Upcoming Vallejo Events — The Great Vallejo Race and Hawaiian Festival on the waterfront

VALLEJO — The annual Great Vallejo Race is this weekend, when you can watch colorful sailboats head for the finish line of during the Lei of Aloha Festival on the Mare Island Promenade, then groove to the sounds of DW Edwards at the Vallejo Yacht Club’s after party.

The Great Vallejo Race is a two-day event that starts on Saturday, with sailboats racing from Berkeley to the Vallejo Yacht Club and back out again on Sunday.

The Yacht Club will celebrate the end of the Saturday race with a big party that spreads from their clubhouse into the parking lot. As evening descends, the party will continue indoors with jazz, funk, and R&B music by DW Edwards and his band.

The Lei of Aloha Festival on Saturday will offer a family-friendly day of Hawaiian entertainment on the Mare Island Promenade, with live Hawaiian music, hula dancers, craft vendors, beer and wine, and food by Merna’s Hawaiian Kitchen. The festival's waterfront location will be a great vantage point to see the colorful spinnakers of a fleet of sailboats racing up the Carquinez Strait to the finish line at the yacht club.

Lydia Pense & Cold Blood will play on the Empress Theatre stage on Saturday night. Pense debuted when the Fillmore when it was at its peak in the late 60s. Pense can still shout like a 60s soul diva and purr a slow blues tune with spine-tingling subtlety. Cold Blood features a stellar group of musicians who have played with many great artists including Elvin Bishop, Jefferson Starship, Boz Skaggs and Albert Collins.

Or celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Carnilito’s Customs on Saturday night at an all ages show with food, drinks and dancing. DJs Ozwald and Kali G1 will play banda, cumbia, corridos, reggaeton and electronic music. The Solano Aids Coalition’s annual Cinco de Mayo party that used to take place on a Saturday will partner with next week’s 2^nd Friday Art Walk this year. Watch this space next week for more information.

Then on Sunday afternoon, the Tiffany stained glass windows of St Peter’s Chapel will shine on the VOENA Children’s Choir and Drumdala percussion ensemble, in a celebration of music that bridges cultures and generations. 

A two-day estate sale to raise funds for the family of the late Adolfo Manuel will be held at the Red Men’s Hall on Friday evening and Saturday morning during Farmer’s Market. Enjoy great vibes, a full bar and refreshments as you shop all the fabulousness; clothes with sparkle, framed art, decorations, sculpture, sparkle pillows, art, fashion, books, hats, wigs, jewelry, tattoo sleeves, and more. 

If you’re into gardening, attend the North Bay Rose Society's 43rd Annual Rose Show on Saturday at the Vallejo Community Center, where exhibition-grade roses will be on display. Roses and native plants will be available for purchase along with art and other goods at this garden-themed bazaar. 

The Vallejo Police Department will hold a town hall on Thursday evening at the Vallejo Room below the John F. Kennedy Library to report on Assembly Bill AB 481 - Military Equipment Use. Vallejo residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend.

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

Wednesday, April 30

Homework Help Center

Grades K-8 can work with a tutor for one-on-one homework help. Drop-ins welcome. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

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

Slime World Workshop

Slime in the library! Join Slime World for a hands-on slime-making workshop! Choose your own color, glitter, and scent. Ages 3-12. Please register below.

• Wed, 4 to 5 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Read to a Dog

By providing safe, positive interaction with animals, Read to a Dog offers children a relaxed, non-judgmental environment in which to practice reading. The benefits of reading to animals have been documented to include increased reading fluency and improved attitudes about reading aloud. Recommended for children ages 5-12.

• Wed, 4 to 5 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

Quique Gomez & Steve Freund

Harmonica player and singer born in Madrid, Gomez has played with blues greats on both sides of the Atlantic. He’ll be joined onstage by blues guitarist Steve Freund, who has also played with hella famous blues musicians.

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

Joan Didion Book Club: Didion & Babitz by Lili Anolik

In 2023, we had a Joan Didion Book Club, reading Joan's work. Since then a new book has been released: "Didion & Babitz" by Lili Anolik, so let's get together and discuss.: You do not have to have been part of the Didion Book Club to join us -- everyone is welcome!

• Wed, 7 p.m.
• Alibi Bookshop
• 624 Marin 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, May 1

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 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.

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

Books 2 Movies

A 4-week book club cycle for teens 12-16, May 1 through 22. During the first three weeks, teens will read a book. In the final week, the movie adaptation will be shown. Enjoy some light snacks, make new friends, and engage in lively discussions. Book 1 is "The Martian" by Andy Weir

• Thu, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Vallejo Police Department

VPD will present its annual report on our Assembly Bill (AB) 481 - Military Equipment Use Police. Vallejo residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend this upcoming town hall meeting. The recorded meeting will be available the following day on the VPD website.

