Community Corner
After The Fireworks, 10 Ways To Keep Summer Going In Northern CA
While the biggest holiday of the season has passed, Northern California remains vibrant with numerous community celebrations.
Now what? The Fourth of July is over, but summer is not, and there are plenty of ways to keep the fun going in Northern California.
Summer’s second act includes smaller pleasures that keep July moving, from regular farmers markets and summer rec programs to events like a local Art & Garden Festival.
Here are some other events to fill your summer calendar in the Bay Area:
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Festival Napa Valley’s Taste of Napa
When: Sat, Jul 11, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Where: The Meritage Resort and Spa, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, CA, 94558
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Details: Festival Napa Valley's annual Taste of Napa brings together more than 100 wineries, breweries, restaurants and artisanal food producers for an afternoon of wine tasting, craft beverages and gourmet cuisine, showcasing the best of Napa Valley's food and wine scene.
Bastille Day Themed Soirée
When: Sat, Jul 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Where: La Loulou Wine, 4250 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA, 94611
Details: Enjoy an evening of French-inspired food, wine and live music at this elegant celebration, featuring jazz and French classics performed by vocalist Debra Mugnani and pianist Dave Austin in a wine bistro setting.
Art & Garden Festival
When: Sun, Jul 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Where: Petaluma, CA, 94952
Details: The 23rd Annual Petaluma Art & Garden Festival returns to historic downtown with more than 100 artists, makers and artisan vendors, plus live music, local food, wine and beer tastings, garden exhibits and family-friendly activities, including a children's area with crafts and games. Admission and parking are free.
Arts for All Gala featuring Wynton Marsalis
When: Sun, Jul 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Where: Nickel & Nickel, 8164 St Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA, 94562
Details: Festival Napa Valley's Arts for All Gala features a performance by acclaimed trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, a multi-course dinner paired with Napa Valley wines, and a live auction supporting arts education programs across the region.
Festival Live! Featuring Rieko Tsuchida and Anthony McGill
When: Mon, Jul 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Where: CIA at Copia (The Culinary Institute of America at Copia), 500 1st St, Napa, CA, 94559
Details: Festival Napa Valley's Festival Live! concert series features pianist Rieko Tsuchida and New York Philharmonic principal clarinetist Anthony McGill performing a program of chamber music by two internationally acclaimed artists.
The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - San Francisco, CA
When: Sat, Jul 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Where: The Marker Union Square San Francisco, 501 Geary St, SF, CA, 94102
Details: Solve a fictional whodunit while enjoying dinner at this interactive murder mystery experience in San Francisco, where professional actors mingle with guests as the mystery unfolds and audience members work to identify the culprit before the night ends.
Community Art Market
When: Sun, Jul 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Where: Presidio Tunnel Tops, 210 Lincoln Blvd, SF, CA, 94129
Details: The second annual Community Arts Market at Presidio Tunnel Tops features more than 20 BIPOC-led artisan vendors, live performances, handmade goods, artwork and wellness experiences in a family-friendly outdoor celebration of local artists and creative entrepreneurs.
World Cup Watch Party: Norway vs England
When: Sat, Jul 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Where: Zachary's Chicago Pizza, 2470 First St, Livermore, CA, 94550
Details: Watch the final rounds of the World Cup at Zachary's Livermore, where fans can catch matches with full sound while earning raffle entries for prizes including food and gift certificates throughout the tournament.
Bubbly & Beats at McGrail
When: Sun, Jul 12, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Where: McGrail Vineyards and Winery, 5600 Greenville Rd, Livermore, CA, 94550
Details: McGrail Vineyards' Bubbly & Beats transforms its vineyard patio into a lively outdoor party with a DIY mimosa bar, DJ Michael Ramponi, local food trucks, vendor pop-ups and McGrail wines available by the glass and bottle.
Art Under the Oaks
When: Sat, Jul 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Where: Alden Lane Nursery, 981 Alden Ln, Livermore, CA, 94550
Details: Art Under the Oaks returns to Livermore with more than 35 local artists, live music, food vendors and wine tastings from area wineries. The free, family-friendly event also raises money for the LARPD Foundation through its wine tasting booth.
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