Happy Thursday everyone! This weekend is jam packed with fun things to do - so there's no excuse to stay inside! Here are a few fun events you can attend with your family:
Friday, May 17
Summer Nights Santa Rosa: The third Friday party is back, with this year's event being held in front of the Sonoma County Museum. Art, music, food… The event is free, and $20 for wine/beer tasting. Seventh St., Santa Rosa (Between A&B Streets). facebook.com/summernightssantarosa
Saturday, May 18
Rose Parade & Festival: The 119th festival is a local family tradition - from watching school bands, rose-covered floats, and colorful presentations from local organizations march on by, to the festival that fills downtown Santa Rosa afterwards. Free. 10 a.m. Visit roseparadefestival.com for schedule of events and parade routes.
Saturday, May 18
Spring Lake Family Hikes: Join in on this third Saturday one-hour hike, where naturalists lead families through the park will sharing their knowledge of the area's plants and wildlife. Following the hike will be crafts, the touchable tide pool, and other exhibits. Free, though parking is $7. 1 & 3 p.m. Environmental Discovery Center. 393 Violetti Road, Santa Rosa. parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov
Saturday, May 18
Rohnert Park Fishing Derby: The 30th annual event invites kids 15 & under for their fishing derby. Pretty much everything is free - free coffee (from Starbucks!), free hot chocolate, free donuts, free hot dog lunch, and free snow cones. Registration begins at 7 a.m., derby and casting contest starts at 8 a.m. 5010 Roberts Lake Road, Rohnert Park fishing-derby.org
Saturday, May 18
Children's book reading: Debut author, Tosca M. Schauer presents her book "J.J. Bear", a story of a cast-aside bear who finds himself on some new adventures as he searches for a new family. 1 p.m. The Maple Room, Finley Community Center, 2060 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa. booksbytosca.com
Sunday, May 19
Amgen Tour of California: This year, Amgen finishes their annual tour of California in Santa Rosa. Watch as cyclists race towards the finish line, and then take part in the events surrounding the race. Activities surrounding the race begin as early as 9 am. Racers are expected to reach Santa Rosa around 11:30 am. Downtown Santa Rosa. Visit pressdemocrat.com/amgen for the PD's full coverage of the event.
Sunday, May 19
Dog-a-Palooza: A pup-filled event with canine artists, a vaccination clinic, workout demos for older dogs, contests, and more. Dogs on leash welcome. Free. 12-4 p.m. Dairydell Canine. 2575 Adobe Rd., Petaluma. dairydell.com
Sunday, May 19
Plowing Playday: Draft horses and mules will be out for an up close viewing, as well as harnessing demos, free wagon rides, blacksmithing, sheep shearing, and more. Parking $10. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Jack London State Park. 2400 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen. 938-5216
Take the family to the theater!
May 18-19
Alice in Wonderland: The Healdsburg Ballet presents the classic children's tale, following Alice on her adventure in Wonderland through hip hop, jazz, and ballet. $13-$18. All ages. Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. Raven Performing Arts Theater. 115 North Street, Healdsburg. healdsburgballet.com
Saturday, May 18
12 Dancing Princesses: See the classic Grimm's fairy tale performed in this full-length ballet. $12-$18. All ages. 1:30 p.m. Petaluma Veterans Memorial Building. 1094 Petaluma Blvd., Petaluma. obriencota.com
Through May 19
Young Frankenstein: The classic Broadway musical is funny as ever with sight gags, zany characters, and hilarious lines. $22-$26. Spreckel's Performing Arts Center. 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. See spreckelsonline.com for showtimes.
Have a gorgeous weekend!
Crissi Langwell
SantaRosaMom.com
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