Posted by Annadel Blog on 12:55 PM
Live music, summer sun and good company - sounds like a pretty fun and relaxing weekend, right? Combine these elements with a fundraiser that keeps music in our area's public schools and what do you have? The Petaluma Music Festival! The 8th annual music festival, which takes place tomorrow August 1, will distribute its proceeds among Petaluma public schools to fund their music programs.
Even if you do not have children, or children who attend these schools, the festival offers performances that many can appreciate and enjoy. Tonight, July 31, is the kickoff concert and VIP dinner, which features a performance from swing and jive band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. If you would like to attend, tickets range from $45-$125.
Tomorrow's festival features more than a dozen acts, a silent auction, raffles and various vendors. The headlining performers on Saturday are Nahko and the Medicine, The Wood Brothers and ALO. Accompanying acts across the venue's three stages include Rainbow Girls, The Dixie Giants and Buck Nickels & Loose Change, just to name a few. Four guitars will be raffled off on Saturday, autographed by members of Devil Makes Three, Railroad Earth, Widespread Panic, and Sean Hayes - Xavier Rudd. To view a complete schedule of Saturday's concerts, click here. In addition to performances and guitars, guests will also enjoy craft beer from Lagunitas Brewing Company, meet-and-greets and artist merchandise, and local food vendors.
Ready to enjoy a full day of concerts? The festival takes place at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, and parking is available for free there. Admission to the event cost $40 in advance and $50 the day of. Gates will open at noon. The trip from your home at Annadel to the Fairgrounds is approximately half an hour. This is a family-friendly event! It is recommended that you bring an empty water bottle (they can fill it there), blanket, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes! Items that are prohibited include coolers and patio chairs, and you'll have to leave your pets at home.
Prepare to eat well, enjoy the sun, listen to music and support area schools!
Additional sources consulted:
The Press Democrat
Posted by Annadel Blog on 1:52 PM
With so many biking, hiking and running trails in our area, many of our residents lead an active lifestyle! If you are feeling up to the challenge, both physically and mentally, there are still open spots in the Santa Rosa Marathon, which takes place one month from today!
The Santa Rosa Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K take place on August 23. Currently, less than 300 spots remain for the full marathon, and less than 100 for the half marathon. The full and half marathons begin in Downtown Santa Rosa, continue along Prince Memorial Highway (where the half marathoners will loop back to the beginning of the course), through West Sonoma County, and even through De Loach Vineyards! All full and half marathon runners will receive a medal, a custom bottle of "Runner's Red" wine from De Loach Vineyards and a hooded jacket for their training and effort! The full marathon begins at 6 a.m. and the half starts at 7 a.m.
If you haven't been training to run a long-distance race, consider participating in the 5K. The 5K course begins by Juilliard Park and continues through Downtown Santa Rosa. All 5K finishers will receive a custom wicking shirt. The 5K begins at 8 a.m.
Race day is not the only day for marathon activities! In the two days leading up to the race, the public has the opportunity to attend the race expo. Not only will participants be able to pick up their packets, but they can partake in demonstrations, product samples and more. After the race, head to Juilliard Park for the Post-Race Festival, which includes a pancake breakfast, beer/wine garden, farmers market and more!
If running really isn't your strong suit, volunteers are needed too! Help is needed in areas such as registration, bag check, set-up/tear-down, and more! To view a complete list of volunteer opportunities and to sign up, click here.
Packet pick up and commuting downtown on race day should be a snap from your apartment home at Annadel! The drive from our community to Julliard Park is only 10 minutes, which should make getting up bright and early on race day just a tad more bearable!
Are you participating in this year's race? Let us know on Annadel's Facebook or Twitter pages!
Posted by Annadel Blog on 12:19 PM
Did you know that besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the 2nd most diagnosed cancer among American women? Chances are that even if you have not been directly affected by breast cancer that you know someone who has. While we may not have the scientific knowledge to cure this disease yet, we can do something to help those who are affected by the disease on a local level at this weekend's Breastfest Beer Festival.
The Breastfest Beer Festival is an annual fundraiser held in San Rafael to benefit the Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic (CMCC), which offers alternative treatment methods to low-income breast cancer patients. The 2015 event, the 15th such event, is tomorrow, July 18, at San Rafael's Fairground Island. As you can guess from the name of the event, this fundraiser gathers more than 60 breweries under one roof for a tasting event!
