Upcoming Vallejo Events — Decades Dance Party returns for Valentine’s Day

VALLEJO — Valentine’s Day activities in downtown Vallejo begin with a Valentine-themed 2^nd Friday Art Walk, include live dinner music at Bambino’s Restaurant, and the resurrection of the Decades Dance Party at the Odd Fellows lodge after a five-year hiatus.  

Valentine's Day is special for the 2^nd Friday Art Walk as their first event was on Valentine's Day in 2014. This Friday’s Art Walk show at Temple Art Lofts will highlight distinctive work of local artists, and guests will be treated to a live music performance that promises to infuse the evening with energy and emotion. 

For a romantic Valentine’s dinner during Art Walk, try Bambino’s Restaurant, where the elegant vocalist Laura Dorais will sing her own brand of romantic Latin ballads and jazz-influenced pop.

Then if you feel like dancing, the Decades Dance Party will return to Odd Fellows hall on Friday night for the first time since COVID-19. Decades tours the music of the 1970s, 80s and 90s, with different DJs rotating through each genre. The party will open at 7 p.m. with a yacht rock warmup, followed by two-hour sets of disco and funk, 80’s pop and new wave, then go until 2 a.m. with 90s pop and hip-hop. This is a fitting anniversary for the comeback – the last Decades Party was on Valentines Day in 2020.

Things are picking up at the Odd Fellows now that the hall is back in business as an event venue, and Danse Macabre will hold a goth-themed ball there on Saturday night. The group has tried out several venues over the past few years, and the Edwardian ambiance of the Odd Fellows ballroom may be the best fit yet. Danse Macabre has also scheduled their smaller Reflection Goth Night events at the lodge on the first Friday of each month.

Black History Month continues at Ethnic Notions on Saturday afternoon with a screening of “Boom For Real,” a documentary that explores the pre-fame years of celebrated American street art pioneer Jean-Michel Basquiat. 

On Sunday, Vallejo Project will host a midday Celebration of Diversity Forum at the Vallejo Museum. The forum will bring together community leaders, cultural advocates, and residents to engage in meaningful discussions on cultural diversity, identity, and preservation.

If you’re inclined toward the political, consider attending the League of Women Voters meeting with state Sen. Christopher Cabaldon on Friday afternoon at the John F. Kennedy Library. Cabaldon will discuss critical issues facing Solano County and California and what actions each of us can take to defend democracy.

Or on Saturday afternoon, you can attend the Community Violence Prevention Town Hall at  Taylor Chapel CME Church with Vallejo Mayor Andrea Sorce and Solano County Supervisor Cassandra James. Members of the diverse church’s youth and young adults will lead a portion of the agenda, speaking on their needs. Members of the NAACP will also be in attendance.

These are just some highlights of upcoming events. Scroll down the list below for more live music, cultural and recreational activities, and check our events page for late-breaking updates. 

Wednesday, February 12

Alibi Bookshop LGBTQ Feb. Book Club: "Maurice" by E.M. Forster

Please join us for February's Book Club discussion of "Maurice," E.M. Forster's posthumously published classic, hosted by Richard May. Set in the elegant Edwardian world of Cambridge undergraduate life, this story introduces us to Maurice Hall when he is fourteen. In a highly structured society, Maurice is a conventional young man in almost every way--except that he is homosexual.

• Wed, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• Alibi Bookshop
• 624 Marin St., Vallejo

Terrie Odabi

Terrie Odabi is easily the most dynamic blues and soul woman to have emerged in the Bay Area since Etta James came out of San Francisco's Fillmore District in the Fifties. Terrie has a powerful set of pipes, writes terrific tunes, leads a kicking band and has onstage movements that perfectly match the rhythms of her material.

• Wed, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Empress Lounge
• 324 Virginia St, 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, February 13

The Makery

Come experience Solano County Library's makerspace- The Makery! Equipment includes: 3D printer, vinyl cutter, digital production equipment, drawing tablets and much more! Drop-in and discover what we have. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

• Thu, 3 to 7 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo

Memoir Book Club: "All That She Carried" by Tiya Miles

Please join us for Alibi Bookshop Memoir Book Club's February Book discussion of "All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley's Sack, a Black Family Keepsake" by Tiya Miles, a unique, innovative history of the lived experience of slavery in the United States.

• Thu, 7 to 8 p.m.
• Alibi Bookshop
• 624 Marin St., Vallejo

Friday, February 14

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.

• Fri, 10 a.m. to 10:35 a.m.
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Avenue, Vallejo

State Senator Christopher Cabaldon speaks at LWV Solano County meeting

Senator Cabaldon will discuss critical issues facing Solano County and California and what actions each of us can take to Defend Democracy. League of Women Voters Program Priorities: Following the presentation, you will have an opportunity to help identify our League’s Program Priorities for 2025-2027. Bring a bag lunch, beverages and cookies provided.

