Santa Rosa · Sonoma County, California
Things to Do in Santa Rosa, CA — July 2026
Fireworks over the lawn, dawn balloon launches, free concerts on the square, and lazy farmers market mornings: July is small-town summer at its best in wine country. Here is your hometown guide to the best of Santa Rosa this Independence Day month, from the Fourth of July through the last weekend.
★ Mark Your Calendar
Save these dates. The headline happenings for July 2026, listed in the order they land on the calendar.
4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
Sonoma County’s biggest fireworks show pairs the Santa Rosa Symphony with Transcendence Theatre Company for an evening of Broadway favorites and patriotic standards, capped by a big display over the lawn. A carnival-style Kids Zone with games, bounce houses, and food opens in the late afternoon, with both indoor and lawn seating available.
25th Annual Santa Rosa Senior Expo
The City of Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks team hosts a free morning of health and wellness with 60 plus exhibitors covering travel, benefits, fitness, and recreation, plus free health screenings. It is geared toward boomers and seniors, but the whole family is welcome.
Event Info“Inking History” Opens at the Schulz Museum
A brand-new upstairs-gallery exhibition opens at Santa Rosa’s beloved home of Charlie Brown and Snoopy. Pair it with the permanent galleries, the re-created studio, the giant Peanuts tile mural, and the outdoor Snoopy labyrinth. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
See ExhibitionsSonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic
A wine-country tradition run entirely by volunteers, with proceeds supporting local charities. Arrive in the pre-dawn dark for the glowing Glow Show, then watch dozens of standard and character-shaped balloons inflate and lift off at sunrise. Weather-permitting tethered rides, food booths, and a kids’ area round out the morning.
Details & TicketsThe Stray Cats
The rockabilly legends bring their slap-bass, twangy-guitar swagger to Santa Rosa’s premier theater. A high-energy way to send the month out with a bang.
Tickets & Info★ Happening Every Week in July
Standing dates you can count on all month long, week after week.
Wednesday Night Market
Now in its 37th year, downtown’s signature street fair fills the square with local food vendors, artisans, community booths, a kids’ zone, and a free live concert every single week. This is the beating heart of a Santa Rosa summer.
Weekly LineupLuther Locals Live
A laid-back, free outdoor concert series spotlighting Sonoma County musicians across indie, rock, soul, and funk. Bring a low chair or a blanket; food and drink are sold on site. July 28 is the season finale, so catch it while you can.
Series InfoWines & Sunsets at Paradise Ridge
Possibly the best sunset view in Sonoma County. Wednesday evenings pair estate wines with rotating gourmet food trucks and live music on the hilltop, with the famous LOVE sculpture and Marijke’s Grove sculpture garden to wander. Reservations are recommended.
Plan a VisitSanta Rosa Community Farmers Market
A certified, California-grown market stacked with summer stone fruit, vegetables, flowers, fresh-baked goods, and prepared bites. July is peak season, so this is the spot to taste Sonoma County at its ripest.
Market Info★ Open All Summer Long
No ticket window to watch. These Santa Rosa favorites are ready whenever you are this July.
Spring Lake Water Park & Swimming Lagoon
Cool off at the lifeguarded freshwater lagoon with its sandy beach and redwood-shaded lawns (swimming is free; a small parking fee applies), or buy a session on the inflatable floating Water Park of slides, climbing walls, and bouncers for ages 6 and up. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available, and nearly 10 miles of trails ring the lake. Next door, the city’s Howarth Park adds a vintage carousel, a miniature train, and boats on Lake Ralphine.
Park & HoursChildren’s Museum of Sonoma County
Hands-on, play-based STEAM exhibits for kids 10 and under, both indoors and out, with a garden, a “Little Russian River” water-play area, an art studio, and a rocket. Two-week Wonder Camps run all summer for the 6 to 12 crowd.
Visit & CampsSRJC Summer Repertory Theatre
Santa Rosa Junior College’s acclaimed professional-training company stages a season of plays and musicals in rotating repertory on campus each summer, drawing student artists from around the country. Check the SRJC Theatre Arts site for the 2026 titles, dates, and tickets.
2026 SeasonSonoma County Library Summer Reading Challenge
A free, all-ages reading program: log 20 minutes a day to earn prizes and entries into grand-prize drawings, plus free events at libraries across the county all summer. Sign up at your branch or on Beanstack.
Sign UpSafari West — the “Sonoma Serengeti”
A 400-acre African wildlife preserve home to 900 plus animals across roughly 90 species. Climb aboard an open-air vehicle for a guided safari past giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and cheetahs, then explore the aviary on foot. Glamping tents and the on-site Savannah Café make a full day, or an overnight, of it. Kids must be 4 and up.
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Good to Know Before You Go
We do our best to round up the highlights, but not every Santa Rosa event makes the list. Hosting something this July? Send it our way and we may add it.
Dates, times, prices, and details can change without notice, so please confirm with the official organizer or venue using the links above before you head out.
santarosabusinesslist.info is not affiliated with the organizers of these events and cannot guarantee the details listed here. Plan ahead and enjoy a safe, happy Fourth of July.
