sonoma
FREE!
October 2026
Pumpkin Pickin’
School Choice Education
Toddler Talk Language Goals
Cheddar’s Better Cheesy Recipe
Best-Ever Jack-o’-Lanterns
Evaluation
MYSTERIES OF THE LAGUNA TREATMENT PLANT
FREE SPOOKY OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, October 17 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Laguna Treatment Plant • 4300 Llano Road, Santa Rosa Free food & candy Activities for all ages
Learn more,
Tours (ages 10+, please RSVP)
SRCity.org/tourtheplant
Costumes encouraged Regional Partners
KARATE IS THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR CHILD Your child will develop unshakable confidence, deep integrity, discipline, laser sharp focus, exceptional fitness, rock solid self-respect, social maturity, resilience, improved grades and relief from stress. “My daughter has grown so much in her confidence and willingness to step forward and help.” —Justin Overshiner, Rosie age 4, Santa Rosa
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and Free Uniform for a Limited Time Call Now 707-575-1681 • Shotokan Karate Leadership School® visit our website AskAboutKarate.com • At the corner of Marlow and Piner Roads
Celebrate Halloween at Our City Parks! Floating Pumpkin Patch Saturday, Oct. 17 Ridgway Swim Center
Halloween at Howarth Saturday, Oct. 24 Howarth Memorial Park
Pumpkin Hunt Oct. 1-30 City Parks
SantaRosaRec.com | 707-543-3737 www.sonomafamilylife.com
October 2026
SonomaFamilyLife 3
October 2026
Publisher/Editor Sharon Gowan Sharon@family-life.us
Marketing/ Sales/Events Patricia Ramos 707 586-9562 x1 patty@family-life.us
Features Editor
18
Features 6
Cheddar’s Better Collection Comes from California
10 Open House Playbook Evaluating Your Child’s Next School
14 Toddler Talk What is ‘Normal’ Language Development?
18 Pumpkin Pickin’ Best-Ever Jack o’-Lantern Making
8
Out & About
Angel Jenkins angel@family-life.us
Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us
Contributing Writers Katy M. Clark Angel Jenkins Sarah Lyons
100th Anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh
Billing
Witness a Supercharged Circus
Publishing Office
It’s the Great Pumpkin 60th Anniversary Event
Jan Wasson-Smith P.O. Box 351 Philo, CA 95466 (707) 205 1539
Treatment Plant Hosts Halloween Open House Restoration Activities Set at Laguna de Santa Rosa Celebrate Beauty of Autumn at Annual Harvest Gathering
20 Calendar of Events
4 SonomaFamilyLife
October 2026
www.sonomafamilylife.com
PRONZINI PUMPKIN PATCH HALLOWEEN FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! SEPT. 26-OCT. 31 Wide variety of pumpkins Inflatable Jumpers Corn-Kernel Pit & Slide Haunted Village Western Village Kids Activities & More Field trips Birthday parties Live music saturday & sunday 12-4pm Monday-Thursday: 11am-6pm Friday-Saturday: 10am-7pm Sunday: 10am-6pm 3795 Adobe Road • Petaluma 707-778-3871 www.pronzinifarms.com/pumpkin-patch
Cooking with Kids
Cheddar’s Better Collection Comes from California
C
lover Sonoma® has launched its new California Cheese Collection, a full assortment of blocks, shreds, and slices. Spanning everyday favorites like medium cheddar and mozzarella to versatile picks like pepper jack and Mexican blend, the collection provides high-quality, locally sourced cheese in the formats families reach for most.
“It matters who your dairy comes from,” said Clover Sonoma CEO John Coletta. “And we’re excited to share a new line of cheese made with milk from family farms, at an affordable price that makes it an everyday staple. That’s what better dairy should mean.” With the launch of the California Cheese Collection, Clover Sonoma now has a presence across all major dairy and egg categories: milk, cream, butter, eggs, cheese, yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and ice cream.
Cheddar Biscuits 2 cups Bisquick or ready-made biscuit mix 2/3 cup milk 2/3 cup Clover Sonoma Medium Cheddar Cheese 4 tbsp salted butter, melted 1/4 tsp garlic powder 2 tsp honey 1 tsp fresh chopped parsley
Bake up these easy, cheesy, and flaky, cheddar biscuits using cheese from the new collection to make weeknight dinners even more delicious!
1. Preheat the oven to 425 F, and prepare the pan with parchment paper. 2. Place Bisquick, milk and cheddar in a large bowl and mix until dough forms. 3. Drop the dough into 1/4-cup sized mounds onto a baking sheet. 4. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. 5. Mix melted butter and parsley, brush on as soon as biscuits come out of the oven. Serve warm.
