Guide to Veterans Day events in Sonoma County 2023

Events include a parade, concert and more.|

Observed annually on Nov. 11, Veterans Day falls on Saturday this year.

From bike rides to parades, there are a variety of events planned around Sonoma County to honor veterans.

Friday, Nov. 10

Veterans Day Dedication at the Schulz Museum: The Charles M. Schulz Museum, located at 2301 Hardies Lane in Santa Rosa, is hosting an admission-free day and special activities in honor of veterans. Activities include a dedication ceremony in honor of the military division in which Charles M. Schulz served, a performance by the Maria Carrillo High School Jazz Choir, special speakers, a display of military vehicles and more. Attendees will receive a free Woodstock button (one per person, while supplies last). The event starts at 11 a.m. For more information, go to pdne.ws/3ug2Qsk.

Movie Night in the Vineyard at Benovia Winery: The winery, located at 3339 Hartman Road in Santa Rosa, is hosting a screening of “Into Flight Once More,” a documentary narrated by actor Gary Sinise and featuring interviews with veterans who stormed Normandy on D-Day. The film’s executive producer, Joe Anderson, is Benovia’s co-founder and chairman. Anderson and Adrienne Hall, the film’s director, will have a Q&A session during the event. Screenings are on Friday and Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and include a glass of the winery’s newly unveiled 2021 Liberation Pinot Noir, as well as movie snacks. For more information, go to pdne.ws/49qg0TT.

Wings For America Benefit at The California: The arts and entertainment venue located at 512 Mendocino Ave. in downtown Santa Rosa is hosting a benefit concert to raise awareness of the struggles of homeless veterans. Musicians set to perform include the Craig Caffall Band and Friends, Volker Strifler, Carol Casey and Roger Voltz. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information, go to pdne.ws/47jqpQ1.

Saturday, Nov. 11

Veterans Day Bike Ride: The Saber Six Foundation, an organization supporting injured veterans and their families, is hosting a casual bike ride in support of veterans. The ride will take place at McNear Park, 1008 G St. in Petaluma, starting at 8:30 a.m. Two courses are offered, a 43-mile long course and a 23-mile short course. Both rides end near the center of Petaluma’s annual Veterans Day Parade. The $95 participation fee includes on-bike support and a post-ride meal. For more information, go to pdne.ws/40z1zc3.

Flag Raising at Santa Rosa City Hall: American Legion Post 21 and Vietnam Veterans Chapter 223 are hosting a flag-raising ceremony at Santa Rosa City Hall, 100 Santa Rosa Ave. The 21st annual free ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m.

Rohnert Park Veterans Day Celebration: The Rohnert Park Community Center, 5401 Snyder Lane, is hosting a free event to honor veterans and active duty military. The hourlong event starts at 11 a.m. and features the Avenue of the Flags, a veteran keynote speaker, a presentation of colors by the U.S. Coast Guard and more. For more information, go to pdne.ws/3QQZ1mA.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Brunch in Sebastopol: VFW Post 3919 (Sebastopol and Gold Ridge) will host a 9 a.m. brunch at the Sebastopol Veterans Memorial Building, 282 High St. The brunch ends at 11 a.m. For more information, go to pdne.ws/3Su5xRp.

Windsor Veterans Day Ceremony: American Legion Post 111 will hold a short ceremony and a 21-gun salute at 11 a.m. on the Windsor Town Green, located at 701 McClelland Drive, in honor of Veterans Day. For more information, go to pdne.ws/40uzTVK.

Veterans Day BBQ in Cloverdale: American Legion Post 293 in Cloverdale is hosting a free barbecue and luncheon for veterans and their families. The meal will take place from noon to 2 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1101 S. Cloverdale Blvd. RSVP to 707-292-4168. For more information, go to pdne.ws/3Qqd3tQ.

Petaluma Veterans Day Parade: This year’s annual parade is honoring Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. The free event begins at noon with live music at Walnut Park at Petaluma Boulevard and D Street in Petaluma. The parade begins at 1 p.m. with Army Colonel Chris Koldena, founder of the Saber Six Foundation, riding as grand marshal. During the parade, the Redwood Empire Food Bank will collect nonperishable food items and funds. For more information, go to pdne.ws/3FS8hR0.

Veterans Day Concert at Torches Restaurant: The restaurant, at 256 Petaluma Blvd. in Petaluma, is hosting a free concert by Chuck Briseno, a Nashville country music artist and Afghanistan veteran. The concert starts at 7 p.m. For more information, go to pdne.ws/3QyLSgq.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include the correct start time for the Veterans of Foreign Wars brunch in Sebastopol.

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