Upcoming Vallejo Events — Bands and Brews free summer concerts at Blue Rock Springs Park

VALLEJO — The Greater Vallejo Recreation District’s free summer concert series Bands and Brews will return to Blue Rock Springs Park this Friday evening. This week’s band is Pop Fiction who plays non-stop dance hits, sing-alongs, and favorites from the 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s and beyond. 

Bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the lawn seating in comfort. Park gates open at 5 p.m. and food and beverage vendors open at 6 p.m. Parking is limited, so carpooling is recommended.

If you’re ready for some laughs, check out the Abbate & Macc Comedy Show on Saturday night at the Empress Lounge. Andrea Abbate is a comedian and TV writer known for her appearances on Bill Maher’s “Politically Incorrect” and “Evening at The Improv.” Willie Macc is a breakout star from the hit BET show “College Hill” who has successfully transitioned from reality TV to becoming a respected actor and comedian.

Foreign film connoisseurs will have a chance to indulge when the 2024 Icelandic film “Odd Fish” plays at the Empress Theatre with screenings on Friday night and Sunday afternoon. The film portrays two friends who run a popular seafood restaurant in Iceland. Prejudice is around the corner and the friendship sways when one of them comes out as a trans woman.

Poets and poetry lovers will have three opportunities to indulge this week. 

Both beginning and seasoned spoken word artists are invited to share their work at the Poetry by the Bay open mic at the Mira Theatre on Wednesday night.

Then late Thursday morning, you can catch another poetry open mic by tuning into OZCAT radio for the Art Beat Poetry Hour, hosted by DJ La La and former Benicia Poet Laureate Tom Stanton. Sadly, OZCAT’s radio broadcast is currently offline, but you can stream the station at Online Radio Box or with the TuneIn app. Watch this space for announcements of future fundraisers for the equipment OZCAT needs to get back on the airwaves.

Or you can binge on Deadhead poetry at Alibi Bookshop on Saturday afternoon, with readings from D. L. Lang’s “Poetry is Dead II: Once You're Dead, You're Dead Forever.” 'In this anthology, a global cadre of over 80 deadhead poets send us on spiritual, musical, and psychedelic quests. 

Summertime means sporting events, and Vallejo has several to offer.

Vallejo Late Night Basketball is back after a six-year hiatus every Friday night through Aug. 8 at the ELITE Public Schools Gymnasium from 6 p.m. to midnight. The program provides a safe, structured, and engaging space for youth ages 12–25. The events feature competitive basketball games, free nutritious meals, mentorship sessions, and guest speakers — all designed to foster leadership, resilience, and positive peer interactions among participants.

Or enjoy a scenic run around Mare Island past historical landmarks at the 2025 Mare Island Half Marathon on Sunday morning. The marathon will start and finish at the Coal Shed Brewery.‍ It’s not too late to sign up to participate in the run, or you can take it easy, cheer the winners, and attend the finish line party at the end.

Then on Sunday evening, watch the Vallejo Seaweed battle the San Rafael Pacifics on the baseball diamond at Wilson Park.

These are just some highlights of upcoming events in Vallejo. Scroll down the list below for more live music, art, and community events, and be sure to check our events page for late-breaking updates, artist workshops and kids’ activities.

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Wednesday, June 25 

Digital Docent

Get help with basic instruction on digital services available through the library website. Libby Hoopla Discover & Go Kanopy

• Wed, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Jie Jie's Art Box

Jie Jie's Art Boxes are visiting the library for a colorful summer art project!

• Wed, 2 to 3 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Vallejo Run Club

Join the Vallejo Run Club on our weekly Saturday morning and Wednesday evening runs. Our group meets, rain or shine, next to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. We run 1-3 easy miles. Beginners to ultra marathoners welcome.

