Santa Rosa
Tattoo Time
For the tatted and soon-to-be-tatted, run, don’t walk to the 30th Annual Tattoos & Blues Convention, being held at Flamingo resort in Santa Rosa! This is the longest running tattoo convention on the west coast, and the second longest running in the country. Get ready for three days of tattooing from over 200 tattoo shops, including Faith Tattoo of Santa Rosa, Hidden Coast Tattoo of Sebastopol, Switchblade Tattoo Club of Sacramento and many more. As well as artists, there will be live music, including Derek Irving & Combo on Friday and Nobody’s Baby on Saturday night. Saturday also boasts a car show, with a chance to pre-register any must-see lowriders. Event is Friday, April 22-Sunday, April 24. Hours are noon-11 pm Friday and Saturday, noon-8 pm Sunday. Flamingo Hotel, 2777 4th St., Santa Rosa. Tickets sold at the door. $25 for a day pass, $50 for a weekend pass. Free to children under 12. www.santarosatattoosandblues.com
Sebastopol
Apple Blossom Parade
The magical annual event not to be missed—come out to the Apple Blossom Festival and Parade! This year’s theme is “Mask-a-Rade.” With handmade floats, animals and joyful, colorful displays, there’s something in this parade for everyone. In addition to the parade, the festival runs both Saturday and Sunday, featuring an art show from Western Sonoma County artists, a wide variety of exhibitors and vendors selling crafts, goods, jewelry and more, and a music lineup including acts like Volker Strifler, Sol Horizon, the Pulsators and more. This is a weekend full of local pride and sweet vibes. Put it on the calendar! The event runs April 23-24, with the parade starting at 10am on April 23. Event and activity times vary. 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. Tickets $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $8 for students ages 5-17, free for children four and under. www.appleblossomfest.com
Petaluma
Bard Birthday
“There was a star danced, and under that was I born,” quoth the Bard, and right was he! Come to the Bard’s Birthday Bash—the man who coined the term eyeball deserves a legion of birthday tidings—this Saturday at Cafe Central in Petaluma. This will be a birthday party for the books—nay, the stage? Expect music by Mood Jungle, an open mic with performances by Petaluma Shakespeare Company, Bard-themed trivia, prizes and cake! Local actor Jeffrey Weissman—famous for his roles in Back to the Future I and II—will MC the event and bring the snickers and soliloquies. This is a whole family affair, so come one, come all; any age is welcome. Read or perform a favorite sonnet, scene or soliloquy to honor the Bard! The more theatrical the delivery, the better. Event is Saturday, April 23, 2:30-4:30pm. Grand Central Cafe, 226 Weller St., Petaluma.
Mill Valley
Earth Day
This Sunday, join the Mill Valley Community Center at Earth 2050, an event celebrating Earth Day and working to build a better world! Featuring art, games, environmentally-oriented talks, food and music, this is a family-friendly festival. Earth 2050 invites people of all ages to imagine a more just and sustainable world by the year 2050. Playful activities will teach simple actions available to protect the future, such as using clean energy, eating sustainably, living lightly and building healthy communities. Featured musicians include Maria Muldaur and the Red Hot Bluesiana Band, as well as Matt Jaffe, Reed Fromer, the Shady Ladies and the Freedom Singers. Participating artists include Tom Killion, Tess Felix, young creators and many more. Free registration required. Children under 13 are welcome, but recommend they be accompanied by an adult. No dogs allowed. Event is at the Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley. 1-5pm. Tickets free, registration required. Visit eventbrite.com to purchase. Donations recommended. With questions, email te**@gr*********.net .