For a full list of retail locations, visit cloversonoma.com.
6 SonomaFamilyLife
October 2026
www.sonomafamilylife.com
Ghouls Ghouls just just wanna wanna have have fun fun at at Studio Studio
HAlloween party 10/12 9am-1pm
Schedule a free trial class!
Enjoy your day off from school at our spooktacular Halloween party! Text us for more info!
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studioWdance.org | (707) 228-2819
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1:1 relationship with a credentialed teacher Classroom & online instruction, libraries and services Personalized, engaging, interactive curriculum options
Our program is founded on the model of the educational team, which is the partnership between the student, parent or guardian, and the Pathways independent study teacher.
Community vendors & field trips Fully WASC accredited College & career preparatory
Scan here to enroll Now!
www.pathwayscharter.org
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October 2026
SonomaFamilyLife 7
Out & About
100th Anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh
J
ust in time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh, A Theater for Children presents a play that is a faithful, charming, and fast-paced trip into A. A. Milne’s classic The Hundred Acre Wood. Built specifically to showcase young, dynamic talent, the script transforms timeless bedtime tales into an interactive, physically expressive theatrical experience. Performances are Friday, October 30 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, October 31 at 1 and 3:30 p.m., with early-bird pricing through Thursday, October 15. Performances are at Kid Street Charter School Theater, 709 Davis St. at 8th St., Santa Rosa, near Railroad Square. Email admin@atheaterforchildren.com or visit atheaterforchildren.com for November performance information or to purchase tickets.
Witness a Supercharged Circus
MATT LONCAR
C
360 ALLSTARS
lover Sonoma Family Fun Series, 360 ALLSTARS, is set for Sunday, October 25 at 3:30 p.m. A phenomenal physical performance, 360 ALLSTARS delivers a supercharged urban circus, boasting world record-holding athletes and artists presenting extraordinary skills and talent that emerge from street culture. Add to this a stunning live soundtrack delivered by award-winning musicians and spectacular video projections for a magnificent and colorful expression of a generation that has reinvented the circus! Recommended for all ages, however, you know your child best. Run time is 75 minutes. Lap passes available day of the show, in-person at the ticket office for ages 2 and under. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts is located at 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. Learn more or purchase tickets at tinyurl.com/nfrztx8s.
It’s the Great Pumpkin 60th Anniversary Event
C
elebrate the 60th anniversary of the classic Peanuts Halloween special, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, with special guests, live music, crafts, and costume and mustache contests. At 2 p.m., hear behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the animated film and a fun analysis of the first spooky Peanuts score. Come dressed in a Peanuts-themed costume or sporting your best Vince Guaraldi and Bill Melendez mustache to win prizes starting at 3 p.m. Also, watch the special on the big screen, enjoy live music at 3:30 p.m., and explore hands-on crafts, including a printing activity with Arion Press. Saturday, October 17, from 1–5 p.m. Cost is included with admission. Free for members. The museum is located at 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. Find full details at tinyurl. com/5chpx7fp. 8 SonomaFamilyLife
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www.sonomafamilylife.com
Treatment Plant Hosts Halloween Open House
Trick-or-Treatment: Mysteries of the Laguna Treatment Plant
S
anta Rosa Water is opening its doors to the Laguna Treatment Plant for “Trick-or-Treatment: Mysteries of the Laguna Treatment Plant,” a free and spooky open house where the community can get a behind-the-scenes look at how wastewater is treated and learn more about the people, science, and equipment that help keep our community healthy and our waterways clean and protected. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged. There will be something for visitors of all ages, including spooky science, hands-on activities, equipment demonstrations, food, candy, giveaways, and more. Admission to the open house is free, and no RSVP is required to attend. Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Laguna Treatment Plant, 4300 Llano Rd., Santa Rosa. To register for specific tours, visit srcity.org/2898/Tour-the-Plant.
Restoration Activities Set at Laguna de Santa Rosa
T
he Laguna Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to restore and conserve the Laguna de Santa Rosa and to inspire appreciation for Sonoma County’s Wetland of International Importance. A variety of October events allow the public to support this mission. Thursday, October 8, is the free Community in Bloom: Botanical Drawing Activity from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, October 9, is Native Plant Garden Volunteer Day from 9 a.m.-noon. Saturday, October 10, is the Laguna Open House and Native Plant Sale from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, October 14 is free Fall Birding at Taylor Mountain Regional Park from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 15, is An Evening with Gloria Armstrong: Poetry, Film & Conversation, from 6-7 p.m. for a $10-$25 sliding scale admission. Wednesday, October 21, offers free Accessible Fall Birding at the Laguna Environmental Center from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Learn more at tinyurl.com/2fbrxa67 or lagunafoundation.org.
