VALLEJO — The Vallejo Symphony will present works by Mahler and Hayden at the Empress Theatre this week, the first Indie After Dark show will debut at the Empress Lounge, and coffee and cannabis pairings can be sampled during a Coffee and Weed event at Moschetti Coffee Roaster’s.
Vallejo Symphony will perform “The Song of the Earth” by Gustav Mahler at the Empress Theatre on Sunday afternoon. This vocal symphony of six movements features the renowned vocal talents of mezzo-soprano Nikola Printz and tenor Corey Brix. The concert will open with Franz Joseph Hayden's dynamic “Symphony No.31- Hornsignal,” which will feature the symphony's brass section.
On Thursday night, the Empress Lounge will introduce the first of their monthly Indie After Dark shows, with the versatile jazz hip hop fusion band LabRats from Sacramento. Vallejo’s own Josh Icban & The Solano Players will open the show with their unique blend of funk and jazz. Indie After Dark was formed to create a space where independent artists can take the stage and share their sound without compromise.
On Sunday afternoon, singer, writer, rapper and poet Gabby Rose will perform during the Coffee and Weed event at Moschetti Coffee Roasters. Guests will learn how to pair specific cannabis strains with different coffee flavors. Experts on both coffee and cannabis will give presentations on the nuances of their products.
Thou Wow Studio and the Free Music Collective will introduce the first of a series of workshops to help performing artists succeed in their craft at Carnalito's Customs on Saturday afternoon. The workshop will give tips on performance best practices and how to present yourself to promoters and get booked.
The Mare Island Historic Park Foundation will hold a garage sale of tools, furniture and other items that are not part of the foundation’s artifact collection at the site of the former Mare Island Museum on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Also, the Solano County Black Chamber will host the 2025 Martin Luther King Community Event at the Solano County Fairgrounds on Monday afternoon. Experience powerful speeches, engaging performances, and interactive activities that highlight the importance of equality, justice, and diversity.
These are just some highlights of upcoming events. Scroll down the list below for more live music, cultural and recreational activities, and check our events page for late-breaking updates.
Wednesday, January 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.
- Wed, 6:20 to 7:20 p.m.
- Vallejo Ferry Terminal
- 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo
Takezo Takeda
Takezo Takeda has performed as a rhythm and blues singer/guitarist with artists such as Elvin Bishop, Angela Strehli, Joe Louis Walker, Norton Buffalo, and many others. “Takezo sings the blues as naturally as someone born in Oakland, raised in a church, and studied with Junior Parker. He was meant to live the blues.” Tom Mazzolini, producer of the San Francisco Blues Festival.
- Wed, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Empress Lounge
- 324 Virginia St., Vallejo
Wednesday Night Open Mic
A friendly space for both beginning musicians and seasoned professionals. Comedians and poets also welcome.
- Wed, 8 to11 p.m.
- Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
- 401A Georgia St., Vallejo
Thursday, January 16
Indie After Dark: LabRats, with Josh Icban & The Solano Players
LabRats and their special guest Josh Icban & The Solano Players celebrate the launch of Indie After Dark, with an incredible night of live, original music. LabRats is a jazz/hip hop fusion band from Sacramento. Vallejo's own Josh Ichban & The Solano Players will open the show with a unique blend of funk, jazz and ambient soundscapes. Doors Open at 6:30, show starts at 7:30.
- Thu, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
- Empress Lounge
- 324 Virginia St., Vallejo
Intuitive Mind with Dr. G
Learn about the energy of thought and of the body, according to science. Consciously build a thought pattern that provides a psychic perception. Topics include a broad review of matters pertaining to the Mystic & Healing Arts.
- Thu, 7 p.m. to
- 717 Integrity Project
- 717 Marin St., Vallejo
Dalota Linn
Dakota Linn pays a live set with electric guitar and vocals.
- Thu, 8 to 9:30 p.m.
- Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
- 401A Georgia St., Vallejo
Friday, January 17
MIHPF's Annual Sailor's Cellar (Garage Sale)
Stop by Building 46, the former Mare Island Museum for our garage sale. We are selling tools, furniture and other items that are not part of our artifact collection. The sale will take place Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Fri, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- 1100 Railroad Ave.
