Upcoming Vallejo Events — Filipina star Jaya sings legendary hits at the Empress Theatre

VALLEJO —  Popular Filipina singer Jaya will perform legendary hits composed by Cecile Azarcon, one of the Philippines’ most prolific songwriters, at the Empress Theatre on Saturday night.  She’ll be joined onstage by special guests Miriam Pantig, Garth Garcia and Pia Villahermosa. Ticket sales have been brisk, so don’t hesitate to get yours if you’d like to see this show.

The Jazz Johnson Trio will perform in the second of four scheduled performances at the Empress Marquee Club on Friday night. Johnson is a saxophonist and composer who has performed with top ensembles including the award-winning SFJAZZ All-Stars. The Trio features powerhouse “Women in Jazz” musicians Alissa Johnson on drums and Alexis Tsamoudakis on upright bass.  If you love Scotch whiskey, arrive early for a guided tasting of four exceptional single malts led by Scotch expert Jim Casper. The trio will return to the Marquee Club again on Thursday Aug. 7 and Friday Aug. 15.

You might not expect to see a punk rock show at a public library, but that’s what’s happening at the Springstowne Library on Friday evening. Slam dance to the music of Glimer, Jazmin Hope Virility, Disturbia, Eclypso and BAWRAO.

Indie After Dark founder Tymn Urban will play indie art rock with a pulse with the band Blüestätic at Bambino’s on Saturday evening. They serve up an all-original set, featuring songs from their upcoming debut album, Dreams of Blue. No cover with dinner.

Or venture outside Vallejo to see Dirty Cello at Museum of History Benicia on Friday evening. Dirty Cello performs blues, rock and Americana, fronted by virtuoso cellist Rebecca Roudman. A classically trained symphony player, Roudman dropped the straightjacket of classical music years ago and hasn’t looked back since. 

For family fun, this Thursday evening will be your last opportunity this year to take the kids out to “Bite Night Thursday” at Children's Wonderland Park. Enjoy an evening of great eats, good vibes, brews for the grownups, DJ music and lawn games. 

If you are interested in the future of the fenced-off south shore of Mare Island, you can attend a meeting with Navy and California Department of Toxic Substances Control representatives on Thursday evening, either virtually or in-person at the Mare Island Convention Center. Information on the environmental investigations, completed removal actions, and remedial alternatives for contaminated sites at the former Mare Island Naval Shipyard will be presented. 

Note that while National Night Out celebrations are being held on Aug. 5 in nearby counties, Solano County has moved their celebration to the first Tuesday in October to take advantage of cooler weather and to avoid conflicts with summer vacations. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships.

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

Wednesday, July 30

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

Porchfest Nights

An exclusive private performance and meet & greetandfundraiser for theSeptemberPorchfestBenicia event.This month’s Porchfest Nightwill feature Patrick Winningham and Seth Affoumado - Patrick is the front man for “Tender Mercies” who will be performing at the Coldwell Banker stage on September 13. Both musicians are long associated with the Counting Crows.

• Wed, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• The Escape
• 4588 East 2nd Street, Benicia

Lady Bianca

A powerhouse of Gospel, R&B, and soul, Lady Bianca is more than a vocalist—she's a musical force of nature. A classically trained pianist, visionary bandleader, and fearless producer, she brings fire and finesse to every performance. Whether opening shows, arranging vocals, or producing records, Lady Bianca brings depth, soul, and unmistakable style.

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

Wednesday Night Open Mic

A friendly space for both beginning musicians and seasoned professionals. Comedians and poets also welcome. First come, first serve sign-up. 3 songs or 15 minutes.

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

Thursday, July 31

OZCAT ArtBeat Interview with Kristian Baisac

Kristian Baisac is the current Solano County Champion for the National Endowment for the Arts program Poetry Out Loud. She is a Gates Scholar, valedictorian for Fairfield High School Class of 2025, and has just completed an acting class at the University of Richmond, where she is enrolled in the fall. The interview promises to be a fascinating mix of passions and ideas from this promising Solano teen as she embarks on her academic career.

• Thu, 10:30 to 11 a.m.
• OZCAT Radio stream

Benicia Certified Farmers Market

This charming downtown market features farm-fresh produce from regional growers, artisanal foods and specialty items, handcrafted goods from local artisans, live music and entertainment, family activities, and community nonprofit booths.

• Thu, 4 to 8 p.m.
• First Street between B and D Streets
• 1st St, Benicia

Back to School Resource Fair

It's back to school time!Join us for fun activities and free supplies for students. Sign up for a library card and learn about library resources. Connect with community organizations and find resources that will help your student succeed. Let's make it a great school year!

