655 listings in 34 counties. Evenings out, scenic spots and shared experiences for two. Details can change. Check with the venue before you go. This is page 2 of 2, with 19 counties and 314 listings.
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Outings near you
Los Angeles County
15 picks
Section: Date ideasfestival
Carved at Descanso Gardens
On now through Nov 1, 2026
After-dark fall celebration with glowing jack-o'-lanterns, giant hand-carved pumpkins, illuminated railroad displays and trick-or-treating on Oct 31; route navigable with wheelchairs and mobility aids. Free parking.
Dates
Oct. 2 - Nov. 1
Hours
Nightly 6-10pm (closes promptly at 10pm)
Cost
Non-member adult $29-$52; child (2-12) $19-$37; under 2 free
Where
1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
The Tony Award-winning rock musical by Stew makes its long-awaited LA premiere, following a young artist from South Central LA on a cross-continental journey of self-discovery. Directed by Zhailon Levingston.
Dates
November 4 - November 29, 2026
Hours
Wed & Thu 7:30pm; Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm and 8pm; Sun 2pm (Nov 22 and 29 also 7pm); also Tue Nov 24 7:30pm; no shows Nov 8 or Nov 26
Cost
Tickets start at $40; Pay What You Can tickets from $10 for select performances
Jimmy Eat World and The Format in concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Jimmy Eat World plays all of Bleed American for its 25th anniversary; The Format celebrates 20 years of Dog Problems.
Dates
Nov 07, 2026
Hours
7pm (gates 5:30pm)
Cost
Tickets via Ticketmaster; price not listed
Where
Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' 2025 Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning play makes its LA debut with the original Broadway cast, directed by Phylicia Rashad. A provocative, often hilarious family drama; contains profanity and discussions of suicide.
Dates
November 11 - December 20, 2026 (extended)
Hours
Running time 2 hours 50 minutes with one intermission; see the Geffen calendar for performance times
Bernstein's opera-meets-Broadway classic with Scott Bakula and Patti LuPone, sung in English with projected subtitles at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Free assistive listening devices at every performance; audio description on December 13.
Dates
November 21 - December 13, 2026 (November 21 and 29; December 2, 5, 10 and 13)
Hours
7:30pm; Sundays November 29 and December 13 at 2pm; about 2 hours 30 minutes with one intermission
Cost
Tickets via LA Opera; price not listed
Where
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Holiday light walk marking its 10th year, with a new laser light show and 'snowfall' finale, Giant Koi for the Japanese Garden's 60th anniversary, and a Holiday Market Dec. 2-6.
Dates
Nov. 22 - Jan. 9
Hours
Nightly 5:30-10pm; closed Nov 26 (Thanksgiving) and Dec 25
The region's longest-running holiday tradition returns, with music, merriment and reimagined scenery in this family-friendly Scrooge story for ages 5 and up. The theater is fully ADA compliant with accessible seating, and parking is free.
Dates
November 28 - December 24, 2026
Ages
Ages 5 and up; babies and toddlers will not be permitted
Cost
Tickets via A Noise Within; price not listed. Pay What You Choose tickets ($10 or $20) go on sale the Monday before each performance
Hilltop museum of art from the Middle Ages to today amid modern architecture, gardens and city views; admission is free with a timed-entry reservation.
Hours
Tue-Fri and Sun 10am-6:30pm; Sat 10am-9pm; closed Monday
Free-admission observatory on Mount Hollywood with telescopes, exhibits, Samuel Oschin Planetarium shows and views of LA and the Hollywood Sign. Building and grounds are accessible for all visitors.
Long Beach Museum of Art's oceanfront LBMA Ocean campus, with over 75 years of art, culture and community, featuring Southern California artists and dining at Claire's.
Hours
Thu-Sun 11am-5pm; closed Mon-Wed
Cost
General $15; students/seniors $10; children 12 and under free; members free
Downtown contemporary art museum with free general admission; Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room requires advance reservations. During expansion construction the pedestrian bridge over Hope St. is closed and Hope Street is closed near the museum; reach the garage via Grand Ave to the 2nd St. entrance.
6½-acre 'Garden of Water & Fragrance' in the San Fernando Valley with a dry Zen garden, a wet-strolling garden and a tea garden. Closed within 24 hours of rainfall.
Hours
Mon-Thu and second Sunday of the month 9:30am-3:30pm; closed Fri, Sat, most Sundays, City holidays and within 24 hrs of rainfall
Cost
Adults $5; seniors (62+) $3; children (3 and younger) $3
Pacific Symphony pops concert with Idina Menzel, the original Elphaba in Wicked and the voice of Elsa in Frozen, at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.
Dates
November 6 & 7, 2026
Hours
8pm
Cost
Tickets via Pacific Symphony (pacificsymphony.org Buy Now); price not listed
Where
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Pacific Symphony: Nobu Plays Rachmaninoff's Mighty Third
November 19, 20 & 21, 2026
Pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 with Pacific Symphony, paired with Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra; preview talk at 7 p.m. Led by Alexander Shelley.
Dates
November 19, 20 & 21, 2026
Hours
8pm
Cost
Tickets via Pacific Symphony (pacificsymphony.org Buy Now); price not listed
Where
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
A festive evening of holiday magic in the gardens: twinkling lights, Santa, a Wishing Tree, a charming model train, Mexican cuisine and a lively holiday dance party.
Dates
December 3-6, 10-13 and 17-22, 2026
Hours
5-9pm; entry times 5:00pm or 7:00pm
Cost
Members $45; non-member adults, children (4-17) and seniors $65
Pacific Symphony: Holiday Classics with Grieg's Piano Concerto
December 3 - December 5, 2026
A festive, holiday-ready program with Joyce Yang playing Grieg's beloved Piano Concerto as Ruth Reinhardt makes her Pacific Symphony debut. Group savings and accessible seating are available.
Dates
December 3 - December 5, 2026
Hours
8pm
Cost
Tickets via Pacific Symphony; price not listed
Where
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
An annual holiday tradition: Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale perform Handel's Messiah, famous Hallelujah chorus and all. Groups of ten or more save, and wheelchair locations and assistive listening devices are offered.
Dates
Sunday, December 6, 2026
Hours
3pm
Cost
Tickets via Pacific Symphony; price not listed
Where
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Organist Todd Wilson and members of Pacific Symphony play a mix of sacred and holiday music, with favorite Christmas carols, on the 4,322-pipe William J. Gillespie Concert Organ. Groups of ten or more save, and wheelchair locations and assistive listening devices are offered.
Dates
Monday, December 14, 2026
Hours
7:30pm
Cost
Tickets via Pacific Symphony; price not listed
Where
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Santa Ana museum of world art and culture ("Bringing the World to You") with current and permanent collection exhibitions, the Ada's Table restaurant and a gallery store; free on Sundays for Santa Ana residents.
Hours
Museum and Gallery Store Tue-Sun 10am-4pm; Ada's Table restaurant Tue-Sun 11am-3pm; closed Mondays, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day; closes 2pm Christmas Eve
Cost
Adults $18; seniors (62+) and students (12+) $15; members and children under 12 free; Santa Ana residents free on Sundays; parking $7
Laguna Beach art museum on Cliff Drive, wheelchair accessible with an elevator between floors; free on First Thursday evenings. Nov 5 First Thursday: free 5-6pm for one gallery only; after 6pm registered attendees only
General $15; students 20+, seniors and military $10; 19 and under free; free first Thursday of each month 6-9pm; Nov 5: free 5-6pm only (one gallery); after 6pm registered attendees only
The world's largest rotating tram car climbs 2.5 miles up Chino Canyon to 8,516-ft Mountain Station in Mt. San Jacinto State Park, with restaurants, observation decks, a natural history museum and 50+ miles of trails. Stations and cars are handicap accessible. Children under 2 ride free with a boarding pass from the ticket booth; under 16 must be with an adult 21 or older. Ride 'n' Dine (after 4pm) adds dinner at Pines Café.
Hours
Winter hours Oct 5, 2026 - May 27, 2027: first tram up 10am weekdays, 8am weekends/holidays; last tram up 8pm, last down 9:30pm
Cost
Adults $36.95; children 3-10 $20.95; seniors 65+ $33.95 (online, incl. $2 fee); Ride 'n' Dine adults $45, children (3-10) $31.50
Where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet: Joshua trees, boulder scrambles, dark night skies and ranger-guided tours of historic Keys Ranch. October through May is considered the best time to visit.
Cost
Private vehicle $30 (7 days); annual pass $55
Dogs
Leashed (6 ft max) pets within 100 ft of roads, parking areas and campgrounds; not on trails, in the backcountry or in buildings. Pets are also allowed on the paved Oasis of Mara and Keys View trails.
Where
74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
World-premiere musical about the Grim Reaper's daughter, with choreography by Hamilton's Andy Blankenbuehler. Best availability from Nov 24. Book by Joey Orton and Brad Silnutzer, music and lyrics by Petro AP, Scott Hoying, Joey Orton and Brad Silnutzer; directed by Sammi Cannold.
The legendary, Grammy-winning Count Basie Orchestra brings a night of warm jazz and Christmas classics like "Let It Snow" and "Silent Night" to Jacobs Music Center.
