Throughout the year, Northern California’s wine country comes alive with a variety of annual events that capture the essence of the local culture and community spirit. We’ve compiled some of the top annual events that locals and visitors to Sonoma County each year. Consider planning your next trip to Northern California around an event or a holiday, and reserve a stay in one of our Northern California vacation rentals.
Top Annual Sonoma County Events
Winter Wineland: January 18-19, 2025
The 32nd Annual Winter Wineland is a two-day festival celebrating all things wine throughout Sonoma County. Visit participating wineries along Wine Road in Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Windsor, Guerneville, Forestville, Sebastopol, Cloverdale, and Geyersville. It’s your chance to taste current vintages and enjoy a winter wine weekend with friends. Ticket prices range from $75 to $195 and can be purchased online.
Cloverdale Citrus Fair: February 14-17, 2025
The 133rd Annual Cloverdale Citrus Fair celebrates the citrus crop that once dominated the Northern California landscape. Enjoy carnival games and rides, live music, a friendly farm petting zoo, agricultural 4-H shows, and more! Special events include a parade, talent shows, and an evening of top-flight Hispanic music. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.
Sonoma County Restaurant Week: February 24 – March 2, 2025
Experience the best of Sonoma County’s restaurants at Restaurant Week. This event showcases local restaurants and is a great way to try restaurants you’ve never tried before! Participating restaurants will offer special prix-fixe menus so that you can indulge in an incredible meal at a discount. From classic comfort food to mouthwatering, innovative dishes, you’re sure to find a new favorite restaurant through this experience. Tickets or passes aren’t needed for this event.
California Artisan Cheese Festival: March 21-23, 2025
Over 100 artisans will gather at the California Artisan Cheese Festival to share the art and culture of artisanal cheese making. The three-day event includes cheese tastings and pairings, farm and producer tours, a cheese crawl, and the artisan cheese tasting and marketplace.
Sonoma International Film Festival: March 19-23, 2025
Experience the magic of film with the Sonoma International Film Festival. Each year, the SIFF brings together talented filmmakers sharing their voices and vision through a mix of genres, from compelling narratives and groundbreaking documentaries to avant-garde shorts and animated marvels. Explore the best of film, fun, wine, and food.
Taste of Sonoma: June 21, 2025
Join Taste of Sonoma for an exciting day of wine-tasting with Sonoma County’s world-renowned vitners. Walk around and explore wines from the different regions that make up Sonoma County. General admission includes the grand tasting, complimentary food trucks, beer garden, and themed lounges. VIP upgrades are available.
Country Summer Music Festival: June 27-29, 2025
The Country Summer Music Festival is one of Northern California’s largest country music festival. The 2025 lineup includes Sam Hunt, Kane Brown, and Dustin Lynch as the headliners and even more supporting acts! The festival is held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
Toyota/Save Mart 350: July 13, 2025
NASCAR makes their way to Northern California for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway. The Toyota/Save Mart 350 is a 1.99 mile long road course, requiring 110 laps to complete 218 mile, or 350 kilometers. Watch the Cup Series favorites as they
Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic: July 19-20, 2024
Held in Windsor, California, the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic showcases colorful hot air balloons lifting off at sunrise in spectacular fashion. Attendees can enjoy balloon rides, tethered balloon experiences, and live entertainment while savoring local food and coffee in the crisp morning air.
Sonoma County Wine Celebration: September
This elegant celebration honors Sonoma County’s world-renowned wine culture. Featuring tastings from premium wineries, live music, and gourmet food pairings, the Sonoma County Wine Celebration allows wine enthusiasts to explore the diverse flavors of the region while supporting local causes and vineyards.
Sonoma County Harvest Fair: October 11, 2025
The Sonoma County Harvest Fair is a lively autumn tradition celebrating the area’s agricultural bounty. Guests can enjoy wine and cider tastings, a grape stomp competition, and culinary showcases from top chefs. The fair also features educational workshops and artisan crafts, making it a perfect event for families and foodies alike.
Healdsburg Crush: October
An annual charity event held in the heart of Healdsburg, Healdsburg Crush highlights boutique wineries from Sonoma County and beyond. With over 60 wineries participating, attendees can sample rare vintages, bid on exclusive auction items, and support local non-profits while savoring the town’s charming ambiance.
Book Your Northern California Vacation Rental
No matter the season, Healdsburg and surrounding areas beckon visitors with a calendar full of exciting events. Consider planning your getaway around one of these captivating events to truly experience the magic of wine country. Book your Northern California vacation rental.