• Wed, 6:20 to 7:20 p.m.
• Vallejo Ferry Terminal
• 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Wendy DeWitt – The Queen of Boogie Woogie

Wendy DeWitt is a driving force in Boogie Woogie and Blues, performing across the U.S. and internationally. With drummer Kirk Harwood, she’s a two-time regional winner and finalist at the International Blues Challenge. Her high-energy performances are rooted in deep tradition and musical mastery. Tune into her radio show Blues Piano Orgy on KZYX-FM, Mendocino.

• Wed, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Empress Lounge
• 324 Virginia St, Vallejo

Poetry by the Bay

Enjoy live spoken word poetry from bay area poets! Come share your work at Vallejo’s longest running poetry open mic! Founded in 2008 by Kyrah Ayers. Hosted by Keith Thompson. A warm, welcoming environment open to all, including beginners.

• Wed, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Mira Theater
• 51 Daniels Avenue, Vallejo

Wednesday Night Open Mic

A friendly space for both beginning musicians and seasoned professionals. Comedians and poets also welcome.

• Wed, 8 to 11 p.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St., Vallejo

Thursday, June 26 

English Conversation Club

Practice your English conversation skills with other adult learners in an informal and friendly setting. No registration required!

• Thu, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Art Beat Poetry Hour

Spoken word artists wishing to share their original poetry on the radio are welcome to join in a live studio broadcast on the 4th Thursday of the month. Poets take turns at the mic, open mic style, for an hour long poetry show. The public can listen to the broadcast worldwide via the the TuneIn app. Hosted by DJ LaLa, poets have been sharing their work live on air since 2018.

• Thu, 10:30 a.m. to noon
• KZCT, 89.5 FM (on air broadcast temporarily down but live stream works)
• Vallejo

Comic Book Club

Comic Book Club meets in the Teen Zone in the library.

• Thu, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Flower PaintnSip at the Ferry Taproom

Join Napa Valley Painting at our Ferry Taproom for an intro to painting class starting at 6pm on March 29th! A perfect event to do with friends, family, or a significant other, while being guided through a floral painting. Paint supplies are included, and for more info and tickets visit the EventBrite page! No Experience Needed!!! Hablamos Español.

• Thu, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Ferry Taproom
• 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Alibi June Book Club: Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters

Please join us on Thursday, June 26th at 7 pm for Alibi Book Club's discussion of "Detransition, Baby" by Torrey Peters. This provocative debut is about what happens at the emotional, messy, vulnerable corners of womanhood that platitudes and good intentions can’t reach. Torrey Peters brilliantly and fearlessly navigates the most dangerous taboos around gender, sex, and relationships, gifting us a thrillingly original, witty, and deeply moving novel. Named one of the Best Books of the Year by more than twenty publications, including The New York Times Book Review, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Time, Vogue, Esquire, Vulture, and Autostraddle.

• Thu, 7 p.m.
• Alibi Bookshop
• 624 Marin St, Vallejo

Friday, June 27 

JnW Reptile Show

Get up close and check out the different types of reptiles from JnW Reptile Rescue. Participants will get the chance to pet critters and take lots of photos.

• Fri, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Park Ranger Storytime

Park Ranger Lou is visiting the JFK Library for a special storytime. Stop by to hear some stories and learn about parks and what it means to be a park ranger.

• Fri, 1 to 2 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Vallejo Late Night Basketball

The Vallejo Late Night Basketball Program provides a safe, structured, and engaging space for youth ages 12–25 every Friday night during the summer. Through basketball, mentorship, and community connection, this initiative revives a once-thriving program that fostered safety, leadership, and unity in our city.

• Fri, 6 p.m. to midnight
• Elite Public Schools
• 100 Whitney Ave., Vallejo

S.R. Laws

Northern Californian singer/songwriter, musician, and recording artist with toe-tapping heartfelt music. "I approach songwriting with a slow burning passion, thoughts and experience written down in word, melody, and chord progression. My inspiration comes from the incredible storytelling abilities of artists like John Hiatt, Rodney Crowell, Neil Finn, Chuck Prophet, and Ron Sexsmith. Their music has shaped my own artistic journey."