Dates
Thursday, December 17, 2026
Hours
7:30pm
Where
Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Point Loma monument to Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, first European to set foot on the US West Coast, with tidepools, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, the Coastal Trail and views to Coronado.
Hours
Daily 9am-5pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas); tidepools and Coastal Trail close 4:30pm
Year-round, rain-or-shine farmers' market; the Saturday market, San Diego County's largest, fills six blocks of West Date Street with produce, eggs, meat, fish, bread and local artisans.
Hours
Saturdays 8am-2pm; Wednesdays 9:30am-1:30pm
Where
West Date Street, Kettner Blvd to Front Street, Little Italy, San Diego
Estate winery in the San Pasqual Valley with a tasting room, vineyard to explore and Amalfi at Orfila, serving coastal Italian dishes to pair with the wines.
Balboa Park museum with five floors of exhibitions and a giant screen theater; Fridays it stays open until 11pm for Nat at Night, half-price after 5pm with rooftop food and drinks.
Hours
Daily 10am-5pm; Fridays until 11pm (select Fridays; check calendar)
Cost
Adult $24.95; youth (3-17) $16.95; 2 and under free; Nat at Night adult $12.50
Hour-long guided walking tour, for all ages, through Baldassare Forestiere's hand-dug underground rooms, courtyards and passageways, where some fruit trees are over 90 years old. The tour is on earthen terrain. Street parking only (no lot or designated handicap parking), and High-Speed Rail construction surrounds the site.
Hours
Tours by reservation (strongly recommended); street parking only, arrive 20 minutes early
Cost
Adults (18-59) $25; seniors (60+), college students and military $23; youth (5-17) $14; 4 and under free
South Pacific Dance Co. presents Hawaiian singer-songwriter Kalani Pe'a, a four-time Grammy winner in Regional Roots and an eight-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner.
Adults: Game Night at the Merced Main Library, held in the Gracey Meeting Room on three Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Free; library contact 209-385-7484.
Dates
Wednesdays November 4, November 18 and December 2, 2026
Hours
5:30 pm–7:30 pm
Ages
Adults
Cost
Free
Where
Gracey Meeting Room, Merced Main Library, 2100 O St., Merced, CA 95340
A multimedia concert by songwriter and scholar Dr. Julian Saporiti that blends original music, storytelling, archival images, field recordings and historical research about Asian American communities, refugees and immigrants.
Dates
Nov 4, 2026
Hours
7:30pm
Cost
$20 general admission; $5 college students and under 18; free for UC Merced and Merced College students with ID
Where
The Art Kamangar Center at The Merced Theatre, 301 W. Main St., Merced, CA 95340
Los Banos Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Plaza
Dec 5, 2026
The Chamber of Commerce's lighted night parade, themed "Elves on Parade," followed by awards, carolers and the tree lighting in Henry Miller Plaza, with arts and crafts, choirs, marching bands and food vendors.
Marie's Nutcracker comes to life on Christmas Eve in a production with 40 dancers, more than 150 hand-sewn costumes and hand-crafted sets. Runs 1 hour 40 minutes with a 20-minute intermission; ages 2 and up.
Ninety minutes of improvised comedy and song built on audience suggestions, from cast members of Whose Line Is It Anyway?: Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray. All ages welcome; some PG-13 language.
Dates
Friday, February 5, 2027
Hours
7:30pm
Cost
Ticket prices not listed
Where
Merced Theatre, 301 W. Main Street, Merced, CA 95340
Denver-born alternative rock band Nineteen Minutes Later, known for atmospheric arrangements and emotive songwriting, on their run of historic theatres across the West.
Dates
Friday, February 19, 2027
Hours
8pm
Cost
Ticket prices not listed
Where
Merced Theatre, 301 W. Main Street, Merced, CA 95340
Electric Root: Let Love Lead at the Merced Theatre
Thursday, February 25, 2027
UC Merced Arts presents a Black History Month concert celebrating Black music, led by vocalists Brianna Thomas, C. Anthony Bryant and Charenee Wade, with songs by artists including Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin.
Dates
Thursday, February 25, 2027
Hours
7:30pm
Cost
General admission $20; student/child $5; free for UC Merced and Merced College students
Where
The Art Kamangar Center at the Merced Theatre, 301 W. Main Street, Merced, CA 95340
More than 15 miles of auto tour routes and over 10 miles of nature trails through wetlands, grasslands and riparian woodlands, with tule elk viewing and a visitor center exhibit hall.
Hours
Daily, half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset; visitor center daily 8am-4:30pm except holidays
Live local bands every weekend at Jessie's Grove Winery in Lodi: Friday "After Hours" sets, Saturday shows and laid-back Sunday afternoons under the heated pavilion. Food trucks or charcuterie on site; no outside alcohol. Bring lawn chairs for open seating or reserve a table.
Dates
Most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, November 1 - December 27, 2026, plus Thursday, December 31 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; see the calendar for each date)
Thursday Night Music and Food at Oak Farm Vineyards
Thursdays, November 5, 12 and 19, 2026
Live music in the winery courtyard with no cover: Love and Honey on November 5, Dana D on November 12 and Jeff Carl on November 19, with classic rock, country and blues favorites. Seating is first come, first served.
Dates
Thursdays, November 5, 12 and 19, 2026
Hours
5-8pm
Cost
No cover
Where
Oak Farm Vineyards, 23627 N DeVries Rd, Lodi, CA 95242
Billed as the largest Nutcracker production in North America, the 34th annual tour launches in Stockton with an international cast, acrobatics and larger-than-life puppetry set to Tchaikovsky's score.
Dates
Nov 8, 2026
Hours
Doors 2pm; show 3pm
Cost
Tickets from $35
Where
Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E. Main St., Stockton, CA 95202
In its 100th year, the Symphony and conductor Peter Jaffe perform Verdi, Puccini, Rossini and Ponchielli with soprano Bianca Orsi and baritone Roberto Perlas Gomez, closing with Respighi's Pines of Rome and offstage brass.
Dates
Nov 8, 2026
Hours
2:30pm
Cost
Ticketed; prices not published online
Where
Warren Atherton Auditorium, San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95207
Astronomy in the Park at Shumway Oak Grove Regional Park
Nov 14 – Dec 12, 2026Free
Stargazing through giant telescopes provided by the Stockton Astronomical Society: Saturn, Mercury, the Moon and M13 in November; the Andromeda Galaxy, Saturn and the Moon in December. Bring a flashlight and something to sit on. Free event; $6 cash parking.
An afternoon of live music by the Bob Stanley Band, wine and friends in Lodi wine country; wine by the glass or bottle only (no tasting flights). Bring a picnic; well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Dates
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Hours
1-4pm
Dogs
Well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Where
Heritage Oak Winery, 10112 E Woodbridge Rd, Acampo, CA 95220
Create fall-themed pages for your junk journal, or start a new one. All materials are provided; bring mementos like photos, tickets and drawings to add. For ages 16 and up; please register, as space is limited.
The Stockton Astronomical Society sets up telescopes on the southeast side of Main Street Park for an evening of stargazing, hosted by the Escalon Library. Learn about the universe and ask questions.
Dates
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Hours
7:00 pm–8:00 pm
Ages
All ages
Cost
Ticket prices not listed
Where
Main Street Park (southeast side), Escalon, CA 95320
DIY Butter Candle & Bread Board at the Escalon Library
Tuesday, November 17, 2026FreeAges Adults
Make your own butter candle, then decorate a bread board to keep or give as a gift. This free program is just for adults; registration is required and opens 2 weeks before the event.
The Lodi Community Concert Association presents this Canadian quartet reviving the original rock and roll of the '50s and '60s, from Chuck Berry to Buddy Holly.
Dates
Nov 20, 2026
Hours
7pm
Cost
$29
Where
Charlene Powers Lange Theatre, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St., Lodi, CA 95240
Stand-up from Dewayne "Insane Wayne" Jackson, who returned to comedy after being paralyzed in a shooting, with opener Juan Carlos and host Roman Guzman.
Dates
Nov 21, 2026
Hours
7pm
Cost
$25 (includes $4 fee)
Where
Studio Theatre, Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 N. Central Ave., Tracy, CA 95376
Lincoln Center's Swing into the Holidays at the Grand Theatre
Monday, November 30, 2026
An evening of favorite songs from holiday movies, traditional carols and more, featuring 3x Juno-winning vocalist Caity Gyorgy and vocalist and bandleader Christian Wiggs, with sing-alongs and hits like "Baby it's Cold Outside" and "All I want for Christmas is You."
Dates
Monday, November 30, 2026
Hours
8pm
Cost
$35-$50 ($4 per ticket fee included)
Where
Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 Central Avenue, Tracy, CA 95376
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Lodi's 29th annual parade fills downtown with more than 80 lighted floats, marching bands and dance troupes, ending with Santa on a Lodi fire truck. Arrive early; parking fills quickly.
Central West Ballet's holiday tradition follows Clara to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy, including a sensory-friendly performance. On Dec 5, Central Ave. is closed for the farmers market and parade.
