★ Bennett Valley · Sonoma County, California ★
Things to Do in Bennett Valley, CA
July 2026
Fireworks, a hometown parade, dark-sky stargazing, and the historic Grange. Your guide to the Fourth of July and the rest of the month, right here in the valley.
Summer settles in slow out here. The oaks throw long shadows over the vineyards, the hills go gold, and the whole valley leans into the Fourth of July. Bennett Valley is a small, rural pocket of Sonoma County, so the calendar is short, but the events that do land are the good kind. Here is what is worth getting out for this July, in order, start to finish.
Kenwood Hometown Fourth of July Parade & Footrace
About as small-town-country as the Fourth gets. The morning kicks off with the Kenwood Footrace 10K and 3K at 7:30 a.m., followed by a pancake breakfast at Kenwood Community Church (9637 Channing Row). The beloved Kenwood Parade steps off at 10 a.m. from Kenwood School and winds to Kenwood Plaza Park (200 Warm Springs Road), where a Rotary BBQ and family activities carry the celebration into the afternoon. Confirm the day’s lineup and register for the race at the links below.
Parade & Day-Of Info → Register for the Race →4th of July Fireworks Spectacular: Santa Rosa Symphony & Transcendence Theatre Company
The biggest fireworks display in Sonoma County, set to a live show. Sonoma County’s own Transcendence Theatre Company and the Santa Rosa Symphony, conducted by Troy Quinn, play a mix of Broadway hits and patriotic classics, and the night ends with fireworks over the lawn. Bring the family early for the Kids Zone (4:30 to 7 p.m.) with carnival games and bounce houses. Box office: 707-664-4246.
Tickets & Details →Fired Up Freedom at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds
The closest big celebration to home, right here on Bennett Valley Road. Expect the largest fireworks display in the area at 9:15 p.m., plus the one-of-a-kind World Championship Pillow Fights, live music from local bands, and food and drinks from regional vendors. Gates open at 5 p.m., so bring low chairs and cash, and leave the home fireworks at home.
Event Details →Stargazing at the Robert Ferguson Observatory: Sugarloaf Ridge
One Saturday, two ways to look up. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., free daytime Solar Observing lets you safely view sunspots and solar flares through specialized telescopes. Then after dark, the Public Star Party (9 p.m. to midnight) opens RFO’s big telescopes on planets, star clusters, and nebulae under Sugarloaf’s famously dark skies. Both need a reservation (free or paid) at rfo.simpletix.com, plus the park day-use fee. Leave the dog at home for the night session.
Schedule & Tickets →Bennett Valley Grange Monthly Membership Meeting
The heart of the valley. Held the third Wednesday of every month, the Grange’s membership meeting is an easy, open-door way to meet your neighbors, hear what is happening locally, and learn what the Grange is up to. It all takes place in the historic 1873 hall, the oldest Grange hall in continuous use in the country. Questions: rentbvgrange@gmail.com.
Visit the Grange →All Summer Long in the Valley
Not tied to a single date, just open all month. The best of Bennett Valley any day you have the time.
Trione-Annadel State Park
6201 Channel Drive (via Montgomery Drive), Santa RosaBennett Valley’s wild backyard: more than 40 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding across oak woodlands and volcanic hills, with the Lake Ilsanjo loop a local favorite. Open daily 8 a.m. to sunset; a vehicle day-use fee applies and walking or biking in is free. Summer runs hot, so start early, pack water, and watch for poison oak. Dogs are not allowed on the trails.
Park Info →Matanzas Creek Winery
6097 Bennett Valley Road, Santa RosaThe valley’s flagship estate, and the winery that put the Bennett Valley AVA on the map back in 1977. Stroll the famous lavender gardens, play a round of bocce, and taste estate Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot in the shade of the oaks. Reservations are recommended and walk-ins are first-come; a summer Golden Hour sip runs select Friday evenings, so check their calendar. Tastings are 21 and over.
Plan a Visit →Bennett Valley Golf Course
3330 Yulupa Avenue, Santa Rosa · (707) 528-3673A relaxed, well-kept public 18-hole, par-72 course at the base of Bennett Peak, with Matanzas Creek winding through the oaks, redwoods, and pines. There is a driving range open dawn to sunset and a practice putting green, plus an on-site restaurant and bar with a patio over the course. Walkable and affordable, a true valley staple since 1969.
Tee Times →
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Good to Know
We cannot list every happening in Bennett Valley. If we missed an event, send it our way and we will take a look. Dates, times, prices, and details can change or be cancelled, so please confirm with the official organizer or venue before you head out. TIV360 is not affiliated with any of the organizers, venues, or events listed here, and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of event details.
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