Sonoma Plaza is set to welcome SMASH, a new fast-casual spot specializing in smashburgers and fried chicken sandwiches, debuting in May 2026 at 497 First Street West.

The venture comes from chef Ari Weiswasser and partner Spencer Waite of Glen Ellen Star and Stella, known for elevating Sonoma’s dining scene.

This creative duo is bringing their signature quality and flair to a more playful and accessible concept.

Guests can expect juicy burgers with crisp edges, golden fried chicken sandwiches, hand-cut fries, thick shakes, and inventive cocktails, all offered at approachable prices near $9 to $10 for a burger.

SMASH will occupy the historic Taub Family Outpost’s ground floor with dine-in, takeout, and convenient access for the upstairs bar, The Beacon.

With locals anticipating fresh, top-notch comfort food, SMASH aims to become Sonoma Plaza’s new crave-worthy gathering place.

Sonoma Raceway will ignite with excitement from April 24 to 26, 2026, as Racing America brings a spectacular weekend of historic car racing to California’s wine country.

Fans can marvel at the fierce Trans Am machines, boasting 850 horsepower, as they tackle the iconic 12-turn, 2.52-mile circuit.

The lineup features a striking mix of classic Corvettes, Alfas, Porsches, Historic Formula 1, and Indy cars, promising a vibrant celebration of motorsport history.

Saturday begins with the popular Hagerty Cars & Caffeine car show, where visitors can get up close to vintage and classic gems before the high-speed action unfolds.

Beyond the racetrack, guests enjoy access to the paddock, garage, engaging vendor booths, driver meet-and-greets, and interactive simulators, making for an immersive weekend experience.

Set amid Sonoma’s lush vineyards, this event is perfect for families, car lovers, and adventurers alike.

Sonoma County bursts with color as spring ushers in a remarkable wildflower bloom across hillsides and meadows.

California poppies, lupines, and goldfields paint the landscape, inviting locals to explore scenic trails like Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Hood Mountain, and Spring Lake.

Recent rains have set the stage for an especially brilliant season, perfect for hikers of all abilities.

Guided wildflower walks are available, including private, health-focused hikes from Hotel Healdsburg with coach Karen Austin through May 2026, complete with a picnic lunch.

The Sonoma Ecology Center also hosts educational tours led by local naturalists.

Download the Wildflowers of Sonoma County guide to enhance your adventure and identify native blooms.

Remember to bring your camera, stick to marked trails, and respect nature’s wonder, ensuring blossoms flourish year after year.

Now is the moment to savor Sonoma County’s springtime masterpiece.

The Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival returns to Sonoma County from April 9 to 12, 2026, offering an immersive experience for documentary fans.

Celebrated for its dynamic and inclusive programming, the festival highlights urgent social topics, environmental issues, and deeply human stories from around the world.

Attendees can enjoy thought-provoking films, interactive panels, and lively Q&A sessions with filmmakers, all designed to spark conversation and connection.

The event has grown since 2007 to receive more than 700 entries from over 60 nations, reflecting its global reach and dedication to powerful storytelling.

As an Oscar®-qualifying festival for short documentaries, Sebastopol is recognized for championing filmmaking excellence.

Whether you’re an activist, cinephile, or simply drawn to stories that matter, the festival invites you to be part of a vibrant community and unforgettable cinematic journey.

A look at how Sonoma feels after the film festival weekend, why the audience awards mattered, and what the post-festival energy says about spring in town.

As March ends, Sonoma Valley is moving back into market-and-outdoor season. Here’s why that shift matters for locals right now.

Kenwood Vineyards’ tasting room closure is more than a business headline — it reflects the kind of change Sonoma Valley keeps working through.

A high-profile chef’s upcoming smashburger concept has people talking for a reason: Sonoma still notices when casual dining gets an ambitious new twist.

Late March is one of Sonoma’s most balanced seasons: greener than summer, easier than harvest, and ideal for both locals and weekend visitors.

A low-stress Sonoma weekend itinerary for visitors who want good food, a few tastings, and enough breathing room to actually enjoy the place.

A simple spring strategy for food-and-wine days in Sonoma: fewer stops, better pairings, and enough time to enjoy the surroundings.

Petaluma keeps showing up in Sonoma Valley conversations for a reason: it makes an easy, low-pressure side trip when locals want a different pace.

The Garagiste Festival: Northern Exposure returns to Sonoma for its eighth year on May 2, 2026, spotlighting over 30 micro-production wineries from Northern California.

This lively event takes place at Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall, just steps from downtown Sonoma Plaza.

Wine lovers can explore more than 100 different wines made from over 20 grape varieties, with participating wineries representing famed regions like Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, and Amador County.

An exclusive “Rare and Reserve Early Access” tasting from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. will highlight library and reserve wines.

The “Grand Tasting” follows, offering samples from artisan vendors along with complimentary cheese and charcuterie.

A Silent Wine Auction will benefit the Garagiste Festival Scholarship at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, supporting the next generation of California winemakers.

Tickets are limited and expected to sell out quickly.

Discover Sonoma Speakeasy, the local favorite on Sonoma Plaza offering live music, karaoke, and an authentic neighborhood bar experience that tourists haven't found yet.

This week's lineup at Sonoma Speakeasy features live music every night including Old Skool with Niecey Robinson, Ariel Marin Band, Sunday Jazz, and Karaoke Thursdays.

Passport to Dry Creek Valley returns April 25-26, 2026, with 25+ wineries offering special tastings, food pairings, live music, and exclusive access during this beloved Sonoma County wine festival.

The Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience returns May 14-17, 2026, featuring 50+ wineries, top Sonoma County chefs, grand tastings, winemaker dinners, and culinary workshops in beautiful Healdsburg.

Hanson of Sonoma Distillery stands out in Sonoma with organic grape-based vodka, real-fruit infusions, and visitor tastings that offer a different kind of wine country experience.

Gehricke Wines offers a fresh way to explore Sonoma County wine, with small-lot bottlings and a tasting room experience rooted right in the town of Sonoma.

Thursday night Tai Chi at Sonoma Community Center gives locals a gentle, beginner-friendly way to slow down, improve balance, and reset after the day.