Dates
Dec 4, 2026 – Dec 5, 2026
Hours
Fri Dec 4 2pm (sensory-friendly) and 7pm; Sat Dec 5 1pm
Cost
$27-$69 (includes $4 fee)
Where
Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 N. Central Ave., Tracy, CA 95376
Christmas Stroll (Adult Nights) at Oak Farm Vineyards
December 4, 5, 17 and 18, 2026
An adults-focused holiday evening at the vineyard: stroll through Christmas light displays and take a wagon ride around the estate with a complimentary welcome pour of Oak Farm wine. Spiked cider, wine and food-truck bites available for purchase.
Dates
December 4, 5, 17 and 18, 2026
Hours
6-9pm
Where
Oak Farm Vineyards, 23627 N DeVries Rd, Lodi, CA 95242
A festive concert with American Idol finalist Filo Ebid and the Stockton Youth Chorale: Sleigh Ride, O Holy Night, Symph-Hanukkah, music from The Nutcracker and Frozen, and a carol sing-along.
Dates
Dec 5, 2026 – Dec 6, 2026
Hours
Sat Dec 5 6pm; Sun Dec 6 2:30pm
Cost
Ticketed; prices not published online
Where
Warren Atherton Auditorium, San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95207
Tree Lighting and Delta Reflections Lighted Boat Parade
Dec 5, 2026Free
Snowfall, cookies and hot chocolate, live performances and local vendors at Weber Point, with the tree lighting at 5:30pm and the Lynn Hahn Memorial Delta Reflections Lighted Boat Parade around 6:30pm. Bring blankets and lawn chairs; no pets, alcohol or bikes. Parking is on-street or in paid city lots.
Dates
Dec 5, 2026
Hours
3-7pm; tree lighting 5:30pm; boat parade about 6:30pm
Cost
Free
Where
Weber Point Events Center, 221 N. Center St., Stockton, CA 95202
The long-running holiday drag tour, hosted by Nina West, with an all-new lineup of RuPaul's Drag Race stars, costumes, comedy and festive surprises. Ages 18 and up; 20-minute intermission.
Dates
Dec 11, 2026
Hours
Doors 7pm; show 8pm
Cost
Tickets from $34; $99 meet-and-greet add-on (6-7pm) sold separately
Where
Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E. Main St., Stockton, CA 95202
Art and local history in Victory Park, now showing an exhibit celebrating the Stockton Symphony's 100 years. Free for everyone on the first Saturday of the month. Next free first Saturdays: Nov 7 and Dec 5.
Hours
Wed-Fri 1:30-5pm; 1st and 3rd Thursdays 1:30-9pm; Sat-Sun noon-5pm; closed Mon-Tue, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Cost
$8 adults; $7 seniors 65+ and military; $5 ages 10-17 and students; under 10 free; Free for all on the first Saturday of the month
Where
Haggin Museum, 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton, CA 95203
Ghost Hunting 101: Central Valley Haunts at the Salida Library
Tuesday, October 27, 2026FreeAges not listed
A local paranormal investigator hobbyist explains ghost hunting: try EMF detectors, learn where to find the best haunted spots and share ghost stories.
The Buena Vista Social Club Orchestra at the Gallo Center
Thursday, November 5, 2026
The Cuban music repertory ensemble, with a revolving lineup of musicians from groups like The Buena Vista Social Club, AfroCuban All Stars and the bands of Celia Cruz and Omara Portuondo.
Dates
Thursday, November 5, 2026
Hours
7:30 pm
Cost
$39–$79 plus $9.00 fees
Where
Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Backyard Orchard Fruit Trees with the Master Gardeners at the Empire Library
Saturday, November 7, 2026FreeAges not listed
The UCCE Master Gardeners of Stanislaus County explain the Fruit Bush Method, which keeps newly planted apple, apricot, peach, plum, cherry and other trees under 5 feet tall while still producing lots of fruit.
The Billy Joel Legacy: A Tribute Experience at the Gallo Center
Saturday, November 7, 2026
A celebration of the singer-songwriter's greatest hits and the story of the man behind the melodies, from the producers of The Simon and Garfunkel Story.
Dates
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Hours
7:30 pm
Cost
$39–$99 plus $9.00 fees
Where
Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Faux Insect Taxidermy for Adults at the Ceres Library
Tuesday, November 10, 2026FreeAges 18 and over
Paint a plastic insect model and its wall mount in your own colors to make a personalized faux insect taxidermy piece for your home. For ages 18 and over. Registration required; register online or call 209-537-8938.
Uncle Lonny presents: Super Diamond at The State Theatre
Friday, November 13, 2026
Super Diamond, featuring Surreal Neil, an uncanny tribute to Neil Diamond, delivers a glittering, smoke-filled show performing Neil Diamond's hits with a rock edge. Wheelchair spaces and accessible seats at the top of both ramps; walkers can be stored during the show. No ADA parking spot outside the theater. Downtown parking is available for free for two hours.
Dates
Friday, November 13, 2026
Hours
Doors 6pm; show 7pm
Cost
Ticket prices not listed; see Buy Tickets on the event page
Where
The State Theatre, 1307 J Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Faux Insect Taxidermy for Adults at the Patterson Library
Saturday, November 14, 2026FreeAges Adults ages 18 and over
Choose a plastic insect model, then paint it and its wall mount to make a personalized faux insect taxidermy piece for your home. For adults 18 and over; registration is required (opens Oct 26).
Dates
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Hours
1:00 pm
Ages
Adults ages 18 and over
Cost
Free
Where
Patterson Library, 46 North Salado, Patterson, CA 95363
Meredith Willson's The Music Man at the Gallo Center
Nov 17 – Nov 18, 2026
The six-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy about fast-talking salesman Harold Hill, who cons River City, Iowa, into buying instruments for a boys' band.
Dates
Tuesday, November 17 and Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Hours
7:00 pm
Cost
$59–$139 plus $9.00 fees
Where
Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354
A world premiere play by Nick Zagone: a man on the run sits down at the counter of a diner, but as he tells his story, something just isn't adding up. Based on the 1945 film and the 1939 novel, it brings film noir to the stage.
Dates
Friday, November 20 - Sunday, December 6, 2026
Hours
Opening Friday, November 20, 7:30pm; closing Sunday, December 6, 5pm
Cost
Ticket prices not listed; see Buy Tickets on the event page
Where
Prospect Theater Project, 1214 K Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Tent-covered outdoor ice skating in downtown Modesto each holiday season, in scheduled 90-minute sessions (skate rental included); open every day, including holidays, rain or shine. Skating aids (walkers) rent for $5 per session. Tickets go on sale November 1. Paid parking is in the City lot next to the rink and the City garage across the street.
Dates
Saturday, November 21, 2026 - Monday, January 18, 2027
Hours
Daily; session times vary (see online ticket system)
Cost
Adult (13+) $19, child (3-12) $15 per skating session; minimum age 3
Where
Modesto On Ice, corner of K & 11th Streets, Modesto, CA
Sarod Trilogy: Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash at the Gallo Center
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Sarod master Amjad Ali Khan and his sons Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, a seven-generation lineage of sarod mastery, honor the traditions of Indian classical music.
Dates
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Hours
7:00 pm
Cost
$49–$69 plus $9.00 fees
Where
Foster Family Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Tommy Castro and the Pain Killers: Closer to the Bone at The State Theatre
Friday, November 27, 2026
Multiple award-winning, California-based blues and rock guitarist and singer Tommy Castro and the Pain Killers play songs from Closer To The Bone, a straight-ahead blues record. Wheelchair spaces and accessible seats at the top of both ramps; walkers can be stored during the show. No ADA parking spot outside the theater. Downtown parking is available for free for two hours.
Dates
Friday, November 27, 2026
Hours
Doors 6pm; show 7pm
Cost
$29, $40 and $50
Where
The State Theatre, 1307 J Street, Modesto, CA 95354
We Own The Laughs Modesto presents: Jack Jr at The State Theatre
Saturday, November 28, 2026Ages 18+
An 18+ Thanksgiving weekend comedy night with headliner Jack Jr. and stand-up comedy from Ilina Cortes, Tyson Paul and Julian Gonzalez, hosted by 209 native Gabe Alexander. Snacks and adult beverages available at concessions. Downtown parking is available for free for two hours.
Dates
Saturday, November 28, 2026
Hours
Doors 7pm; show 8pm
Ages
18+
Cost
Ticket prices not listed; see Buy Tickets on the event page
Where
The State Theatre, 1307 J Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro, featuring Justin Kawika Young, plays music from Tis The Season: classic carols, Hawaiian holiday favorites and soulful arrangements.
Dates
Nov 29, 2026
Hours
5pm
Cost
Ticketed; prices not published online
Where
Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Hell's Belles, an all-female band of dedicated AC/DC fanatics, deliver authentic AC/DC in sound and spirit; Murdershow opens. Downtown parking is available for free for two hours.
Dates
Friday, December 4, 2026
Hours
Doors 7pm; show 8pm
Cost
Ticket prices not listed; see Buy Tickets on the event page
Where
The State Theatre, 1307 J Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Modesto's holiday parade, themed "Winter Wonderland," starts at 14th and I Streets and travels west on I to 10th, north on 10th to J, and east on J to 17th Street. Road closures begin at 1pm.
Tuesday, December 8, 2026FreeAges Adults 18 and over
Turn a small skeleton figure into a whimsically creepy fairy specimen with provided craft items, or bring dried leaves and flowers from home. For adults 18 and over; registration is required (opens Nov 17) as space is limited.