• Fri, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Company - Coal Shed Brewery
• 850 Nimitz Ave, Vallejo

Bands and Brews

The Greater Vallejo Recreation District’s Summer concert series, Bands and Brews is back. Live Music in the Park with free lawn seating, food trucks, and drinks available for a nominal fee. Limited parking available. Park gates open beginning at 5 p.m. Food trucks will be available beginning at 6 p.m. This week’s band is Pop Fiction.

• Fri, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• Blue Rock Springs Park
• 650 Columbus Pkwy, Vallejo

Paint & Sip

Join us for a fun and relaxing Paint & Sip event, where creativity flows as easily as the wine! This monthly event invites you to unwind, enjoy a glass of wine and create your very own masterpiece. We’ll provide all the supplies—canvas, paints, and brushes—and guide you through the theme of the night. Whether you're looking for a unique date night or a fun outing with friends, this is the perfect chance to bond while unleashing your inner artist. Extra glasses of wine are available for just $5 each. 21+

• Fri, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Vallejo Community Center
• 225 Amador St., Vallejo

Odd Fish - Foreign Film

A film about friendship and dreams, about acceptance and identity. Two friends, Björn and Hjalti, run a popular seafood restaurant in a fishing village in the Westfjords of Iceland, where they were born and raised. Hjalti is a confident family man; Björn, a reserved, single guy who has always lived in his parents' house. They usually close their restaurant during the winter, but a good opportunity arises and they decide to grab it. At the same time, Bjorn comes out as a trans woman. Prejudice is around the corner and the friendship sways under this unexpected turn of events.

• Fri, 8 to 10 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St, Vallejo

Saturday, June 28 

Vallejo Run Club

Join the Vallejo Run Club on our weekly Saturday morning and Wednesday evening runs. Our group meets, rain or shine, next to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. We run 1-3 easy miles. Beginners to ultra marathoners welcome.

• Sat, 8 to 9 a.m.
• Vallejo Ferry Terminal
• 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Farmers’ Market

Shop here for a great selection of California-grown greens, fruits & veggies, as well as some nice specialty booths with baked goods, tamales and food trucks with down-to-earth prices.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Marin Streets, Vallejo

Community Coffee Tasting with Live Music

Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes while listening to reggae jazz pop fusion by the Pense Libre trio. Music played from 10 a.m. to 1p.m.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Moschetti Coffee
• 11 Sixth St. (Curtola Pkwy. & Solano Ave.), Vallejo

Bath Bombs

Create your own bath bombs! We provide all colors, scents and ingredients. 

• Sat, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Citywide Outreach Caravan: Solidarity Not Charity Week

Join Vallejo Together to pass out educational information or deliver meals or care packages to our neighbors without shelter during Solidarity Not Charity week.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Various locations
• Vallejo, Vallejo

Dungeons & Dragons Meet-up

Play D&D with Dungeon Master Calloway *this group uses Roll20 online platform

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

"Detritus of a Life" Carl Theodorksi Retrospective

“Detritus of a Life” Carl Theodorski Retrospective, Detritus: grains, pieces, and chunks cleaved from larger mass, such as granite.From: The geologic: debris and trashFrom: The vernacular:“Detritus of a Life”From: The vernacular or the Geologic?

• Sat, noon. to 4 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St, Vallejo

Kitty Meet and Greet – Pet Adoptions

Come meet your next best friend! Evening appointments also available. All cats and kittens who are adopted out through Community Cat Advocates have been dewormed, treated for fleas, tested for Felv and FIV, vaccinated to age appropriate levels, microchipped and spayed or neutered.

• Sat, noon. to 3 p.m.
• PetSmart
• 952 Admiral Callaghan Lane, Vallejo

Next Episode

Next Episode is a Bay Area Party Band specializing in energetic dance, pop, and smooth grooves. They appeal to both older and younger generations, providing old school & new school covers, mixing in good vibes that give you a "feel good memorable experience" in every performance.