• Thu, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Vallejo City Hall, Vallejo Room
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Tarot & Coffee with coffeegundam

Through the Veil Thursday – 6 p.m. tea and coffee, 7 p.m. tarot. $10 Suggested donation

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

Friday, May 2

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

CROP Hunger Walk

Vallejo Together is participating in the CROP Hunger Walk to support CWS and help families who are struggling with hunger. Please join us with your steps and your donations. Together we will provide more meals for the growing number of people in our community who need them and create greater food security in communities around the world. Vallejo Together's mission is to engage our neighbors without shelter in Vallejo and strategize to meet their diverse needs

• Fri, 10 a.m.
• Vallejo Waterfront Park
• 301 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

First Friday Lunch Mob @ Las Palmitas!

Just in time to kick-off Cinco de Mayo! Join the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce for lunch and support a local restaurant! As a special treat we will have the brand ambassador for Don Julio there with flight and tasting specials.

• Fri, 11:30 a.m.
• Las Palmitas 2
• 301 Nebraska St, 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 St., Vallejo

4-H First Fridays - Chemistry

Join the local 4-H Club as they explore science! They will return each first Friday through May.

• Fri, 3:45 to 4:45 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., 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 reggae pop fusion by the Sobre Cuerdas duo. 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

Adolfo's Boutique

Celebrate the life and legacy of our beloved community friend, Adolfo Manuel, whose vibrant spirit brought joy and love to so many. All proceeds will go towards helping Adolfo's family with memorial services. Enjoy great vibes, a full bar, and refreshments as you shop all the fabulousness, take home a piece of our Iconic Adolfo - clothes with sparkle, fringe & pizzazz, framed art, decorations, sculpture, sparkle pillows, art/fashion, books, hats, wigs, jewelry, tattoo sleeves, and more. Carry on....whateva❤️🩷🧡💚💙💜🖤

• Fri, 5 to 9 p.m.
• Red Men's Hall
• 431 Georgia St., Vallejo

Poker Night Fundraiser

Small bites and drinks 6 to 7 p.m. The poker tournament starts at 7 p.m. Winning prize amount depends on the number of tickets sold. $50 to play, $20.00 donation for non-poker player guests. Milestones of Development Inc. is a non-profit organization, serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Proceeds will benefit those supported in areas with a funding gap, including activities of interest and building improvements.

• Fri, 6 to 10 p.m.
• Milestones of Development
• 1 Florida St., Vallejo

Reflection - Gothique Experience

A unique goth night with DJ Owen Owington Owensford curating the music and setting the mood for the night. Classic goth, nu goth, industrial, goth metal, EBM, synth pop, cyberpunk, dark wave, new wave, post punk, classic alternative, 80s, 90s, and more.

• Fri, 9 p.m. to midnight
• Odd Fellows Hall, San Pablo Lodge #43
• 342 Georgia St., Vallejo

Saturday, May 3

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

North Bay Rose Society's 43rd Annual Rose Show

The North Bay Rose Society’s Rose Show is an exciting array of fresh exhibition roses, displayed alongside captivating photography and original artwork. Jewelry, native plants, art, and other vendors will offer a fun, garden themed bazaar. Healthy beautiful rose plants will be available for sale. Horticulture experts from the Western United States will be on hand to offer advice and inspiration.

• Sat, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Vallejo Community Center
• 225 Amador St., 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

Adolfo's Boutique

Celebrate the life and legacy of our beloved community friend, Adolfo Manuel, whose vibrant spirit brought joy and love to so many. All proceeds will go towards helping Adolfo's family with memorial services. Enjoy great vibes, a full bar, and refreshments as you shop all the fabulousness, take home a piece of our Iconic Adolfo - clothes with sparkle, fringe & pizzazz, framed art, decorations, sculpture, sparkle pillows, art/fashion, books, hats, wigs, jewelry, tattoo sleeves, and more. Carry on....whateva❤️🩷🧡💚💙💜🖤

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Red Men's Hall
• 431 Georgia St., Vallejo

Lei of Aloha Festival

A family-friendly day of Hawaiian entertainment. Join us on the Mare Island waterfront for a free-to-attend, family-friendly day of entertainment celebrating Hawaiian culture. Bring your friends and family by for live Hawaiian music, hula dancers, food and craft vendors, and beer and wine. The adjacent Coal Shed Brewery will be open per usual, while the festival takes over the waterfront promenade in-front of the brewery.‍

• Sat, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Mare Island Promenade
• 860 Nimitz Ave., Vallejo

The Great Vallejo Race 2025

Now under the aegis of the Yacht Racing Association and hosted by the Vallejo Yacht Club, the two-day race marks the official opening of the San Francisco Bay racing season. The race will start near the Berkeley Circle Saturday at noon, round a single weather mark near Alcatraz, and then head to Vallejo. On Sunday morning the boats begin the race back to Berkeley. Head down to the waterfront to watch the colorful boats under sail.

• Sat, noon to 4 p.m.
• Vallejo Waterfront Park
• 301 Mare Island Way, 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

CQS Presents a CDG Roller Derby Double Header

Carquinez Quad Squad Presents a California Derby Galaxy Double Header! Carquinez Quad Squad Comets v Outlaws Roller Derby Comets at 1 p.m. Peninsula Roller Derby Quasars v Outlaws Roller Derby Quasars at 3 p.m. Plus games, 1/2 time Shows, and fun! Kids 12 & under free. Teens 13-18 BYGO- bring another friend n for free! Food and beverage available for purchase onsite. Alcohol available for purchase for guests 21+ ~Parking is included in ticket price. 6 to 9 p.m. after party at the Mare Island Coalshed Brewery.