- Mare Island, Vallejo
The Makery
Come experience Solano County Library's makerspace- The Makery! Equipment includes: 3D printer, vinyl cutter, digital production equipment, drawing tablets and much more! Drop-in and discover what we have. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Fri, 2 to 4:45 p.m.
- Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
- 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo
150th Installation & Awards Dinner
2025 Vallejo Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Jeanne Kilkenny-Turk requests the pleasure of your company at our 150th Annual Installation & Awards Dinner.
- Fri, 6 p.m. to
- Veteran's Memorial Building
- 420 Admiral Callaghan Ln, Vallejo
The Katie Knipp Band
Nancy Lake and the Ripple Effect and Lady Starbeast support the show before Katie's band hits the stage, 21 and over, $15 adv, $20 at the door, brought to you by Lommori Productions.
- Fri, 8 p.m. to
- Toot's Tavern
- 627 2nd Ave., Crockett
Saturday, January 18
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 to 9 a.m.
- Vallejo Ferry Terminal
- 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo
Farmers’ Market
Shop here for a great selection of California-grown greens, fruits & veggies, as well as some nice specialty booths with baked goods and food trucks with down-to-earth prices.
- Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Downtown Vallejo
- Georgia and Marin Streets, Vallejo
Community Coffee Tasting with Sobre Cuerdas
Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes while listening to Venezuelan reggae pop fusion by Sobre Cuerdas. Live music from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Moschetti Coffee
- 11 Sixth St. (Curtola Pkwy. & Solano Ave.), Vallejo
MIHPF's Annual Sailor's Cellar (Garage Sale)
Stop by Building 46, the former Mare Island Museum for our garage sale. We are selling tools, furniture and other items that are not part of our artifact collection. The sale will take place Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sat, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- 1100 Railroad Ave.
- Mare Island, Vallejo
Stephen McConnell @ North Bay Speech Masters New Beginnings Open House
Join North Bay Speech Masters Toastmasters club for a fun and exciting in-person and online open house. The meeting theme is New Beginnings. Included in the meeting is a special guest speaker Stephen McConnell with his-Speech Titled: Breaking Through the Mindset Barrier. Stephen is a passionate mindset strategist and an advocate for personal growth and leadership. He will bring insights into a growth mindset so you can discover actionable steps to unlock your full potential.
- Sat, 10:30 to 11:40 a.m.
- Cogir of the North Bay
- 2261 Tuloumne St., Vallejo
Kitty Meet and Greet – Pet Adoptions
Come meet your next best friend! All cats and kittens who are adopted out through Community Cat Advocates have been dewormed, treated for fleas, tested for Felv and FIV, vaccinated to age appropriate levels, microchipped and spayed or neutered. Evening appointments also available. Community Cat Advocates has cats and kittens at the Vallejo Petsmart on every Saturday of the month from 12 to 3 p.m. Come meet your next best friend! Evening appointments also available.
- Sat, noon to 3 p.m.
- PetSmart
- 952 Admiral Callaghan Lane, Vallejo
Vallejo Jazz Jam Session
Vallejo Jazz Jam's mission is to provide a supportive and non-competitive environment for musicians of all levels to explore our rich heritage of jazz standards. The Vallejo Jazz Jam welcomes musicians of all ages, genders and levels. Monthly they develop a consensus of tunes to play for two-hour sessions, held on the third Saturday of the month. There is no formal hierarchy. $10 donation to cover rental space (pay in-person).
- Sat, noon to 2 p.m.
- Mira Theatre Guild
- 51 Daniels Ave, Vallejo
Cozy January Paint-Along
De-stress by painting a cozy January home-themed acrylic artwork on canvas! The instructor will walk you step by step to complete your masterpiece. For all ages. Materials provided. Please register.
- Sat, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
- 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo
The Workshop, Vol. 1
The Work Shop Vol. 1 is geared to give performing artists more insights on live performances. How to get booked, what package you should be sending to promoters, performance etiquette and best practices and so much more knowledge. Guest speaker Versoul brings a vast amount of knowledge and when it comes to hitting that stage and giving a masterful performance. There will also be key presentations from members of Thou Wow Studio & Free Music Collective. Together we hope to guide and support you as an artist as you hit these stages in the Bay Area and beyond. Keep It A Thou Wow is a Free Music Collective and Thou Wow Studio venture.