Central West Ballet's holiday tradition follows Clara to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Separately ticketed Sugar Plum Fairy Parties on stage after select performances let children meet the characters.
Dates
Dec 11, 2026 – Dec 20, 2026
Hours
Dec 11 7pm; Dec 12 2pm and 7pm; Dec 13 2pm; Dec 19 2pm and 7pm; Dec 20 2pm
Cost
Ticketed; prices not published online
Where
Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Relax, color and socialize over a cup of coffee from the library's Keurig, or bring your own; coloring materials and coffee are provided. Recommended for ages 18 and up.
Dates
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Hours
11:00 am
Ages
Recommended for ages 18 and up
Cost
Free
Where
Oakdale Library, 151 South First Avenue, Oakdale, CA 95361
Traditional Christmas hymns and carols by the MSO, MSO Chorus, Opus Handbell Ensemble and Central Valley Youth Chorus in a church decorated with candlelight. Printed tickets required; doors open no earlier than 7pm.
Dates
Dec 15, 2026
Hours
8pm
Cost
Assigned seating. VIP $66 adults, $26 youth 17 and under; standard $48 adults, $16 youth (online or phone, includes $6 fee); $6 less in person
Where
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1200 Maze Blvd., Modesto, CA
Nut in Jazz!: Central West Ballet's Big Band Holiday Night at the Gallo Center
Friday, December 18, 2026
Central West Ballet's one-night Nutcracker in Jazz: big band sounds and holiday jazz, a companion to its Nutcracker run, with a lobby reception after the show included in the ticket.
Dates
Friday, December 18, 2026
Hours
7:00 pm
Cost
$50–$78 plus $9.00 fees
Where
Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Mummified Fairies for Adults at the Patterson Library
Saturday, December 19, 2026FreeAges Adults 18 and over
Turn a small skeleton figure into a whimsically creepy fairy specimen with provided craft items, or bring dried leaves and flowers from home. For adults 18 and over; registration is required (opens Nov 21) as space is limited.
Dates
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Hours
1:00 pm
Ages
Adults 18 and over
Cost
Free
Where
Patterson Library, 46 North Salado, Patterson, CA 95363
PTP's Radio Cavalcade: Holiday Memories at Prospect Theater Project
Dec 19 – Dec 20, 2026
A staged reading of classic radio episodes, complete with live music and sound effects: this December cavalcade features "Father Knows Best: Christmas Program" and "A Christmas Memory", based on Truman Capote's story.
Dates
Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20, 2026
Hours
Saturday 7:30pm; Sunday 5pm
Cost
Ticket prices not listed; see Buy Tickets on the event page
Where
Prospect Theater Project, 1214 K Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Alonzo King's choreography infuses classical ballet with new expressive potential, performed by world-class dancers. A pre-show Balcony Talk is free to ticket holders.
Dates
Saturday, January 23, 2027
Hours
7:00 pm
Cost
$39–$89 plus $9.00 fees
Where
Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Free for children 12 and under with an adult and for SNAP EBT cardholders plus up to 3 guests. Now showing Prism Play: A Full Spectrum of Art Quilts (through Jan 2), 62 works by Studio Art Quilt Associates members, and Our Sierra: Works by David & Vivian Patton (through Jan 23).
Hours
Tue-Sat 10am-5pm; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Cost
$7; $5 seniors and students; children 12 and under free
Emmet Cahill, Neil Byrne, Damian McGinty and Ronan Scolard, backed by the Celtic Thunder band, perform songs celebrating their Irish and Scottish heritage on the group's 18th North American tour.
Dates
Oct 24, 2026
Hours
7pm
Cost
$55-$99. Online and phone orders add a $4.50 convenience fee.
Where
Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
The Texas singer, composer and actor, a four-time GRAMMY winner, performs with his Small Large Band, drawing on country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues.
Dates
Oct 30, 2026
Hours
7pm
Cost
$96-$181. Online and phone orders add a $4.50 convenience fee.
Where
Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A benefit concert: Broken Social Scene joined by violinist Edwin Huizinga and Monterey High School Music students. All ticket revenue goes to the Monterey High Music program.
Dates
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Hours
4pm
Cost
Ticket prices not listed
Where
Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey, CA 93940
Art on Tap at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Thursday, November 12, 2026Ages not listed
The museum's first ever Art on Tap, on art and conservation with artists Becca Boring, Erin E. Hunter and Monica Loncola, and a happy half-hour sponsored by Dust Bowl Brewing Co. Registration required as space is limited. Doors open 5:20 pm and close 6:10 pm.
Dates
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Hours
5:30 pm–7:30 pm
Ages
Ages not listed
Cost
$25 general, $15 museum members, $10 students with ID; registration required
Where
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, 165 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Perla Batalla performs her tribute to her longtime friend and mentor Leonard Cohen, with small-table cabaret seating in Sunset Center's Studio 105.
Dates
Nov 12, 2026
Hours
7pm
Cost
$75 general admission. Online and phone orders add a $4.50 convenience fee.
Where
Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
PacRep Theatre's production of the musical based on the true story of Gander, Newfoundland, hosting stranded travelers after September 11. Runs 2 hours 30 minutes with one intermission; recommended for ages 10 and up. The Dec 5 show is ASL interpreted.
Dates
Nov 19 - Dec 20
Hours
Thu-Sat 7:30pm (no Thu Nov 26); Sun 2pm
Cost
$46 general, $36 seniors 65+, $26 teachers/military, $13 students, $8 under 12 ($5-$22 at Nov 19-20 previews), plus $3 facility fee and up to $3 box office fee
Where
Founders Theatre, Golden Bough Playhouse, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
From Dunfermline to Pacific Grove: Andrew Carnegie's Life and Legacy
Friday, November 20, 2026Ages not listed
Learn about Andrew Carnegie's life, philanthropy, pivotal role in the founding of American public libraries and the Pacific Grove Public Library. Presented by Catherine and David Stihler.
Dates
Friday, November 20, 2026
Hours
5:30 pm–7:00 pm
Ages
Ages not listed
Cost
Ticket prices not listed
Where
Pacific Grove Public Library, 550 Central Ave., Pacific Grove, CA
Music Director Jayce Ogren leads Schubert's Symphony No. 5, the world premiere of Chen Yi's Toward the Future with pianists Ran Dank and Soyeon Kate Lee, and selections from Dvorak's Slavonic Dances. 95 minutes with a 20-minute intermission.
Dates
Nov 21-22
Hours
Sat 7:30pm; Sun 3pm
Cost
$50-$90; $12 students, teachers and military (Tier 3 only)
Where
Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
The Music of Hey Arnold! Live at the Golden State Theatre
Friday, November 27, 2026
Celebrate thirty years of Hey Arnold with creator Craig Bartlett and composer Jim Lang, the team behind the show's iconic music. A VIP experience adds stories and a Q&A with Craig and Jim.
Dates
Friday, November 27, 2026
Hours
7pm
Cost
Ticket prices not listed
Where
Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey, CA 93940
Circle Jerks, the American hardcore punk band formed in 1979 in Los Angeles by former Black Flag vocalist Keith Morris and Redd Kross guitarist Greg Hetson.
Dates
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Hours
7:00 pm (time listed by the theatre)
Ages
Ages not listed
Cost
Ticket prices not listed
Where
Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey, CA 93940
Chamber Music Monterey Bay presents the GRAMMY-nominated string quartet in Haydn, Kevin Puts, Puccini and Ginastera, with a pre-concert talk at 6:30pm.
Dates
Dec 5, 2026
Hours
7:30pm
Cost
Ticketed; prices not published online
Where
Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
The 44th annual Holiday at the Inns: Pacific Grove inns and properties decorate for the holidays and invite you to tour, with music and refreshments. Tickets can be picked up at the Chamber office from December 1.
Dates
Tuesday, December 8, 2026
Hours
5-9pm
Cost
Ticket prices not listed
Where
Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce, 584 Central Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Ukulele virtuoso and composer Jake Shimabukuro, known for fast and complex finger work that mixes jazz, blues, funk, rock, bluegrass, classical, folk and flamenco.
Dates
Wednesday, December 9, 2026
Hours
7pm
Cost
Ticket prices not listed
Where
Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey, CA 93940
Historic adobes in Old Monterey open for two evenings with luminarias, holiday decor, music and refreshments. Pick up wristbands and maps at will-call (Stanton Center, Casa Gutierrez or Stevenson House) from 4pm. Rain or shine; no refunds.
Dates
Dec 11-12
Hours
5-9pm
Cost
Adults $30 per night ($25 before Nov 1), $45 two-night pass; 17 and under free
Carmel's white-sand city beach below the Scenic Pathway, reached by a sand ramp at the bottom of Ocean Avenue or by stairways along Scenic Road. Dogs may be off leash on the beach under voice control.
Cost
Ticket prices not listed
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on Carmel Beach without a leash, but must remain under voice control. Dogs must be on a leash in all other places in Carmel, including the Scenic Pathway.
Where
Carmel Beach, bottom of Ocean Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
An active parish founded in 1771 by St. Junípero Serra. Admission includes a self-guided visit to the Basilica, museums and grounds. Access to the Basilica may be limited during weddings, services and special events.