Laguna Foundation October Events
Celebrate Beauty of Autumn at Annual Harvest Gathering
MARIELLE CHUA
S
Harvest Festival
www.sonomafamilylife.com
onoma Ecology Center’s annual Harvest Festival is a joyful, family-friendly gathering that brings the community together in one of Sonoma’s most beloved green spaces. The Harvest Festival is held at Sonoma Garden Park, a community garden and public oasis just a few minutes from downtown Sonoma, stewarded by Sonoma Ecology Center. The festival features a full day of local music, hands-on workshops, kid-friendly activities and farm games, delicious local food and beverages, a pickle-making competition, and immersive nature experiences for all ages. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 3, at 19996 7th St. E, Sonoma, the event is free. Find the full schedule of events and register for activities as necessary at sonomaecologycenter.org/events. October 2026
SonomaFamilyLife 9
Open House Playbook Evaluating Your Child’s Next School
By Angel Jenkins
F
or families considering a change or preparing for a major milestone — like the transition to kindergarten, middle school, or high school — the school search begins long before the first day of class. Fall open houses and shadow days are just around the corner.
If you are touring campuses this October, you need a strategy to look past the marketing and see the real campus culture. Here is a checklist of what to evaluate, what to look for on a tour, and questions to ask. 1. The Classroom Dynamics: Class Sizes & Support. When you step into a classroom, look closely at the student-to-teacher ratios and how they affect the 10 SonomaFamilyLife
learning environment. A lower ratio often translates to more individualized attention, but you also want to see how welcoming and engaged the teachers are during active lessons. Ask how the curriculum and academic support systems are structured to help students who may be struggling or those who need extra enrichment. October 2026
Tour Question to Ask: “How do your teachers handle differentiated learning for students with varying academic needs within the same classroom?” 2. Community and Daily Life: Culture & Extracurriculars. A school’s environment is shaped by its community. Pay attention to the overall school culture and how students interact with one
Fall open houses and shadow days are just around the corner. another in the hallways, cafeteria, and common areas. A thriving campus life extends beyond academics, so look into the variety of extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports teams available to keep students plugged in. Tour Question to Ask: “What does student leadership look like here, and how do you handle peer-to-peer conflict or bullying?’ www.sonomafamilylife.com
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9-TIME WINNER : Best Private School in Sonoma County Rooted in Faith, Leadership, and Service since 1964 Take the first step in your high school journey . Begin Your Inquiry Today !
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October 2026
SonomaFamilyLife 11
3. The Practical Logistics: Care, Transit, & Communication. A great school must also fit into your family’s daily logistical reality. Inquire about the availability and reliability of before/after-school care and transportation options. Furthermore, find out how the administration handles ongoing communication with parents — whether through dedicated apps, weekly portals, or regular conferences — so you are never left in the dark about your child’s progress. Tour Question to Ask: “What is the typical response time parents can expect when reaching out to a teacher or administrator with a concern?”
4. The Bottom Line: Tuition & Financial Aid. Investing in private education requires clear financial planning. When evaluating tuition, fees, financial aid, and what’s included, be sure to ask for a transparent breakdown. Find out if the baseline tuition covers
A school’s environment is shaped by its community. textbooks, technology fees, field trips, athletic uniforms, and lunch programs, or if those will appear as separate line items later in the year.
tuition, and what percentage of your student body receives need-based financial aid?” Experts agree that autumn is the prime time for families to begin touring campuses, as applications for the following school year often open or feature deadlines in the winter. Resources used for this article may offer additional advice: GreatSchools, Public School Review, Our Kids, Finalsite, Parents Press, Ingenium Schools, Stamford American International School, and Navigate School Choice. ❖ Angel Jenkins is features editor of Family Life Magazine. Research assistance from Google AI was used for this article.
Tour Question to Ask: “Are there any mandatory fees outside of standard
Your Future Starts Here Complete your lower-division courses and move on to a four-year university
Apply Today Lake County Campus, Clearlake (707) 995-7900 • wcc.yccd.edu/lake 12 SonomaFamilyLife
October 2026
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IT’S NOT JUST GYMNASTICS, IT’S LEARNING FOR A LIFETIME!
