Sebastopol
Life of Pie
The Gravenstein Apple Fair has always celebrated Sonoma County’s signature fruit, but this August the pie bakers take center stage. Open to home bakers of all ages, the annual Gravenstein Apple Pie Contest invites contestants to bring their best creations—made exclusively with Sonoma County-grown Gravenstein apples—for an afternoon of friendly competition. Entries are judged on everything from aroma and crust to filling and overall flavor, with separate youth and adult divisions and prizes from Sebastopol Hardware. Winners will be announced at the Farm Bureau Arena, where this year’s festivities also honor the legacy of Betty Carr of Mom’s Apple Pie in Sebastopol. Those who would rather leave the rolling pin at home can catch Saturday’s Professional Great Gravenstein Bake-Off, where some of Sonoma County’s leading chefs and pastry pros put a creative spin on the county’s most celebrated apple. Professional Great Gravenstein Bake-Off, Saturday, Aug. 8; Community Apple Pie Contest judging begins 11:30am, Sunday, Aug. 9, at Gravenstein Apple Fair, Ragle Ranch Regional Park, Sebastopol. Pie contest registration deadline noon, Friday, July 31; pies due by 11am Sunday, Aug. 9. Fair admission required. More information at gravensteinapplefair.com.
Glen Ellen
Young Talent Night
The next great local musician has to start somewhere, and Sonoma Botanical Garden is once again handing over the microphone. Young Talent Night invites solo performers and duos ages 21 and under to take the stage during the garden’s weekly Acoustic Sunsets series, offering aspiring musicians a chance to perform in one of Sonoma Valley’s most picturesque outdoor settings. New this year, School of Rock Santa Rosa’s co-owner Josh Walden will emcee the evening, while a professional sound system ensures every performer gets the full concert treatment. Between sets, visitors can enjoy live music, local wine, family activities and the garden’s Spirit Guides sculpture exhibition, making this as much a summer celebration as a showcase for emerging talent. 5:30–7:30pm, Wednesday, July 22, at Sonoma Botanical Garden, 12841 Hwy. 12, Glen Ellen. Performers (ages 21 and under) should arrive between 5 and 5:15pm to sign up for limited performance slots. Included with garden admission; free for members. More information at sonomabg.org.
Tiburon
Gabby’s Big Screen
For kids who have only visited Gabby’s world through a television screen, this is a chance to step inside it on a much bigger canvas. Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie arrives at Cinelounge Tiburon as part of the new “Movies on Main” summer series, a weekly program offering complimentary family matinees sponsored by NorCal Plastic Surgery. In the film, Gabby’s road trip with Grandma Gigi goes delightfully sideways after her beloved dollhouse falls into the hands of an eccentric cat enthusiast, sending Gabby and her feline friends on a colorful rescue mission. The screening is one of six family films in the series, which pairs new theatrical releases with beloved classics to create a new Wednesday afternoon tradition for Marin families. 3:30pm, Wednesday, July 22, at Cinelounge Tiburon, 40 Main St. Complimentary admission; advance reservations recommended. $3.50 online booking fee applies. More information at cineloungefilm.com.
Corte Madera
‘Beautiful’ Debut
British author Ben Reeves discusses his debut, Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt, during a special virtual event hosted by Book Passage. Winner of the 2024 Bath Novel Award in manuscript form and already named one of the summer’s most anticipated books by People, Goodreads and BuzzFeed, the novel has generated early enthusiasm for its emotional depth and literary ambition. Reeves joins readers live from the U.K. for a conversation about the book, writing across disciplines and the long journey from award-winning manuscript to international debut. Signed copies are available for attendees. 9:30am, Saturday, July 25. Virtual event hosted by Book Passage. Free with registration. More information at bookpassage.com.