Hours
Wed-Thu 10am-4pm; Fri-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 11:30am-5pm; closed Mon-Tue, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Dec 26
Cost
$15 adults; $12 seniors 62+; $8 ages 7-17; 6 and under free
The northernmost of Big Sur's state parks, with two miles of coastline, a beach and an inland trail from chaparral into redwoods. Dogs only on the Gate 19 beach and the trails to it.
Hours
8am to sunset
Where
Highway 1, 6.7 miles south of Rio Road, Carmel, CA
An overwintering site for western monarch butterflies, which typically arrive in mid-October and leave in February; peak viewing is November through January. Museum docents are often there 11am-3pm, October through February, weather permitting. No pets.
Guided tours of William Randolph Hearst's hilltop estate, including an Accessibly Designed Grand Rooms Tour; daytime tickets include the film "Hearst Castle - Building the Dream."
Hours
Tour times vary by season, most from 9am; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Reservations up to 60 days ahead are strongly recommended.
Cost
Grand Rooms, Upstairs Suites or Cottages & Kitchen tours: adults $35, children 5-12 $18 (includes $5.50 registration fee)
A screening of the 2025 documentary directed by Linus O'Brien on the origins of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Popcorn and refreshments provided; costumes are welcome. Registration recommended, walk-ins welcome.
Dates
Thursday, October 29, 2026
Hours
7:00 pm–8:30 pm
Ages
Adults 18+
Cost
No entry fee listed
Where
Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA 95010
The last Yappy Hours of the season, with the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter: meet adoptable dogs, a dog costume contest with prizes, paw paintings and a "Pupperol Spritz" cocktail from Front & Cooper. Bring your pup; RSVP on the MAH page.
Dates
Thursday, October 29, 2026
Hours
4:00 pm–5:30 pm
Ages
Ages not listed
Cost
No entry fee listed (RSVP on the MAH page)
Where
Museum of Art & History (MAH), 705 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Calling all foodies: author Katya Lezin presents But First, Food, her recipe-filled memoir. Light refreshments provided; books available for purchase and signing.
Dates
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Hours
3pm-4:30pm
Cost
Ticket prices not listed
Where
Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA 95010
An artist reception for Mary Alice Copp's oil landscapes of California places she loves, including Yosemite, the Pinnacles and the golden hills behind Danville.
Dates
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Hours
2pm-4pm
Cost
Ticket prices not listed
Where
Aptos Branch Library, 7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003
Mountainfilm on Tour Santa Cruz at the Rio Theatre
Saturday, November 14, 2026Ages not listed
Adventure and culture documentary shorts curated from Mountainfilm in Telluride, supporting Second Harvest Food Bank. Some films contain adult language.
Dates
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Hours
7:00 pm (doors 6:00 pm)
Ages
Ages not listed
Cost
$22 general, $10 students, plus fees
Where
Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Vintage excursion cars covered in thousands of lights roll through the streets of Santa Cruz, with a holiday sing-along, live music, hot spiced cider and a visit from Santa. One-hour ride on Roaring Camp's Beach Train.
Dates
Nov 27, 2026 – Dec 23, 2026
Hours
Departs 5pm and 6:30pm
Cost
Canopy cars adults $58.25, children $38.11; first-class coach adults $74.15, children $48.71; under 2 free (includes a $10 myboardwalkcard)
Where
Departs in front of the Merry-Go-Round, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Sandra Bernhard: Caught Off Guard Tour at the Rio Theatre
Sunday, November 29, 2026Ages not listed
Sandra Bernhard brings her Caught Off Guard tour to the Rio, guiding the audience through "these treacherous times" with "a groove, beat and style you've become accustomed to."
Dates
Sunday, November 29, 2026
Hours
7:00 pm (doors 6:00 pm)
Ages
Ages not listed
Cost
$60 general, $78 Gold Circle
Where
Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Pianist Benny Green, who grew up in Berkeley and whom Oscar Peterson named as his protégé in 1992, plays Kuumbwa; he has focused on solo piano performance since 2020.
Dates
Monday, November 30, 2026
Hours
7:00 pm (doors and dinner 6:00 pm)
Ages
All ages
Cost
$46.62 advance, $52.50 at the door, $42.00 members, $26.25 students (all-in pricing)
Where
Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
The Santa Cruz Yacht Club's 39th annual parade of 50 decorated power and sailboats through the harbor, rain or shine. Hot drinks and snacks are available around the south harbor.
Dates
Dec 5, 2026
Hours
5:30pm
Cost
Free
Where
Santa Cruz Harbor, 135 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Isaiah J. Thompson – A Guaraldi Holiday at Kuumbwa Jazz
Tuesday, December 8, 2026Ages All ages
Juilliard-trained pianist Isaiah J. Thompson, a member of the John Pizzarelli Trio since 2019, plays A Guaraldi Holiday: a program celebrating the beloved holiday compositions of Vince Guaraldi.
Dates
Tuesday, December 8, 2026
Hours
7:00 pm (doors and dinner 6:00 pm)
Ages
All ages
Cost
$40.79 advance, $42.00 at the door, $36.75 members, $21.00 students (all-in pricing)
Where
Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Local artist Julia Townsend leads a 3-hour hands-on jewelry redesign workshop: bring a few pieces from home and leave with a couple of unique new ones. Tools provided; registration required.
Dates
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Hours
1pm-4pm
Cost
Ticket prices not listed
Where
La Selva Beach Branch Library, 316 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, CA 95076
Wave-carved sea arch, a family-friendly beach and tide pools on the edge of Santa Cruz. From late fall into winter, thousands of monarch butterflies cluster in the park's Monarch Grove. No dogs.
Hours
8am-sunset; visitor center daily 11am-4pm through Jan 31
Downtown art and history museum with rotating exhibitions, weekly Open Archives hours and a busy calendar of classes, talks and community celebrations.
Hours
Mon 9am-1pm; Thu-Fri 12-8pm; Sat-Sun 12-6pm
Cost
Suggested admission $10; seniors, students, teachers and veterans $8; members and under 5 free
UC Santa Cruz's hands-on aquarium on the bluff above Monterey Bay: a seawater touch tank, Monterey Bay tanks, and one of the largest blue whale skeletons on display. Daily tours are included with admission.
Hours
Tue-Sun 10am-4pm
Cost
Ticket prices vary by age (see source); children under 3, UCSC students and members do not need a ticket
Walking paths through rare plant collections from around the world, with seasonal blooms and wide views. Free admission for everyone on the first Tuesday of each month. No pets.
Succulents & Sips Pumpkin Workshop at Rancho Victoria
Oct 25, 2026
Guided workshop where you build a pumpkin succulent fall centerpiece with a glass of wine in hand. All supplies are included; it sold out fast last year.
A free, family-friendly Friday evening with live music from Green Broke, Italian Brothers Pizza and wines from the outdoor bar. Kids' activity table; picnic tables first come, first served. RSVP requested.
Dates
Oct 30, 2026
Hours
Doors and food truck 5:30pm; music 6-9pm
Cost
Free; RSVP requested
Where
D'Agostini Wines, 12557 Steiner Rd., Plymouth, CA 95669
A hands-on winemaking session in the Shenandoah tasting room: experiment with different wines, fine-tune your own blend and design a personalized label, with a glass of wine while you work.
Mother Lode Friends of Music presents cellist Susan Lamb Cook, soprano Carrie Hennessy and pianist Jennifer Reason in a warm program of Rebecca Clarke, Amy Beach, Massenet and Gounod.
Dates
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Hours
3pm
Cost
$20 per person (cash or check at the door)
Where
Sutter Creek Theater, 44 Main Street, Sutter Creek, CA
On The Farce Day of Christmas at Volcano Theatre Company
Nov 6 – Dec 13, 2026
Holiday comedy in the intimate Cobblestone Theatre: to keep her mother from finding out she's divorced, Wendy pays her ex to pose as her husband for the holidays, and havoc ensues.
Dates
Nov 6, 2026 – Dec 13, 2026
Cost
No fee listed; tickets sold online
Where
Volcano Theatre Company, 16121 Main Street, Volcano, CA 95689
Help Amador Cellars celebrate 22 years in Amador County with a specially curated list of wines, live music by 4Thought and authentic Argentinian fare from the Buenos Aires food truck. Holiday wine specials and raffle prizes. Reservations online or by calling the tasting room.
Dates
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Hours
11:00 am–3:00 pm
Ages
Ages not listed
Cost
Ticket prices not listed
Where
In The Barn at Amador Cellars, 11093 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth, CA 95669
The six-member America Made Band pays tribute to Toby Keith with a night of country music, patriotism and party anthems. Open seating; beer and wine available.
Dates
Nov 14, 2026
Hours
Doors 6:30pm; show 7pm
Cost
$30 advance; $35 day of show
Where
Sutter Creek Theater, 44 Main Street, Sutter Creek, CA
Family holiday play by Ken and Jack Ludwig staged in Baker Street West's immersive Victorian London setting. The theatre is up 30+ stairs with no elevator.
Dates
Nov 27, 2026 – Dec 13, 2026
Hours
Fridays 7pm; Saturday and Sunday matinees 2pm
Cost
No fee listed; tickets via the box office link
Where
Baker Street West, 108 Summit Street, Jackson, CA 95642
Jackson's footbridge beside the National Hotel glows with an immersive tunnel of holiday lights, with even more lights this year for picture-perfect photos.