• Sat, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• McCormack Hall Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Dr, Vallejo

TOP SHELF CLASSICS

Top Shelf delivers their own diversified sound with a mix of 60's Motown, Old School '70s, Retro '80s-90's, Classic Soul, and R&B. Whether you want to dance or relax while sipping on a nice glass of wine, you're in for a casual, old-school afternoon at Vino Godfather Winery.

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

Princess Leia's Storytime

Celebrate Free Comic Book Day and May the 4th at this character driven storytime! Princess Leia will share stories, Jedi tricks, and take photos with children. Comics can be picked up any time on Saturday May 3rd. Princess Leia will only be here from 3pm-4pm.

• Sat, 3 to 4 p.m.
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Avenue, Vallejo

Great Vallejo Race After Party with DW Edwards

After an action-packed day on the water, we're keeping the good vibes flowing with an epic after-party! # Live Music on a deck from 3:30 to 6:30 pm. Special guest DW Edwards and Friends will play inside the clubhouse at 7 p.m. to keep the party going. Drinks will be available at the TIKI bar on a deck and inside the club house. Food and Refreshments are available in the club parking lot.

• Sat, 3:30 to 10 p.m.
• Vallejo Yacht Club
• 485 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

'ART ON THE EDGE' Art Opening & Reception

Please join us to celebrate the works of local Bay Area artists Pat Moseuk, Jeffrey Tover and Victoria Bochat during the Opening of their exhibition titled "Art On The Edge."

• Sat, 4 to 6 p.m.
• Epperson Gallery
• 1400 Pomona St, Crockett

A Place-2-Live - Board Open House

Curious about nonprofit board service? Join us for A Place-2-Live’s Board Open House to connect, learn, and explore leadership.

• Sat, 4 to 6 p.m.
• Vino Godfather
• 1005 Walnut Avenue #500, Vallejo

Lydia Pense & Cold Blood

The word ‘legend’ certainly applies to Lydia Pense and Cold Blood. Pense can still shout like a 60's soul diva and purr a slow blues tune with spine-tingling subtlety. Cold Blood features a stellar group of musicians who have played with many great artists including Elvin Bishop, Jefferson Starship, Boz Skaggs, Albert Collins, and more.

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

Sunday, May 4

The Great Vallejo Race 2025

Now under the aegis of the Yacht Racing Association and hosted by the Vallejo Yacht Club, the two-day race marks the official opening of the San Francisco Bay racing season. The race will start near the Berkeley Circle Saturday at noon, round a single weather mark near Alcatraz, and then head up the Carquinez Strait to Vallejo. On Sunday morning the boats begin the race back to Berkeley. Head down to the waterfront to watch the colorful boats under sail.

• Sun, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Vallejo Waterfront Park
• 301 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Pilates for the Community with David El

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

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

Spring Art Show

The Spring Art Show group exhibition featured a vibrant mix of local artists and their newest works. Free admission. Family-friendly. This show will be open every Sunday through May 25 with an artist reception on May 11

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

Los Cochinos

Los Cochinos is an established Latin rock and soul band described as similar to that of Santana, El Chicano, War and Tower of Power.

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

Teahouse Poetry Open Mic with Vallejo Poets Laureate

Let's explore the spoken word as we commune over poetry, music, tea, and community. Organized by Vallejo's very own co-poets laureate, we typically meet on the 2nd Sunday of each month. In May, we will meet on the first Sunday, May 4th, to avoid conflict with Mother's Day.

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

VOENA Presents Voices of Unity

Join VOENA for an unforgettable afternoon of music, celebrating unity and connection. Set in the historic St. Peter's Chapel, surrounded by breathtaking Tiffany stained glass windows, this concert blends nostalgic classics with global influences, featuring legendary songs that resonate across generations and cultures. Special guest Drumdala, an electrifying percussion ensemble created by Richard Sherwood, will elevate the performance with its visually stunning drum artistry. VOENA's mission is to bring the world together through the power of children's voices.

• Sun, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
• St. Peter’s Chapel
• 1181 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

LatinoLandia

Food, drinks, dancing and good vibes. Baile y buenas vibras. All ages welcome. DJs Ozwald @ozwaldbeatz and Kali G1 @djkalig1. Banda, cumbia, corridos, reggaeton, electrolatino y algo leve.

• Sun, 5 p.m. to midnight
• Carnalito's
• 905 Tenessee St., Vallejo

Salsa & Bachata Class at H Lounge Bar in Vallejo

Salsa & Bachata Class by Cuban Rhythm and Rumba Studio, Every Sunday!

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

Monday, May 5

Townhouse Ramblers

Acoustic Evening of Americana, folk, fountry, and blues featuring Don Bassey, Erin Bakke, Pato Milo, Rich Flynn, 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, May 6

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.

• Tue, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., 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.

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

Sahaja Yoga

Know and experience the true meaning of Yoga during a weekly Sahaja Yoga session. All are welcome.

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

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