The California Indian Museum & Cultural Center is hosting a family night with Jacque Tahuka-Nunez, a master storyteller, teacher, singer, director,  writer & cultural consultant  who will share stories of her ancestors. [Read more →]

Enjoy FREE admission to the Schulz Muuseum all evening as they  celebrate ther Eighth Anniversary. Enjoy free ice cream cake from Cold Stone Creamery of Sonoma County starting at 5:30 pm (while supplies last).

August 5, 2010 5pm to 8 pm
Charles M. Schultz Museum
2301 Hardies Lane,  Santa Rosa

From 1812 to 1841 the settlement of Ross was home to Russians, Creoles, native Alaskans, Kashaya (Pomo) and the Coast Miwok. On Cultural Heritage Day, celebrations include Russian folk music, dance, musket and cannon and other demonstrations. You can purchase food and drink or bring your own picnic. It costs $20 per car, unless you have a Senior Citizen in your car; then it’s $15.  No dogs, please. For more info, call (707) 847-4777.

A sidenote: Viktor Vekselberga, a Russian billionaire, has pledged up to $1 million a year to keep Fort Ross open after California budget cuts closed it to the public. We came very close to losing this local gem.

Saturday July 24, 2010 10 am to 5 pm
Fort Ross State Historic Park, Jenner

The Children’s Museum of the North Bay Museum-on-the-Go turns the library into a hands-on science museum the whole family can enjoy together. Explore, learn and have fun playing with the various exhibits focusing on magnets, air pressure, electricity, and more.

The exhibits will be open to the public from 11 am-4 pm, with science demonstrations at 11am and 2 pm.  Museum-on-the-Go is coming to several local libraries this summer—here is the schedule:  [Read more →]

Cloverdale recently came in second in “Budget Travel’s America’s Coolest Small Town” contest  (Second to Ely, MN).  Cloverdale is a little off the beaten path compared to other towns in Sonoma County, but it has a lot going for it.

It’s the heart of the Alexander Valley wine country, a scenic valley with 26 wineries and 130 grape growers . It has free live music downtown on friday evenings. It has an annual outdoor scuplture exhibit.  It boasts the first fair every year (the Citrus Fair). It has free outdoor movies in Summer. In fact, Cloverdale knows how to have frugal fun. Here’s a look at ten free or cheap things to do in Cloverdale to get your explorations started. [Read more →]

The Cloverdale History Center is having an open house Friday, June 4, at 5:30 pm.  Drop by for wine, nibbles, and historical photos. Thanks to the Cloverdale Blog on the Press Democrat’s Your Town section for calling this to our attention.

This summer, more than 600 museums in all 50 states are offering free admission to active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 31, 2010, through Labor Day, September 6, 2010 to show their appreciation for those who are serving this nation. I didn’t  notice any in Sonoma County, but the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito  is on the list, and many of the San Francisco Museums are participating.  And if you have travel plans, there are museums  across the country offering this deal.

If you’re not in the military, but are thinking of planning a day trip or two to bay area museums this summer, you might want to check out this list of free days at bay area museums.

The Sonoma County Museum hosts a Free Family Day with arts and crafts for the family.
April 17, 2010 1 pm – 4 pm
Sonoma County Museum
425 7th Street, Santa Rosa
707-579-1500

Sometimes, it just gets so bad that you have to laugh. Luckily, author and economist Yoram Bauman is coming to the Charles M. Schulz Museum to speak and sign copies of his new book, The Cartoon Introduction to Economics: Volume 1.

The self-proclaimed first stand-up economist, Bauman entertains by combining the current economy with wit and humor. He makes the economy understandable and even funny. You might as well laugh, the only other option is to cry. Free with museum admission ($10 adults, $5  kids and seniors.)

March 27, 2010 2 pm to 4 pm
Charles M. Schulz Museum
2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa
707-579-4452

On Saturday February 27, there will be FREE admission to the Schulz Museum all day. At 11 am and 11:30 am, visitors can learn to swing and/or waltz (Schulz’s favorite dance) with Schulz’s dance teacher, Emily McAuliff.

And at 1 pm, author and comic collector Peter Maresca will discuss the history of comics and his books, which strive to collect and preserve our comic history. Maresca’s books include Little Nemo in Slumberland: So Many Splendid Sundays and Little Sammy Sneeze.

Charles M. Schulz Museum
2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa
(707) 579-4452