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Begin YOUR Adventure Fencing, Archery & the Knightly Arts
En Garde Martial Arts Foundation 917 Piner Rd. Suite D, Santa Rosa (707) 596-3626 • www.egfencing.com
www.sonomafamilylife.com
October 2026
SonomaFamilyLife 13
Toddler Talk
What is ‘Normal’ Language Development? By Sarah Lyons
L
anguage development is an essential part of a child’s overall growth and development. It enables them to express their thoughts, needs, and emotions effectively. Toddlers who have good language skills are better equipped to interact with others and develop relationships. It can be concerning when your toddler isn’t talking as much as other children their age. However, every child develops at their own pace and there’s no need to panic if your little one is taking a bit longer to start talking. In fact, there are many things you can do to encourage your child’s speech and language development. Here are some tips and advice for parents of toddlers who won’t talk.
What’s normal? Try not to compare your child to their peers. Every child develops at their own pace. “Comparing is always hard because there’s such a wide range with kids’ development,” said Stephanie Loux, mom of three. “Being part of a mom’s group is helpful to see what peers are doing and talking with other moms is helpful.”
not say their first words until they are closer to 2 years old. In general, most toddlers will have a vocabulary of around 50 words by the time they are 20–24 months old. By the time they are three years old, they should be able to combine words into short phrases and sentences. If your child falls within this range, then their speech development is likely on track.
While some toddlers may start talking as early as 12 months, others may
Encourage speech development. If your toddler is
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not yet talking, there are a few things you can do to encourage their speech and language development. Make sure to talk to them often. Narrate your day as you go about your activities, describing what you’re doing and asking questions. This will expose your child to a wide range of vocabulary words and help them understand the structure of language. As you are driving, point out the
There are some signs that may indicate a possible speech delay. blue sky, the yellow school bus, or the big dog walking on the sidewalk. Use playtime as an opportunity to express feelings, describe options and actions, and talk about the world around you. Reading to your child every day is another great way to encourage speech development. Choose books with simple words and bright pictures that will capture their attention. Next steps. If your toddler is still not speaking at the age of 2–3, it may be a good idea to consult with a speech therapist. They can help assess your child’s speech and language development and provide techniques for you to use at home. Talk to your child’s teacher or pediatrician for a referral for an evaluation of your child’s speech. Many school districts offer free testing for preschool age children. It’s also a good idea to get your child’s hearing and vision screened. Hearing impairment can be a barrier for language development and the ability to imitate sounds. Vision impairment www.sonomafamilylife.com
Every voice belongs here. Child-led pediatric therapy that supports communication, connection, and confidence.
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Talk
Read
Sing
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¡Ser Bilingüe Es Un Superpoder! October 2026
SonomaFamilyLife 15
can make it hard to see the world around them which can interfere with language development. In the meantime, there are some simple speech therapy techniques that you can incorporate into your daily routine. For example, encourage your child to imitate actions and sounds, such as animal noises or simple actions like clapping or waving. You can also try playing games that involve using words, such as “Simon Says” or “I Spy,” or teaching them simple sign language. These activities can be fun for your child while also helping them develop their speech. Know the signs of a speech delay. While every child develops at their own pace, there are some signs that may indicate a possible
speech delay. If your toddler is not babbling by 12 months old or has a limited vocabulary of words by the age of 2, it may be worth consulting with your pediatrician. Other signs to watch out for include difficulty understanding simple instructions
There are many things you can do to encourage your child’s speech and language development. and trouble communicating basic needs and wants. In these cases, early intervention is key and seeking help from a professional can greatly benefit your child’s development.
It’s natural to be concerned if your toddler isn’t talking as much as their peers. You know your child best and if you feel there is a problem, it never hurts to have your child evaluated by a professional for guidance and support. “Trusting your gut and seeing your pediatrician or asking for a second opinion is the best way to be an advocate for your child,” said Loux. With patience, consistency, and love, you can help your toddler become a confident and expressive communicator. Remember to enjoy this special stage of their development and celebrate all the milestones along the way. ❖ Sarah Lyons and her husband, Justin, have been married for 20 years and have six children together.
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16 SonomaFamilyLife
Monday to Saturday, 7:30 to 5:30
Maggy’s Home Day Care 308 Burt St. Santa Rosa (707) 579-5877 www.maggyshomedaycare.net Lic#493005385 October 2026
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JOIN OUR LOVING FAMILY keep little bodies & brains active & learning!
PLAYTIME DAYCARE & PRESCHOOL www.facebook.com/PlaytimeDaycareAndPreschool
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LIBRARIES ARE FOR EVERYONE
Bring who you are. Discover who you could be. • Free books, music, movies, learning tools & databases • Connect & learn at community events & programming www.sonomafamilylife.com
• Use our WiFi, computers, printers & copiers • Borrow AV equipment & DIY toolkits • Get your high school diploma October 2026
sonomalibrary.org
SonomaFamilyLife 17
Pumpkin Pickin’ Best-Ever Jack-o’-Lantern Making
your jack-o’-lantern, aim for just a few days before Halloween. This will ensure that it does not decay too fast (boo, black spots!) and looks frightfully good on the big night.
