunnas hip-hop DJs at Carnailto’s Customs on Friday, and a Mardi Gras celebration with Greg Rahn and the Fat Tuesday Horns on Saturday.
If you haven’t yet decided who to vote for in the California State Senate District 3 race, Voters Voice of Solano County is holding “Fireside Chats” with individual candidates at the Sir Winston Business Center on Broadway Street. This week they are hosting three state Senate candidates: Dixon Coucilmember Thom Bogue on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., Rohnert Park City Councilmember Jackie Elward on Thursday at 5:30 p.m., and Republican candidate Jimih Jones at 6:30 p.m.
Check the list below for details and more art, community, recreation and music events.
Wednesday, February 7
Valentine Card Making
Drop in at the Springstowne library February 5th through 9th and make Valentine's Day cards for your friends and family. Supplies provided.
- Wed, 9 a.m. to 5:00 pm
- Springstowne Library
- 1003 Oakwood Ave.
Fireside Chat with Councilmember Thom Bogue, Candidate for California State Senate District 3
Join us for an intimate and enlightening evening with Councilmember Thom Bogue, as he shares his vision, goals, and plans for California State Senate, District 3. Hosted by Voters Voice of Solano County.
- Wed, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Sir Winston Business Center
- 515 Broadway St.
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.
W.M.P.H. “What Makes People Happy” music!
If you wanted to cook up a pot of Soul Music, what would you use? Vocalist Glenn Walters, David Kirk Mathews on keyboard, DeWayne Pate on bass, and drummer Kevin Hayes. “W.M.P.H.” stands, not for the first letters of their last names, but for “What Makes People Happy” – music!
- Wed, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Empress Theatre Lounge
- 324 Virginia St.
Wednesday Night Open Mic
Musicians with a wide range of talent perform here. A welcoming space for both beginning performers and seasoned professionals. Comedians and poets also welcome.
- Wed, 8 to 11:00 pm
- Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
- 401A Georgia St.
Thursday, February 8
Valentine Card Making
Drop in at the Springstowne library February 5th through 9th and make Valentine's Day cards for your friends and family. Supplies provided.
- Thurs, 9 a.m. to 5:00 pm
- Springstowne Library
- 1003 Oakwood Ave.
Art Beat Radio Show – Literary Dialogues with Nina Serrano
Vallejo poet and author Nina Serrano interviews local writers, the second Thursday of most months. Her guest on this show will be poet Florencia Milito.
- Thurs, 10:30 a.m. to noon
- Ozcat Radio
- 89.5 FM KZCT
Fireside Chat with Councilmember Jackie Elward, Candidate for CA State Senate District 3
Join us for an intimate Fireside Chat with Councilmember Jackie Elward, a candidate vying for CA State Senate District 3.
- Thurs, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Sir Winston Business Center
- 515 Broadway St.
Community Grief Circle
We invite you to join certified Death Doula, Britt Sandkulla Sinclair, to process your feelings of loss in a space of compassion. This community circle is a safe container to honor those we have lost, share stories, reflections, memories and find support and understanding from others
- Thurs, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- The Joint
- 619 Marin St.
Fireside Chat with Jimih Jones, Candidate for CA State Senate District 3
Join us for an evening with Jimih Jones, a candidate running for CA State Senate District 3.
- Thurs, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Sir Winston Business Center
- 515 Broadway St.
Friday, February 9
Valentine Card Making
Drop in at the Springstowne library February 5th through 9th and make Valentine's Day cards for your friends and family. Supplies provided.
- Fri, 9 a.m. to 5:00 pm
- Springstowne Library
- 1003 Oakwood Ave.
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.
Parents Night Out
Parents Night Out is the perfect event for adults and kids. Drop your kids off with us and enjoy a night out with your partner. The kids will get to watch movies, have pizza, and play games while Mom and Dad get a much-needed date night out! Registration $10
- Fri, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Vallejo Community Center
- 225 Amador St.
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 9:00 pm
- Downtown Vallejo
- Georgia and Marin Streets
Justice for Willie McCoy Vigil - 5 Years
Vigil for Willie McCoy on the five-year anniversary of his death at the hands of Vallejo police.
