Key Highlights

• Sonoma County offers a vibrant live music scene for every taste, from large concert halls to intimate pubs.
• Discover top-tier venues like the Green Music Center and the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts for major performances.
• Explore local nightlife with regular live music at spots like HopMonk Tavern and The Big Easy.
• Many venues combine food, craft beers, and entertainment, creating the perfect night out.
• Enjoy a variety of genres, including classical, jazz, rock, and blues throughout the week.
• The Bay Area's proximity provides easy access to even more live entertainment options in San Francisco.

Introduction

Welcome to Sonoma County, a region celebrated not just for its wine but for its incredible live music and entertainment scene. From the bustling streets of Santa Rosa to the charming corners of smaller towns, you'll find a performance to match your mood. Whether you're looking for a world-class orchestra, a lively local band at a brewery, or a laugh-out-loud comedy show, the options are endless. Get ready to explore the best places to experience the rhythm and energy of Sonoma County's nightlife.

Discover the Top 10 Live Entertainment Venues in Sonoma County

Are you ready to find your new favorite spot for a night out? Sonoma County is packed with amazing venues that bring the best in live music and performance to the heart of wine country. You can find everything from grand concert halls to cozy, rustic taverns with weekly shows.

This guide will walk you through the top destinations for live entertainment. Prepare to discover places that offer not only fantastic performances but also great food, local brews, and unforgettable atmospheres. Let's get started on your journey through Sonoma's lively arts scene.

1. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (Santa Rosa) – Concerts, Comedy, Family Shows, Upcoming Performances, Venue History

Located in Santa Rosa, the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts is a premier nonprofit venue that celebrates both performing and visual arts. This recently renovated center offers a year-round calendar of special events, including music, theater, dance, and stand-up comedy. The 1,625-seat Ruth Finley Person Theater is designed to give every guest a great view, creating an intimate experience for all live music performances.

This venue is an excellent choice for family-friendly entertainment. The family fun series even includes pre-show art and crafts and opportunities to meet the cast afterward. As a hub for regional talent, it's home to three resident theater companies that stage classic and contemporary productions. To see what's coming up, you can check the center's official website for the latest schedule.

• Venue: Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
• Location: Santa Rosa
• Event Types: Concerts, theater, dance, comedy, lectures, family shows

List of all events can be found here: https://lutherburbankcenter.org/events/list/

2. Green Music Center at Sonoma State University (Rohnert Park) – Classical, Jazz, Public Events, Event Calendar, Venue Story

The Green Music Center on the Sonoma State University campus is a world-class destination for music lovers. Yes, it is open to the public for a wide range of live shows! The center is home to the stunning 1,400-seat Weill Hall, known for its incredible acoustics and bright, open design. For more intimate performances, the 240-seat Schroeder Hall offers a cathedral-like setting.

During the summer months, the back of Weill Hall opens to a terraced lawn, allowing you to enjoy picnics while listening to the performance. The programming is diverse, featuring everything from symphony orchestras and classical music to jazz, bluegrass, and world music. The Santa Rosa Symphony also presents a classical concert series here from October to May.

Here is a list of all events: https://gmc.sonoma.edu/all-events/

3. HopMonk Tavern (Sebastopol) – Live Music, Food & Drink, Nightlife, Weekly Gigs, Local Legacy

If you're looking for a place with regular live music, HopMonk Tavern in Sebastopol is a must-visit. This venue perfectly combines craft beers, elevated pub grub, and lively weekly concerts. Whether you're inside the cozy, rustic tavern or outside in the charming beer garden with its string lights and fire pits, you're guaranteed a fantastic night of entertainment.

The tavern has a strong local legacy for consistently good times and great music. It's a cornerstone of Sebastopol's nightlife scene, drawing in both locals and visitors. HopMonk also owns the Twin Oaks Roadhouse in Penngrove, which hosts its own lineup of live music and free karaoke nights. This makes it a go-to spot for anyone seeking food, drinks, and tunes in one place.

• Venue: HopMonk Tavern
• Location: Sebastopol and Sonoma and Novato (Marin County)
• Event Types: Live music concerts
• List of events can be seen here: https://www.hopmonk.com/livemusic

4. Mystic Theatre (Petaluma) – Rock, Blues, Community Events, Upcoming Acts, Historic Setting

Petaluma is a hotspot for nightlife in Sonoma County, boasting numerous venues that feature live performances. While specific details on the historic Mystic Theatre aren't in our current guide, the city's vibrant scene is undeniable. You can find a variety of music, from rock and blues to jazz and funk, echoing through its streets on any given night.

