Experience stunning sunsets over Sonoma Valley accompanied by live music, fine wines, family friendly activities, and even your furry companion

Wednesdays, May 1-October 30, 2024; 5-8pm

Included with admission and free for Garden members

(Glen Ellen, CA, April 16, 2024) Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) extends its hours every Wednesday this summer with special activities for all ages including live music in the amphitheater, a chance to sip and stroll with varietals from local wine partners, lawn games, and other family friendly activities. Visitors are encouraged to pack a picnic, and for the first time ever, the Garden is also welcoming well-behaved, leashed dogs during these special evening hours.

“Sunsets are spectacular from the high Valley vistas of the Garden — so much so that we felt this special experience needed to be shared with the community,” says Jeannie Perales, Executive Director, SBG. “And what more perfect way to bring people together on a warm summer evening than music? Our lovely outdoor amphitheater offers a unique venue to enjoy live music while taking in the views with friends and family. And we do mean the whole family! Many of us at the Garden share our homes and lives with beloved dogs, and we are very excited to welcome the community’s pups to our woodland trails for the very first time!”

Music lovers won’t want to miss the diverse musical lineup of local and Bay Area talent scheduled to perform on the outdoor amphitheater stage. With a new act each week, the ever changing musical program offers something for every musical taste. On May 1, the inaugural season kicks off with Dee CoCo Johnson, a talented vocalist who will definitely get the party going. The following week, Sonoma County native Jacob Phillip Benning brings his soulful music for hopeful romantics to the Garden stage. Also scheduled for May are singer/songwriter Michelle Lambert, local favorites Cork Pullers, and Petaluma-based acoustic musician Clay Bell. The monthly schedule of performers will be available on the Garden’s website.

This year’s inaugural Acoustic Sunsets musical line up is the creation of Michael John Ahern, a Garden Volunteer and Sonoma-based recording artist and musical producer. Ahern also serves as the Entertainment Director for the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival and Sonoma Golf Club Summer Music Series, now in its fourth season. Ahern is volunteering his time as Director of Entertainment for Acoustic Sunsets. “I have been involved in bringing live music and community together for most of my adult life,” says Ahern.“ The Garden is a magical place, and I am pleased as punch to be lending a helping hand to the inaugural season of this unique community event.”

Local wineries will be on hand to offer a free taste of local terroir including the Garden’s own vineyard partner La Prenda Wines, as well as Highway 12 Winery, Bar None’s Canyon, and more. Visitors can pack a picnic, grab a made to order Garden Box from the Glen Ellen Market, or pick up a gourmet pizza from the Glen Ellen Star.

Attending families will be enchanted by Ribbit Exhibit, a whimsical presentation of more than 20 larger-than-life frog characters, each with their own name and story, placed in vignettes throughout the Garden. Visitors will find the eye-catching sculptures by artist Andy Cobb sitting in trees, playing jazz, enjoying a cup of coffee on a park bench, and more.

For more information, visit https://sonomabg.org/visit/acoustic-sunsets/.