“M” is for May and this month means Mother’s Day and Memorial Day Weekend to mark the unofficial start of summer. And lots of “mmm” food festivals, too. We’ve done the deep research for you on the best things to do in Sonoma County including museums, cultural events and food tours and more. Speaking of food, we also have an extensive list of our best restaurants in Sonoma County, and if you’re planning a weekend, the best places to stay.
May is warm in Sonoma County, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s.
Featured photo: Courtesy of Healdsburg Wine & Food Festival
Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens Kentucky Derby Party
May 4
Celebrate the 150th Run for the Roses in Sonoma County Wine Country! Planned festivities include large-screen viewing of Kentucky Derby day races, fashion contests, and Derby-inspired Southern cuisine paired with Kendall-Jackson wines.
More info: kj.com
Farm Trails Annual Spring Tour
May 4–5
Farm tours with barnyard babies, flowers, and all sorts of deliciousness. How can you go wrong?
More info: farmtrails.org
Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival
May 4–5
Along with the annual Blessing of the Fleet, you’ll want to catch the Wooden Boat Challenge. Teams of four people have just a few hours to build a wooden boat using limited materials and tools, before racing it around a course in the bay.
More info: bbfishfest.org
La Crema Mother's Day Brunch
May 12
Treat Mom to brunch at historic Saralee’s Vineyard. La Crema’s Executive Chef, Tracey Shepos, will be in the kitchen working her magic. There’s just one seating time at 11am and it’s limited to 30 guests.
More info: lacrema.com
Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience
May 16–19
Celebrating the best of Sonoma County, this festival will showcase winemakers, chefs, farmers, and more. Events will take place at a number of locations including the Montage Healdsburg.
More info: healdsburgwineandfood.com
Cosmico Music & Art Festival
May 17–19
Enjoy a weekend of music among the redwoods at Dawn Ranch in Guerneville. Headliners include: headliners for 2024 include: Susto, Sam Grisman and Jeffrey Arevalo, among others.
More info: cosmi.co/story
Call of the Wild Day at Jack London State Historic Park
May 19
Admission to Jack London State Historic Park is free on Call of the Wild Day. Along with a free guided hike (reservations required) and family-friendly nature and art activities, Lasseter Family Winery, will offer free wine tasting to guests ages 21 and older.
More info: jacklondonpark.com
Event Venues
Looking to see what’s happening right now in Sonoma County? Our comprehensive list of venues across the city below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.
Comedy
Movie Theaters
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
