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Sonoma Events in August 2024: Winery Parties, Festivals, and Other Fun Things to Do
by Jill Loeffler •
Sonoma events in August 2024 include Sonoma County Fair, Art in The Redwoods, and the Gravenstein Apple Fair. You can also catch live music in the vineyards and celebrate summer activities at many of the local wineries.
My calendar includes top picks in Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, the city of Sonoma, and other small towns around these Northern California wine regions.
You will also find some great deals on hotels and wine tasting this time of year as well as a few additional fun things to do this month.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Lazy Bear Weekend
Dates: 7/29 - 8/5
Way more than just a weekend, this party runs for 6 days in a row. Located in the quaint town of Guerneville, the term "bear" refers to gay men that have a lot of hair, but all are welcome to this week long event. The "weekend" has more than you could ever imagine including live music, DJs, pool parties, tasty food, great drinks and even a bonfire.
This event also features wine tasting tours, coffee socials, guided tours of Armstrong Woods ("Bears in the Woods"), and guided tours of the nearby beaches ("Bears on the Bluffs").
It's one of the Sonoma events in August that offers shuttles from the SF Bay Area. Tickets to this event sell our extremely fast, so plan ahead and book now.
Sonoma County Fair
Dates: 8/1 - 8/11
This 10-day event is one of the biggest Sonoma events in August. Opening at 12 pm and closing at 9 pm weekdays (11 pm on Friday and Saturday), you can enjoy everything from live music, to family friendly carnival rides, to horse racing, to games and contests and so much more.
Beyond the list above there is also a beautiful flower show and display, a tasty beer festival, and a livestock area and auction, where you will find all the best meats.
Tickets prices are different depending on the day and what you decide to do during your time here.
>> Visit their site to learn more
Broadway Under the Stars: Dancing in The Street
Dates: 8/15 - 8/18
The scene for one of the best Sonoma events in August is Sonoma Field of Dreams. The sun sets as you picnic with your friends and family and are entertained by live music. The show starts and the stars appear above you.
This is what you can expect when you see the toe-tapping and exhilarating live dance performance by the award winning Transcendence Theater Company!
Broadway Under the Stars also has food trucks, if you don't want to bother bringing your own food, and wine available for purchase.
Ticket prices range from general to VIP depending on what you want to experience during this magical night under the stars.
These shows are throughout August on almost all Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, but check the link below for the full calendar.
>> Visit their site for ticketing information
Art in the Redwoods
Dates: 8/15 - 8/18
This is one of the largest and most popular Sonoma events in August, and one of the biggest arts and crafts shows in California, with a huge draw every year.
Traditionally, the festival starts with the Hats Off Dinner on Thursday, a champagne preview on Friday, and the general festival on Saturday and Sunday.
This event highlights different styles of art, ranging from jewelry to textiles, pottery, paintings, sculptures and more. The pieces are hung and displayed throughout the beautiful Gualala Arts Center nestled in the coastal redwoods forest.
Admission for the Saturday and Sunday show is $10 in advance or $20 at the door. There is also live music and other treats for guests to enjoy while admiring and buying the art pieces.
>> Visit their site for additional details
Hotel Deals in Sonoma County
If you plan to stay a night or two as you enjoy these Sonoma events in August, then make sure to search for deals before you book your room.
Click the links below for some of the best deals around. You will also find thousands of recent guest reviews to ensure you are booking the right hotel for your stay.
Booking.com: Save on your Hotel in Sonoma with Booking.com, Planet Earth's #1 Accommodation Site. No booking fees ever!
TripAdvisor: What's the #1 hotel in Sonoma County? Read reviews & find hotel deals on TripAdvisor!
VRBO: You can also find some great places to stay on VRBO. They offer apartments, houses, cottages, and rooms for rent all around Sonoma County. Find some great places to stay here.
Cotati Accordion Festival
Date: 8/17 - 8/18
This unique music festival takes place in La Plaza Park in downtown Cotati. Spend Saturday or Sunday afternoon (or both!) listening to a variety of artists. In addition to the music, you can also enjoy local beers, wine, and food.
Tickets are on sale for $19 ($23 at the door) for the one-day pass and $28 ($32 at the door) for both days. Kids 15 and under get free access when accompanied by a paying adult.
Make sure to stick around after the event to enjoy a night out on the town in downtown Cotati!
>> Visit their site to buy your tickets in advance
Wine & BBQ Open House: Taste Destination 128
Date: 8/17
This Wine & BBQ Open House is one of the top Sonoma events in August in the Alexander Valley wine region. It's along this region's Highway 128, which is where this event gets its name.
The event features food and wine pairing from four different family owned wineries along this Highway. This region is well known for its tasty Cabernet Sauvignon wines and this event is your chance to taste some of the best.
Stop by between 11 am and 4 pm for Cabs and BBQ. You can pick up your tickets to the event at any of the participating wineries.
Gravenstein Apple Fair in Sebastopol
Dates: 8/10 - 8/11
The Ragle Ranch Park in the quaint town of Sebastopol is home to this long running annual fair. If you are looking for variety, this is the perfect party for you as there are so many options to choose from when you visit.
Some of these include live music on two different stages, a children's corner for the little ones to play around in, an artisan's tasting lounge for the adults to enjoy, and especially the world famous Gravenstein apples!
The Gravenstein Apple Fair starts at 10 am and ends at 6 pm each day. It is a must attend if you want to experience a truly classic down home country festival. Tickets range in price depending on age.
