Things to Do in Bennett Valley, CA
October 2026

Kick off the month by tapping into your creative side at the Northwest Santa Rosa Library. This hands-on workshop leverages Creativebug video instruction to teach participants how to carve custom print blocks, perfect for designing your own festive holiday greeting cards, gift wrap, and tags. All crafting materials are provided free of charge, and no prior printing experience is required.

Located directly on the valley corridor at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, the third annual Sonoma Con takes over the Saralee & Richard Barn. This family-friendly, all-ages convention celebrates gaming, pop culture, and local artistry. Attendees can jump into competitive trading card tournaments including Magic: The Gathering, participate in live role-playing sessions, or enjoy free interactive booths featuring miniature painting and cosplay contests.

The final installment of the seasonal Hella Joy Ride series departs from the Trail House Cafe on Montgomery Drive. Welcoming both seasoned mountain bikers and newcomers looking to explore the nearby trails bordering Trione-Annadel State Park, this event splits riders into skill-based groups. After completing the ride, gather back at the cafe for community socializing, craft beverages, and local food.

Hosted inside the Garrett Building at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, this comprehensive wellness and lifestyle expo is designed specifically for older adults, caregivers, and family members. The event brings together local health organizations, government resources, and lifestyle businesses to offer free screenings, educational materials, and senior assistance information. Free tickets are available on Eventbrite.

Prepare for an evening of premier comedy and storytelling as the iconic Lily Tomlin takes the stage at the Ruth Finley Person Theater at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. This dynamic performance showcases Tomlin’s timeless character sketches, sharp social commentary, and improvisational wit. A short drive up the highway, this is one of October’s most anticipated shows.

The crown jewel of autumn in Wine Country returns to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Saturday evening kicks off at 6:00 PM with the exclusive Taste, Toast & Celebrate gala, highlighting award-winning wines from more than 100 regional vineyards alongside food pairings from top local chefs. Sunday opens up the Grand Tasting experience and features the highly anticipated World Championship Grape Stomp.

Immerse yourself in vibrant culinary traditions at the Lyttle Cow Palace within the fairgrounds. This lively festival honors authentic Mexican slow-cooked culinary styles. Admission to the festival grounds is free, offering families the chance to purchase traditional pit-roasted barbacoa and ximbo, enjoy live musical performances, and experience regional heritage dances.

Theater lovers can head to the historic Railroad Square district for the 6th Street Playhouse Live Reading Series. This special mid-month feature presents a live reading of GHOST CAT, a new play written by Caitlin Strom-Martin and directed by Margaret Grace Hee. This free community cultural showcase is a perfect mid-week evening out for all ages.

Celebrate a true local legacy at the Charles M. Schulz Museum. This special afternoon event commemorates the 60th anniversary of the classic animated television masterpiece. Families can enjoy themed museum activities, pumpkin crafts, and screenings of the beloved Peanuts Halloween special. This is a can’t-miss event right here in Schulz Country.

The weekly Tuesday Night Comedy Showcase hosted by Tony Sparks, famously known as the Godfather of Comedy, delivers a rotating lineup of top-tier stand-up comics. The free indoor showcase brings talent from across the Bay Area and Sacramento to the Barrel Proof Lounge on Mendocino Avenue. Shows start at 8:00 PM. Intended for mature audiences.

Wrap up your weekend plans at one of the West Coast’s largest jewelry and mineral expositions. The Gem Faire returns to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds for a three-day marketplace. Attendees can browse thousands of unique items direct from global importers and manufacturers, including raw gemstones, fine crystals, custom beads, minerals, and handmade artisan jewelry. Free e-tickets are available online.

Great news for Bennett Valley sports lovers! The City of Santa Rosa anticipates completing the court surfacing phase of the Galvin Community Park renovation project by the end of October 2026. Barring weather delays, tennis and pickleball Courts 1 through 6 are slated to reopen to the public before November. Once the full project finishes, the upgraded park will feature 10 dedicated tennis courts and 12 dedicated pickleball courts with completely modern playing surfaces.

Local golfers will benefit from infrastructure upgrades as the city targets October 2026 for completion of the Bennett Valley Golf Course Irrigation Pond Project (CIP 2471). This public works project constructs a brand-new irrigation pond and updated pump station directly within the course grounds, ensuring sustainable water management and maintaining high-quality green conditions across the course heading into the winter season.