• Thu, 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Bite Night Thursday

Introducing Bite Night Thursday — a fresh twist on your favorite foodie event! We’ve got a new name, a new night, and a rotating lineup of delicious food trucks every other week. Bring the whole family for an evening of great eats, good vibes, and community fun. From comfort food classics to hidden gems, there’s always something new to enjoy. Come hungry — leave happy! This is a family-friendly event! Sorry no dogs!

• Thu, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Children's Wonderland Park
• 360 Glenn St, Vallejo

Cactus PaintnSip at the Ferry Taproom

Join Napa Valley Painting at our Ferry Taproom for an intro to painting class. A perfect event to do with friends, family, or a significant other, while being guided through a cactus painting. Paint supplies are included.

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

Aki Kumar Blues Band

Bollywood blues harmonica.

• Thu, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
• Lucca Bar & Grill
• 439 First St., Benicia

Alibi Bookshop July Book Club: "These Precious Days" by Ann Patchett

Please join us for Alibi Bookshop's July Book Club to discuss Ann Patchett's "These Precious Days." The beloved New York Times bestselling author reflects on home, family, friendships and writing in this deeply personal collection of essays.

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

The Importance of Being Earnest

“The Importance of Being Earnest,” written by Oscar Wilde and presented by On The Fringe Visual and Performing Arts, is a farcical comedy exploring the tangled affairs of two young men about town who lead double lives to evade unwanted social obligations.

• Thu, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St, Vallejo

Former Mare Island Naval Shipyard Remediation - Public Meeting

Navy and DTSC representatives will provide information on the environmental investigations, completed removal actions, and remedial alternatives for contaminated sites at the former Mare Island Naval Shipyard. You will have an opportunity to formally comment on the remedial alternatives summarized in this PP/Draft RAP during that meeting. Written comments will also be accepted until Aug. 15. This will allow Department of Toxic Substances Control to ensure that the CEQA document incorporates any changes to the project resulting from public review and comment. The Initial Study will then be made available for review and comment during a future public comment period.

To join remotely go to : https://tinyurl.com/MINSRAB-July2025. Click “Join” in the upper right corner. Enter session number 289 396 744 960 3, follow prompt to enter name, email address, and session password TP7hb3KS to enter the meeting. To join by telephone: call Toll Free: (833) 240-9982 and enter access code 940587526# when instructed.

• Thu, 7 to 8 p.m.
• Mare Island Convention Center / virtual
• 375 G St., Vallejo

Friday, August 1

Vallejo Chamber of Commerce First Friday Lunch Mob

Join the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce for lunch and support a locally owned business!! We'll gather at 11:30 a.m. and stay until around 1 p.m. This is a great way to meet your fellow chamber members and potential members! We'll see you there!

• Fri, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• TOGO'S Sandwiches
• 485 Redwood St, Vallejo

Rumi Poetry Reading & Open Mic

Rumi poetry reading featuring Salma Arastu and her Turning Rumi painting series. Each piece in this series is Salmas visual interpretation of a different poem written by 13-century poet Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi. She will read a few select poems and speak on her creative process. Following that will be an open mic. Connect with the local Crockett community while soaking up texture, color and messages of love and spirituality!

• Fri, 3 to 6 p.m.
• Sacral Art & Healing
• 706 2nd Ave, Crockett

Jeff Tamelier & Dan Deshara

Groove into the weekend with Jeff Tamelier & Dan Deshara

• Fri, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• The Rellik Tavern
• 726 First St, Benicia

It's a Punk Rock Show!

Glimer, Jazmin Hope Virility, Disturbia, Eclypso and BAWRAO. Music starts at 5:30 p.m. Street parking only!

• Fri, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., 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

The New Frantics

Blending Rock/Pop/Soul/R&B influences for all generations.

• Fri, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
• Lucca Bar & Grill
• 439 First St., Benicia

Dirty Cello

Dirty Cello is a globe trotting band that performs blues, rock and Americana, fronted by virtuoso cellist Rebecca Roudman. A classically trained symphony player, Roudman dropped the straight- jacket of classical music years ago and hasn’t looked back since.

• Fri, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Museum of History Benicia
• 2024 Camel Rd, Benicia

Odd Fridays Salon

Join us the first Friday of each month for an evening of fascinating discussions and unexpected discoveries. Because everyone's an expert at something. Everyone who joins our salon eventually takes their turn at the mic. Don't worry - we'll give you plenty of notice and support. Whether you're passionate about armadillos, vintage cereal boxes, extinct alphabets, or the secret history of sock manufacturing, your weird and wonderful knowledge has a home here. $30.

• Fri, 7 to 9 p.m.
• The Exchange
• 617 Marin St, Vallejo

The Importance of Being Earnest

“The Importance of Being Earnest,” written by Oscar Wilde and presented by On The Fringe Visual and Performing Arts, is a farcical comedy exploring the tangled affairs of two young men about town who lead double lives to evade unwanted social obligations.