- Fri, 6 to 8:00 pm
- Starbucks (old Taco Bell location)
- 904 Admiral Callaghan Ln.
Art Walk at IntegriTea - live music - local art
We’re getting ready for second Friday Art Walk here at IntegriTea. We’ll be partying late with live, original music and a late night DJ set. As always, we’ll be serving organic tea.
- Fri, 7 to 11:45 pm
- IntegriTea Art + Event Space
- 717 Marin St.
Star Stunnas Hip Hop
All the DJ sets are about to be out of this world, so don’t miss out. Hip hop, house, UKG, baile funk, reggaeton, dance hall and more. A Mainey Swog and Free Music Collective event.
- Fri, 8 p.m. to Sat, 1 a.m.
- Carnalito’s Customs
- 905 Tennessee St.
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, February 10
Vallejo Run Club Weekly Run
The Vallejo Run Club meets each Saturday morning, rain or shine, next to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. Beginners to ultra marathoners welcome! Sat, 8 a.m. to 9:00 am
- Vallejo Ferry Terminal
- 289 Mare Island Way
Farmers' Market
Shop here for a great selection of California-grown fruits & veggies at down-to-earth prices.
- Sat, 9 a.m. to 2:00 pm
- Downtown Vallejo
- Georgia and Marin Streets
Love POP! Makers Valentine Pop-Up
Immerse yourself in a world of unique handmade crafts, delicious food, and lively music. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking for a good time, this event has something for everyone.
- Sat, 9 a.m. to 2:00 pm
- Tony’s Cakes
- 418 Georgia St.
Guided Bird of Prey Hike
This hike will offer raptor identification tips and views of resident and over-wintering birds of prey. Weather may cancel. Advance registration recommended.
- Sat, 10 a.m. to 2:00 pm
- Lynch Canyon
- 3100 Lynch Rd., Fairfield
Black History Month @Keys STEAM Society
This wide-ranging event is taking place weekends through the month of February and includes activities from genealogy research to culinary demonstrations to documentary films to poetry readings
- Sat, 11 a.m. to 4:00 pm
- Immersive Learning Center
- 250 Georgia St.
Children's Art Workshop with Tyson Snow
Prepare for an unforgettable artistic journey guided by artist Tyson Snow. Watch as your child's imagination comes to life on canvas and paper! From vibrant acrylics to the soft hues of pastels and the dazzling shine of metallic paints - the possibilities are endless.
- Sat, 11 a.m. to 2:00 pm
- Temple Art Lofts Gallery
- 340 Virginia St.
Faith Food Fridays Family Friendly Garden Workday
Bring your kids of all ages for a family-friendly workday at the Faith Food Friday's Learning Garden! There will be general maintenance work for all to do, with some fun and easy instruction for younger kids to learn about garden maintenance and get their hands dirty as well.
- Sat, 11 a.m. to 1:00 pm
- Faith FOOD Fridays
- 826 Solano Ave.
Kitty Meet and Greet - pet adoptions
Community Cat Advocates has cats and kittens at the Vallejo PetSmart on every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Come meet your next best friend! Evening appointments also available.
- Sat, noon to 3:00 pm
- PetSmart
- 952 Admiral Callaghan Ln.
Poetry in Notion
Join Vallejo’s Co-Poets Laureate Jacalyn Eyvonne and Kathleen Herrmann for Poetry in Notion at the John F. Kennedy branch of the Solano County Library. Bring some poetry to share or just come and listen.
- Sat, noon to 2:00 pm
- John F. Kennedy Library
- 505 Santa Clara St.
Valentines Celebration with Soul'd Out
Enjoy indoor music, shop for jewelry and unique art pieces, while sipping on your favorite Vino Godfather wines! Whether you're a fan of pop, rock, hip-hop or R&B, Soul'd Out has got you covered!
- Sat, noon to 7 p.m. - Art and Jewelry show
- Sat, 2 to 5 p.m. - music by Soul'd Out
- Vino Godfather
- 1005 Walnut Ave.
Understanding Benicia Unified School District Measure C
Join us for a fireside chat focused on the Measure C initiative for the Benicia Unified School District. This hybrid event, available both online and in-person, offers community members an opportunity to engage directly with an educational leader to gain a deeper understanding of Measure C and its implications for our schools and community.