Venues like The Big Easy and Lagunitas Brewing Co. are central to Petaluma’s entertainment landscape. These places showcase an eclectic mix of bands and offer everything from big-name acts in a summer concert series to nightly jazz sessions. This energy makes Petaluma a prime destination for anyone looking to enjoy live music.

A historic setting like the one the Mystic Theatre is known for adds a unique character to any performance. Exploring Petaluma's downtown, you'll feel the rich history that makes its entertainment venues, both old and new, so special and appealing for a memorable night out.

Here is a list of events at the Mytic: https://mystictheatre.com/calendar/

and while you're in Petaluma you might a well check out the Phoenix Theater.

Here is list of their events: https://www.thephoenixtheater.com/

5. The Big Easy (Petaluma) – Dinner Shows, Jazz, Open Mic, Weekend Lineup, Unique Atmosphere

Looking for a venue that offers both dinner and live music? The Big Easy in Petaluma is the perfect spot. This lively music club offers a variety of live entertainment every night of the week, creating a unique and energetic atmosphere. You can enjoy everything from a big band specializing in jazz on Wednesdays to a monthly flamenco dance night.

The Big Easy is connected to its sister restaurant, Speakeasy, which serves a full dinner menu late into the evening. You can snack on delicious food while taking in the sounds of the band. The cover charge is typically affordable, and the combination of great food and nightly music makes it a staple of Petaluma’s nightlife.

• Venue: The Big Easy
• Location: Petaluma
• Event Types: Nightly live music, jazz, flamenco
• List of events: https://bigeasypetaluma.com/events/

6. Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) for live performances and sporting events

Located in Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) serves as a vibrant hub for live performances and sporting events. The college boasts a rich history, having been established in 1918, and features venues like the Physical Education Building and the newly renovated events center. Upcoming events often include theatrical productions, music shows, and sporting events that cater to a diverse audience. The charm of SRJC lies in its intimate settings, celebrating local talent while fostering good times in the heart of Sonoma County.

Men and Women's Sports at SRJC include:

• Basketball
• Ice Hockey (at Snoopies Ice Arena)
• Swimming
• Wrestling
• Baseball
• Football

SoccerFor the current schedule of sporting events, go here: https://www.srjcathletics.com/landing/index

7. Graton Resort and Casino

Sonoma Counties newest Casino and Resort. Located in Rohnert Park, CA and easy access off Hwy 101.Lots of events all through out the year from concerts, comedy, UFC, and more. See their full calendar here:https://www.gratonresortcasino.com/dining-entertainment/#entertainment

BONUS! Sunday Swing Night

Sonoma County is known for its diverse special events, and a Sunday Swing Night would fit right in with the region's lively spirit. While this guide doesn't list a specific recurring swing night, many venues offer fantastic live music on Sundays, creating the perfect atmosphere for dancing and relaxing before the week begins.

For example, Monroe Hall in Santa Rosa, or the Flamingo as they have regular dances. Visit https://www.northbayswing.org/ for more details on where to swing dance.

8. 6th Street Playhouse in Downtown Santa Rosa

Downtown Santa Rosa is a vibrant core for live entertainment in Sonoma County. We are very proud to have 6th Street Playhouse here in Sonoma County. They have performances all year round.

To view their schedule you can do so here: https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/

And yes, it is located on 6th Street!

9. The Arlene Francis Center in Downtown Santa Rosa

The intersection of visual arts and live music creates some of the most memorable special events in Santa Rosa. The Arlene Francis Centerevolved from a historic 1896 Sperry Flour Mill, acquired in 1996 by the Arlene Francis Foundation to foster social change; after a partnership with New College of California (1997-2008), the Center officially opened in 2009 as a community hub for arts, culture, and education, providing a unique space for creative collaboration and progressive community building. 

Here is their events page: https://arlenefranciscenter.org/events/

10. The Flamingo Resort and Spa in Santa Rosa

For those seeking a more upscale experience, enjoying live music with cocktails at a resort is a fantastic way to spend an evening in Sonoma County. Take a trip back in time at the Flamingo Resort and Spa.

From the Press Democrat and the Flamingo website writes:

"Opened in 1957, the Flamingo Hotel brought star-studded, Las Vegas glamour to Sonoma County.

Some may consider the 1950s to be a sleepy, bucolic time for Sonoma County — but not if noted developer Hugh Codding had any say in the matter.

Among Codding’s most famous local developments is the Flamingo Hotel, opened in 1957 in east Santa Rosa, located just a half-mile north of his Montgomery Village shopping center, built in 1950.

