Upcoming Vallejo Events — The Ray Charles Project at the Empress Theatre

VALLEJO — An all-star lineup will pay tribute to the iconic singer, pianist, and bandleader Ray Charles at the Empress Theatre on Saturday evening. The Ray Charles Project is an ensemble of six Bay Area musicians who offer their take on some of the highlights from Charles’ amazing songbook. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m for cocktails and the music will begin at 8 p.m.

And there’s more live music leading up to the weekend.

The Empress Marquee Club has two upcoming shows. On Wednesday evening the Rowland and Tumbling band will perform their toe-tapping blend of Chicago and Texas style blues, mid-century soul and funk. Then on Thursday evening Geoffrey Miller will play neo-roots honky-tonk country songs from his recently released album, "Everything That Sparkles.”

Then on Friday, The SBGs will play a dinnertime show at Bambino's, with Aki Kumar, "King of Bollywood Blues." Kumar infuses blues, rock n roll and country with the vibrant songs of his Indian heritage, and The SBGs are dedicated to reviving the energy and soulful sounds of 1950s blues and rock 'n' roll. 

Also on Friday evening, the Mare Island Brewing Co. Coal Shed Brewery will host Kiel Williams & Owen Ridings whose repertoire spans a wide range of genres, from rock and folk to funk, indie, and Americana.

Then on Saturday evening at the Ferry Taproom, vocalist, multi instrumentalist and composer, Mónica María will play music that blends her California roots with traditional, earthly and contemporary sounds of Latin America.

The Drag Queen culture is alive and well here in Vallejo, and two drag events are coming up this week. 

On Friday evening, party with high-glam drag queens at the Hidden Fantasea show the Redwood Empire Whiskey Bar. The show will be hosted by Ariel Jackson Hollywood Fantasea with special guests Flawless Envy, Ellis D. Rowzay and Alice Baby Blue.

Then late on Saturday night, Vicodonia Knightingale, Charity Kase and Holotta Tymes will light up the Townhouse Cocktail Lounge at the Townhouse Divas Drag Show.

For family-oriented fun, check out Family Glow-in-the-Dark Dodgeball at the GVRD Sports Gym on Saturday evening. Put on something neon, play with family, and get competitive while fully submerged in a cool, glow in the dark ambiance. Dodgeballs provided. Players 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

And for a dose of art, culture and local history, visit St. Peter's Chapel during Open Chapel from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. The oldest naval chapel in the United States is famous for its stunning Tiffany stained glass windows. Volunteer docents will be on site to share history and answer questions. Admission is free, but donations are welcome to help support the upkeep of this historic site. 

These are just some highlights of things to do in Vallejo. Scroll down the list below to find more live music, and creative and recreational activities in Vallejo and surrounding towns. Check our events page for an even more comprehensive listing of upcoming events and late-breaking updates.

Wednesday, January 7

Threaded Roots: Quilts That Speak

Join us at the Vallejo Museum for a wonderful new quilt exhibit! Guest Curator: Askari Sowonde. Immerse yourself into the vibrant cultural tapestries of rooted abstract art. Let your creativity flow in a wonderland filled with breathtaking quilts made by our talented artists! Runs through January 17th.

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

Family Game Night

The first Wednesday of every month is game night in the Program Room at the JFK Library.Join us at 5:30 PM for board games and other activities. If you have a game you would like to try out, we encourage you to bring it!

• Wed, 5:30 to 6:30 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

Rowland and Tumbling

From Sacramento, CA, Kyle Rowland and his band, Rowland & Tumblin', have dominated every festival and juke joint they have stepped foot in. From traditional Chicago and Texas style blues, to mid-century soul and funk, Rowland & Tumblin' will have your toes tapping till the next morning! 

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

Auditions for Neil Simon's, Barefoot In The Park

Auditions for the Bay Area Stage production of "Barefoot in the Park" Cold-Read from the Script / Non-Equity Only (small stipend available) Lighthearted and sweet – perfect for a Valentine’s date!! Barefoot in the Park is the story of Corie and Paul Bratter, newlyweds living in New York City. Corie is an impulsive, independent free spirit. Paul is a levelheaded, conservative young lawyer. As the honeymoon ends and reality sets in, the bliss of marriage turns to comical discord. Rehearsals begin first week in January. This is a quick turn-around so serious/committed actors only.

