Upcoming Vallejo Events — Winged Migration Festival soars onto Mare Island

VALLEJO — The first of a pair of birding festivals will open on Mare Island this weekend, A film about the origins of house music will launch a series of Black History Month events at Ethnic Notions Fine Art Gallery & Multicultural Bookstore, and a film and discussion about the struggles of American journalism will be shown at the Cal Maritime Campus.

Vallejo’s first Winged Migration Expo will celebrate the wonders of avian migration on Mare Island on Saturday and Sunday. Birding experts and avian-themed artworks will be on site at Building 34 in the Mare Island Historic Core. The event is kid-friendly and includes a hummingbird feeder activity for young people, and guided hikes will take place around Mare Island and surrounding wetlands. 

But the creation of the new birding event has ruffled some feathers. San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival Director Myrna Hayes held a similar event on Mare Island since 1996 until last year, when she canceled due to “surprising local government actions” and difficulty securing a building. Hayes will reboot the 29th Annual San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival next weekend with a more personalized version of the annual bird watching event, headquartered at Moschetti Coffee Roasters.

Black History Month will launch on Saturday afternoon with a screening and discussion of the film “Chicago Stories - House Music: A Cultural Revolution” at Ethnic Notions Fine Art Gallery & Multicultural Bookstore. The film explores the origins of house music, which began in Chicago’s underground party scene as a safe space for gay people and people of color. 

On Thursday evening, the film “Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink” will be shown at the Cal Maritime Campus in the Rizza Auditorium. The film tells the story of one secretive hedge fund that is plundering America’s newspapers and the journalists who are fighting back. A Q&A session with filmmaker Rick Goldsmith will take place after the screening.

Also on Thursday evening, the band Sizzle will deliver a mixture of jazz, R&B, blues, and rock at a wine tasting event at the Empress Lounge.

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 29

Special Event Sponsorship Program Funding

The City of Vallejo is holding a virtual meeting about the Special Events Sponsorship Program that offers financial assistance to support large-scale special events in the City of Vallejo. The program aims to foster successful high-impact community events. SESP awards are made once a year through a competitive application and review process.

• Wed, 2 to 3 p.m.
• Zoom ID 845 7725 2708, passcode 268305

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

Mark Hummel's Blues Survivors

Hummel’s Blues Survivors - with Junior Watson, Kedar Roy and Wes Starr. Mark Hummel is considered one of the premier blues harmonica players of his generation. Wayback Machine.

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

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 Street, Vallejo

Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink

“Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink” is the story of one secretive hedge fund that is plundering America’s newspapers and the journalists who are fighting back. Investigative reporter Julie Reynolds, Denver Post editorialist Chuck Plunkett and a handful of others, backed by the NewsGuild union, go toe-to-toe with the faceless Alden Global Capital in a battle to save and rebuild local journalism across America. Who will control the future of America’s news ecosystem: Wall Street billionaires concerned only with profit, or those who see journalism as an essential public service and the lifeblood of our democracy?

4-5 pm reception

5-6:30 pm documentary screening

6:30-7:30 Q&A with filmmaker Rick Goldsmith

• Thu, 4 to 7:30 p.m.
• Cal Maritime Campus, Rizza Auditorium
• 200 Maritime Academy Dr., Vallejo

Sizzle

Sizzle has become a vibrant and dynamic force on the music scene, being hailed as one of the hottest bands around. These talented musicians deliver a soothing mixture of jazz, R&B, blues, and rock. Wine tasting at the event is sponsored by Vallejo Cellars Winery

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

Friday, January 31

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

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

Erik Yates

Erik Yates never met a song he didn't like. His wide-open blend of soul, lyrical bluegrass and Americana has garnered him fans nationwide through both his solo recordings and his steady contributions to six-piece powerhouse Hot Buttered Rum.

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

Saturday, February 1

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 and 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

Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes. Coffee cupping, or coffee tasting, is the practice of observing the tastes and aromas of brewed coffee.

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

Winged Migration Expo

Winged Migration Expo is the culmination of efforts by a diverse group of community members and leaders, united by their commitment to education, conservation, and community involvement. This event is perfect for families, educators, bird watchers, conservationists, and anyone with an interest in nature and wildlife.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Building 34 (with tours of local wetlands)
• 1024 Nimitz Ave, 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

Chicago Stories - House Music: A Cultural Revolution

Explore the origins of house music, which began in Chicago’s underground party scene as a safe space for gay people and people of color. Audio-narrated descriptions of key visual elements are available. Join us to view chat and snack - popcorn to share.

• Sat, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Ethnic Notions Fine Art Gallery & Multicultural Bookstore
• 930 Marin St., Vallejo

Kiel Williams & Owen Riding

Williams and Riding’s 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.

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

Rendishun

We welcome back Rendishun to our stage for our first show in February! Come and enjoy timeless covers raining between Latin, soul, pop and rock genres. As always we provide the drinks & eats, while you bring the energy!

• Sat, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Bambino's Vallejo
• 301 Georgia St. , Vallejo

Sunday, February 2

Winged Migration Expo

Winged Migration Expo is the culmination of efforts by a diverse group of community members and leaders, united by their commitment to education, conservation, and community involvement. This event is perfect for families, educators, bird watchers, conservationists, and anyone with an interest in nature and wildlife.

• Sun, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Building 34 (with tours of local wetlands)
• 1024 Nimitz Ave, Vallejo

Monday, February 3

Vallejo Senior Roundtable

District 1 Councilmember Alex Matias, will be the speaker for this month's Senior Round Table, Monday February 3rd. Matias will give a City update.

• Mon, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
• Florence Douglass Center
• 333 Amador St., 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

Townhouse Ramblers

Acoustic evening of Americana, folk, country, 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, February 4

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 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

Blackbook Comedy ~ Stand Up At Bambino's

Guile Mosher of Blackbook Comedy is coming to our stage for another evening with a stellar line up of local comedians. Be prepared to laugh, have fun and enjoy a night out in our lovely Downtown Vallejo. A suitable event for all ages!

• Tue, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
• Bambino's Vallejo
• 301 Georgia St., Vallejo

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

Submit your event listings for inclusion to events@vallejosun.com

Advertise your events on the Vallejo Sun website by contacting ads@vallejosun.com