So what if it was a wet and wacky winter? Spring in Northern Sonoma Country is prime time for events and activities around the region, and no atmospheric rivers can ruin that. From fundraisers to festivals, there are literally dozens of options for recreating in and around Healdsburg during this time of year. Here, in no particular order, are four about which we’re excited.
Unwind completely at the Healdsburg Regional Library this week on April 4 during the special “Meditative Sound Bath” event from 6-7 p.m. The session, held in the all-purpose room to the west of the main library entrance, features a band called Phoenix Song, which comprises didgeridoo, esraj, native flute, drums, hand pans, and vocals. The plan for the night is simple: Bring a towel or yoga mat, open your mind, and meditate while the music plays. You’ll leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated.
The Healdsburg Farmers’ Market is gearing up to get back in action on Saturday, April 15. If you’ve never been, the open-air weekly market occupies the northern half of the parking lot behind Hotel Healdsburg and across the street from Little Saint. Every week more than 40 vendors line up to sell their wares—farmers, artisans, bakers, chocolatiers, cheesemongers, and more. The produce in particular is fresh and almost right out of the ground. Time your visit right and you might spot some of our celebrity chefs stocking up on supplies.
North County’s very own film festival—the AV Film Festival—will be held April 28 to May 7 this year, and tickets are on sale now for the big event. The festival will take place at venues in Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Geyserville, Cloverdale, providing nearly unfettered access to the actors, directors, producers, and screenwriters that make this year’s slate of independent films come to life. In years past the event has drawn big-name celebrities. This year, organizers have shared the code AVFestEarlyBird for 10 percent off early-bird tickets.
Passport to Dry Creek Valley has become one of the most popular wine events of the year, and this year’s iteration will be no different. The event, held April 29-30, features 34 different wineries—most of which serve special wine-and-food pairings to commemorate the day. The VIP experience includes dinner at The Madrona, brunch at SingleThread Farm, and a makers gift bag chock full of goodies (and wine). Because the entire weekend takes place in the Dry Creek Valley, all the wineries out that way celebrate in one way or another. It’s a great weekend to be in town.