Calistoga
Art Outing
Given the natural beauty of the North Bay, many local artists practice “plein air” art, in which they paint landscapes and nature outdoors. This week, the Calistoga Art Center gathers these artists for the sixth annual Plein Air Paint Out. Celebrating the Napa Valley’s autumnal colors, the three-day painting competition invites artists of all skill levels to step outside, complete a new painting and submit the work for judging and an art sale. The Plein Air Paint Out runs Friday to Sunday, Nov. 5–7, with the exhibit and sale on Nov. 7, noon to 4 p.m., at 1435 N Oak St., Calistoga. Get details at Calistogaartcenter.org.
Novato
Harvest Time
Presented by Trek Winery and Pods Brews, the Novato Harvest Festival returns to town for an outdoor afternoon of family friendly fun. The seasonal celebration features award-winning wines, craft brews and food trucks to feed the masses while they enjoy activities like the massive grape stomp competition and games. All the while, local bands like the Humdinger Band, Factor 11, Sonoma Shakers and the Doc Kraft Band rock the festival stage on Saturday, Nov. 6, at Trek Wine, 1026 Machin Ave., Novato. 12:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. $15–$20; kids free. Tickets include commemorative glass and four tastings. Trekwines.com.
Santa Rosa
Have a Blast
Anchored by the Santa Rosa Arts Center, the SOFA Santa Rosa Arts District presents its popular homegrown Winterblast festival to kick off the holiday season this week. The kid-friendly evening street festival rolls out its signature round-the-block parade of decorated couches, and the district’s array of galleries and businesses offer open studios. The event also boasts food and drink, live music and theater, and other winter-themed street entertainment. Winterblast returns to the SOFA arts district on Saturday, Nov. 6, at 312 South A St., Santa Rosa. 5 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Free. santarosaartscenter.org.
Santa Rosa
New Classical
A conductorless chamber ensemble performing both classic and newly commissioned works, New Century Chamber Orchestra returns to the stage for a 2021-2022 season of concerts throughout the Bay Area. This weekend, New Century welcomes acclaimed cellist Jeffrey Zeigler for a performance featuring contemporary works for solo cello, percussion, electronics and strings. The concert includes the world premiere of New Century’s recent co-commission piece, Last Year, a concerto for cello by Mark Adamo on Sunday, Nov. 7, at Osher Marin JCC, 200 N San Pedro Rd, San Rafael. 3 p.m. $15 and up. Ncco.org.
—Charlie Swanson
