On the Far Side of Turkey, It's a Sonoma Weekend

The weekend outlook for Sonoma Valley is a decrease in rainfall, with possible clouds but warmer temperatures. This is a relief for many who thought that a rainy Thanksgiving Weekend meant four days of enforced indoor family fun punctuated by leftovers and high caloric desserts.

Fear not: You can find things to do in Sonoma, Glen Ellen and beyond this weekend, starting with Thanksgiving Day itself.

If you can wait till the weekend, the Heart of Sonoma Valley Association (HOSVA) throws open the doors for their 29th annual Holiday Open House, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 23 and 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Two days of wine tastings, holiday nibbles, gift packages, discounts and much more, from 27 wineries throughout Sonoma Valley.

Tickets are $45 for both days, including a wine tasting glass and access to all participating wineries event tastings and activities; designated driver tickets are available for $10.  Tickets, detailed event information and a map may be obtained online at Heartofsonomavalley.com or by phone 866-794-9463.

Trying to get the kids' minds off turkey? Join Santa for Breakfast on Sunday at the St. Francis Solano School. A mere $8 gets a pancake breakfast, a sing-along, elf story time (not David Sedaris, we presume) and face time with the big guy.  Starts at 8 a.m.

Also Sunday, the Sebastiani Theater presents "vintage music, mysterious magic, and some great laughs with Jeff Gilbert's 'Toast of the Town' variety show." Show time is 2 p.m. for an entertaining afternoon reminiscent of the ’30’s and’40’s, featuring "the melodious voice of that fabulous crooner," Jeff Gilbert - the host of Jeff's Joynt on KSVY-FM. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors (62+) and children (12 and under). Call 996-9756 to reserve.

If it's music you want, it's music we got. Most places are closed Thursday for the family holiday, but reopen on Friday for business as usual. At the busy Murphy's Pub just off the square, Friday night finds local reggae artist Dan Martin on stage at 8 pm, the Timothy O'Neill Band at the same time on Saturday night, and David Aguilar and Peter McCauley on Sunday at 6:30.

Elsewhere in the local music scene, the newish Kathmandu Corner, next door to Taste of the Himalaya, has Americana artist Adam Traum on Friday, Nov. 23, for an 8 p.m. show. Traum comes from a musical family with mad props, his uncle Happy a sing-along partner with Bob Dylan, his father Artie a noted folk guitar whiz who passed away in 2008. Worth tuning in for sure.

Not to be outdone, the Sonoma Valley Moose Lodge lets the Whiskey Thieves take the stage, plus opening acts, at a Give Thanks Giving Party on Friday at 8 p.m., $10 cover for 18 and older.

What are you doing this weekend? If you have an idea or suggestion or know of an event, please let us know in the comments - and add it to the Patch Events calendar!