I
Carving station — If you are lucky enough to set up a carving station outside, go for it. The mess from making a jack-o’-lantern is easier to handle on your patio or in your backyard than inside.
Picky, picky — The best selection in your local pumpkin patch will probably be available in early October. Of course, selecting your gourd at the grocery store is convenient any time. My kids have found some of their biggest, best pumpkins at the local store.
Try not to let your kids pick up the pumpkin by the stem. If the stem breaks off, it could take some of the outer pumpkin with it, making the inside rot faster.
No matter where you go, look for smooth pumpkins with no soft spots that indicate rot. It is also ideal to
Once you get your prized pumpkin home, store it uncarved in a cool, dry spot. When it is time to create
Never fear, though. Carving can be done indoors or out, especially with a well-prepared station. To make cleanup easier, go old school and line your tabletop with newspaper or cut open a plastic trash bag to spread over your surface. You will want to clean up quickly afterwards, too, since pumpkin flesh and seeds are super slippery.
By Katy M. Clark
t’s pumpkin time! How can you make sure you pick the perfect pumpkin and transform it into a boo-tiful jack-o’-lantern? Check out these handy tips with everything you need to know to create your family’s best-ever pumpkin.
18 SonomaFamilyLife
find one with a green stem, which means that the pumpkin has been freshly picked.
October 2026
Make it boo-tiful — Have you ever seen a jack-o’-lantern with black www.sonomafamilylife.com
lines on its face? I know when my family uses permanent markers to sketch our design, we are usually left with a couple mistakes that we must live with or cut out. Here’s a tip I wish I knew years ago: try sketching your lines with a dry erase marker instead as their marks are erasable on pumpkins. Or use a template that you can attach directly to the pumpkin as a guide. When it’s time to cut into your pumpkin, leave that to the adults as little ones should not handle anything sharp. Instead, give the kids big spoons or an ice cream scoop and let them scrape out the seeds. Save the seeds if you want to toast them later (more on that later).
Grown-ups, your goal should be to cut with short, controlled motions. Don’t forget to go slow! It’s not a race and you definitely want to avoid a serious hand injury.
If carving is more trick than treat for your family, then you can always paint your pumpkin instead. Note that you may need several coats to get the desired color and it can take a while for the paint to dry between coats.
Carving can be done indoors or out, especially with a well-prepared station.
Getting seedy — If you want to roast the seeds later, you’ll want to soak them in a big bowl of warm water. After swirling the seeds and attached goo around with your hands to separate them a bit, let them sit for at least five minutes. The goo sinks to the bottom while the seeds float to the top. Once dry, your seeds are ready for whatever sweet or savory recipe you find on the internet. Enjoy! ❖
Extra, extra! — Another useful tip is to give kids their own small pumpkin to decorate with glitter and glue or foam stickers while you carve the family’s bigger pumpkin. That way, they will stay engaged and not lose interest.
Katy M. Clark is a writer and mom of two who celebrates her imperfections on her blog Experienced Bad Mom.
TICK
FAMILY
FUNtaz
ETS OPE N OCT 7TH
NIGHT!
Two evenings of magic, music, & mayhem! Thursday & Friday
October 22 & 23 4:30pm - 8:00pm Hands-on crafts, science experiments, and silly surprises Local brews, wines, and eats available for purchase Cost Costumes umes encouraged!
1835 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa, CA cmosc.org
www.sonomafamilylife.com
October 2026
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Calendar Hallween Happenings Festival Includes Open House and Día de los Muertos Event
L
umaFest is Santa Rosa Junior College Petaluma’s Educational Open House and el Día de los Muertos celebration, bringing together education, culture, and community in a vibrant, family-friendly festival. From colorful performances and hands-on art activities to live music, science shows, and local food favorites, there’s something for everyone at SRJC Petaluma’s biggest event of the year. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or flying solo — you’ll find inspiration around every corner. Activities are Saturday, October 24, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at the SRJC Petaluma Campus, 680 Sonoma Mountain Pkwy. For a schedule of events and more details, visit lumafest.santarosa.edu.
Thursday 1 Pronzini Pumpkin Patch. Halloween fun for all! Pumpkins, haunted & western villages, corn pit, inflatables, kids’ activities, & more. Live music
on weekends. Entry: $5–$10. Ages 2 & under: free. Fright Night: $25. Pumpkin-picking & other attractions add’l fee. Mondays–Thursdays: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Fridays–Saturdays: 10
a.m.–7 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays Fright Night: 7–10 p.m. Sundays: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. 3795 Adobe Rd, Petaluma. pronzinifarms.com.
