Things to Do in Healdsburg
August in Healdsburg is the last, unhurried stretch of summer. The vines along Dry Creek and Alexander Valley hang heavy and hum toward harvest, the plaza fountain runs warm into the evening, and a bend of the Russian River is still the coolest seat in town. Before the first crush trucks roll and the kids head back to class, here is a full month worth stepping out for — riverside afternoons, three nights a week of live music, farmers’ market peaches, outdoor Shakespeare, and long dinners under the twinkle lights.
These come straight from the people who run them — the City of Healdsburg, the Chamber of Commerce, the Raven Theater, local wineries, the school district, and our neighborhood parks. The standing weekly favorites are gathered up top, and the one-time and limited events are sorted by date so you can plan every week of the month. Everything below takes place in and around Healdsburg.
All August Long
Standing weekly favorites — music three nights a week, markets twice a week, and a river to cool off in every day.
Swim the Russian River at Veterans Memorial Beach
The seasonal dam is in and the beach is graded, turning this stretch of the Russian River into Healdsburg’s summer living room. Lifeguards are on duty daily and swim zones are marked through Labor Day, with free loaner life jackets, lawns, and shady picnic tables — ideal for one more warm-weather plunge before fall. Weekend parking fills by midday, so come early.
Healdsburg Certified Farmers’ Market
Founded in 1978 and one of California’s original twenty-two certified markets, it has settled into its new home a short stroll from the plaza. August is peak bounty: heirloom tomatoes, Dry Creek peaches, flowers, cheese, and just-picked everything, plus live music and cooking demos — and keep an eye out for the market’s late-summer traditions like the zucchini races and the great salsa contest.
Tuesdays in the Plaza Summer Concerts
The town’s beloved free concert series plays out its final weeks in the plaza — bring a blanket and a bottle and dance in the warm evening. August’s lineup: Burrows & Dilbeck (Aug 4), Cassie B (Aug 11), Banda Potrero (Aug 18), and a season finale from Neil Diamond tribute Super Diamond on Aug 25.
Sundays in the Plaza Afternoon Concerts
A mellower, picnic-friendly companion to the Tuesday series: relaxing Sunday afternoons of local music in the plaza. The season wraps mid-month, with concerts on Aug 2, Aug 9, and Aug 16. Bring a chair or blanket; please note no alcohol at the Sunday shows.
Wilson Artisan Wineries Summer Music Series
Every Friday evening the Wilson family of wineries hosts live music in rotation at estates around Healdsburg — Soda Rock, Mazzocco, St. Anne’s Crossing, deLorimier, Coyote Sonoma and more — with gourmet food carts on site. Lawn seating is by reservation. August Fridays land on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th; check the schedule for each week’s band and host winery.
Live Music & Dancing at Coyote Sonoma
Healdsburg’s downtown destination for dancing pairs a working winery and craft-beer bar with a real dance floor and a steady run of tribute bands, country line-dancing nights, and cover-band parties. Check their calendar for August show dates and grab tickets ahead.
Tacos Y Vino Thursdays at Arandas
A standing weekly deal at this downtown taqueria: four-dollar tacos — California, al pastor, chicken tinga, or calabaza — and seven-dollar pours from a rotating selection of red, white, and sparkling wine. Available all day, so come whenever is clever.
Weekend Mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Tucked into the heart of downtown, this historic parish has been a gathering place for generations and warmly welcomes both longtime parishioners and visitors passing through wine country. All are invited to any of the weekend Masses.
Mark Your Calendar
One-time and limited events, in the order they happen — first week to last.
Much Ado About Nothing — Summer Shakespeare
The Raven Players stage Shakespeare’s wittiest romance outdoors at Bacchus Landing, wine close at hand — a very Healdsburg way to spend a summer evening. The run closes the first week of August, so catch a remaining night. Bring a layer for the after-sunset chill.
Harvested & Handcrafted Dinner at Bricoleur Vineyards
Executive Chef Todd Knoll builds a multi-course, garden-to-table dinner around estate produce and local purveyors, with each course paired to a Bricoleur wine. An intimate celebration of farm-to-table wine-country living — and just twenty seats.
Yappy Hour on the Terrace at Rodney Strong
A dog-friendly happy hour on the Terrace: sip Rodney Strong wines by the glass or bottle while your well-behaved, leashed pup enjoys complimentary treats. Held in partnership with the American Humane Society, so you can raise a glass and a paw for a good cause. Two August dates — the 2nd and the 16th.
Healdsburg City Council Meetings
The council meets the first and third Monday of the month — in August, that falls on the 3rd and the 17th. Agendas are posted ahead of each meeting and public comment is welcome, whether you come in person or follow along from home.
ARTNITE Healdsburg Gallery Walk
A first-Thursday stroll through more than twenty downtown galleries. Pick up an “artnite” passport at any gallery, collect stamps as you go, then flash it at participating restaurants and wineries for a pour, a treat, or a special perk.
August Family Night at Bricoleur Vineyards
A relaxed, kid- and dog-friendly evening on the estate: welcome bubbles, a seasonal buffet, and open seating under the twinkle lights or out among the vines. Young-adult and child tickets keep it easy for the whole family.
Jordan Winery Parisian Pop-Up Dinner Series
The chateau’s French-inspired pop-up returns for two August seatings in the serene Bacchus Courtyard and Terrace, pairing summery, Paris-leaning fare with Jordan’s estate wines. Reservations are through the winery’s events page and mailing list.
Who Will Dance with Pancho Villa? — Extended Run
Back by popular demand and strong community support, the Raven Players restage their original play for a two-week run on the historic Raven stage downtown — a homegrown production only-in-Sonoma-County theater fans won’t want to miss.
Single Vineyard Dinner at Rodney Strong
An evening dedicated to Rodney Strong’s celebrated single-vineyard Cabernets from the Alexander’s Crown, Rockaway, and Brothers estate vineyards — tasting new releases alongside a few stellar older vintages, paired with a locally sourced, farm-to-table menu.
New School Year Begins — Healdsburg Unified
The district’s 2026–27 calendar is board-approved and classes return in mid-August across Healdsburg’s elementary, junior high, and high school campuses. Check the official HUSD calendar for your school’s exact first-day date and bell schedule before the morning rush.
Summer Sundowner at Lambert Bridge Winery
A locals’ hangout in the Dry Creek Valley garden: live music from area artists, bottle service, and wood-fired pizzas available for purchase — an easygoing way to send off the workweek. Open to members and the public.
Wine Cocktail Class at Rodney Strong
Step behind the bar for a hands-on class: mix two signature low-alcohol cocktails built from Rodney Strong’s award-winning wines, guided by a mixologist on the stage overlooking the Event Green. A fun twist on happy hour — great for a girls’ night or date night.
