Upcoming Vallejo Events — LaRussell’s Bay Area Music Showcase

VALLEJO — Vallejo star LaRussell, Good Compenny and KQED will join forces at Suite Treatments on Thursday night to showcase five local artists for a live music showdown judged by LaRussell and other local heavy-hitters. LaRussell will headline the show, followed by an open mic where performers will have a chance to win prizes.

Then on Friday evening, the second August Summer Nights celebration in downtown Vallejo on Georgia and Marin Streets will feature a Lowrider car show and live entertainment by La Nueva Era Salsa Band, Mango Kingz, Beebo with Sancho Mingz, Bradley Johnson with the So Fresh Band, Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli and DJ Jucy JC.  There will also be a kid zone,  a beer garden, food trucks, and a variety of local artists and artisans.

Two afterparties will cater to people who don’t want to stop the fun at 9 p.m. The 4th Corner Speakeasy at the Red Men’s Hall will have an open mic with emcee Tymn Urban of Indie After Dark, and the Townhouse Cocktail Lounge will host a Back to the 90s & 2000s party with music by DJ Siannas Day.

The final weekend of the Art of Community festival at Mare Island Art Studios will begin on Saturday afternoon with the second annual Art of Community Fashion Show, a runway experience pulsing with style, culture, and creativity that brings together visionary designers, bold models, and cultural tastemakers from Vallejo, the Bay Area, and Sacramento.

The Art of Community festival will close on Sunday afternoon with Ekphrastic Poetry. View the art and listen to the poems it inspired. Hosted by Vallejo co-Poet Laureates Jacalyn Eyvonne and Kathleen Herrmann.

If you love jazz, don't miss the Oakland Jazz Choir's performance at the historic St. Peter’s Chapel on Sunday afternoon.

And there’s a dose of good news for fans of Vallejo music and culture! Community radio station OZCAT came back on the airwaves on Tuesday after a months-long outage. Tune in at 89.5 FM.

If you care to venture beyond Vallejo into Benicia, Lucca Beer Gardens Guitar Festival will feature talented local guitarists this week. Jeff Tamelier, Marc Bonilla, and Tom Fleming will play on Thursday evening, Volker Strifler, and Jeff Tamelier on Friday evening, Steve Freund, Charles Wheal, Jon Lawton on Saturday afternoon, Greg Howe and Stu Hamm will play on Saturday evening, and the Guitarkestra on Sunday afternoon.

These are just some highlights of things to do in Vallejo and beyond. Scroll down the list below for more live music, theater,  cultural and recreational activities, and be sure to check our events page for more kids’ activities, creative workshops and late-breaking updates.

Wednesday, August 20

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

Chris James & Patrick Rynn

Chris James and Patrick Rynn are at the forefront of today’s traditional Blues movement. They lead their own widely acclaimed band, and have toured the world playing behind some of the greatest Blues’ legends in the field.

• Wed, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Empress Marquee Club
• 324 Virginia Street, 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. We run through the roster until people run out of songs or energy.

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

Thursday, August 21

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

Adult Craft Club

Please join us for our monthly painting & drawing night on the 3rd Thursday of each month. We will have materials provided for: Watercolor & Acyrlic painting Coloring Drawing We also encourage any participants to bring other projects that they are working on, even if no painting/drawing is involved.

• Thu, 6 to 7 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo

Jeff Tamelier’s ‘Tam Jam’!!! - Lucca Beer Garden Guitar Festival

Tam is joined by guitarists Marc Bonilla, Tom Fleming, and also Frank Martin, Jeff Campitelli, David Sikes, and Darby Gould!

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

LaRussell and Good Compenny Present: A Bay Area Music Showcase

KQED and artist collective Good Compenny come together in Vallejo for a night that's more than a show - it's a moment to showcase musical talent from the Bay Area. Five local artists will hit the stage for a live music showdown, judged by Vallejo star LaRussell and other local heavy-hitters.

• Thu, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Suite Treatments
• 3729 Sonoma Blvd, Vallejo

Friday, August 22

August Summer Nights

Entertainment for the second of three August Summer Nights Festival: La Nueva Era Salsa Band, Mango Kingz. Beebo, Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli, and DJ Jucy JC Don’t miss the Lowrider Car Show. A beer garden, food trucks, a kid zone and community booths and artisan wares round out this fun, family friendly event.

• Fri, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Marin Streets, Vallejo

Live Music Friday with Kiel Williams & Owen Ridings

Kiel and Owen have been musical collaborators for years, performing as a duo and as members of the bands The Hot Dark and Descendants of Prospectors. Their repertoire spans a wide range of genres, blending original music with covers that reflect their diverse influences. From rock and folk to funk, indie, and Americana, their performances offer an eclectic mix of sounds that captivate any audience. Whether delivering heartfelt originals or reinterpreting classic tunes, Kiel and Owen's chemistry and musicianship always shine through.