Friday 2 Skunk Train Pumpkin Express.
WITCHES, PUMPKINS, GHOSTS....OH Y JOIN THE Y for some SPOOKTACULAR FUN
THE GREAT PUMPKIN FLOAT Date: Oct 17 from 2-4pm Cost: Members-Free Non-Members-$12 Location : YMCA Pool
THE 32ND ANNUAL HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL Date: Oct. 17th from 3-6pm Cost: $7 pre-sale & $12 day of Location: Main YMCA
Ride the train to a pumpkin patch & pick a pumpkin & tasty fall treats. $83.75 + fees. Ages 2 & under on laps: free. Dogs $16.49. Departing from Fort Bragg & Willits. Wednesdays, Fridays, & Sundays. 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. 10:30 a.m. 1:30 & 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31: 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. 299 E. Commerical St., Willits. skunktrain.com/ pumpkin-express.
Sunday 4 Spring Hill Halloween Market. Live
music, spooky-scary fun with festive décor, foods & treats, plus groovy, one-of-a-kind wearables & home goods by local artists, makers, & bakers sold. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Spring Hill Gardens. 384 Spring Hill Rd., Petaluma.
Sonoma County Family YMCA I 1111 College Avenue, SR I MORE INFO @ scfymca.org
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Saturday 10 Blind Scream Haunted House.
High fear factor. Not recommended for ages 7 & under. Ages 12 & under must be accompanied by an adult. Ticket prices: $25–$50. 98 Santa Rosa Plaza (corner A St. & 1st St.). Santa Rosa. blindscream. fearticket.com.
Pumpkins on Pikes. Pumpkin carving, live music, straw maze, games, & food. $40. Ages 3 & under free (no pumpkin). Oct. 17, 24, & 25: 2–9 p.m. Tara Firma Farms. 3796 “I” St. Petaluma. tinyurl.com/ms8tewx9.
& more. Proceeds support free & affordable local farm programs. All ages welcome. $8. Ages 2 & under free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Veronda-Falletti Ranch. 175 W. Sierra Ave., Cotati. tinyurl. com/5ye4x52u.
Fall Festival Sandy Loam Cotati.
Pumpkins, music, crafts, hay pyramid,
SRJC Shone Farm Fall Festival.
U-pick pumpkins & apples, farm equipment displays, children’s activities, hay bale rides, farm animals, & sheep shearing. Food & wine for purchase. $5 pp. Ages 2 and under: free. No dogs. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Shone Farm. 7450 Steve Olson Ln., Forestville. tinyurl.com/ms9dsw2s.
Monday 12 FREE Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun at Studio W. Enjoy your day off from school at our spooktacular Halloween party. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. 8465 Old Redwood Hwy., Ste. 623, Windsor. Text for more info: 707-228-2819.
Saturday 17 FREE Trick or Treatment– Mysteries of the Laguna Treatment Plant. Food, candy, activities for
all ages. Tours for ages 10+, RSVP required for accurate headcount. Costumes encouraged. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Laguna Treatment Plant. 4300 Llano Rd., Santa Rosa. SRCity.org/ tourtheplant. Witchie Poo Show. A Halloween
favorite featuring songs, dancing, & a live performance. Tickets cost: TBD. Oct. 17–18 & 24–25: 1 p.m. Sebastiani Theatre. 476 1st St. East, Sonoma. tinyurl.com/58pa6ajr.
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Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays
In October October 2026
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60th Anniversary Event. Celebrate
60 years of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown with behind-the-scenes stories, live music, crafts, a big-screen showing, costume & mustache contests. Cost included with museum admission: $7–$15. Free for members & ages 3 & younger. 1–5 p.m. Charles
Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/4k4vb7c2. Floating Pumpkin Patch. Float a pumpkin in the pool & decorate it poolside, plus enjoy plenty of other fun activities. Must register for 1 of 3 slots (2-hr. slots): 10 a.m.–noon, 1:30–3:30 p.m., & 3:34–5:45 p.m. $16. Ages 2 &
younger free. Ridgway Swim Center. 455 Ridgway Ave., Santa Rosa. srcity. org/2913/Floating-Pumpkin-Patch. FREE SoCo Halloween Market.
