North Bay
Pizza Week
Did somebody say “tri-county pizza party?” Yeah, that’s right—it’s time to celebrate the best thing that has happened since sliced bread with the very first North Bay Pizza Week. From Jan. 8 to 19, food lovers from Marin, Sonoma and Napa will unite for 12 days of cheesy, saucy, crusty goodness. Inspired by pizza festivals nationwide, this event promises to be the perfect slice of local flavor, showcasing the talents of a number of North Bay chefs. Dozens of local restaurants will serve up special pies at prices that’ll make one’s mouth water and their wallet sigh in relief. From classic Margheritas to crazy new topping combos the world has never seen, Pizza Week celebrates the best things in life…pizza, creativity and community (all wrapped up in a crispy crust like a calzone). Whether one is a pepperoni purist or a pineapple enthusiast, they can mark their calendars because the first of many North Bay Pizza Weeks is coming to town. Stay tuned for the full list of participating restaurants and their exclusive menus at NorthBayPizzaWeek.com, and don’t forget to register at pizzaweek.paperform.co.
Sonoma
Tiny Trees
This winter, Sonoma Botanical Garden invites one to slow down and enjoy the calming beauty of tiny trees (aka bonsai) at The Bonsai Show: Wood and Stone, from Jan. 10 to March 30. The indoor exhibit will feature 20 bonsai contributed by the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society. These miniature trees are specially crafted from hand-chosen species such as Japanese black pine, Chinese elm and California redwoods. And if a collection of bonsai isn’t tempting enough, the show also includes an array of suiseki stones. For those who don’t know their rock formation art forms, suiseki is the Japanese art of stone appreciation through showcasing small, naturally formed stones that resemble and evoke the feeling of mountains, waterfalls and other natural landscapes. But that’s not all—guests are also invited to participate in interactive elements like the zen rock garden, where one can try their hand at raking. Plus, bonsai demonstrations and guided tours will allow visitors to dive into the art and care behind these miniature masterpieces. Is there a better way to kickstart 2025 than getting zen with bonsai and suiseki at the Sonoma Botanical Gardens? Don’t think so. sonomabg.org.
Mill Valley
Güero at the Sweetwater
If one is looking for a night of unique tunes and killer vibes, they may look no further. Sacramento’s Güero is playing at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley on Jan. 9, bringing their genre-bending mix of Americana, jazz and psych-rock straight to the North Bay. Güero’s success as a performance powerhouse really hit its stride with the release of their hit album, Wednesdays. Güero’s four members (Rik Krull, Shea Ritchie, Russell Volksen and Mike Ruiz) have been friends since their skate shop days, and their music reflects a shared love for all things subculture. From laid-back jams to high-energy improv, Güero’s live shows reflect years of playing together and evolving their sound. On top of playing fan favorites, Güero will also be previewing brand-new tracks from their upcoming 2025 album. sweetwatermusichall.org.
Healdsburg
Inspiration at Upstairs Art Gallery
Stairway to HeavenReady to start the new year with some seriously inspiring art? Whether the answer is yes, no or maybe so, one should still know that the Upstairs Art Gallery in Healdsburg is hosting a new exhibit entitled Sunlight and Shadows from Dec. 30 through Jan. 26. Sunlight and Shadows features two Sonoma County artists, both of whom use their artistic talent to bring together the beauty of nature and the power of women’s voices. The first artist is Linda Barretta, an impressionist oil painter whose work will transport its viewers straight into Sonoma’s landscapes. Barretta will be available for exhibition meet-n-greets Jan. 4, 8, 27 and 30. The second artist is Carmen Sheldon, with the thought-provoking contribution of Intersection: Women, Misogyny, Books and the Power of Education. Meet-n-greet days for Sheldon are Jan. 4, 8, 25 and 27. Likweise, one may come on out on their own or join the community’s Second Saturday Artwalk on Jan. 11 from 5:30-7pm and see 14 other Healdsburg galleries. To learn more, visit upstairsartgallery.net.