Among this year's participating breweries are Marin Brewing, Speakeasy, Third Street Brewing, 21st Amendment and more from all over the Bay Area. Guests of the event will enjoy bottomless beer, food (including barbecue). Live entertainment from Santa Rosa band Kingsborough will keep the crowd in high spirits and some lucky attendees will receive prizes from Marin Brewing, Moylan's Brewery & Restaurant, Marin Bikes and other event items.
Tickets can be purchased for $55 in advance or for $65 at the door. Tomorrow's event will last from noon to 4 p.m.. The drive to San Rafael is a little under an hour from Annadel apartment homes in Santa Rosa.
If you're looking for something to add to your weekend agenda that combines craft beer, a good cause, and a little road trip, the Breastfest Beer Festival sounds like the perfect event for you and your friends or significant other to attend!
If you're in search of something a little bit closer to home, here are some events local to Santa Rosa:
D'Argenzino Winery Summer Comedy Nights | July 17 | 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
16th Annual Civil War Days | July 18 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon | July 19 | 7 - 10:30 a.m.
What do you have planned for this weekend? Share your ideas on Annadel's Facebook or Twitter pages!
Additional sources consulted:
Eater SF
MarinIJ
Visit Santa Rosa
Posted by Annadel Blog on 1:46 PM
When you think of Sonoma County of course wine and beautiful scenic landscapes come to mind, but what about barbecue? This weekend Kansas City Barbecue will descend upon Sonoma County for the 5th Annual Wine Country Big Q, which is a nationally sanctioned barbecue competition. Cooks and pit masters from all over the area will converge to find out whose barbecue is truly finger licking good. Keep the napkins handy for this eating adventure because YOU will help determine the winners of more than $9,000 in prizes!
In addition to the Kansas City Barbecue Challenge, other competitive categories include Get Sauced, Tailgater Team Challenge, Winery Big Beef Challenge, Bold Bean Challenge, and Bakin' for Bacon Dessert Challenge. The Tailgater Team challenge will be judged by a panel of celebrity judges, including former NFL player Jerry Robinson. To accompany the wide selection of barbecued meats, visitors will be able to choose side dishes from other participating event vendors. Of course, guests will also have their selection of beer and Sonoma County wine to wash down the barbecue! More than 50 pit masters and vendors are expected at this year's event. Entertainment for this year's event will be provided by Soul to Soul, a Stevie Ray Vaughn tribute band. The proceeds from this year's event will benefit Sonoma County Vet Connect, an organization that assists veterans in finding services they earned during their military service, located in Santa Rosa.
If your mouth is watering just thinking about this delicious event, purchase your tickets online now! General admission tickets cost $45, children 12 and under tickets are $20 and designated driver tickets are $35. General admission tickets include a logo wine glass, 4 drink tickets and 8 food tickets. The event will be held tomorrow, Saturday July 11, from 1 to 5 PM at Sonoma Mountain Village in Rohnert Park. The drive from your apartment home at Annadel to the event is approximately 20 minutes.
No matter what type of barbecue you prefer, you are sure to find it at the Wine Country Big Q! This event is an amateur pit master's dream come true!
Additional sources consulted:
Visit Santa Rosa
Posted by Annadel Blog on 2:21 PM
When you think of annual summertime events in our area, chances are that no matter where you live, the county fair comes to mind. Sonoma County is certainly no exception to this summer tradition. While the Sonoma County Fair is nothing new, especially to Santa Rosa residents, there is a new feature this year - a preview of the fair, known as the "Traveling Fair."
While we're lucky that the county fair takes place in our town, the Traveling Fair aims to give other towns a taste of what to expect at the main event, without having to travel to Santa Rosa. The previews include mini carnival games and a prize wheel. The itinerary for the next couple of weeks for the Traveling Fair includes the Heraldsburg Community Center, Rohnert Park Certified Farmers Market, Montgomery Village, Wednesday Night Market and Howarth Park. The events of the Traveling Fair are free.
Now onto the main event, the actual Sonoma County Fair, which starts on July 24! You may visit the fair at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. Fair festivities include horse races, the Hall of Flowers, live music and community theater, livestock, shopping and so much more! Of course, what would a county fair be without delicious carnival food? Visitors may dine on drumsticks, chili cheese fries, barbecue, and Sonoma County wines, just to name a few options!
The fair will operate from 11 AM to 11 PM, and the exhibit buildings will close at 10 PM. While the fair officially closes on August 9, there is a bonus week of racing that will last through August 16. The Sonoma County Fairgrounds are only a 10 minute drive away from your home at Annadel, which is fantastic! General admission to the fair costs $11 for adults, if you're in search of an inexpensive outing.
