Best Things to Do in Sonoma County This May

“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

Three people are celebrating one of the best things to do in Sonoma County in May at an outdoor event in front of a hedge wall adorned with red roses and a "Run for the Rosé" sign. One person in a hat and suit clinks glasses with a woman in a colorful dress, while another person in sunglasses photographs the moment.
Photo: Courtesy of Kendall-Jackson Wine

Date TBD

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.

A flock of sheep, including lambs, stands on a green grassy hill under a clear sky. The sheep are scattered in various directions, with a forested area in the background. Some sheep are grazing, while others look toward the camera—a perfect snapshot of spring's best things to do in Sonoma County May.
Photo: Courtesy of Farm Trails

Date TBD

Farm tours with barnyard babies, flowers, and all sorts of deliciousness. How can you go wrong?

Participants race in creatively designed boats during a fun, colorful event on water, with a large, cheering crowd on the shoreline. One boat is shark-themed, and another appears to have a wooden structure. People are paddling energetically to move their boats. It's among the best things to do in Wine Country this February!
Photo: Courtesy of @BodegaBayFishFest

May 3 & 4

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.

A tall stack of pancakes topped with sliced bananas and nuts is displayed on a white plate. Next to it is a bottle of La Crema Russian River Valley Brut Rosé wine, making for one of the best things to do in Sonoma County in May. A white bowl and napkin are blurred in the background.
Photo: Courtesy of La Crema

Date TBD

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. 

A scenic landscape featuring rolling hills, vineyards, and clusters of trees under a clear blue sky. A winding road weaves through the area, connecting a few scattered buildings. Mountains are visible in the background, adding depth to the serene setting—a perfect backdrop for exploring the best things to do in Sonoma County this May.
Photo: Courtesy of Kristen Green

May 15–18

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.

A band performs on stage in a dimly-lit venue, illuminated by purple and blue lights. A sizable crowd stands and watches, some people dancing. The venue has industrial-style decor, with visible pipes and hanging lights enhancing the atmosphere—one of the Best Things to Do in Sonoma County this May.
Photo: Courtesy of Cosmico Music & Art

Date TBD

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.

A woman and a child walk hand in hand down a sunlit, tree-lined dirt path, one of the best things to do in Sonoma County. The path is flanked by dense greenery on one side and a fence with a field beyond on the other. Dappled sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Photo: Courtesy of Jack London State Historic Park

Date TBD

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.

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.

Looking for more things to do in the area?

Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top