Santa Rosa, California
Live music, harvest festivals, free community events, and more — the best of early fall in Wine Country
September in Santa Rosa is a season shift worth showing up for. The summer heat softens into warm afternoons and cool evenings, Sonoma County’s vineyards begin their harvest gold turn, and the city fills up with one of the strongest event calendars of the year.
From a rock legend headlining Luther Burbank Center to free museum days, outdoor music festivals, food truck gatherings, and community traditions that go back nearly a century — here is everything happening in Santa Rosa this September 2026, in the order it happens.
Roger Daltrey Live Concert
7:30 PM
The Who’s legendary frontman takes the stage for a full night of rock classics, rare deep cuts, and solo favorites — joined by special guest Amy Helm. One of the biggest shows Santa Rosa will see all year.
Tour de Fuzz Cycling Event
Starts 6:00 AM
A prominent annual wine country cycling ride raising support for first responders, wrapping up with a massive post-ride celebration featuring all-you-can-eat BBQ and craft beers. An early alarm clock for a worthy cause.
Callie Watts Live Music
4:00 PM
Singer-songwriter Callie Watts brings her 1960s and ’70s-influenced acoustic originals to Fogbelt Brewing Company for a relaxed Saturday afternoon showcase. Great patio vibes, local craft beer, and original live music.
Schulz Museum Free Admission Day
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Free Entry
The Charles M. Schulz Museum opens its doors completely free all day. The event features printmaking workshops with Arion Press and live meet-and-greets with debuting graphic novel cartoonists. A perfect day out for families and fans of the art form.
Gospel Music Day 2026
1:00 PM · Free Admission
An open-air musical celebration at Old Courthouse Square honoring gospel history with live headline sets from Louis T Jenkins and Soncerity. Free to attend and open to the whole community.
Joose Rocks Festival
3:00 PM
A single-day local music festival takeover hosted at the Cooperage Brewing Company downtown taproom. Live sets in a casual setting right in the middle of the city.
17th Annual Fiesta de Independencia
1:00 PM – 7:00 PM · Free Admission
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an expansive, free campus-wide festival featuring regional Latin American foods, traditional music, family games, and community leadership awards. Now in its 17th year, this is one of the most beloved free events on Santa Rosa’s annual calendar.
4th Annual Fork’n Good Food Festival
1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A massive showcase of the regional culinary scene packed with over 50 food trucks and drink vendors, a marketplace, and continuous live band sets. One of the best food events Sonoma County puts on all year.
10th Annual Railroad Square Music Fest
10:00 AM · Free Admission
A landmark free multi-stage music festival celebrating its 10th year, spotlighting local independent artists and businesses across the Historic Railroad Square district. One of the best free days Santa Rosa offers all year.
Coffey Park Back @ The Bird
5:00 PM
A classic rock dance party and concert experience at The Bird Restaurant, featuring a brand new indoor performance stage and a dedicated shaded VIP section. General Admission and VIP tickets available.
87th Annual Wisconsin Picnic of Santa Rosa
12:00 PM
One of Santa Rosa’s most unique long-running traditions. Eighty-seven years of community gathering featuring a massive potluck, polka bands, bratwurst grilling, and a competitive local cheese competition. This one is genuine community history in action.
Eclectic Harmony Fest
1:00 PM
An independent arts showcase hosted by the Arlene Francis Center pairing underground live band sets with physical local art installations. A fitting way to cap out September with something a little outside the mainstream.