Whether you have children or want to feel like a kid at heart, the Sonoma County Fair is perfect for a day or family fun or to spend time with your significant other on a summer weekend! What events do you look forward to attending each year? Share your favorites with us on our Facebook and Twitter pages!
Additional sources consulted:
Sonoma County
Posted by Annadel Blog on 5:44 PM
If you are itching for that extra day off next weekend, you are certainly not alone. However, you can make any weekend feel like a holiday by taking a little road trip to one of the many oceanfront beaches within driving distance of Santa Rosa. Even if you are unable to get away for the entire weekend, these attractions are close enough that they would also make excellent day trips.
About Bodega Bay
Just 40 miles away from Santa Rosa, Bodega Bay offers visitors fishing and sailing, hiking, whale-watching and more. This fishing village is more for being out on the water as opposed to laying out on the beach, but there is something to do for the adventurer in everyone. Popular attractions at Bodega Bay include Miss Anita Fishing Charters, Fisherman's Cove and Tides Wharf Restaurant. Within Bodega Bay lies many different beaches, some of which we have highlighted below.
Arched Rock Beach
Swimming is not recommended at Arched Rock Beach, as the rip tides are strong. However, there is still plenty to do here. This beach is, however, ideal for fishing and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Please also note that dogs are not permitted on this beach. This beach is owned by Sonoma Coast State Park.
Bodega Dunes
The Bodega Dunes provide a little more privacy than the other bay beaches. This location is popular for hiking, bonfires and camping. Something about this location that sets it apart is the option to go horseback riding.
South Salmon Creek Beach
Surf's up at South Salmon Creek Beach! However, because of the intensive waves at this beach, swimming is highly discouraged here. Despite this, it is still a popular destination for beach walks, picnicking and observing seals.
Wrights Beach
Love to go on camping trips? Wrights Beach is likely where you will want to be! While you do need reservations to go camping here, it is for good reason - it is a beautiful spot! Duncan's Landing, otherwise known as "Death Rock" is a popular attraction at this beach. This beach is also an ideal location for hiking, with paths like the Kortum Trail.
Have any of these beaches piqued your interest in taking a little road trip? The journey from your future apartment home at Annadel to Bodega Bay is only about 40 minutes, depending on which beach location you plan to visit.
Additional sources consulted:
Visit Santa Rosa
Posted by Annadel Blog on 11:46 AM
While the greater San Francisco area is filled with plenty of accomplished theater and performance companies, Santa Rosa's Transcendence Theatre Company is in a league of its own. Tomorrow, the theatre's Broadway Under the Stars 2015 series kicks off in Jack London State Park. The series receives top accolades, including the 2014 and 2013 "Broadway World San Francisco Theater Company of the Year." Prepare to sit back, relax and enjoy Broadway Under the Stars.
The theme of the 2015 Broadway Under the Stars season is "Best Night Ever," which will be highlighted by the first show in the season "Oh, What a Night." The show will put modern twists on classical Broadway numbers. "Oh, What a Night" will run from tomorrow, June 19, through July 3.
The second show is the series is "Fantastical Family Night," and takes place July 17 and 18. As the title suggests, this show is family-friendly, so bring the kids along! The evening includes a combination of both Broadway and Disney hits, and features students of Transcendence Kids Camp.
Third in the series is "Rhythm of Life," which combines "dance, harmonies and musical medleys." This show runs August 7-23.
The final show and culmination of the season is the Gala Celebration, which is September 11-13.
Each show in the series features a variety of performers from Broadway and Off-Broadway shows and national Broadway tours. For guests who have never experienced seeing a Broadway show in person, this is the next best experience!
If you will be making your first trip to Broadway Under the Stars, here is the essential information. Tickets range from $42 General Admission tickets to $129 VIP tickets. Seating begins at 5:00 PM and shows begin at 7:00 PM. Food and wine vendors are on-site before the show and patrons may also enjoy live pre-show music. Outside alcohol and smoking are not permitted. $5 from each ticket purchased goes towards Jack London State Park.
Jack London State Park is located in Glen Ellen, and is a 30-minute drive from the apartment homes at Annadel.
Do you plan to attend any of the shows in the series? Let us know on Annadel's Facebook and Twitter pages!
Additional sources consulted:
Santa Rosa Convention & Visitors Bureau