• Fri, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St, Vallejo

Jazz Johnson Trio

Bay Area saxophonist and composer Jazz Johnson has performed with top ensembles including the award-winning SFJAZZ All-Stars, earning accolades from DownBeat Magazine, the Louis Armstrong Foundation, and major festivals like Folsom, Campana, Santa Cruz, and Stanford. The Trio features powerhouse “Women in Jazz” musicians Alissa Johnson on drums and Alexis Tsamoudakis on upright bass.The Trio will perform at the Empress again onThursday Aug. 7and Friday Aug. 15.

• Fri, 8 to 10 p.m.
• Empress Marquee Club
• 324 Virginia St., Vallejo

Cloudship

Jon Napoles and Brandon Freeman are a couple of transplants who fortuitously met in Fresno, CA. Their signature mix of modern rock, Americana and electronic has quickly made them a force to be reckoned with, especially among young indie bands.

• Fri, 8:30 p.m.
• The Rellik Tavern
• 726 First St, Benicia

Saturday, August 2

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

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 Joslay Jose. 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

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

Billingual Storytime

Join Ms. Erica for a special Bilingual Spanish Storytime at the Vallejo JFK Library. We'll have stories and songs and a stay and play after!

• Sat, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

The Academy of Ballet and Etiquette

Join us at the Springstowne Library to meet Ms. Sara from the Academy of Ballet and Etiquette to learn about ballet through storytellling. Children under the age of 12 are welcome to join.

• Sat, 11 to 11:30 a.m.
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., 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

Ariel Marin Funkin Fantastic Dance Party!

Known as “Sade of The Bay" Ariel Marin is a refreshingly eclectic powerhouse songstress. Ariel’s award-winning multi-genre band plays it all, from Fleetwood Mac to Motown, Sade to Lynyrd Skynrd, Journey to The Eagles, Chaka Khan to top 40 radio hits, classics….funk, rock, soul, pop, folk, country, R&B, Motown, gospel and jazz, they have you covered. Food by Lasagna con Amore - Chef Massimo from Italy and wife Sonia, will be serving sumptuous Lasagna Bolognese and tantalizing Lasagna Pesto, along with Italian Meatballs in marinara sauce, caprese salad, and authentic Italian desserts.

• Sat, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Vino Godfather
• 1005 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

Beatson & Starkweather

The father & son duo and local favorites join forces for a singer-songwriter session.

• Sat, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
• Lucca Bar & Grill
• 439 First St., Benicia

Shakespeare in the Park - As You Like It

"All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players." Vallejo Shakespeare in the Park produces one live Shakespearean production each summer presented in outdoor settings free to communities around the San Francisco Bay Area. This year they’re back with “As You Like It.” No chairs provided – bring a blanket or low chair to sit on.

• Sat, 4 to 6 p.m.
• Marina Pavilion Green (Next to the Benicia Yacht Club)
• 402 East 2nd St., Benicia

Cloudship

Jon Napoles and Brandon Freeman are a couple of transplants who fortuitously met in Fresno, CA. Their signature mix of modern rock, Americana and electronic has quickly made them a force to be reckoned with, especially among young indie bands.

• Sat, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• The Rellik Tavern
• 726 First St, Benicia

Bryan Girard Jazz Trio

Saxophonist Bryan Girard will be joined by Ben Stolorow & Noah Schenker. Along with a waterfront view and plenty of free parking, Manny’s offers dinner at reasonable prices and, of course, a full bar. Advance dinner reservation recommended.

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

Gelli Printing Workshop

Playful art form that uses acrylic paint and soft gel plates to make colorful and textured prints

• Sat, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Sacral Art & Healing
• 706 2nd Ave, Crockett

Rivvrs

Grass Valley based artist RIVVRS blends the authenticity of Folk and Americana with the accessibility of pop. With more than 100 million streams and 100 features across film & tv, his music resonates strongly with listeners through his vulnerable and charismatic performances.

• Sat, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Coal Shed Brewery Ferry Taproom
• 280 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Camp Jeff

Rock 'n' Roll with the Jeffs - Campitelli and Tamelier. Also featuring David Sikes, Greg Rahn, and Jesse Bradman

• Sat, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
• Lucca Bar & Grill
• 439 First St., Benicia

Blüestätic Live at Bambino’s – A Night of Original Sound

Come spend your Saturday night at Bambino’s Vallejo, our favorite downtown haunt. We’re serving up an all-original set, featuring songs from our upcoming debut album, Dreams of Blue. Post-punk bones. Jazz blood. Cabaret skin. No cover. No filter. Just signal in the dark. Come find the frequency.

• Sat, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Bambino's Vallejo
• 301 Georgia street #122, Vallejo

Jaya Sings Azarcon

Get ready for a night of iconic and timeless hits as JAYA, referred to as the Philippines’ “Queen of Soul” takes the stage, performing the legendary hits composed by Ms. Cecile Azarcon, considered one of the Philippines’ most prolific songwriters.