- Sat, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
- Sir Winston Business Center
- 515 Broadway St., Vallejo
Leather Journal Cover Workshop
In this beginner leather workshop Jennifer Laursen of Vallejo’s own TILT Leather will guide you through selecting, designing, and constructing a beautiful leather cover to protect your journal or notebook.
- Sat, 4 to 7:00 pm
- The Joint
- 619 Marin St.
Ron McGee Trio with Bryan Girard
Saxophonist Bryan Girard with the Ron McGee Trio will play facing a spectacular waterfront view. Manny’s is popular, so advance dinner reservations are recommended.
- Sat, 5 to 8:00 pm
- Manny’s Steakhouse
- 295 Mare Island Way
Live Music Saturday with Nathan Ignacio
California-based musician Nathan Ignacio is known for his ability to connect with audiences from all walks of life. Performing most frequently as a one-man-band, his extensive lineup of performance instruments includes guitar, mandolin, harmonica, piano, bass, and dulcimer, playing many instruments simultaneously.
- Sat, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Mare Island Brewing Co. Taproom
- 289 Mare Island Way
Mardi Gras with Greg Rahn and the Fat Tuesday Horns
Celebrate the Mardi Gras holiday with a New Orleans-style band featuring pianist/vocalist Greg Rahn, Grammy-winning violinist Carlos Reyes, trombonist Mike Rinta, bassist/vocalist Tim Eschliman, drummer Jeff Campitelli, trumpeter John Halblieb and Frank Acosta on guitar. Sparkly and bright carnival-themed costumes, masks, and Mardi Gras beads are encouraged.
- Sat, 8 to 10:00 pm
- Empress Theatre
- 330 Virginia St.
Townhouse Divas Drag Show
Come join Vicodonia Knightingale, Charity Kase and Holotta Tymes every 2nd and 4th Saturday night at the Townhouse Cocktail Lounge! These are the Divas you want to see!
- Sat, 10:30 to 11:59 pm
- Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
- 401A Georgia St.
Sunday, February 11
"Breakfast at Tiffany's" Brunch
Savor delectable delights that will tantalize your taste buds, creating a symphony of flavors to elevate your brunch experience. Pianist Mike Greensill will accompany the amazing vocalist Kellie Fuller. Kellie offers wonderful surprises as she brings Jazz, R & B and The Great American Songbook to the stage with her own blend of humor, intimacy and energy.
- Sun, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Empress Theatre Lounge
- 324 Virginia St.
Black History Month @Keys STEAM Society
This wide-ranging event is taking place weekends through the month of February and includes activities from genealogy research to culinary demonstrations to documentary films to poetry readings.
- Sun, 11 a.m. to 4:00 pm
- Immersive Learning Center
- 250 Georgia St.
Bryan Girard Jazz Quartet with vocalist Carmen Lauren,
Vocalist Carmen Lauren, with Bryan Girard on sax, Greg Sankovich on keyboard and Gerry Kennett on drums.
- Sun, noon to 3:00 pm
- Bambino’s
- 301 Georgia St. #122
Women’s New Moon Circle
This monthly staple is a time for us to gather as women, reflect & share and celebrate & support each other around each new moon. Let’s reflect on the past moon cycle, what we are ready to let go of and what are we calling in for the month ahead while basking in the warm glow of candle light and sisterhood.
- Sun, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- The Joint
- 619 Marin St.
Monday, February 12
The Mandala Switch - The Letting Go Art Experience
This is a fun, collaborative and laid-back session It will include some centering exercises, drawing and painting to unleash your inner artist. All materials included.
- Mon, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
- Mare Island Art Studios
- 110 Pintado St.
Tuesday, February 13
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.
Before you go...
It’s expensive to produce the kind of high-quality journalism we do at the Vallejo Sun. And we rely on reader support so we can keep publishing.
If you enjoy our regular beat reporting, in-depth investigations, and deep-dive podcast episodes, chip in so we can keep doing this work and bringing you the journalism you rely on.
Click here to become a sustaining member of our newsroom.
THE VALLEJO SUN NEWSLETTER
Investigative reporting, regular updates, events and more
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.
follow me :