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

Don Bassey’s Guitarmageddon!!! - Lucca Beer Garden Guitar Festival

Don Bassey invites guitarists Volker Strifler, Jeff Tamelier, and special guests including AC Myles! Also featuring Henry Salvia and Jeff Campitelli!

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

Bus Stop

Love, laughter & loneliness collide at a roadside diner in Bus Stop by William Inge. Stranded by a blizzard in a rural Kansas diner, a busload of strangers is forced to confront their hopes, heartbreaks, and hidden truths. From the rugged cowboy chasing love to the disillusioned professor fleeing his past, Bus Stop is a touching, funny, and unforgettable portrait of ordinary people on a detour to destiny.

• Fri, 8 to 11 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St, Vallejo

Back to the 90s & 2000s

Townhouse Cocktail Lounge presents - Back to the 90s & 2000s - every Friday night in August. Hosted by @SIANNAS-DAY on music and @MACDADDYJTAP on drinks.

• Fri, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401 A Georgia St., Vallejo

August Summer Nights - Afterparty - OPEN MIC

Emcee: Tymn Urban of Indie After Dark. All styles. All voices. All vibes. Whether you play acoustic, electric, hip hop, jazz, punk, folk, R&B, electronic—or something all your own—this mic is for you. Show starts at 9:00 p.m. Sign up early to get your time on stage! Doors / signup open at 7:30 PM. No cover. Just good music, good people, and the joy of sharing sound together.

• Fri, to 9 to 11 p.m.
• 4th Corner Speakeasy
• 431 Georgia Street, Vallejo

Saturday, August 23

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

Nature Hike at Lynch Canyon

Lynch Canyon is an open space park in the hills between Vallejo and Fairfield. This hike will take visitors westward along Middle Valley Trail leading to Prairie Ridge. Expect about a 5 mile hike at a moderate, but even pace over uneven ground. Muddy spots will have cattle prints. There are steep climbs over several hills with the longest at Prairie Ridge. It’s worth it to see the view of the northern San Francisco Bay. Registration required. Parking $5.

• Sat, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Lynch Canyon Open Space
• 3100 Lynch Rd., Fairfield

Dr. George G. Mills Jr. Scholarship Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Join us for a fun day on the golf course! Your participation and donations benefit our scholarship for current and former foster youth!

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Blue Rock Springs Golf Club
• 655 Columbus Parkway, Vallejo

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. Sometimes you can find local honey, homemade soap and other goodies here.

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

Community Coffee Tasting with live music by Joslay Jose

SSample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes while listening to live music. Joslay Jose will play reggae infused pop fusion for your listening pleasure. Music from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

Blues Guitarathon - Lucca Beer Garden Guitar Festival

Blues Guitarathon featuring Steve Freund, Charles Wheal, and Jon Lawton!!! Also featuring Tyler Eng and Mike Phillips.

• Sat, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Lucca Bar & Grill
• 439 First St., Benicia

ZINE SCENE!!

Learn what a zine is, and how to make one.

• Sat, 2 to 4 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo

V-Town Craftivists

Where creativity becomes resistance. V-Town Craftivists brings together makers who believe in the power of craft as a tool for social change. Whether you're stitching protest banners, printing resistance posters, or creating community art projects, we gather monthly to share skills and create with purpose. No experience needed—just bring your passion for both making and meaning.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• Sat, 2 to 4 p.m.
• The Exchange
• 617 Marin St, Vallejo

"Mare Island Naval Hospital" Author Talk: Dr. Thomas L. Snyder

Please join us in welcoming author Dr. Thomas L. Snyder as he shares with us the rich history of the Mare Island Naval Hospital. Free admission

• Sat, 2 to 4 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St, Vallejo

Art of Community Art Fest - Fashion Show

Urban glamour meets artistic edge at this year's Art of Community Fashion Show—a runway experience pulsing with style, culture, and creativity. Creatives, changemakers, and fly folks will fill the room. Dress to impress, because the runway isn’t the only place to shine.

• Sat, 3 to 5 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St., Vallejo

San Quinn

SF legend San Quinn pulls up to the backyard at Noble Cinema Studios for an ALL AGES event featuring some of the dopest music in the BAY!

• Sat, 3 to 6 p.m.
• Nobel Cinema Studios
• 1509 Solano Ave, Vallejo

Bryan Girard Jazz Trio

Saxophonist Bryan Girard will be joined by two stellar musicians, Laura Klein on piano and bassist Robb Fisher. Along with a spectacular waterfront view and free parking, Manny’s offers dinner at reasonable prices and, a great view, and of course, a full bar. Advance dinner reservation recommended.

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

Live Music Saturday with Cosmo & Leslie

Cosmo & Leslie are a songwriting duo from Napa that play a mix of folk, rock, blues, and country. Their music is rooted in acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies, with occasional percussion, keyboard, and live looping.

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

Greg Howe - Lucca Beer Garden Guitar Festival

Greg Howe, with Stu Hamm and Louie Palmer!!! Known for his work with Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, and many more!

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

West Of Texas

Country music, by West of Texas and the Emeryvillians.