• Wed, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St. #H, 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, January 8

English Conversation Club

Practice your English conversation skills with other adult learners in an informal and friendly setting. No registration required! Practica tu inglés en un lugar amigable y libre de prejuicios.

• Thu, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Threaded Roots: Quilts That Speak

Join us at the Vallejo Museum for a wonderful new quilt exhibit! Guest Curator: Askari Sowonde. Immerse yourself into the vibrant cultural tapestries of rooted abstract art. Let your creativity flow in a wonderland filled with breathtaking quilts made by our talented artists! Runs through January 17th.

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

The Two Frantics

The Two Frantics are Scotty O'Neill - Vox/Guitar & Vince Vittoria - Guitar The original forming members of The New Frantics band and now in their 11thyear, who perform select tunes from the band's wider catalogue of Rock, Groove and R&B, with a twist towards more intimate versions and deeper cuts; showcasing not only covers and done in an acoustic delivery and stye and originals that speak well to audiences

• Thu, 5 p.m.
• The Rellik Tavern
• 726 First St, Benicia

Adult Craft Club

Hello all needlework and fiber art enthusiasts! Come join us for our monthly yarn & thread week every 1st Thursday of the month. All experience levels welcome, we will learn together while we work. Some materials available while supplies last. We will have materials available for: Embroidery Cross-stitch Knitting Crochet Mending We also encourage people to bring other non-yarn & thread projects they are working on and to come socialize.

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

Geoffrey Miller

Geoffrey Miller Album Release Show. On September 25, 2025, Sacramento-based songwriter Geoffrey Miller released his third solo album, a neon-lit, neo-roots honky-tonk country record titled "Everything That Sparkles." The title track sets the tone with a tongue-in-cheek celebration of honky-tonk life laid over a danceable upbeat shuffle. From there, the album unfolds into a smoke-laden, neon-soaked journey of heartbreak stories, whiskey-bottle fortune-telling, love as a gamble, and the never-ending pull of the road.

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

Alibi Bookshop January Memoir Book Club: "The Salt Path" by Raynor Winn Thursday, Jan 8th, 7pm

It's a new year, and time for a new round of books for our Book Clubs! I like starting off with a book about journeys, so January's Memoir meeting on Thursday, January 8th at 7pm is "The Salt Path" by Raynor Winn, a book that I have heard nothing but raves about.

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

Friday, January 9

First Friday Lunch Mob @ Buttercup Vallejo

Join Vallejo Chamber of Commerce for lunch and support a local restaurant! This is a great informal way to get to know fellow chamber members and potential members! We arrive at 11:30am and stay until 1pm. If you can't stay, grab something to-go and say hi! We'll see you there!

• Fri, 11:30 a.m.
• ButtercuP (Vallejo, CA)
• 3288 Sonoma Blvd, Vallejo

Threaded Roots: Quilts That Speak

Join us at the Vallejo Museum for a wonderful new quilt exhibit! Guest Curator: Askari Sowonde. Immerse yourself into the vibrant cultural tapestries of rooted abstract art. Let your creativity flow in a wonderland filled with breathtaking quilts made by our talented artists! Runs through January 17th.

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

The Jammin' Fil-Ams

Sing along to the musical stylings of... The Jammin' Fil-Ams

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

The Coach Sarna 1st Annual "Come Fly with Me Father-Daughter Dance"

Join us for a night of dancing and celebrating our daughters with a live 17-Piece Orchestra and Vocal Artist Jeff Wessman!

• Fri, 5 to 9 p.m.
• Benicia Clock Tower Benicia
• 1189 Washington St., Benicia

Hidden Fantasea Dragshow

Dive beneath the surface and discover the magic of Hidden Fantasea. A drag show at Redwood Empire Hosted by Ariel Jackson Hollywood Fantasea. with special guests Flawless Envy, Ellis D. Rowzay and Alice Baby Blue.

• Fri, 5 to 7 p.m.
• Redwood Empire Whiskey Bar
• 1095 Nimitz Ave., Vallejo

Aki Kumar and the SBGs

"Aki Kumar, San Jose's "King of Bollywood Blues," infuses Blues, Rock n Roll and Country with the vibrant songs of his Indian heritage, creating a unique and electrifying musical fusion. The SBGs are a live music band dedicated to reviving the electrifying energy and soulful sounds of 1950s Blues and Rock 'n' Roll. With a repertoire that celebrates the pioneers of the genre, The SBGs deliver an unforgettable musical experience that captures the heart and soul of an era when music was pure, raw, and full of life.