Dates
November 27-December 31, 2026
Where
Footbridge next to the National Hotel, Main Street, Jackson, CA
Lacy J Dalton's Country Christmas Show with Dale Poune
Nov 28, 2026
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Lacy J. Dalton, a North American Country Music Association International Hall of Fame inductee, kicks off the holidays with Christmas music and her country songs. Open seating; beer and wine available.
Dates
Nov 28, 2026
Hours
Doors 6:30pm; show 7pm
Cost
$30 advance; $35 day of show
Where
Sutter Creek Theater, 44 Main Street, Sutter Creek, CA
A holiday tradition of angelic singing, instrumental wizardry and championship Irish step dancing, with vocalist Amelia Hogan and Molly's Revenge fiddler John Weed. Open seating; beer and wine available.
Dates
Dec 4, 2026
Hours
Doors 7:30pm; show 8pm
Cost
$30 advance; $35 day of show; $15 kids 12 and under
Where
Sutter Creek Theater, 44 Main Street, Sutter Creek, CA
Make a handmade grapevine wreath from Fraser Family vines with winter holiday decorations provided. Wine and light bites are included; sign up by November 27.
Dates
Saturday-Sunday, December 5-6, 2026
Hours
Starts Saturday 11am; ends Sunday 4pm
Where
Fraser Family Vineyards, 11210 Bell Road, Plymouth, CA 95669
A Christmas holiday show of classic 1950s and '60s rock and roll, fronted by Frankie Adele, former lead singer of the original Sha Na Na. Open seating; beer and wine available.
Dates
Dec 5, 2026
Hours
Doors 6:30pm; show 7pm
Cost
$30 advance; $35 day of show
Where
Sutter Creek Theater, 44 Main Street, Sutter Creek, CA
Steiner Road wineries on Amador County's first wine trail offer festive tastings, small bites and holiday discounts, with 100% of net ticket proceeds going to the Interfaith Foodbank of Amador County. Online tickets through Dec 3; limited day-of tickets at participating wineries. Reservations may be required at some wineries.
Dates
Dec 5, 2026 – Dec 6, 2026
Hours
11am-4pm (Iron Hub lists 11am-5pm at its winery)
Cost
$10 per person, per day
Where
Steiner Road wineries, Steiner Road, Plymouth, CA 95669
Holiday stroll through 1894 Preston Castle styled as Christmas past. Gate entry gets you Santa, the gift shop and a craft fair; touring the castle costs extra. Tickets go on sale in November.
Dates
Dec 12, 2026
Hours
Sat Dec 12; Santa 12:30-2pm
Cost
Gate entry free (Santa, gift shop, craft fair); self-guided castle tour $25 ages 12+, $15 ages 6-12, under 5 free
The 19th annual lighted holiday parade down Main Street, rain or shine, with arts and crafts vendors in the auditorium from 1-8pm and food vendors at both ends of Main Street. Roads close at 5pm; a free shuttle runs from the Italian Picnic Grounds 3-5:30pm and after the parade.
Coco Montoya: Master Blues Rocker at Sutter Creek Theater
Saturday, January 9, 2027
Award-winning blues guitarist and soul-deep singer Coco Montoya, a protégé of Albert Collins, plays the intimate 215-seat historic theater. His last show here sold out.
Dates
Saturday, January 9, 2027
Hours
Doors 6:30pm; show 7pm
Cost
$35 advance; $41 day of show
Where
Sutter Creek Theater, 44 Main Street, Sutter Creek, CA
Sourdough Slim and Robert Armstrong: Last of the Vaudeville Cowboys at Sutter Creek Theater
Saturday, January 16, 2027
A rollicking evening of humor and song as yodeling cowboy Sourdough Slim and string wizard Robert Armstrong revive country blues, vintage jazz and cowboy classics with vaudevillian flair.
Dates
Saturday, January 16, 2027
Hours
Doors 6:30pm; show 7pm
Cost
$24 advance; $28 day of show
Where
Sutter Creek Theater, 44 Main Street, Sutter Creek, CA
Black Irish Band: The Wild West Whiskey Show at Sutter Creek Theater
Friday, January 22, 2027
Gold Country's own Black Irish Band brings 35 years of up-beat acoustic folk: Irish, Scottish, Italian and American songs, maritime and railroad tunes and Western ballads that appeal to all ages.
Dates
Friday, January 22, 2027
Hours
Doors 7:30pm; show 8pm
Cost
$20 advance; $23 day of show
Where
Sutter Creek Theater, 44 Main Street, Sutter Creek, CA
The Damn Liars with Burke: Roots Rock n Roll at Sutter Creek Theater
Saturday, January 30, 2027
Northern California's Chuck Bradley and The Damn Liars bring vintage rock and roll, outlaw country and roadhouse blues, with Sacramento country-rock band Burke opening.
Dates
Saturday, January 30, 2027
Hours
Doors 7:30pm; show 8pm
Cost
$20 advance; $23 day of show
Where
Sutter Creek Theater, 44 Main Street, Sutter Creek, CA
A tribute to the supergroup that never played live, with Wilburys hits like Handle With Care and End of the Line plus favorites from Harrison, Petty, Orbison, Dylan and Lynne. Back by popular demand after a sold-out show.
Dates
Saturday, February 27, 2027
Hours
Doors 6:30pm; show 7pm
Cost
$31 advance; $36 day of show
Where
Sutter Creek Theater, 44 Main Street, Sutter Creek, CA
A 50-minute naturalist-guided walking tour descends about 100 feet into three chambers of a vertical cave with spectacular formations and a blue lake. Five flights of stairs.
Hours
Daily; weekdays 10 or 11am-4pm (the site lists both; call (888) 488-1960), Sat-Sun 10am-5pm; closed Thanksgiving
Gold Country fine art gallery with a new featured artist each month, celebrated with a free public reception and refreshments on the first Saturday, 2-4pm, part of the self-guided Amador Art Trek.
Self-guided digital tour of 45 historic sites along Jackson's Civil War-era Main Street, followed on your phone. Pair it with the 21 bronze plaques that mark Main Street buildings.
Home to North America's largest collection of bedrock mortars and California's largest roundhouse still used by Native Americans, with a museum and walking trails in the Sierra foothills.
Hours
Park sunrise to sunset; museum 10am-4pm, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
A Halloween-themed bluegrass show on Friday, Oct 30 by the Santa Cruz band. Doors 6pm; mix of standing room and first-come seating; food available for purchase.
Dates
Fri Oct 30, 2026
Hours
7pm
Cost
$27.37-$43.20 with fees (Eventbrite)
Where
Big Room, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., 1075 East 20th Street, Chico, CA 95928
A screening of the 4K restoration of Jonathan Demme's 1984 Talking Heads concert film, hosted by band member Jerry Harrison with introductory remarks, post-screening comments and audience Q&A.
Dates
Oct 30, 2026
Hours
7:30pm
Cost
$36-$56
Where
Laxson Auditorium, Chico State, corner of W. 1st and Salem streets, Chico, CA 95929
A night of campy fun, outrageous costumes, and audience participation: a special screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and a scavenger hunt at the library. Costumes welcome and props provided.
Dates
Friday, October 30, 2026
Hours
6:00pm–8:00pm
Cost
Ticket prices not listed
Where
Paradise Branch, Butte County Library, 5922 Clark Rd, Paradise, CA 95969
A holiday double bill. A Krampus Carol is a wickedly funny holiday play in which Santa's jolly reign is challenged by Krampus, the horned, mischief-loving creature of European folklore. A VHS Christmas Carol is an entirely sung-through one-act musical that tells A Christmas Carol with 80s synth-pop music.
An evening of flamenco with Adam Del Monte, an internationally acclaimed flamenco guitarist and Hollywood session musician, at monca, the Museum of Northern California Art.
Two nights with the Los Angeles band, three-time GRAMMY winners, blending Latin, hip-hop, funk, reggae and rock. Early access 5:30pm, general doors 6pm.
Dates
Thu-Fri Nov 19-20, 2026
Hours
7pm
Cost
$37.93-$53.75 per night with fees (Eventbrite)
Where
Big Room, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., 1075 East 20th Street, Chico, CA 95928
Two nights of Americana with bluegrass roots from the California band led by brothers Ben and Alex Morrison; each night sold separately. Early access 5:30pm, general doors 6pm.
Dates
Thu-Fri Dec 3-4, 2026
Hours
7pm
Cost
$37.93-$53.75 per night with fees (Eventbrite)
Where
Big Room, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., 1075 East 20th Street, Chico, CA 95928
Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández at Laxson Auditorium
February 10, 2027
The internationally acclaimed Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández presents the traditions, music and dance of México, as it has for more than 70 years.
Dates
February 10, 2027
Hours
7:30 pm
Cost
$40 – $60
Where
Laxson Auditorium, Chico State, 400 W 1st St, Chico, CA 95929
The original 1966 Broadway version of the musical about Charity Hope Valentine, a hopelessly romantic dance hall hostess in New York City, with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and a book by Neil Simon.
Dates
February 12-28, 2027
Cost
Ticket prices not listed
Where
Chico Theater Company, 166 Eaton Road, Chico, CA 95973
Cirque Kalabanté: WOW (World of Words) at Laxson Auditorium
March 3, 2027
A performance that blends storytelling, music, dance and acrobatics into a celebration of connection and shared humanity, inspired by African traditions and contemporary movement.
