Petaluma
Saving Senior Dogs Week
The seventh annual Saving Senior Dogs Week, presented by Lily’s Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary, runs Oct. 25–31, shining a national spotlight on the challenges—and the charm—of older dogs in need of homes. Throughout the week, senior dog rescues from across the country will share hundreds of heartwarming adoption stories and vital information on social media to raise awareness and funds for their lifesaving work. Founded in Petaluma, Lily’s Legacy champions the cause of homeless senior dogs, the most at-risk group in overwhelmed shelters. Encouragingly, adoptions are trending upward: Over the past decade, the number of U.S. households with dogs older than seven has grown from 42% to 52%. Still, advocates say, more adopters and donors are needed to give these loyal companions the second chance they deserve. Learn more or get involved at lilyslegacy.org.
Sebastopol
Wreckless Monsoon
Bay Area jam favorite New Monsoon returns to HopMonk Sebastopol’s Abbey stage for a night of electric energy and soulful grooves, presented by KC Turner. Opening the show is Wreckless Strangers, whose “Bay Area Gumbo” sound stirs together blues, Americana, funk and classic rock. Together, the two bands promise an evening of musicianship and homegrown rhythm straight from the Bay Area’s beating heart. 7pm doors, 8pm show, Saturday, Oct. 25, HopMonk Sebastopol (The Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave. Tickets $22 at hopmonk.com/livemusic.
Fairfax
Fairfax Irish Fest
The spirit of Ireland comes alive across downtown Fairfax as pubs, cafés and community spaces host a weekend of live Celtic music and dance. The Fairfax Irish Festival brings together musicians and dancers from across the Bay Area for three days of toe-tapping tunes and good cheer in eight walkable venues—including the Fairfax Pavilion. Most events are family-friendly and free. 1–10pm, Saturday, Oct. 25 (also Oct. 24 & 26), downtown Fairfax, 2001 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Free. fairfaxirishfestival.com.
Woodacre
Mindfulness of Death
Spirit Rock Meditation Center hosts a multi-day retreat exploring Mindfulness of Death (maraṇasati)—a Buddhist practice of embracing impermanence to awaken more fully to life. Led by teachers Eugene Cash, Victoria Cary, Frank Ostaseski and Hakim Tafari, the retreat combines mindful awareness, compassion, guided visualization and contemplative inquiry to deepen appreciation for the fleeting nature of existence. 2:30–9pm, Saturday, Oct. 25 (continues through Oct. 28), Spirit Rock Meditation Center, 5000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Woodacre. $665–$1,050. bit.ly/3JiVVGR.