Left Bank Alexander Valley Wine Tasting
Date: 8/20
Another way to taste delicious wine is during this mouth-watering event called "Off the Grill." Four different wineries open their doors so you can experience their wines, and their food, off the beaten path.
Running from 11 am to 5 pm, this self-guided tour is limited to only a handful of people. Each ticket includes a logo glass and a coupon for $20 worth of wine purchases.
Compared to how much it would cost for tastings at these four wineries, and adding in the food, it is an incredible bargain.
Wine Tasting Deals in Sonoma
As you cruise around this gorgeous wine region enjoying these Sonoma events in August, make sure to do some wine tasting on your own too. Below are some of the best deals all around this region.
Battaglini Winery & Vineyard: $5 Buys You a Coupon for $5 Off a Wine Tasting for Two Plus 20% Off a Bottle of Wine, near Santa Rosa, check for availability
Harvest Moon Estate And Winery: Save on their wine and cheese tasting plates for one, two or four people, near Santa Rosa, check for availability
*Note: Most deals last for 120 days after purchase, so make sure to check the exact terms before purchasing.
Santa Rosa Marathon
Dates: 8/24 and 8/25
One of the best Sonoma events in August for runners is the Santa Rosa Marathon. It includes a half marathon, full marathon, a 5K and a 10K.
All marathon and half marathon finishers will also take home a complimentary bottle of wine from DeLoach Vineyards. The 5K and 10K take place on August 24th, while the half and full marathons will be on the Sunday, August 25th.
The full marathon meanders through the lovely Sonoma County, while the 5K and 10K allow you to run through downtown Santa Rosa along the Santa Rosa Creek Trail and the Prince Memorial Greenway.
Saturday and Sunday include an expo with many vendors selling their products so you can be in the best shape possible for your race, including free samples for you to enjoy.
There is also a post-race festival for both runners and non-runners to enjoy.
>> Visit the official site to register today
Red & White Ball
Date: 8/24
Want to enjoy one of the more popular Sonoma events in August this summer and help a worthwhile charity at the same time? The Red & White Ball is the event for you! The night includes a fantastic menu of food and drinks.
With more than 15 wineries participating, you will definitely get to taste the best Sonoma County wines. Make sure to wear your fanciest outfit for this fantastic ball!
All money goes to support the Sonoma Valley Public Schools. The event starts at 5 pm and concludes at 10 pm. General admission tickets cost $50 while kids will be admitted free.
Sonoma Events in August: Wine Tasting at Local Wineries in 2024
Additional Sonoma events in August are held at each individual winery. These parties are smaller, more intimate gatherings that celebrate wine releases, harvest, spring, and more.
Most are held on the weekends. All of these events are open to the public and usually include special discounts for wine club members. Many require advanced tickets, so make sure to visit the wineries sites for more details.
Alexander Valley Wine (8/18): AVV Marketplace from 10 am to 2 pm
BR Cohn: Summer music series every Saturday & Sunday from 12-2:30 pm between May and October, for food, wine and live music.
Buena Vista Winery (8/7 - 8/18): Shakespeare Under the Stars at Buena Vista Winery
Cline Family Cellars: Friday Jams Happy Hour Series live music and good food on every third Friday of the month between May 17 and September 20 from 5 to 7 pm
DeLoach Vineyards (8/17): One of their most popular events of the year, indulge your senses at Lobster Feast from 5:30 pm to 8 pm
Dry Creek Vineyards (8/24): Sunset Soirée with a seasonally inspired, family-style dinner and plenty of dancing from 5 pm to 10 pm.
Dutton Goldfield (8/10): Journeyman Meats popup tasting paired perfectly with Dutton's single-vineyard Chardonnays and Pinots.
Emeritus Vineyards (8/30): Hallberg Blanc White Party, honoring the only white they produce yearly with a full party
Gary Farrell Winery (8/18): Italian street food and Pinot at 11 am
Jacuzzi Wines (8/18): Pesto Festo, enjoy pestos, local breads, cheeses and more as you pair them with wines and listen to live music from 11 am to 3 pm
Kendall-Jackson (8/10): Farm-to-table dinner at 5:30 pm - Southeast Asian Fusion theme
Lambert Bridge (8/16): Summer Sundowner Series, from 4:30 pm to 7 pm, live music, pizza and wines in their garden
Landmark Vineyards (Friday, 8/30): Kenwood Estate Lobster Feed from 6 pm to 9 pm, enjoy wine, cheese and lobster paired with wine as you listen to live music
Medlock Ames (8/25): Backyard Nights: Live Music & Food Truck, from 5 pm to 7:30 pm, enjoy wine, bites and live music on the estate
Rodney Strong (8/24): Single Vineyard Dinner, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, enjoy dining outdoors while drinking wines presented by the winemaker, Justin Seidenfeld
Trione Winery (8/10): Summer Winemaker Series Aroma Sensory & Blind Tasting from 11 am to 1:30 pm
Additional Things to Do in Sonoma in August
In addition to these top Sonoma events in August, you will find a variety of other fun things to do. Click the links below for details and to get your tickets for more fun activities for your stay.
Sonoma Wine Country Bike Tour: Ride through Sonoma Wine Country on this 4.5 hour tour, starts in Santa Rosa and takes you to visit two to three wineries, entire trip is about 16-miles (25.7 km), route is mostly flat, check for availability
Food & Wine Walking Tour: Walking and food tour of Sonoma which stops at several gourmet spots for tastings, check for availability
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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