Things to Do in Sonoma County this August 2026
Golden hills, ripening vines, and warm nights that cool with the coastal fog — here’s your end-of-summer roundup, top to bottom, in the order it all happens.
August is Sonoma County’s golden encore. The hills have turned the color of honey, the first grapes are blushing on the vine, and the days stretch long and warm before the cool comes rolling in off the coast each evening. It’s the season of Ferris wheels and flower halls, apple-scented fairgrounds, and music drifting across the plaza well after sunset.
Whether you’re chasing the last big fairs of summer, hunting peak-season peaches at the farmers market, or settling onto a blanket for Broadway under the stars, here’s your guide to the best of the month across Santa Rosa, Sonoma, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Petaluma, Cotati, and the coast — arranged in date order, so you can build the perfect late-summer weekend.
Before you go
We confirmed every date and detail below in July 2026, but this is a handpicked lineup, not every event in the county. Times, prices, and plans can change, so please double-check with each organizer before you head out. Sonoma County Business List isn’t affiliated with any of the organizers listed here. Hosting something we missed? Tell us about it and we’ll consider it for next month.
The August Lineup
Downtown Petaluma’s merchants roll their summer stock out onto the sidewalks for the season’s biggest markdown weekend. Wander the iron-front blocks, hunt a bargain, and duck into a riverside cafe when the afternoon heats up. The final two days land right at the start of August.
Details →Step back into a restored one-room schoolhouse with Sonoma County Regional Parks and see what a school day looked like for local kids more than a century ago. It’s a charming, low-key morning for families — and a fitting send-off to summer before the new school year begins. Check the parks calendar to confirm the day’s schedule.
Details →Running since 1967 and the largest market in the county, this is peak-season shopping at its best: sun-warmed peaches and tomatoes, cut flowers, pasture-raised meats, fresh-caught fish, and prepared foods to eat on the spot. Roll through midweek on Wednesday or make a morning of the bigger Saturday market.
Details →The Santa Rosa Police Department throws its annual family-friendly block party in celebration of safe, connected neighborhoods. Expect booths from local organizations and public-safety agencies, food and drinks, and plenty of hands-on activities for the kids. It’s free, outdoors, and a great way to meet the neighbors.
Details →One of Sonoma Valley’s most beloved traditions takes over the historic Plaza every Tuesday evening: rows of local produce and cut flowers, live music on the lawn, and a world tour of prepared food, from oysters to Thai to artisan ice cream. Bring the family, grab dinner, and settle in for a golden-hour stroll.
Details →Spread a blanket on the grass in the heart of downtown Healdsburg for this free summer concert series, where hundreds of locals and visitors gather each Tuesday for everything from swing and cool jazz to country and rockabilly. Pack a picnic and a bottle of local wine, or graze from the food vendors on hand.
Details →Trade the crowds for the coast and lend a hand restoring native dune habitat alongside Sonoma County Regional Parks staff. It’s hands-on stewardship with an ocean breeze — a genuinely satisfying way to give back to one of the county’s most beautiful stretches of shoreline. Wear closed-toe shoes and check the parks calendar to sign up.
Details →The garden stays open late each Wednesday for live music in its outdoor amphitheater, with wine tastings from local vintners and sweeping valley views at golden hour. Bring a picnic and a leashed dog, and keep an eye out for the new monthly Noche Latina nights. Admission runs $17 adults, $14 seniors, $8 youth, and is free for members.
Details →The county’s biggest summer party is back for ten days of carnival rides, thoroughbred horse racing, and the famous Hall of Flowers, plus livestock shows, competitive exhibits, mountains of fair food, the Wine Country Rodeo, and free grandstand concerts. It’s the beating heart of August in Sonoma County — go hungry and stay for the lights.
Details →Now in its 53rd year with the theme “Where Joy Takes Root,” Sebastopol’s beloved apple celebration serves up two stages of regional music, all things Gravenstein, the best of local food and drink, farm animals, artisan vendors, and endless fun for kids. This one benefits Sonoma County Farm Trails — buy tickets in advance to save.
Details →Wind down a warm summer evening with a guided kayak on the park’s tranquil lake as the sun slips behind the hills. It’s a peaceful, beginner-friendly outing led by Sonoma County Regional Parks — a memorable way to trade the heat of the day for glassy water and cooling air. Space is limited, so register in advance.
Details →Wine Country’s signature open-air musical experience celebrates its 15th anniversary season with Broadway and Hollywood performers — this summer’s slate includes the ABBA-fueled hit Mamma Mia!. Arrive early for the pre-show picnic on the lawn with local food, wine pours, and live music before the curtain rises under the stars.
Details →A fan-favorite evening at St. Francis Winery’s Wild Oak Estate: begin with sangria and vineyard views on the portico, then move inside for award-winning wines paired with Spanish-style tapas and the sound of live flamenco guitar. Dinner closes with a spirited flamenco dance performance. A special-occasion night out — reservations required.
Details →The 35th annual “biggest little accordion festival” fills La Plaza Park with five stages of music — zydeco, polka, cumbia, jazz, rock, and beyond — plus a two-day zydeco dance party, a jam tent, a kids’ area, 60-plus vendors, and local beer and wine. Kids 15 and under get in free, and free shuttles run from satellite parking.
Details →
However you spend it, make August count — it’s the warm, golden hinge of the year, and Sonoma County wears it beautifully. Grab a friend, pick a date, and go make a summer memory or two before the vines turn to harvest. Know a great local happening we should feature next month? Send it our way.