Dates
March 3, 2027
Hours
6:30 pm
Cost
$34 – $54
Where
Laxson Auditorium, Chico State, 400 W 1st St, Chico, CA 95929
Chico's city park, with Lower, Middle and Upper Park trails, the Caper Acres playground (closed Mondays) and the Peregrine Point disc golf course. The Horseshoe Lake gate (Parking Lot E) is closed to vehicles Sundays, Mondays and in inclement weather.
Hours
Most Lower Park lots and gates 7:30am-7pm (October-March); Main Upper Park gate 5:30am-9pm
Below-sea-level desert of extremes with Badwater Basin (-282 ft, lowest point in North America), Mesquite Dunes, Zabriskie Point and dark Milky Way skies. Open 24 hours year-round, but some facilities, roads and services keep seasonal hours, areas may close in unsafe weather, and summer brings record heat.
Hours
Open year-round, 24 hours a day (some facilities, roads and services have seasonal or daily hours)
Lake County Theatre Company and Mendocino College present the Howard Ashman and Alan Menken musical, a romantic comedy set in a florist's shop on Skid Row.
Dates
Oct 23-Nov 1, 2026
Hours
Fri-Sat 7pm; Sun 2pm
Cost
$27-$32 in advance; $32-$37 at the door
Where
Soper Reese Theatre, 275 South Main Street, Lakeport, CA 95453
Free classic film screenings: The Maltese Falcon (Oct 27), Casablanca (Nov 10), Arsenic and Old Lace (Nov 24), Forrest Gump (PG-13, Dec 8) and Beauty and the Beast (G, Dec 22). Doors 5:30pm; concessions for purchase; assistive listening devices available.
Dates
Tuesdays Oct 27, Nov 10, Nov 24, Dec 8 and Dec 22, 2026
Hours
6pm
Cost
Free; donations appreciated
Where
Soper Reese Theatre, 275 South Main Street, Lakeport, CA 95453
Weekly Suppers and Shannon Ridge Wines at The Mercantile
Oct 28 – Dec 11, 2026
Weeknight suppers with Shannon Ridge wines at The Mercantile, each night with a guest food maker: Taco Tuesday with La Chilanguita, Buck Shack + Burgers with Saw Shop Sawmill, Thirsty Thursday with Rosie's Bread n' Butter and Pizza Friday with DoughBaby Artisan Pizza.
Dates
Weekly through December 11, 2026: Taco Tuesday, Buck Shack + Burgers, Thirsty Thursday and Pizza Friday
Hours
4:00–7:00 pm
Cost
No entry fee listed
Where
The Mercantile, 4350 Thomas Drive, Lakeport, CA 95453
Planetarium Shows and Stargazing at Taylor Observatory
Oct 30, Nov 14 and Nov 21, 2026
Lake County Office of Education's Norton Planetarium shows, each about an hour, hosted by astronomer Angelo Parisi, followed (weather permitting) by a look at the night sky through the observatory's telescopes. Fri Oct 30: Danger from Outer Space!; Sat Nov 14: STARS; Sat Nov 21: The Hot and Energetic Universe.
Dates
Oct 30, Nov 14 and Nov 21, 2026
Hours
7:30-8:30pm show; telescope viewing 8:30-11pm
Cost
Adults $10; students free; under 5 free; families of 4 or more can register together for $5
Where
Taylor Observatory, 5725 Oak Hills Lane, Kelseyville, CA 95451
Paella dinner at the ranch winery on the first Wednesday of each month; wine sold by the glass and bottle. Book on Tock; when checked, Tock showed no open booking (the 6pm seating was sold out), so call ahead: 707-994-4068.
Dates
Wed Nov 4 and Wed Dec 2, 2026
Hours
5-7pm
Cost
$25 per person ($10 pre-paid deposit, $15 on the night)
Where
Six Sigma Ranch & Winery, 13372 Spruce Grove Rd, Lower Lake, CA
On the first Friday of each month, Visions Art Gallery spotlights its current artists with a different local musician and a featured local winery. Free to attend.
Dates
First Fridays: November 6 and December 4, 2026; January 1 and February 5, 2027
Hours
5:30-7pm
Cost
Free
Where
Visions Art Gallery, Silveira Community Center, 500 N Main St, Lakeport, CA 95453
Eleven bands and more than 40 Lake County musicians in one night, raising funds for local musicians, entertainers and academic programs. Doors 5:30pm; open seating.
Dates
Nov 11, 2026
Hours
6-9pm
Cost
$25 in advance; $30 at the door; $5 off for veterans and military with ID
Where
Soper Reese Theatre, 275 South Main Street, Lakeport, CA 95453
A screening of the 1975 rated-R cult musical. Doors 8pm; games and activities 8:30pm. Under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 21 or older; bring ID.
Dates
Nov 13, 2026
Hours
9pm
Cost
$20, open seating
Where
Soper Reese Theatre, 275 South Main Street, Lakeport, CA 95453
A fundraiser for the local dance group with a red carpet, dancing, charcuterie and photos, plus a preview of the company's 2027 competition dances. Open seating.
Dates
Nov 14, 2026
Hours
6pm
Cost
$40 in advance; $50 at the door
Where
Soper Reese Theatre, 275 South Main Street, Lakeport, CA 95453
The Lake County Symphony's fall concert, conducted by John Parkinson, with an opening performance by the Lake County Adult and Youth Concert Orchestra. Doors 1:30pm.
Dates
Nov 22, 2026
Hours
2pm
Cost
$25-$30 assigned seats; $5 off for LCSA members
Where
Soper Reese Theatre, 275 South Main Street, Lakeport, CA 95453
Now in its fourth year, Lakeport's Main Street glows with festively decorated Christmas trees, each styled by local businesses, families, classrooms and groups. Stroll downtown to enjoy the display through the holidays.
The Lake County Symphony Association's annual Christmas concert, conducted by John Parkinson, with an opening performance by the Lake County Adult and Youth Concert Orchestra. Doors 1:30pm.
Dates
Dec 20, 2026
Hours
2pm
Cost
$25-$30 assigned seats; $5 off for LCSA members
Where
Soper Reese Theatre, 275 South Main Street, Lakeport, CA 95453
A park on Clear Lake, California's oldest and largest freshwater lake, with swimming, boating, fishing and wildlife viewing. Dogs only in the parking lot, on paved roads and in campgrounds.
Guided walks from the Kelley House Museum. Haunted Mendocino visits the town's well-known ghost stories; the Murder, She Wrote tour visits landmarks from the TV series. Advance tickets recommended.
Dates
Oct 21-Dec 16, 2026
Hours
Haunted Mendocino: Oct 21, 28, Nov 4, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9, 16 5-6:30pm; Oct 24, 31 5pm and 7pm; Nov 14, 28 7-8:30pm. Murder, She Wrote: Nov 2 10-11:30am; Nov 7, 14 11:30am-1:30pm
Cost
$25 (Haunted tours listed $15-$25)
Where
Kelley House Museum, 45007 Albion Street, Mendocino, CA 95460
Mendocino Theatre Company stages Joe Landry's adaptation as a live 1940s radio broadcast, directed by Ricci Dedola. Thu Nov 12 is pay what you will. Box office 707-937-4477.
Dates
Nov 5-Dec 13, 2026
Hours
Evenings 7:30pm; Sun matinees 2pm (Nov 15, 22, 29, Dec 6, 13)
Cost
$30; pay what you will Nov 12
Where
Mendocino Theatre Company, 45200 Little Lake St, Mendocino, CA 95460
A group exhibition curated by PressYess, featuring work by eight Art Explorers studio artists and eight visiting artists, with an opening reception on November 6.
Dates
November 6, 2026-January 30, 2027 (opening reception November 6, 5-7pm; gallery open Tuesday-Saturday, so the last open day is Saturday, January 30)
Hours
Tuesday-Saturday 9am-3pm
Where
Art Explorers, 333 N. Franklin Street, Fort Bragg, CA
A world premiere written and directed by Jeremy Daw, in which a lawyer works with a defendant's four personalities to piece together a murder case. Audience Q&A with the writer-director after each performance.
Dates
Nov 6-8, 2026
Hours
Fri-Sat 7pm; Sun 2pm
Cost
Ticketed; prices not published online
Where
Ukiah Players Theatre, 1041 Low Gap Rd, Ukiah, CA 95482
Symphony of the Redwoods Fall Concert with Paul Yarbrough
November 7–8, 2026
Symphony of the Redwoods' Fall Concert features violist Paul Yarbrough in Britten's Lachrymae, alongside Sibelius's King Kristian II Suite and Dvorak's Symphony No.7, at Cotton Auditorium.
Dates
November 7–8, 2026
Hours
Saturday, 7:30PM; Sunday, 2:00PM; 30-minute pre-concert lecture Sat 6.30pm / Sun 1pm
Cost
$30 general; $15 ages 19–29; free for 18 and under with an accompanying adult
Where
Cotton Auditorium, 500 N. Harold Street, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Naturalist and mycologist Mario Abreu gives a roughly 45-minute introduction to mushroom identification, then a 2-hour guided field walk, starting at the Gardens Farmhouse. Advance registration required; capacity limited.
