Sonoma fun: How to Vintage Fest like a pro

The 122nd annual Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival takes place on the Plaza this weekend. It's a jam-packed three days of food, wine, art and celebration of the harvest.

This uniquely-Sonoma annual event is hosted by volunteers from the organizations that receive donations from the proceeds.

Unlike many other wine country events, the Vintage Festival is free to attend, and a favorite with both locals and tourists alike. Fundraising occurs through the ticketed events and experiences however there is a lot to do and hear for free (including two days of live concerts).

Here are some insider tips...

Top three events you don't want to miss at the festival

1. Grape stomp competition

2. Get Your Glow On Parade led by Grand Marshall Adam Kovacs

3. Music Headliner: Tommy Castro and the Painkillers

Three festival events that are uniquely Sonoma

1. Firefighters' Water Fight

2. Blessing of the Grapes

3. Salami Toss (Presented by the Boy Scouts)

Top three tasty vendors to check out at the festival

1. Hare and Hatter Sausage Emporium

2. Delicious Dish

3. Maya Restaurant

Top five fun activities for kids this weekend

1. Kids Zone with games and prizes (Presented by the Girl Scouts)

2. Dunk tank

3. Get Your Glow On Parade

4. Tiny Tots Race

5. Firefighter Water Fight

Five wine tastings you won't find in stores

1. Bartholomew Estate Winery

2. Eric Ross Winery

3. Kivelstadt Cellars

4. Bump Wine Cellars

5. Laurel Glen Vineyard

Things you should know before you go

1. Parking – Valet parking is available at Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall, 126 First Street W. From there, a shuttle will take you the 0.3 miles to the Festival.

Carpool, take a hotel shuttle or call an Uber, Lyft or taxi to get you safely to and from the festival.

2. Events – Registration is required for the Grape Stomp. Head over at 10:30 a.m. to sign-up for some messy fun! Tickets for the Benefit Stomp on Sunday at 3 p.m. can be purchased online.

3. Wine Tasting - Be sure to bring your ID card for a winetasting bracelet.

4. Pack it Up – It looks to be a sunny weekend. Pack sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, a blanket to sit and enjoy the music, some spending money for games, food and crafts, a warm layer for the evening glow parade and some friends to stomp with.

Finally, consider signing up for the Benefit Grape Stomp and take on the reigning champion – Sonoma Fit. Businesses challenge each other for the title of champion and flaunt their hand-crafted trophy by Steve Chiurco of Steel Geisha Designs Inc.

The Benefit Stomp takes place on Sunday, Sept. 29, from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Sonoma Plaza Amphitheater. The entry fee collected (less 20 percent Stomp expenses) will be donated to the non-profits selected by the top four winning teams.

The beneficiaries of this year's festival include AMVETS Post 55, Native Sons, SVHS Wrestlers, Girl Scouts, SVHS Cross Country, SV Volunteer Fire Department, RISK, Young Life and Vintage House.

The Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival is a nonprofit organization, headed by president Maria Toimil. All of the festival proceeds are donated to local community organizations.