- Sat, 2 to 5 p.m.
- Thou Wow Studio / Carnalito's Customs
- 905 Tennessee St, Vallejo
Byran Girard Jazz Trio
Saxophonist Bryan Girard will be joined by Tim Campbell on keyboard and Lorn Leber on guitar at Manny's on the Vallejo waterfront. Along with a spectacular waterfront view and free parking, Manny’s offers dinner at reasonable prices and, of course, a full bar. Advance dinner reservations recommended.
- Sat, 5 to 8 p.m.
- Manny's Steakhouse
- 295 Mare Island Way, Vallejo
The Lost Cats
Join us for an evening of jazz flowing between Latin, vintage, and rhythm and blues styles. The Lost Cats will offer a musical selection that will entice you to move and groove, or sit and full heartedly enjoy the music with only your ears.
- Sat, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Bambino's
- 301 Georgia St. #122, Vallejo
Sunday, January 19
Coffee & Weed
Join us for an extraordinary coffee and cannabis pairing event that unites enthusiasts of both coffee and cannabis for a unique sensory experience. Set in the inviting ambiance of Moschetti Coffee, this event will spotlight rich flavors and aromas while offering an in-depth exploration of cannabis terpenes and their significance in flavor pairing. The sultry singer Gabby Rose will perform.
- Sun, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Moschetti Coffee Roaster
- 11 6th St. (Curtola Pkwy. & Solano Ave.), Vallejo
Yoga and Begonias
Join us for a relaxing and rejuvenating Sunday of yoga and your favorite slow jams. Come connect with self, nature and the rhythm of music.
- Sun, noon to 2 p.m.
- Neighborhood Plant Dealer
- 419 Georgia st. Suite 10, Vallejo
Vallejo Symphony - Song of the Earth
Vallejo Symphony will perform The Song of the Earth by Gustav Mahler. This vocal symphony of six movements features the renowned vocal talents of Nikola Printz and Corey Brix. Franz Joseph Hayden's dynamic ‘Symphony No.31- Hornsignal’ will feature the symphony’s brass section.
- Sun, 3 to 5 p.m.
- Empress Theatre
- 330 Virginia St, Vallejo
Monday, January 20
2025 Martin Luther King Community Event
Join us at the Solano County Black Chamber: 2025 Martin Luther King Community Event for an afternoon of celebration and empowerment. Experience powerful speeches, engaging performances, and interactive activities that highlight the importance of equality, justice, and diversity. Connect with fellow community members and be part of a meaningful day dedicated to promoting unity and understanding.
- Mon, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Solano County Fairgrounds McCormick Hall
- 900 Fairgrounds Dr., Vallejo
Movement with Mary Jane
Movement with Mary Jane is a guided movement flow to enhance the mind, body, spirit connection. This is an infused experience for people 21 and over, exceptions made if you have a doctor’s recommendation. 6 to 7 p.m. is the "Inhale Session", where we vaporize our herbal allies and unwind over freshly brewed tea. 7 to 8 p.m. is the "Exhale Flow", where we center in our breath and find balance in our bodies through a guided series of yoga-inspired movements and stretches, moving into gentle, breath-informed dance.
- Mon, 6 to 9 p.m.
- IntegriTea
- 717 Marin St., Vallejo
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, Vallejo
Tuesday, January 21
Vallejo CreativiTea Club - Every Tuesday night
Vallejo CreativiTea Club (AKA Doodle & Draw) is now every Tuesday night though we frequently stay later. Open to all ages and skill levels. Get together with your downtown arts community to work side by side on art projects while sipping tea and listening to music. Bring a project you're working on, or get inspired to start something fresh. We will have some art supplies available. This is a free event. Donations are appreciated.
- Tue, 6 to 8 p.m.
- 717 Integrity Project
- 717 Marin St, Vallejo
A more comprehensive list of upcoming events can be found here.
Submit your event listings for inclusion to events@vallejosun.com
Advertise your events on the Vallejo Sun website by contacting ads@vallejosun.com
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 :