Upcoming Vallejo Events — Roller Derby at Solano County Fairgrounds

VALLEJO — A wide variety of events and activities are taking place this week in Vallejo. A Roller Derby tournament at the Fairgrounds, the third of Vallejo rapper LaRussell’s three January performances at the Empress Theatre, the Visions of Vallejo photography exhibit at the Vallejo Museum, and three different open mic poetry readings are just some of the offerings.

On Saturday, the Carquinez Quad Squad’s third annual Tomato Jam roller derby tournament will be held at the Solano County Fairgrounds. All are welcome to cheer on skaters, participate in raffles, games, and costume contests. 

On Sunday afternoon, Vallejo's own LaRussell will return to the Empress Theatre for his third in a series of shows, where he’ll be joined onstage by the contemporary vocal ensemble Collab Choir. LaRussell and his Good Compenny Collective are pioneering offer-based admission and asking attendees to pay what they can afford, while considering the artist's time, effort, energy and travel expenses.

“Visions of Vallejo” is a photography exhibit featuring images that span Vallejo’s past to the present at Vallejo Museum. The display ranges from artifacts and images from the museum’s collection, to modern works by local photographers. An opening reception will be held at the museum on Saturday evening, and the show will be open through Feb. 1.

Three poetry open mic events converge this week, beginning with the long-running Poetry by the Bay tonight at the Mira Theatre, the Art Beat Poetry hour on OZCAT Radio on Thursday morning, and a poetry party and open mic at the 717 Integrity Project on Sunday afternoon.

And for late night fun, check out the “Serve it to ‘Em Saturdays” drag show with Ava LaShay at Townhouse.

An opening reception for the “Folds” art exhibit will be held at Personal Space gallery on Sunday afternoon. The intergenerational cohort of artists builds upon the legacies of three late, iconic feminist artists, Laura Aguilar, Ana Mendieta, and Hannah Wilke. Beverages and music will be provided by Village Vallejo.

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, January 22

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

Tia Carroll

California native Tia Carroll has become one of the most sought-after female singers on the West Coast. She has shared stages with legends Ray Charles, Jimmy McCracklin, Syl Johnson, Sugar Pie DeSanto and B.B King, Tommy Castro, Elvin Bishop, Igor Prado and Eric Gales.

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

Poetry by the Bay

Join us live at the Mira Theatre every 4th Wednesday of every month. This is the spot where poets gather to share their work and to hear the work of others. Tickets are free, but seating is limited so reserve your seat today!

• 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, January 23

Art Beat Poetry Hour

Poets take turns at the mic open mic style for an hour-long poetry show. Hosted by DJ LaLa and Benicia Poet Laureate Emeritus Tom Stanton.

• Thu, 10:30 a.m. to noon
• OZCAT Radio
• 89.5 FM

Grainbakers Breadmaking Class

At the end of the brewer’s day, we will use their fresh, spent grain and work it into a beautiful artisan bread. Guests will make the Grainbakers Spent Grain Artisan Bread Dough. Once created, you can customize your bread by adding various flavors from our spice selection.

• Thu, 6 to 7:50 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Company - Coal Shed
• 850 Nimitz Ave, Vallejo

Mare Island Toastmasters Online Speech and Evaluation Contest

The public is invited to attend the club's annual International Speech and Evaluation Contest. Winners go on to compete at the at Toastmasters International Convention. If you are interested in finding out what Toastmasters is all about and how the Toastmasters program can help you improve your communication skills, this will be a good event to attend.

• Thu, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Online

Friday, January 24

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

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.

• Fri, 2 to 4:45 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo

Adrian West Trio

Adrian West Trio is Adrian West on vocals, acoustic guitar, elec. violin and live looping, Amy Obenski on vocals and percussion and Luke Clingerman on upright bass.

• Fri, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Coal Shed Brewery
• 850 Nimitz Ave, Vallejo

Saturday, January 25

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 a.m. 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 Sobre Cuerdas

Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes while listening to Venezuelan reggae pop fusion by Sobre Cuerdas. Live music from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Moschetti Coffee Roaster
• 11 6th St., Vallejo

3rd Annual Tomato Jam

Carquinez Quad Squads third annual Tomato Jam is a live roller derby tournament and beginner derby scrimmage. We welcome you to come cheer on skaters and participate in raffles, games, and costume contests! General admission $5 to $45 sliding scale for advance sales only - $25.00 at the door. Kids 12 and under free. Teens 13-18 BYGO. Parking is included in ticket price.

• Sat, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds, McCormack Hall
• 900 Fairgrounds Dr, Vallejo

Kitty Meet and Greet – Pet Adoptions

Community Cat Advocates has cats and kittens at the Vallejo Petsmart on every Saturday of the month from 12 to 3 p.m. Come meet your next best friend! Evening appointments also available.