• Fri, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
• Vallejo Room, John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Celebrate Love and Art This Valentine's Day at Vallejo’s 2nd Friday Artwalk

On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025, the vibrant creative spirit of Vallejo's Art Community comes alive at  340 Virginia Street. As part of the popular 2nd Friday Artwalk, the gallery is hosting a special event that merges a one-of-a-kind gallery show with the  Art of local Artwalk Artists and the Temple Artloft Artists, set against the romantic backdrop of Valentine’s Day. Guests will be treated to a live music performance that promises to infuse the evening with energy and emotion—making this an unmissable fusion of art, and love.

• Fri, 5 to 9 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Marin Streets, Vallejo

Laura Dorais for Valentine's Day

Love is in the air this Valentine's Day. Ask out your partner or that long looked after crush to dinner at Bambino's and you'll be sure to be greeted by Cupid's arrow. We are hosting an evening of lovely song covers over elegant piano vibes brought to you by Laura Dorais.

• Fri, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Bambino's Vallejo
• 301 Georgia St. , Vallejo

February Sip & Paint

Local artist Jena Webber will guide you as you paint your very own"Candy Conversation Hearts" themed image on a 14x14 canvas.  The class will be held inside The Great Room of the mansion, or weather permitting, the outdoor garden area. Your first glass of wine is included with admission.  All art supplies will be provided. Bring your own protective covering if you'd like.

• Fri, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
• Vino Godfather
• 1005 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

Decades Party

The Decades dance party returns to the Vallejo Odd Fellows ballroom for the first time in 5 years! Our last dance party in Vallejo was February 14th, 2020, it was the biggest event we ever had with over 200 people dancing to the top hits of the 70s, 80s and 90s+ all night long! Then Covid hit, the world changed, and no more parties. Now we're back 5 years later! Featuring all the big dance hits of the 70s, 80s and 90s.

• Fri, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
• Odd Fellows Hall
• 342 Georrgia St., Vallejo

Saturday, February 15

Farmers’ Market

Shop here for a great selection of California-grown greens, fruits and 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

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

Vallejo Jazz Jam Session

Join us live at the Mira Theatre every 3rd Saturday of the month. Vallejo Jazz Jam's mission is to provide a supportive and non-competitive environment for musicians of all levels to explore our rich heritage of jazz standards. The Vallejo Jazz Jam welcomes musicians of all ages, genders and levels. $10 donation to cover rental space.

• Sat, noon to 2 p.m.
• Mira Theatre Guild
• 51 Daniels Ave, Vallejo

Boom For Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat

Boom For Real explores the pre-fame years of the celebrated American street art pioneer Jean-Michel Basquiat.  Join us to view chat and snack - popcorn to share!

• Sat, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Ethnic Notions Fine Art Gallery & Multicultural Bookstore
• 930 Marin St., Vallejo

Community Violence Prevention Town Hall

Community Violence Prevention Town Hall at Taylor Chapel CME Church with guests Vallejo Mayor Andrea Sorce and Solano County Supervisor Cassandra James. Member of the diverse church’s youth and young adults will lead a portion of the agenda, speaking on their needs. Members of the NAACP will also be in attendance.

• Sat, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Taylor Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
• 1203 Louisiana St., Vallejo

CT3

Welcome to Bambino’s stage for the first time, CT3! A wonderful three piece band bringing Pop, Funk, Classic Rock & Oldies to life. As always, we will be serving up the vibes, great food & delicious drinks while you bring the energy!

• Sat, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Bambinos Vallejo
• 301 Georgia street #122, Vallejo

Petty Theft

Since 2003, San Francisco based Petty Theft has been touring the United States performing Tom Petty's songs true to the originals and in the spirit of the Heartbreaker's live shows.

• Sat, 8 to 10:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St, Vallejo

The Danse Macabre Ball

The Danse Macabre Ball is a night for the art of self-expression uniting diverse identities through dancing, fashion, and community. Whether Goth, Steampunk,Victorian, Punk, Industrial, Dieselpunk, Cosplay, or other style, it's an opportunity to celebrate your individuality and show off that outfit or costume that expresses your inner self and artist.

• Sat, 8 to 11:30 p.m.
• Odd Fellows Hall
• 342 Georgia St, Vallejo

Sunday, February 16

Celebration of Diversity Forum

The Celebration of Diversity Forum will bring together community leaders, cultural advocates, and residents to engage in meaningful discussions on cultural diversity, identity, and preservation. The event will feature an esteemed panel, followed by a film screening, an engaging talk, and a Q&A session at 12:00 PM. The gathering will conclude with an hour of networking over light appetizers and drinks.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St, Vallejo

Monday, February 17

Movement with Mary Jane

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

• Mon, 6 to 9 p.m.
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin St., Vallejo

Tuesday, February 18

Vallejo CreativiTea Club - Every Tuesday night

Vallejo CreativiTea Club (AKA Doodle & Draw) is now every Tuesday night 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. This is a free event. Donations are appreciated.

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

Blackbook Comedy ~ Stand Up At Bambino's

Guile Mosher of Blackbook Comedy is coming to our stage for another evening with a stellar line up of local comedians. Be prepared to laugh, have fun and enjoy a night out in our lovely Downtown Vallejo. A suitable event for all ages!

• Tue, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
• Bamnino's Vallejo
• 301 Georgia St., Vallejo