• Fri, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Bambino's
• 301 Georgia street #122, 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

The Humdinger Band

Rock the night away with... The Humdinger Band

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

Hooker Boy's Birthday Bash

PARTY #1 Oh it’s Official like a Referee Whistle! With live performance by Trunk Boiz.

• Fri, 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
• Chris' Club
• 656 Benicia Rd., Vallejo

Saturday, January 10

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

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

Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes. Live 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

Kennedy Wellness Center

Reset and prepare for the 2026 year ahead! Join us for a full day of mindful activities you can enjoy at your own pace.
9:30am - Fourth Chakra Meditation, 10am - Sound Bath Meditation, 11am - DIY Detoxifying Tea, 12pm – Yoga, 1 - 4pm - Chair Massage Therapy

• Sat, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Sew-along

The Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library is hosting a start-to-finish sewing workshop making the Core Belt Bag upcycling clothes that you already have! This is a free pattern used with permission from Core Fabrics. Please bring an old pair of pants or jacket (adult-sized), and a dress shirt (or other lining fabric) to the first meeting. We will provide all other materials. Due to a limited number of sewing machines available at the library, registration is required. If you have your own machine you would like to bring, please let us know so we can set up the room properly to accommodate you. If you have any questions, please call the library: (866) 572-7587

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

Threaded Roots: Quilts That Speak

Join us at the Vallejo Museum for a wonderful new quilt exhibit! Guest Curator: Askari Sowonde. Immerse yourself into the vibrant cultural tapestries of rooted abstract art. Let your creativity flow in a wonderland filled with breathtaking quilts made by our talented artists! Runs through January 17th.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St, Vallejo

Wreaths Across America - Remove 1,000 Wreaths

Please assist us in removing the 1,000 wreaths that were placed on Dec. 13, 2025. Thank you so much for supporting Mare Island Naval Cemetery and Wreaths Across America!

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Mare Island Naval Cemetery
• 167 O'Hara Court, Mare Island, Vallejo

Saturday Drawing Club

A casual weekly gathering. Hang out and draw together! Bring your own pencils, pens and paper. Limited supplies will be provided. For all ages and all experience levels. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please no ink or paints. The art gallery is open during the Drawing Club. Free, everyone is welcome!

• Sat, noon to 2 p.m.
• City Arts Gallery
• 420 Virginia St., Vallejo

Tea & Tranquility: January Weekly Wellness Retreat

Start your year with intention, creativity, and calm. Tea & Tranquility is a 4-week weekly wellness retreat in January designed for anyone craving a little me-time and a gentle reset. Hosted as part of Benicia Main Street's "Events for our Community BY our Community" fundraising series and sponsored by Happy Life Pottery and The Vortex, this experience blends hands-on making, mindful practices, and community connection.

• Sat, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
• The Vortex
• 619 First St, Benicia

Paint Nite Brand Creative Events

We are back at the Beautiful RD Winery in Napa with Kandace and her crew. Celebrate the New Year and exceptional wines and fantastic artwork on the walls at RD! We will paint Now and Zen.

• Sat, 4:30 to 6:45 p.m.
• RD Winery
• 3 EXECUTIVE WAY, Napa

Live Music with Mónica María

Mónica María's music reflects her Californian roots mixed with traditional, earthly and contemporary sounds of Latin America.  A vocalist, multi instrumentalist and composer, her songs are innovative and expressive of a world where cultures coexist, where fear is transformed by compassion, where we learn to truly love ourselves, and where we view the world from an empathetic and holistic state of mind.

• Sat, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Co. – Ferry Taproom
• 850 Nimitz Ave., Vallejo

Family Glow-in-the-Dark Dodgeball

Let's Glow! Come play dodgeball with the family in the new GVRD Sports Gym! Put on something neon, play with family, and get competitive while fully submerged in a cool, glow in the dark ambiance. Come on in! Dodgeballs provided! For ages 6+. Players 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

• Sat, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• GVRD Sports Gym
• 501 Starr Ave., Vallejo

Ray Charles Project

Celebrate the genius of one of music’s greatest innovators — Ray Charles — performed by an extraordinary ensemble of Bay Area all-stars. This is soulful power, timeless emotion, and live performance mastery. In tribute to the iconic singer, pianist, and bandleader, this striking septet brings Ray’s influential songbook to life with heart, finesse, and deep groove. Power House Line Up: David K. Mathews, Chris Cain, Tony Lindsay, Glen Walters, De Wayne Pate and Deszon Claiborne. Doors open at 6:30 p.m for cocktails. Show starts at 8 p.m.