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

Bayard Rustin Symposium 2025

Bayard Rustin Symposium 2025 celebrates the 78th anniversary of Journey of Reconciliation the 1947 interracial bus rides organized by Rustin, that challenged segregation. Presentations, discussions and song carrying on the legacy of Civil Rights and Labor strategist Bayard Rustin. Annual cultural and educational event.

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

Visions of Vallejo: Photography Spanning Past to Present

Visions of Vallejo is aA photography exhibit spanning the past to the present, Featuring historicf artifacts and images from our museum’s extensive collection and local guest photographers: Erin Bakke, Gary Cullen, S.N. Jacobson, Jeremy Lawson, Lony Neubauer, Matt Neubauer, Christopher Riley, Askari Sowonde, Maggie Stats and Bill Yuen. Show dates January 18 through February 1

• Sat, 4 to 6 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St, Vallejo

Live Music with David Bustamante

David Bustamente is a long time Bay Area singer,songwriter,multi-instrumentalist and producer. He is the band leader for the legendary S.F. FilAm Rock band, DAKILA. David enjoys performing his favorite songs as a duo with percussionist, Bobby Santos. His favorite childhood instrument is the ukulele which is a featured instrument on many of David's songs.

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

David Outlaw Band & Joe Rut

The David Outlaw Band plays soulful Americana original music, with gusto. David Outlaw grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and spent years performing with Southern legends both there and in New Orleans, Louisiana.

• Sat, 7 p.m.
• Toot's Tavern
• 627 2nd Avenue, Crockett

Cabaret Night with Ariel Marin

Ariel Marin is a refreshingly eclectic inspirational singer with an angelic voice. Her unique music is heavily influenced by a of multitude of styles including folk, rock, R&B, gospel, classical, and pop, to name a few. Her songs come straight from the heart and speak to the depths of the soul.

• Sat, 7:30 to 9:30 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, January 26

Coffee and Collage

Sip on delicious coffee while unleashing your artistic side through collage-making. This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to relax, socialize, and get crafty. No experience is necessary - just bring your imagination and we'll provide all the materials you need. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking to try something new, this event is for everyone.

• Sun, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Autonomous Gallery
• 419 Georgia St. #15, Vallejo

St. Peter's Chapel - Self-guided Tour

St. Peter's Chapel is open to the public every second and fourth Sunday of the month. 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

"Folds" art opening

“Folds” emerges from the work of three late, iconic feminist artists ,Laura Aguilar, Ana Mendieta, and Hannah Wilke, whose connection to the landscape and the body has deeply inspired an intergenerational scope of artists active today. Traversing a range of disciplines including photography, video, sculpture, drawing, and performance, this expansive cohort builds upon their predecessors’ legacies. Collectively, and across time, these artists suggest that perhaps their true power lies within the folds of what they choose not to reveal to us. Curated by Emmy Scharlatt and Lisa Rybovich Crallé. January 26 - March 9.

• Sun, 2 to 5 p.m.
• Personal Space
• 1505 Tennessee St, Vallejo

Setting the Bar on Filipino Food

Chef Roline Casper graduated valedictorian from the Napa Valley Cooking School, and in 2020 released her first book, “The Easy Filipino Cookbook: 100 Classics Made Simple.” Chef Roline will share with us how the dishes she creates are inspired by her childhood, her travels, and those she has met along the way.

• Sun, 2 to 4 p.m.
• McCune Collection - lower level of JFK library
• 505 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo

La Russell

Vallejo's own rapper LaRussell creates art with vivid storytelling. He’ll be joined onstageby the contemporary vocal ensembleCollab Choir.

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

Poetry Open Mic & Live Music

Let's explore the spoken word as we commune over poetry, music, tea, and community.

• Sun, 2 to 6 p.m.
• 717 Integrity Project
• 717 Marin St, Vallejo

Monday, January 27

The Arc-Solano dine-in Fundraiser

On January 27, if you dine at Bambino’s Vallejo, they will generously donate 15% of the sales to The Arc-Solano. Just don't forget to tell your server that you are there for the fundraiser! Please note- this is for DINE-IN customers only. The mission of The Arc-Solano is to promote the greatest personal growth, community understanding, and full participation of people with developmental disabilities and their families through support, education, and advocacy.

• Mon, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Bambino's Restaurant
• 301 Georgia St. #122, Vallejo

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, January 28

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.

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

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

City Council Regular Meeting

City Council meetings are now hybrid in-person and on Zoom. Agendas can be viewed on the City Agendas & Videos webpage at www.cityofvallejo.net and are posted a minimum of 72 hours in advance for regular meetings and 24 hours in advance for special meetings. There will be a video link at the left of the agenda page once the meeting begins. This will also serve as a future archive of the meeting. For better live video performance, use the direct Zoom link found in the first paragraph of the agenda window, on the second tab. City Council meetings are also broadcast on Vallejo’s cable channel, VCAT

• Tue, 7 to 11 p.m.
• Vallejo City Hall
• 555 Santa Clara St, Vallejo

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

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