Family & pet friendly. Live music, food trucks. More details to come. Noon–5 p.m. Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa. Visit the haunted house, enter the costume contest, enjoy giant bubbles, live music, arts & crafts, tricks, treats, & more. tinyurl.com/ mpjz4wt6. FREE Coddingtown Card Show Halloween Special. Trading Cards:
Pokémon, Sports, Anime, One Piece, Riftbound & Magic: The Gathering, plus collectibles & memorabilia. Trick-or-treating for kids & adults, giveaways, & more. Bring your favorite cards & celebrate Halloween. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. 733 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa. codding.com/event/ coddingtown-in-october. YMCA Halloween Carnival. Carnival
games & prizes, jumpy house, crafts, music & other kids’ activities. $8. All proceeds benefit the YMCA Financial Assistance Program. 3–6 p.m. YMCA. 1111 College Ave., Santa Rosa. scfymca.org/halloween-carnival. The Great Pumpkin Float YMCA Pool. Find pumpkin in the pool & decorate it. Games & prizes. Proper swim attire required. No costumes in pool. Must pre-register for 1 of 3 slots (1/2-hr. slots): 2–2:30, 2:45–3:15, & 3:30–4 p.m. Free for members. Non-members: $12 per child. YMCA Pool; 111 College Ave., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/fsu5bckr.
Sunday 18 FREE Trick-or-Treat Trail Keiser Park. The City of Windsor & local
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businesses hand out candy to kids 12 & younger. Come in a costume & wear a mask. Noon–4 p.m. Keiser Park, 700 Windsor River Rd, Windsor. Registration required: tinyurl. com/4abwyxxr.
Tuesday 20 FREE Haunted Gingerbread Houses Windsor Library. For
grades 7-12. Build your own haunted gingerbread house, using festive candy, icing, & other tasty decorations. 4–5 p.m. Windsor Library. Bldg. 100. 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Windsor. tinyurl. com/bdee4dwu.
Thursday 22 Family FUNtaz. In place of the classic FUNtazmagoria during the Children’s Museum expansion, families are invited to a special evening of Halloween fun. A magical evening of pumpkins, potions, music, & mayhem. $11 Members. Admission: $22. Ages 11 mos. & younger: free. October 22–23: 4:30-8 p.m. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. cmosc.org/ family-fun-nights.
Saturday 24 FREE Santa Rosa Mothers’ Club Trunk or Treat. A low-key, non-scary Halloween event in a closed parking lot. No scary costumes, please. Hosted by The Living Room, Vanguard Properties, and Santa Rosa Mother’s Club. 10:30–11:30 a.m. The Living Room parking lot: 1335 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa. Registration required: santarosamothersclub.org/ event-6773620. Howarth Park. Children in costumes
trick-or-treat throughout the park. Must register for 1 of 5 slots (1/2-hr. www.sonomafamilylife.com
Free STEAM Based Charter School 707.744.1485 • 1 Ralph Bettcher Dr. Hopland October 2026
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slots): 11:30 a.m., noon, 12:30, 1, 1:30, & 2 p.m. Passes $7; Deluxe pass: $25. Carousel, train, & pony rides: fees apply. Howarth Park. 630 Summerfield Rd., Santa Rosa. srcity. org/2164/Halloween-at-Howarth.
Sunday 25 FREE Halloween Carnival with Dia de los Muertos Celebration.
DJ, haunted maze, exotic animals, community altars. Food, local wine/beer, & non-alcoholic options sold. Noon–5 p.m. Rohnert Park Community Center. 5401 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. tinyurl.com/4jx8uybc. Witches & Wizards on the Water.
Glide along the Petaluma River in your spookiest costume! Follow a special paddle trail, collect treats in
a custom cotton bag, & explore by kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or other people-powered watercraft. Rentals available. Free to watch. 11 a.m.–3 p.m.. Costume contest: noon-1 p.m. The Floathouse. 50 Water St. & 50 E. Washington St., Petaluma.
North Coast Ballet California & an interactive performance for the whole family. Costumes encouraged. $10–$20. 3 p.m. Weill Hall. Green Music Center. 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu/ boo-lets-dance.
FREE Fall Colors Festival. Live
FREE Windsor Certified Farmers
music, family-friendly games, arts & crafts, vintage car show, baking competitions. Food, drinks, local artisan crafts sold. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Downtown Geyserville on Geyserville Ave. (CA-128), Geyserville. visitgeyserville.com/fall-colors.
Kids’ cooking classes, craft projects, contests, educational activities, & country games. 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Windsor Town Green. 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Windsor. windsorfarmersmarket.com/calendar.
Santa Rosa Symphony–Boo! Let’s
Thursday 29
Dance. Dance, imagine, & explore
music from around the world with Snoopy & the Symphony. Featuring
Winnie-the-Pooh a. a. milne
Market–26th Pumpkin Jamboree.
FREE Trick-or-Treating at Coddingtown Mall.