• Sat, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Vino Godfather
• 1005 Walnut Avenue #500, Vallejo

ZINE SCENE!!

Join us for our Inaugural Zine Scene!! event! learn what a zine is, and how to make one!! 

• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

An Evening of Deadhead Poetry

Poetry is Dead II: Once You're Dead, You're Dead Forever Paperback by Hercules Publishing (Author), D.L. Lang (Editor) 'In this anthology, a global cadre of deadhead poets send us on spiritual, musical, and psychedelic quests. Deadheads from around the world are included in these pages, whether they fell in love with a few albums or dedicated their life to being die-hard loyal fans, trekking across the country in a nomadic musical pilgrimage, letting the experience transform them again and again. Over 80 poets from around the world explore their personal histories, experiences, friendships, and connections with the psychedelic rock and roll band Grateful Dead, through the decades and all of the band's many incarnations.

• Sat, 4 to 6 p.m.
• Alibi Bookshop
• 624 Marin St, Vallejo

Byran Girard Jazz Trio

Saxophonist Bryan Girard will be joined by the great jazz pianist Ben Stolorow and Noah Schenker on Bass. This will be an acoustic set focused on straight-ahead jazz standards with much-loved timeless melodies. The trio’s music is intense, rhythmic and emotionally compelling. Manny’s has great views and a full bar. Advance dinner reservations recommended. 

• Sat, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Manny's Steakhouse
• 295 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Live Music Saturday with Matte Jaffe

San Francisco singer/songwriter Matt Jaffe is back and ready to give you the undeniable urge to dance. ‍ ‍

• Sat, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Co. Ferry Taproom
• 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Abbate & Macc Comedy Show

Andrea Abbate is a well-known comedian and TV writer. She is known for her razor-sharp wit, bold style, and infectious energy, which keep audiences laughing from start to finish. Willie Macc, a breakout star from the hit BET show College Hill: Virgin Island, has successfully transitioned from reality TV to becoming a respected actor and comedian in Hollywood.

• Sat, 8 to 10 p.m.
• Empress Lounge
• 324 Virginia St, Vallejo

Serve it to ‘Em Saturdays

Ava LaShay hosts Serve it to ‘Em Saturdays drag show, 4th Saturdays, with Queera Nightly and Avery Night.

• Sat, 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St, Vallejo

Sunday, June 29 

2025 Mare Island Half Marathon

Enjoy a scenic run around Mare Island and past historical landmarks. Start and finish at the Coal Shed Brewery, with a finish line party at the end.‍ For more details and registration, check out Burn Your Couch's website. ‍

• Sun, 6:30 to 11 a.m.
• Coal Shed Brewery
• 850 Nimitz Ave, Vallejo

Pilates for the Community with David El

Join David El for Pilates with the community at the Integrity Arts Collective. $20 Suggested donation

• Sun, 11 a.m. to noon
• 717 Integrity Project
• 717 Marin St., Vallejo

"Detritus of a Life" Carl Theodorksi Retrospective

“Detritus of a Life” Carl Theodorski Retrospective, Detritus: grains, pieces, and chunks cleaved from larger mass, such as granite.From: The geologic: debris and trashFrom: The vernacular:“Detritus of a Life”From: The vernacular or the Geologic?

• Sun, noon. to 4 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St, Vallejo

Pride & Joy Summer Bash

Welcome to a special summer bash with Pride & Joy SF, the most popular party band in Northern California. This group is the Pride of the Bay Area and a Joy to anyone who loves to dance. They have achieved this by presenting the most timeless pop/soul music of our time in an electrifying high energy show that pulls the audience directly into the heart of their performance.

• Sun, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Vino Godfather
• 1005 Walnut Avenue #500, Vallejo

Ukulele Play-Along

Join instructor Lorenza Gibson for a ukulele jam session. Hum, sing, and strum along. 