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

Townhouse Divas Drag Show

Come join Vicodonia Knightingale, Charity Kase and Holotta Tymes every 2nd Saturday night at the Townhouse Cocktail Lounge! These are the Divas you want to see!

• Sat, 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St, Vallejo

Sunday, January 11

Open Chapel (2nd & 4th Sundays)

Visit St. Peter's Chapel, home to the largest collection of Tiffany stained-glass windows in a single location. The chapel is open to the public on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month for self-guided visits and quiet reflection. Volunteers are on-site to share history, answer questions, and help you experience the beauty and heritage of Mare Island's most beloved land. A $5 suggested donation helps support the upkeep of this historic site.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• St. Peter's Chapel
• 1185 Walnut Ave., Mare Island, Vallejo

Dream Board Manifestation Bank

Dream Board Manifestation Bank More than a vision board - a way to visualize, manifest, and save with intention.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• The Exchange at Bayfront
• 2525 Bayfront Boulevard, Hercules

Deep Basement Shakers

Stompin’ barrelhouse, early blues and roots music with a unique sound featuring piano, washboard, suitcase and assorted DIY percussion.

• Sun, 1 to 3 p.m.
• First Street Taphouse
• 440 1st St, Benicia

Kids Club Craft at Micheal's

Hello! Join Michaels in-store Kids Club for a fun free craft event! Kids can make a cute and colorful rainbow keychain. NOTE: Please check with store before heading there. There may be unexpected changes to schedule. Event may also be offered at another store near you. For more information check https://www.michaels.com

• Sun, 2 to 4 p.m.
• Michaels
• 105 Plaza Dr, Vallejo

Speaker Series: The Vallejo Family and the Making of California

Join award-winning authors Rose Marie Beebe and Robert Senkewicz as they bring to life the story of General Mariano G. Vallejo and his family through more than 180 personal letters written between 1846-1888. Discover how the Vallejos navigated California's turbulent transformation from Mexican to American rule and shaped the cultural and political identity of the region.

• Sun, 3 p.m.
• St. Peter's Chapel
• 1181 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

Salsa & Bachata Class

Party Begins 9pm | Salsa & Bachata Lessons by Cuban Rhythm and Rumba Dance Studio from 8pm-9pm (Free entry to party with Salsa dance class) Dress to Impress/Dress code enforced: No baggy clothing, tank tops, hoodies, beanies, flip-flops, or backpacks allowed! -21+ Event

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

Rumba Sundays Party at H Lounge in Vallejo, Every Sunday!

RUMBA SUNDAYS at H Lounge Bar in Vallejo Latin Music Party Every Sunday at H Lounge Bar in Vallejo! Fiesta Latina Todos Los Domingos

• Sun, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
• H Lounge
• 472 Benicia Road, Vallejo

Monday, January 12

Medicare Fundamentals

This comprehensive educational seminar will provide you with a detailed understanding of Part A, Part B, Part D, Advantage Plans, penalties, timelines, and more.

• Mon, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• American Canyon Library
• 300 Crawford Way or 3421 Broadway St, American Canyon

Tuesday, January 13

Baby Bounce

Just for babies and their grownups! Bring your baby for some cozy, active time on your lap. Baby storytime is designed for meaningful one-on-one interaction between baby and caregiver. We'll have songs, rhymes, a book or two, and plenty of activities for both of you that are developmentally appropriate for children from birth to when they start walking. Storytime is followed by some time to stay and play with your baby or talk to other caregivers. This storytime is geared toward ages 0-18 months.

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

Threaded Roots: Quilts That Speak

Join us at the Vallejo Museum for a wonderful new quilt exhibit! Guest Curator: Askari Sowonde. Immerse yourself into the vibrant cultural tapestries of rooted abstract art. Let your creativity flow in a wonderland filled with breathtaking quilts made by our talented artists! Runs through January 17th.

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

Daily events

Magic Flashlight Art

Make your art appear with your magic flashlight! This month's drop in craft is illuminating your art from a dark backdrop. Come in during open hours while supplies last.

• Mondays through Saturdays during library open hours through January 17
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

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

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