Sonoma, California • March 2026
Events & Things to Do in
Sonoma, California
in March 2026
Spring awakens in Wine Country with film festivals, art walks, farmers markets, and world-class racing — all in the heart of historic Sonoma.
March is one of the most rewarding times to visit the city of Sonoma. The winter rains give way to the first blush of spring wildflowers, mustard blooms carpet the hillside vineyards, and the historic Sonoma Plaza buzzes back to life with festivals, art, and fresh market finds. Whether you’re a film lover, a food and wine enthusiast, or simply looking to soak up the charm of California’s oldest wine region, this March has something special in store.
Featured Events in Sonoma
Sonoma Art Walk — First Thursday
Every first Thursday of the month, the historic Sonoma Plaza transforms into an open-air gallery. Local painters, sculptors, photographers, and craftspeople display their work inside wine tasting rooms, boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants all around the Plaza. Look for the signature Sonoma Art Walk flags to guide your stroll. Enjoy live music, wine pours, and live art demonstrations along the way — and pick up a free map from the host venue starting at 5:00 PM.
The Art Walk is a collaborative effort of the Arts Guild of Sonoma, Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce, Sonoma Community Center, and Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. Artists are present at venues throughout the evening.
More Info → sonomaartwalk.org“Beyond the Rainbow” Film Screening — Sebastiani Theatre
Sonoma Valley Pride, in partnership with Out in the Vineyard and Wake UP Sonoma, presents a special screening of Beyond the Rainbow — a short documentary chronicling a historic and transformative moment for San Francisco Pride. The film highlights two groundbreaking leaders: Suzanne Ford, the first openly transgender woman to serve as Executive Director of SF Pride, and Nguyen Pham, the first gay Vietnamese American to serve as its Board President.
Following the film, attendees are invited to a post-film Q&A and meet-and-greet with Suzanne Ford, filmmaker Antonio Contreras, and Nguyen Pham. Proceeds benefit Sonoma Valley Pride and its ongoing mission to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community in Sonoma Valley. The historic Sebastiani Theatre is located on the Plaza at 476 1st Street East.
Get Tickets → sebastianitheatre.org29th Annual Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF)
One of the most celebrated film festivals in California returns to the city of Sonoma for its 29th year. The Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) is a beloved five-day celebration that blends independent world cinema with the very best of Sonoma’s food and wine culture. Films span feature-length narratives, documentaries, animated works, and short films submitted from across the globe — with categories including a special Culinary, Food & Wine Cinema sidebar that fits perfectly in this wine country setting.
Screenings take place at the historic Sebastiani Theatre and other venues throughout the city. Industry panels, filmmaker networking events, culinary experiences, and lively nightly gatherings make SIFF one of the most filmmaker-friendly and audience-welcoming festivals on the entire circuit. MovieMaker Magazine has recognized SIFF as a “Top 50 Festival Worth Its Entry Fee,” and USA Today named it one of America’s “Top Ten Destination Film Festivals.” Passes are on sale now — SIFF Members receive discounts of $25–$100 off pass prices.
Get Passes → sonomafilmfest.orgGT World Challenge America at Sonoma Raceway
Just minutes from the Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma Raceway hosts the GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS — the premier North American GT series — on its legendary 12-turn road course. The event features two action-packed 90-minute doubleheader races bringing together world-class drivers, elite teams, and the latest GT3, GT2, GT4, and Touring Car machinery as part of the global GT World Challenge championship.
In addition to the headline GT World Challenge America series, the full weekend program includes GT America Powered by AWS, Pirelli GT4 America, TC America powered by Skip Barber, Toyota GR Cup North America, and McLaren Trophy America — delivering non-stop on-track entertainment across all three days. Tickets and camping options are available now. All tickets are digital and downloadable from the official Sonoma Raceway app.
Get Tickets → sonomaraceway.com
Recurring Events in March
Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market
Every Friday, Year-Round • 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Held rain or shine at the Arnold Field parking lot at 241 First Street West. Shop for certified local vegetables, fruits, baked goods, tamales, flowers, olive oil, and handmade crafts from area producers. Open every Friday including all of March.
Learn More →
SIFF Year-Round Screenings at Sebastiani Theatre
Monthly Screenings • Check Calendar
Even outside of the annual festival, the Sonoma International Film Festival presents monthly screenings and special events at the historic Sebastiani Theatre on the Plaza. Check their calendar for specific March screenings ahead of the big festival week.
View Schedule →
Wine Tasting on Sonoma Plaza
Daily • Hours Vary by Tasting Room
Dozens of tasting rooms and wine shops surround the historic Sonoma Plaza year-round. March is a wonderful time to taste new releases with smaller crowds than summer. Many tasting rooms also offer seated reserve experiences — call ahead or visit individual winery websites to reserve.
Things to Do in Sonoma in March
Sonoma State Historic Park
March’s mild temperatures make it an ideal time to explore Sonoma’s rich history. Visit Mission San Francisco de Solano — the last of California’s 21 Spanish missions — and the nearby Sonoma Barracks at Sonoma State Historic Park. General Mariano Vallejo’s historic estate, Lachryma Montis, is just a short walk from the Plaza.
Visit Site →Depot Park & Bike Path
Depot Park in the heart of Sonoma is a beautiful spot to enjoy the early spring greenery. The Sonoma Bike Path runs along the park, making for a scenic stroll or ride through the town. The park also hosts bocce courts and is the hub of community activity throughout March.
City of Sonoma →Sonoma Valley Museum of Art
The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art presents rotating exhibitions of local and regional artists throughout the year. March is an active exhibit season at the museum. Check their calendar for current and upcoming shows during your visit to the Plaza.
Visit SVMA →Plaza Shopping & Dining
The Sonoma Plaza is lined with independent boutiques, restaurants, and specialty food shops. March’s pleasant weather is perfect for a leisurely stroll around the square. From locally produced olive oils at Figone’s to handcrafted truffles at Wine Country Chocolates, there’s plenty to discover.
Sonoma Chamber →March Visitor Tips
March weather in Sonoma can be a mix of cool sunny days and light rain, so layering is smart — temperatures typically range from the mid-40s at night to the mid-60s during the day. The SIFF festival (March 25–29) fills hotels quickly, so if you’re visiting for the film festival, book accommodations early. Sonoma Raceway (March 27–29) also draws large weekend crowds, so plan parking accordingly and consider staying in the city of Sonoma to walk to Plaza events. The Friday Farmers Market is a great way to start any day in Sonoma — arrive early for the best selection of fresh seasonal produce.