• Sat, 8 p.m.
• Toot's Tavern
• 627 2nd Avenue, Crockett

Bus Stop

Love, laughter & loneliness collide at a roadside diner in Bus Stop by William Inge. Stranded by a blizzard in a rural Kansas diner, a busload of strangers is forced to confront their hopes, heartbreaks, and hidden truths. From the rugged cowboy chasing love to the disillusioned professor fleeing his past, Bus Stop is a touching, funny, and unforgettable portrait of ordinary people on a detour to destiny.

• Sat, 8 to 11 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway 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, August 24

Vallejo's Drag Brunch

Get ready to dazzle and delight at Bambino’s, where Vallejo’s Drag Brunch is making its fabulous debut!Join us for a sparkling celebration hosted by the incredible Sadie C. Sparkles and MissCherrylane. It’s a chance to embrace the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQ+ community and enjoy a brunch experience like no other. Come on down and be part of this exciting new event that brings drag and queer culture to our community!

• Sun, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Bambino's Vallejo
• 301 Georgia St. #122, Vallejo

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

St. Peter's Chapel - Self-guided Tour

If you've never seen the interior be prepared to be astounded by the 29 stained-glass windows and the magnificence of the interior. Docents will be available to answer all your questions. All we ask is a $5 donation toward the chapel maintenance fund.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• St. Peter’s Chapel
• 1181 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

Art of Community Art Fest - Ekphrastic Poetry

Ekphrastic Poetry begins at 2 p.m. View the art, then listen to the poems it inspired, hosted by Vallejo co-Poet Laureates Jacalyn Eyvonne and Kathleen Herrmann.

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

Live Music Saturday with Joyce Grant & Company

Vallejo local singer, Joyce Grant returns to the Ferry Taproom with her powerful mix of jazz, blues, and R&B.‍.

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

Bryan Girard Jazz Trio

Saxophonist Bryan Girard will be playing again at the lovely Inn at Benicia Bay on East D Street (just around the corner from 1st Street). Girard will be joined by Tim Campbell on keyboard and Lorn Leber on guitar, playing outdoors under the gazebo surrounded by shaded tables.

• Sun, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
• The Inn at Benicia Bay
• 145 East D St., Benicia

Stef Burns & Friends

Stef Burns is coming back to Vino Godfather for 2 shows this summer with Jeff Campitelli and Jim Funk plus some very special guests. His special guest line-up is a who's who of bay area celebrities and his shows always sell out quickly. Because of that, Vino Godfather decided to add a second show in August this year.

• Sun, 2 to 5 p.m.
• Vino Godfather
• 1005 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

Guitarkestra - Lucca Beer Garden Guitar Festival

The Lucca Beer Garden Guitarkestra! Featuring Danny Jones, Scott Morris, Cam Perridge, Jeff Kalmbach, Jules Leyhe, Bryan Kehoe, Hassan Hurd, Angeline Saris, and Eric Levy!

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

Bus Stop

Love, laughter & loneliness collide at a roadside diner in Bus Stop by William Inge. Stranded by a blizzard in a rural Kansas diner, a busload of strangers is forced to confront their hopes, heartbreaks, and hidden truths. From the rugged cowboy chasing love to the disillusioned professor fleeing his past, Bus Stop is a touching, funny, and unforgettable portrait of ordinary people on a detour to destiny.

• Sun, 3 to 6 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St, Vallejo

Music at the Chapel: The Oakland Jazz Choir Returns!

The Oakland Jazz Choir delivers exquisite multi-part harmonies, performing original and contemporary arrangements from the bebop era to modern day jazz and pop with songs by hit makers such as Antonio Carlos Jobim, Dizzy Gillespie, Pat Metheny & Freddie Mercury. This concert will feature songs popular during WWII, as part of the 80th anniversary commemorating the end of the war, including My Funny Valentine and I’m Beginning to See the Light. The doors will open at 2:30pm to give you ample time to experience the luminous Tiffany stained glass windows in St. Peter’s.

• Sun, 3 to 4 p.m.
• St. Peter’s Chapel
• 1181 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

GamperDrums & Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes

Led by legendary Bay Area musician, songwriter, and Hyde Street Studios owner, Michael Ward, this powerhouse band seamlessly blends R&B, jazz, country, folk, world beat, and Americana into a rhythmic stew that's both captivating and unique.

• Sun, 5 p.m.
• Toot's Tavern
• 627 2nd Avenue, Crockett

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

Monday, August 25

Shut Up and Write

Please join Benicia Literary Arts for an evening of focused writing time at the Benicia Library. All genres and experience levels are encouraged, and don't worry, no one will see what you've written! This is about getting your writing done and meeting other local writers.

• Mon, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Benicia Public Library
• 150 E L St., Vallejo

Tuesday, August 26

CreativiTea & Craft Club Every Tuesday

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. Open to all ages and skill levels. Free, but donations to the 717 Integrity Project are appreciated.

• Tue, 6 to 8 p.m.
• 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