A Sunday afternoon of violin and piano duos with violinist Hrabba Atladottir and pianist Paul Schrage, part of the Opus Chamber Music Series at Preston Hall.
Dates
Sunday, November 22, 2026
Hours
3:00 pm
Cost
$30 general; $15 ages 19–29
Where
Preston Hall, 44867 Main Street, Mendocino, CA 95460
A handmade light show by Gardens staff and volunteers along lighted garden pathways, rain or shine. No dogs; free parking shuttle from the Mendocino College lot at 1211 Del Mar Dr.
Dates
Fri-Sun, Nov 27-Dec 20, 2026
Hours
Doors 5pm; tickets sold until 7pm
Cost
Adults $16 in advance, $26 at the door; 16 and under free
Catch the Met's Live in HD opera season on the big screen at Arena Theater, a 1928 movie house restored by volunteers in downtown Point Arena. Senior single tickets are discounted.
Dates
Saturday mornings: Dec 5, 2026; Jan 23, Mar 20, Apr 3, Apr 24 and Jun 5, 2027
Hours
Doors at 9:15 a.m. / telecast at 9:55am (unless otherwise noted)
Cost
$26 general, $24 senior, $18 youth (18 and under)
Where
Arena Theater, 214 Main Street, Point Arena, CA 95468
The second concert of the Ukiah Symphony's 26-27 season, with violinist Jeremy Cohen; the program includes Florence Price's Adoration, Taquito Militar and Bloch's Nigun Improvisation from Baal Shem.
A funny, moving and offbeat play about Barry Champlain, Cleveland's controversial late-night radio host, on the eve of his show's national syndication. Rated mature for language, themes and content.
Dates
January 15-31, 2027
Ages
Mature for language, themes and content
Where
Ukiah Players Theatre, 1041 Low Gap Road, Ukiah, CA 95482
Baroque duo Beneath a Tree, violinist Gail Hernández Rosa and double bassist Daniel Turkos, mixes early music with folk and contemporary sounds in this Opus Chamber Music Series concert.
Dates
Sunday, January 17, 2027
Hours
3:00 pm
Cost
$30 general; $15 ages 19–29
Where
Preston Hall, 44867 Main Street, Mendocino, CA 95460
Symphony of the Redwoods Winter Concert with Wenbo Yin
January 30–31, 2027
The Winter Concert pairs Beethoven's Egmont: Overture with Glazunov's Concerto for Alto Saxophone featuring Wenbo Yin, plus Glazunov's Serenade No.1 and Kashperova's Symphony in B minor.
Dates
January 30–31, 2027
Hours
Saturday, 7:30PM; Sunday, 2:00PM; pre-concert lecture Sat 6:30pm / Sun 1pm
Cost
$30 general; $15 ages 19–29; free for 18 and under with an accompanying adult
Where
Cotton Auditorium, 500 N. Harold Street, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
The 26th annual Crab Cake Cook-Off & Wine Tasting Competition at South Noyo Harbor, a benefit for Mendocino Coast Clinics. Online sales open November 15, 2026.
Dates
Saturday, February 6, 2027
Where
South Noyo Harbor, 19101 South Harbor Drive, Fort Bragg, CA
The third concert of the Ukiah Symphony's 26-27 season, with Rebecca Roudman and Dirty Cello, including Beethoven's Coriolan Overture and Concerto for the Modern Woman by Jason Eckl.
Spend Valentine's Day afternoon with the Mendocino Woodwind Quintet: principal Symphony of the Redwoods players and local artists in chamber music for winds and piano.
Dates
Sunday, February 14, 2027
Hours
3:00 pm
Cost
$30 general; $15 ages 19–29
Where
Preston Hall, 44867 Main Street, Mendocino, CA 95460
Beach, bluff, headland, dune, forest and wetland, with tide pools, seals on the offshore rocks and more than 90 bird species at Cleone Lake. Boardwalk at Laguna Point. Dogs not allowed at the seal rookery, Virgin Creek Beach or Ten Mile Beach and Dunes.
Hours
6am to sunset
Cost
$8 per vehicle
Where
MacKerricher State Park, Highway 1, 3 miles north of Fort Bragg, CA
A 47-acre botanical garden with more than 4 miles of trails, about a half-mile walk from the main entrance to the ocean. Leashed dogs welcome; free parking.
Hours
Nov-Mar daily 9am-4pm; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Cost
$24 adults; $19 seniors 65+; $9 ages 6-17; 5 and under free; $11 Mendocino County residents
Hamlet returns to the historic Nevada Theatre in a bold new production directed by veteran actor, director and educator John Deaderick, who calls it his swan song.
Dates
Thursday-Sunday, October 29-November 8
Hours
7:30pm; Sunday matinees at 2:00pm; special Saturday matinee October 31
Cost
$27.70 general admission, $38.10 reserved (including fees)
Where
Nevada Theatre, 401 Broad St, Nevada City, CA 95959
Solas, called "the finest Celtic ensemble this country has ever produced" by the Boston Globe, plays its 30th anniversary tour with founders Séamus Egan and Winifred Horan.
Dates
Nov 7, 2026
Hours
Doors 7pm; show 8pm
Cost
$60-$65 reserved seating ($55-$60 members)
Where
The Center for the Arts, 314 W. Main St., Grass Valley, CA 95945
A witty romantic comedy set during the Serbo-Bulgarian War, in which a practical Swiss soldier seeks refuge in a young woman's bedroom and her romantic view of war and love is challenged.
Dates
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Hours
7:00pm
Cost
Ticket prices not listed
Where
Nevada Theatre, 401 Broad St, Nevada City, CA 95959
Independence Trail Moss Walk with Bear Yuba Land Trust
Saturday, November 14, 2026Free
Take a closer look at the wonderful world of moss on Independence Trail, led by Alex Lerch of Sierra Streams Institute. Bring a hand-lens if you have one, water and snacks; space is limited, so register ahead.
Dates
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Hours
10am-12pm
Cost
Free
Where
Independence Trail east entrance, Highway 49 (parking along the highway), north of Nevada City, CA
The Valencia Baryton Project, led by barytonist Matthew Baker, performs music for the baryton, an ancient and little-known stringed instrument, in a string trio program including Haydn.
Dates
Sunday, November 15, 2026
Hours
2pm, with 1:15 pre-concert forum
Cost
$50 general, $5 youth 18 and under
Where
Seventh-day Adventist Church, 12889 Osborne Hill Rd, Grass Valley, CA 95945
The 58th annual old-fashioned Christmas street faire turns Mill and Main Streets into a festive marketplace with twinkling lights, local artisans, seasonal treats, carolers, live music and hot cider, honoring Grass Valley's Cornish Gold Rush heritage.
The 15th annual Nevada City Winter Craft Fair, with more than 70 local crafters, designers and artisans selling handmade home decor, apparel, bath products, stationery, art, food and drinks.
Dates
Nov 29, 2026
Hours
10am-5pm
Cost
$7
Where
Miners Foundry Cultural Center, 325 Spring Street, Nevada City, CA 95959
Holt Ballet Conservatory's reimagined Clara & the Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky's score, with guest artists and young dancers in a holiday show for all ages.
A tradition since 1978: gas-lit hilly streets, roasted chestnuts, carolers in Victorian attire, 100+ artisan vendors, live entertainment, yuletide treats and Father Christmas. Broad and Commercial Streets are closed to through traffic; shuttles are recommended.
Dates
Sundays Dec 6, 13 and 20; Wednesdays Dec 9 and 16
Hours
Sundays 1:30-6pm; Wednesdays 5-9pm
Where
Broad and Commercial Streets, downtown Nevada City, CA
Joyful voices, brilliant holiday music and sing-along favorites: a festive holiday concert of choral harmonies and orchestral works by Whitacre, Bruckner, Vaughan Williams and more, conducted by Alison Skinner.
Dates
Saturday, December 19, 2026 and Sunday, December 20, 2026
Hours
Saturday 7:30pm; Sunday 2pm
Cost
$50 general, $5 youth 18 and under
Where
Seventh-day Adventist Church, 12889 Osborne Hill Rd, Grass Valley, CA 95945
San Francisco string band The Brothers Comatose throws a Shipwrecked-themed New Year's Eve party with a champagne toast at midnight and a balloon drop; Bluegrass Blowouts open; costumes encouraged.
Dates
Dec 31, 2026
Hours
Doors 8pm; show 9pm
Cost
$67-$77 reserved seating and standing room
Where
The Center for the Arts, 314 W. Main St., Grass Valley, CA 95945
Site of one of California's oldest, deepest and richest gold mines, which produced 5.8 million ounces of gold before closing in 1956. See the mine buildings, the owner's home and restored gardens, and the entrance to 367 miles of shafts, plus 14 miles of trails across 856 acres.
Hours
Historic grounds daily 10am-5pm through Oct 31, then 10am-4pm Nov 1-Feb 28; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Trails and Penn Gate lot sunrise to sunset
A Sierra foothills park along the cold, swift South Yuba River in a granite canyon, with historic bridges, toll crossings and trails to Gold Rush mine sites. Walk through the restored Bridgeport covered bridge, reopened in 2021.
Section: Date ideasfestival
