Things to Do inNorth Bay, CA in July 2026

Pack the blankets and bring the whole crew — Windsor’s beloved free outdoor movie series returns every Tuesday night through August 4 at the Windsor Town Green. A fun, relaxed, community tradition that draws families from across the North Bay for open-air screenings in the warm summer air. Grab a bite from local food vendors, set up your lawn chairs early, and enjoy the show under the stars. One of the most charming small-town summer activities in Sonoma County — and it won’t cost you a dime.

One of Sonoma Valley’s most acclaimed cultural events returns for its 12th season. This year’s theme — “Postcards from Dvořák” — traces the 19th-century composer’s artistic journey across Europe and America, performed on historical instruments. Co-founded by cellist Tanya Tomkins and pianist Eric Zivian, the festival features world-class musicians including violinists Rachell Ellen Wong and Jennifer Frautschi, the Amizia Quartet, and more. Programs include pay-what-you-wish outdoor concerts, a family program at the Sonoma Community Center, and intimate mainstage concerts concluding with complimentary wine receptions. Named Best Chamber Music Festival by San Francisco Classical Voice.

Petaluma’s popular Art & Garden Festival brings together local crafters, artisans, and gardeners alongside live music on two stages, while local wineries, breweries, restaurants, and specialty food vendors offer tastings throughout the day. Browse handcrafted goods, pick up something beautiful for your home, and sip your way through the best of South County’s food-and-drink scene — all in one laid-back Sunday setting. Petaluma’s thriving arts community makes this one of the most vibrant summer festival days in the North Bay.

An intimate, relaxed, and upbeat celebration, the Petaluma Music Festival brings an exceptional variety of live music for people of all ages to Petaluma on a warm summer Saturday. Premium wine tasting, fine craft beers, and specialty food vendors make it as much a culinary event as a musical one. This beloved community festival has earned a reputation for showcasing both established and emerging musicians in a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere — one of the North Bay’s most charming ways to spend a July afternoon and evening.

Baseball doesn’t get more authentically American than a summer night at Recreation Park in Healdsburg. The Healdsburg Prune Packers — a collegiate summer baseball institution since 1921 — are back-to-back Pacific Empire League Champions (2024 & 2025) and play out their summer schedule through July and into August. This is college-level talent in a century-old ballpark surrounded by wine country hills, with great grandstands, real baseball food, and one of the most community-spirited crowds you’ll ever sit in. A genuine North Bay tradition that money can’t manufacture. Check the schedule and go to a game.

The Russian River is the North Bay’s ultimate summer playground. In July, the river corridor from Healdsburg to Jenner comes alive with kayakers, canoeists, swimmers, and sunbathers. Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville is the classic summer swimming destination — calm water, sandy banks, kayak rentals available. The Sonoma County Regional Parks River Shuttle runs weekends and holidays from El Molino High School in Forestville to Steelhead and Sunset beaches, eliminating parking headaches for just $5. Kids ride free. Combine a river day with a visit to Armstrong Redwoods nearby for one of the best all-around North Bay experiences imaginable.