10 Best Events To Kick Off Summer In Northern CA

The season of summer festivals is upon us in Northern California.

Summer doesn’t actually start until Sunday, June 21, when the summer solstice occurs. But Memorial Day Weekend, unofficially the start of summer, pulls people out of their daily routines, and for the next few months, it’s game on for shared art, food, music and heritage.

From a wine stroll and a beach BBQ to rock climbing, a live Boots Riley conversation, and late-night comedy at a Vineyard, this start to summer is stacked with reasons to get out of the house.

Events to get on the summer fun calendar include:

Upscale Wine Tasting – Speed Dating – Dance Party

When: Sat, May 23, 2026 at 4:30 PM

Where: Regale Winery & Vineyards, 24040 Summit Rd, Los Gatos, CA, 95033

Details: Join upscale singles for wine tasting, speed dating, and a dance party at Regale Winery on Saturday, May 23, from 4:308:30 PM. Tickets are $55 for the full experience or $25$30 for the dance party only; advance purchase is required. This fundraiser for The Seva Foundation offers a romantic vineyard setting for professionals to connect.

The 52nd Annual Muir Beach Volunteer Firefighters’ Barbecue

When: Sun, May 24, 2026 at 9:00 AM

Where: Santos Meadow, 2704 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA, 94941

Details: The Muir Beach Volunteer Fire Department hosts its 52nd Annual BBQ on Sunday, May 24, at Santos Meadow. This Marin tradition features barbecue chicken, live music from SunHunter and Andre’s All-Stars, a raffle, and craft drinks. Funds support the department’s new firehouse. Parking is $30, while walk-in/bike-in entry is $10. Visit muirbeachfire.com for more info.

Circus Camp

When: Mon, May 25, 2026 at 9:00 AM

Where: Circus Center, 755 Frederick St, SF, CA, 94117

Details: Spend Memorial Day at circus day camp, where kids ages 7–13 bounce on trampolines, learn clowning, and soar on aerial silks and static trapeze under the guidance of professional circus artists. Full day 9am–3pm is $140, with optional aftercare until 5:30pm for $30. Spaces are limited — register today!

Pulse at the Pipe: Wellness Market & Rock Climbing Playground

When: Wed, May 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Where: Pacific Pipe Oakland, 2140 Mandela Pkwy, Oakland, CA 94607

Details: KQED Live brings its Pulse at the Pipe wellness event to the largest indoor climbing gym in America in West Oakland, featuring first-timer workshops, speed climbing, wellness classes, open climbing, and a local food and goods market. Gear is included, kids of all ages are welcome, and tickets start at $20. A great excuse to try something new or level up your climbing game.

Maralisa & The Starlight Martinis

When: Thu, May 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM

Where: Black Cat Jazz Supper Club, 400 Eddy St, SF, CA, 94109

Details: Bay Area-raised vocalist Maralisa brings her jazz group, Maralisa & The Starlight Martinis, for two shows on May 28 at 7pm and 9:15pm. Rooted in jazz, blues, and soul with echoes of Billie Holiday and Amy Winehouse, she leads a seasoned band through classic standards, bossa nova, and throwback soul. Doors at 6pm for the early show; bar opens at 6pm and doors at 8:30pm for the late set.

Boots Riley In Conversation with Forum Live

When: Thu, May 28, 2026 at 7:30 PM

Where: Sydney Goldstein Theater, 275 Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Details: Catch filmmaker and creative provocateur Boots Riley in a live taping of KQED’s Forum at the Sydney Goldstein Theater, discussing his bold new film “I Love Boosters,” his creative process, and the politics and culture behind his work. Co-presented with City Arts & Lectures, it promises a sharp, wide-ranging conversation. Tickets are $49 + fees.

The Late Pour: Comedy Night at Concannon

When: Fri, May 29, 2026 at 7:30 PM

Where: Concannon Vineyard, 4590 Tesla Rd, Livermore, CA, 94550

Details: The Late Pour is a recurring late-night comedy series at the normally members-only Estate Room lounge at Concannon Vineyard, open to the public every last Friday through August. Headlined by Xander Beltran and a special guest, the evening pairs stand-up with award-winning wines, craft beer, and a local food truck in a relaxed, low-lit lounge setting. Doors at 6pm, show at 7:30pm — tickets sell out fast. Club 1883 members save $5 with code CONCANNON26.

Texas Hold’em Fundraiser for Calpaws K9 Rescue

When: Sat, May 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM

Where: 940 Larkspur Dr, Livermore, CA, 94551

Details: Support dogs in need at Calpaws K9 Rescue’s Texas Hold’em Poker Night on May 30 at 940 Larkspur Drive in Livermore. The $100 buy-in includes dinner, a drink ticket, and $4,000 in chips — all skill levels welcome, 21+ only. Every dollar raised goes directly toward rescuing and caring for dogs on their way to a loving home.

Summer Wine Stroll

When: Sun, Jun 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM

Where: Montagne Russe Winery and Record Lounge, 155 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA, 94952

Details: The first-ever Petaluma Summer Wine Stroll takes place in downtown Petaluma, sending attendees on a one-mile route through eight wine tasting rooms and bars, each pouring two to three of their most popular wines. Della Fattoria and Hank’s are on the route for bites along the way. The event is Woodstock-themed, so break out your best ’60s and ’70s flair. Wristbands are $65, with designated driver wristbands at $35.

Craft Pizza-Making Class with Chef Bryan Jones

When: Thu, Jun 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Where: 1370A Redwood Way, Petaluma, CA, 94954

Details: Learn to make scratch pizza dough, marinara, and signature pies — including margherita and hot honey pepperoni — in a hands-on class led by veteran chef Bryan Jones at the Sonoma Family Meal community kitchen in Petaluma. The 2.5-hour class runs June 11, 5–7:30pm, wrapping up with a meal together. Tickets are $100, with proceeds supporting SFM’s free culinary job training and food-security programs. BYOB.

Are you planning an event this spring or summer? Feature it so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!