Inspired by the hotel of the same name on the Las Vegas Strip, Codding made plans for the Redwood Empire’s first “garden hotel” — a midcentury modern oasis for travelers and those seeking a glitzy vacation close to home."

Here is a link to their events page: https://www.flamingoresort.com/events/

Bonus, Venues just outside of Sonoma County to see live entertainment

Nestled just beyond Sonoma County, the Green Music Center in Rohnert Park presents an array of performances, from classical concerts to contemporary live music shows. Nearby in San Francisco, the historic Castro Theatre hosts everything from nostalgic film screenings to special events, making it a beloved local gem. In Petaluma, Twin Oaks Roadhouse offers a cozy atmosphere for live music, featuring a calendar packed with various genres every weekend. These venues enhance the vibrant music scene just outside of Sonoma.

Chase Center in San Francisco to see a Golden State Warriors or Valkyries basketball game

While the most popular live entertainment venues in Sonoma County include the Green Music Center and Luther Burbank Center, a trip to San Francisco offers a different kind of excitement. The Chase Center is a modern arena that is home to major concerts and, most famously, the Golden State Warriors and Valkyries basketball teams. Warriors schedule is here: https://www.nba.com/warriors/schedule

Making the trip from Sonoma County to San Francisco is straightforward, allowing you to easily access these large-scale live events. An evening at the Chase Center provides an electrifying atmosphere that's perfect for sports fans and music lovers alike. It's an excellent way to supplement the local entertainment scene with a big-city experience.

Planning a visit is simple. You can pair a game or concert with dinner in the city before returning to the peacefulness of wine country.

Live Theater in San Francisco at the Orpheum, or The Golden Gate Theatre

In Sonoma County, venues like the Luther Burbank Center and Green Music Center host both music and other types of live entertainment, including theater and dance. However, for those craving the spectacle of a major Broadway production, San Francisco's theater district is just a drive away. Historic venues like the Orpheum and The Golden Gate Theatre are renowned for hosting touring Broadway shows.

These grand theaters offer a classic night-out experience, bringing the magic of large-scale musicals and plays to the Bay Area. A visit to see a show can be the highlight of a trip, offering a different but complementary experience to the intimate and regional productions found in Sonoma County.

Planning an evening of live theater in the city is a fantastic way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy world-class entertainment. The proximity of San Francisco makes it easy to enjoy the best of both worlds: the vibrant local arts of Sonoma and the blockbuster shows of the big city.

Visit Broadway SF for a list of current and upcoming events: https://www.broadwaysf.com/events/

Golden 1 Center in Sacramento to see a Sacramento Kings game

Beyond San Francisco, Sacramento offers another excellent option for large-scale live entertainment easily accessible from Sonoma County. The Golden 1 Center is a state-of-the-art arena that hosts a variety of major events, from high-profile concerts to the fast-paced action of a Sacramento Kings basketball game.

A trip to the state capital provides a change of scenery and a different array of entertainment choices. The energy of a live NBA game is an unforgettable experience and makes for a fun and exciting outing for families, friends, or any sports enthusiast.

Just like with San Francisco, the drive from Sonoma County to Sacramento is manageable for an evening event. This accessibility expands your entertainment options, ensuring you never have to miss out on seeing your favorite team or artist perform live.

Schedule for the Kings is here: https://www.nba.com/kings/schedule

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sonoma County is brimming with vibrant live entertainment venues that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From the iconic Luther Burbank Center for the Arts to the intimate atmosphere of HopMonk Tavern, each location offers unique experiences and a rich history that adds to the local culture. Whether you're a fan of concerts, comedy, or community events, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region. Don't miss out on upcoming performances and events; immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Sonoma County. For those interested in staying updated on events, consider booking a free consultation with our experts to help plan your next outing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find a calendar of live entertainment events in Sonoma County?

To find upcoming events in Sonoma County, it's best to check the official websites of the venues themselves. Those have been linked above in this article. Places like the Green Music Center, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, and Little Saint all maintain a detailed music calendar listing their special events and live entertainment schedules.

Are there venues in Sonoma County that offer both dinner and live music?

Yes, absolutely! Many restaurants and bars in Sonoma County offer both dinner and live music. Venues like The Big Easy in Petaluma, HopMonk Tavern in Sebastopol, and Little Saint in Healdsburg are great examples where you can enjoy a delicious meal while listening to fantastic live performances.

Is the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University open to the public for live shows?

Yes, the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University is open to the public for live shows. It hosts a wide variety of public events throughout the year, including performances by symphony orchestras, jazz artists, and world-renowned musicians, making it a cultural highlight in Sonoma County.

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