• Sat, 7 to 10 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St, Vallejo

The Importance of Being Earnest

“The Importance of Being Earnest,” written by Oscar Wilde and presented by On The Fringe Visual and Performing Arts, is a farcical comedy exploring the tangled affairs of two young men about town who lead double lives to evade unwanted social obligations.

• Sat, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St, Vallejo

The Dream Tellers

The Dream Tellers are a 60s & 70s-inspired rock n’ roll group from Oakland. First bonding over a love of the Beatles, multi-instrumentalists Xavier Guerrero, Nicholas Lyon-Wright, and Alex Scot Hall formed the band to share their favorite classic tunes and their own retro-flavored originals. The Dream Tellers’ enthusiasm for the music and rock n’ roll history can be seen – and heard – as soon as they step on stage.

• Sat, 8:30 p.m.
• The Rellik Tavern
• 726 First St, Benicia

Sunday, August 3

Pilates for the Community with David El

Join David El for Pilates with the community. $20 Suggested donation.

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

S.R. Laws

S.R. Laws is an American singer/songwriter, musician and recording artist from Northern California. Laws serves up an original style of rock, roll, rhythm, and soul. It is through uplifting songs and heartfelt-inspiring performances that allows him and the characters in his songs to connect with any toe-tapping crowd.

• Sun, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Company - First Street Taphouse
• 440 First Street, Benicia

The Big Jangle

"The Big Jangle Band captures the Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers concert experience, not only playing the music of Tom Petty, but the songs he covered live, such as The Traveling Wilburys, The Byrds and Stevie Nicks.

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

Smokehouse

A Bay Area all-star Blues/Funk/Soul outfit from Anthony Paule, Willy Jordan, Endre Tarczy, and Tony Lufrano.

• Sun, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• Lucca Bar & Grill
• 439 First St., Benicia

Doug Houser

Enjoy the acoustic stylings of the past and present with Doug Houser.

• Sun, 3 p.m.
• The Rellik Tavern
• 726 First St, Benicia

The Fantasticks Auditions

Sign up for an audition to act and sing in “The Fantastics.” Filled with theatrical invention and emotional depth, The Fantasticks is a beloved classic and holds the record as the longest-running musical in American theater history.

• Sun, 4 to 8 p.m.
• Historic BDES Hall
• 140 West J Street, Benicia

Sabroso Sundays

Dj Mobeezy and guest DJs bring you the best top Latin hits, salsa, bachata, reggaeton, hip-hop y mas! Party begins 9 p.m. Salsa and bachata Lessons by Cuban Rhythm and Rumba Dance Studio from 8 to 9 p.m. Dress code enforced: No baggy clothing, tank tops, hoodies, beanies, flip-flops, or backpacks allowed! 21+ event.

• Sun, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
• H Lounge
• 472 Benicia Road, Vallejo

Monday, August 4

Rising Together: Strengthening Nonprofit Collaboration in Vallejo

Join us for Rising Together: Strengthening Nonprofit Collaboration in Vallejo, a dynamic gathering of nonprofit leaders, and collaborative groups working across Vallejo. Hosted by the Vallejo Community Institute, this event is designed to strengthen your impact. Whether you're part of a formal coalition or just starting to explore partnerships, this summit offers tools, insights, and inspiration to support more effective, inclusive collaboration in exceptional times. Limit 2 persons per nonprofit organization or collaborative entity. Registration is required.

• Mon, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• John F Kennedy Library, Joseph Room
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

The Fantasticks Auditions

Filled with theatrical invention and emotional depth, The Fantasticks is a beloved classic and holds the record as the longest-running musical in American theater history.

• Mon, 4 to 6 p.m.
• Historic BDES Hall
• 140 West J Street, Benicia

Townhouse Ramblers

Acoustic Evening of Americana, folk, country, and blues featuring Don Bassey, Erin Bakke, Pato Milo, Rich Flynn, and random guest appearances by CommonUnion59: Laura Malasig and Steve McKenzie, Jeff Campitelli, Cole Panther, Bake Baker, Dan Gabel, and Rich Adams, plus some very special guests – now 1st & 3rd Mondays.

• Mon, 7 to 10 p.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St, Vallejo

Tuesday, August 5

Alibi Bookshop Feminist Book Club: "The Power" by Naomi Alderman

August's Alibi Feminist Book Club meeting will discuss Naomi Alderman's book "The Power," hosted by Chelsea and Caroline. Ambitious and provocative, visceral and page-turning, award-winning author Naomi Alderman's "The Power" at once takes us on a journey to an alternate reality and exposes our own world in bold and surprising ways.

• Tue, 5:30 p.m.
• Alibi Bookshop
• 624 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