• Sun, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Odd Fish - Foreign Film

A film about friendship and dreams, about acceptance and identity. Two friends, Björn and Hjalti, run a popular seafood restaurant in a fishing village in the Westfjords of Iceland, where they were born and raised. Hjalti is a confident family man; Björn, a reserved, single guy who has always lived in his parents' house. They usually close their restaurant during the winter, but a good opportunity arises and they decide to grab it. At the same time, Bjorn comes out as a trans woman. Prejudice is around the corner and the friendship sways under this unexpected turn of events.

• Sun, 2 to 4 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St, Vallejo

Pecos League Baseball

The Santa Rosa Scuba Divers, AKA the Vallejo Seaweed, will play against the San Rafael Pacifics.

• Sun, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
• Wilson Park
• 1007 Solano Ave., Vallejo

Sabroso Sundays

Latin Music Party Every Sunday! Fiesta Latina Todos Los Domingos! Dj Mobeezy and guest DJs bring you the best Top Latin Hits, salsa, bachata, reggaeton, hip-hop y mas! Salsa & bachata lessons by Cuban Rhythm and Rumba Dance Studio from 8 to 9 p.m. Party begins at 9 p.m. Dress to impress - dress code enforced: no baggy clothing, tank tops, hoodies, beanies, flip-flops, or backpacks allowed. 21+ event.

• Sun, 8 to 9 p.m.
• H Lounge
• 472 Benicia Road, Vallejo

Monday, June 30 

Family Storytime

Our family storytimes are great for the whole family. Have children of different ages? Bring them all! These stories and activities are for everyone.

• Mon, 10 to 10:35 a.m.
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Movement with Mary Jane

Movement with Mary Jane is a guided movement flow to enhance the mind, body, spirit connection. Inhale 6 to 7 p.m. is the "Inhale Session", where we vaporize our herbal allies and unwind over freshly brewed tea. 7-8 p.m. is the "Exhale Flow", where we center in our breath and find balance in our bodies through soft stretches, moving into gentle, breath-informed dance. This is an infused experience for people 21 and over, exceptions made if you have a doctor’s recommendation.

• Mon, 6 to 8 p.m.
• 717 Integrity Project
• 717 Marin St., Vallejo

Tuesday, July 1 

Summer Storytime

Summer storytime for children ages 0-5. Join us in the Joseph Room at 11:30 for stories, songs, and movement!

• Tue, 11:30 a.m. to noon
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Comic Book Club

We will be meeting in the Teen Zone in the library.

• Tue, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Cardio Dance Fitness

Want to relieve stress and get fit at the same time? Come boogie with me at the library for an upbeat workout, jamming to some hip-hop, R&B, Latin, and Bollywood tunes. This workout involves a combination of dancing and other cardio-aerobic, non-weight training.

• Tue, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

CreativiTea & Craft Club

Vallejo CreativiTea Club (AKA Doodle & Draw) is now every Tuesday night from 6-8, though we frequently stay later. Open to all ages and skill levels.Get together with your downtown arts community to work side by side on art projects while sipping tea and listening to music. Bring a project you're working on, or get inspired to start something fresh. We will have some art supplies available.

• Tue, 6 p.m. to
• 717 Integrity Project
• 717 Marin St., Vallejo

Make Fellows

Draw, paint, stitch, knit and make. All are welcome!

• Tue, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Odd Fellows Hall
• 342 Georgia St., Vallejo

Daily at the Library

Heart Magnets

Join us for this month's drop in craft to celebrate Pride. Design your very own pride heart magnet. Come by during our open hours from 6/16 - 6/28 or until supplies last.

• Mon through Sat, hours vary
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Lunch @ the Library

Children 0-18 can receive a free lunch every weekday. There will be no lunch on July 4.

• Weekdays, noon to 1 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

‌A more detailed list of upcoming events can be found here.

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