Fabulous Fall Events in Healdsburg

Vibrant colors, a crispness in the air, fall festivals, and annual harvest events are synonymous with a magical season in Healdsburg, and Sonoma County. Pack your bag and plan a visit -you certainly won’t be disappointed! September through November is packed with loads of fun.

The beauty of fall colors dot the tree lined streets of Healdsburg, and the grapevines that roll through the hills and valleys. It’s a perfect way to take in nature’s beauty while catching a great event or two. Here are a few events that may pique your interest while you’re planning your escape:

HCA Arts Festival Saturday, September 26th from 10-6 PM

The Healdsburg Center for the Arts Annual Art Festival will host their event just off the Plaza on Center Street. Over 35 artists booths, along with food and wine vendors, and entertainment for the family will be open for the public to enjoy. Learn more here.

Alexander Valley Wine Winery Week September 21- September 27

An entire week devoted to celebrating world-class wines, warm hospitality, and vibrant local community right in the heart of one of California’s quintessential regions. Skip the massive festival crowds and wristbands—this event offers intimate, memorable moments that truly connect you with the passion, landscapes, and handcrafted flavors of Alexander Valley. Find more information and a list of itineraries at Alexander Valley Winegrowers.

Healdsburg Annual International Short Film Festival September 25-27th

The Raven Performing Arts Theater will showcase works from filmmakers of all ages and from all walks of life, including animation, documentaries, and narrative fiction. There are many events to enjoy throughout the weekend. Info for the event can be found here: The Raven HISSF.

Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade October 19th

Join the party in the Healdsburg Plaza. One of the best Halloween themed events around is this fun pet contest that features animals of all shapes and sizes. Creativity abounds at this annual event that benefits the Humane Society of Sonoma County. Bring a pet food donation to support the Humane Society’s Pet Pantry and enter your pet for a chance to win a prize for you and your four-legged friend. Sign up here.

Dia de Muertos October 25th 12 - 6 PM Healdsburg Plaza

Co-sponsored by the City of Healdsburg and Corazon Healdsburg, this beloved cultural event invites everyone to connect with loved ones and ancestors who have passed away through a vibrant community altar of marigolds, with photos and flickering candles that fill the gazebo. Live music, dance performances, food vendors, car show, and many activities for children are planned throughout the day.

Healdsburg Turkey Trot November 26th

The 15th Annual Turkey Trot presented by the Rotary Club of Healdsburg Sunrise, and Healdsburg Running Company, in partnership with the City of Healdsburg, invites everyone from competitive runners, to families with strollers to come out for this 5K fun run. Expect a crowd of up to 5,000 runners and walkers - some decked out in their best turkey trot costumes to participate. Proceeds from the run benefit Live Like Drew, a fund to support high-achieving scholar-athletes.

This smattering of events is just the tip of the iceberg of what’s possible for a fall visit. If you are a foodie, there are many wine and food related events throughout the fall. An annual favorite is the Wine & Food Affair presented by Wine Road on November 7th and 8th. Each day wineries in Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley and the Healdsburg area will feature their wines with a food pairing created to complement what is in your glass. It’s a great way to enjoy some of the fall colors as you venture out to some of the many offerings in Northern Sonoma County.

And for the recreation buffs, this is the perfect time for some outdoor time. Wonderful hikes throughout Sonoma County, or bike rides through the vineyards are filled with crisp fall weather, abundant colors, and perhaps a pumpkin spice latte, or apple pie along the way.

So pack your bags, grab your sweater, and come experience the magic of fall in Healdsburg!