+
ONLY
7
$
TWO WEEKENDS TO WATCH! Friday Oct 30th & Nov 6th 7:00 PM Saturday Oct 31st & Nov 7th 1:00 & 3:30 PM Sunday Nov 1st & Nov 8th 3:00 PM
OPEN SELECT NIGHTS OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 31 98 SANTA ROSA PLAZA, SANTA ROSA
Early Bird Pricing available through Oct 15!
(SOUTH OF THE SANTA ROSA PLAZA AT THE CORNERS OF FIRST STREET & A STREET)
Kid Street Chater School Theater
BLINDSCREAM.COM
www.atheaterforchildren.com
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Trick-or-treat–costume contest, free candy throughout the center, DJ, haunted house, arts & crafts, face painting, & more. 733 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa. tinyurl. com/3rth82ah.
coloring, & goodie bags. 3:30–6 p.m. Montgomery Village Court, Santa Rosa. montgomeryvillageca.com/ event/boo-bash-2.
$6. 7:30–10 p.m. Costume contest: 9 p.m. Cal Skate. 6100 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park. calskate.com/schedule.
Friday 30
FREE Downtown Trick-or-Treat.
Observatory. Celebrate Halloween
Party. Come in costume & enjoy a movie, Halloween treats, & tennis games. All welcome. 4 p.m. Sonoma Community Tennis Nonprofit Facility, 17000 Arnold Dr, Sonoma More info: sonomatennis@icloud.com.
Come in costume & bring the family downtown for an afternoon of trick-or-treating at local businesses. 4–6 p.m. Downtown Cloverdale. 126 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. tinyurl.com/wydscwh6. FREE Boo-Bash. 3:30 p.m.:
Storytime at Copperfield’s Book. 4:30–6 p.m.: Festivities at The Courtyard (located near Salt & Straw/ Monti’s), with children’s activities, airbrush tattoos, Halloween poster
Spooky Skies Robert Ferguson
under the stars. Explore the night sky through telescopes, enjoy spooky science activities & treats. Come dressed in costume. Fun for all ages. $25–$40. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Robert Ferguson Observatory. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. tinyurl.com/ mrce5p28. Halloween Eve Cal-Skate 50th Anniversary. Skating party for all
Kids Halloween Sonoma Tennis
Saturday 31 FREE Cotati Candy Land. The City of Cotati & local businesses hand out candy. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. For map of merchants, meet at LaPlaza Park. 201 W. Sierra Ave., Cotati. tinyurl.com/ mr22h63b.
ages celebrating 50 years of Cal Skate. $16 admission. Skate rental
THE REDWOOD EMPIRE DOLL & STUDY CLUB
HOLIDAY DOLL SHOW
OCT. 25
SUNDAY, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER NOVEMBER2 1• 10AM–3:30PM • 10AM–3PM Santa Rosa Veterans Building 1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa
FASHION DOLL WORKSHOP - FREE PARKING
ANTIQUE • VINTAGE • MODERN ARTIST DOLLS • MINIATURES • OLD TOYS Admission $6 ($1 off with this flyer) Children under 12 free with adult (707) 687-6321 santarosadollshow.blogspot.com www.sonomafamilylife.com
360 ALLSTARS October 2026
SonomaFamilyLife 25
47th Tickets On Sale NOW!
DECEM BER 12TH
COM
MUN
IT Y GALA & AUCTIO
FREE Petaluma Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail. Ages
10 & under. Over 75 downtown merchants give out treats. Download trick-or-treat map from website or just look for signs in shop windows. 3–5:30 p.m. Downtown Petaluma. petalumadowntown.com/trick-or-treat-trail. FREE Spooktacular. Get your map at the Visitors Center in the Toscano Hotel, then walk around the Plaza to participating businesses for trick-or-treating fun. 3–5 p.m. Sonoma Valley Visitors Center. 453 E. 1st St., Sonoma. tinyurl.com/5dm7t3p3.
N!
FREE Mallo-O-Ween at Santa Rosa Plaza.
Trick-or-treating event at Santa Rosa Plaza. Visit participating stores marked with an “Official Trick-or-Treat Spot” sticker to collect sweet treats. 3–6 p.m. 1071 Santa Rosa Plaza, Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/bdfvz9w9.
www.healdsburgrotary.ejoinme.org/Tickets
SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Now Accepting Applications
• Paid job training. • Part-time. • Health benefits. • CalPERS retirement. • Winter & Spring Breaks off. • Summers optional. • Paid sick leave, holidays, & vacations.
START YOUR NEW CAREER!
CALL NOW 707-206-9988 367 West Robles Avenue, Santa Rosa • www.schoolbusing.org 26 SonomaFamilyLife
October 2026
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