Everything you need to make the most of your festival experience, all in one place. From getting here to finding your perfect basecamp, the best bites nearby, things to do beyond the stage, and what the weather has in store — we’ve got you covered. Now start planning and get ready for an unforgettable visit to beautiful Sonoma.

Getting Here

By Air

The closest option is Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa, just a short drive from the festival.

San Francisco International (SFO) is also a popular choice with more frequent flight options from across the country.

By Car

From the Bay Area, take US-101 North to Hwy 12 into Sonoma.

We recommend leaving by 1:30 PM on Friday to beat northbound traffic.

Check a traffic app before you head out.

Traffic Tip

If Hwy 12 is backed up, try this alternate route:

US-101 North to Petaluma, then Hwy 116 East, left on Arnold Drive to 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma



Where to Stay

We’ve rounded up a few favorite places to rest your head — from a buzzy plaza hotel to a legendary wine country spa.

El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen

A stylish, modern hotel right on Sonoma Plaza, surrounded by restaurants, tasting rooms, and the best of downtown. Perfect for guests who want to walk everywhere and soak up Sonoma’s vibrant energy.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

An iconic wellness retreat in the heart of Sonoma Valley. Geothermal mineral pools, a world-class spa, Sonoma-inspired dining, and championship golf — a true wine country escape. Pet-friendly; ask the concierge for details.

Woodfield Properties

Make yourself at home in Sonoma wine country with WoodField Properties, the area’s premier vacation rentals. Whether you’re staying for a long weekend or the full festival season, they offer flexible short- and long-term rentals to suit your plans.

Where to Eat

Heads up: Saturday nights in Sonoma are busy. Reservations are strongly recommended — book ahead wherever possible.

Enclos
Michelin ★★ — one of Sonoma’s most acclaimed tables. Reserve well in advance. Visit Website

the girl & the fig
Rustic Provençal-inspired cuisine with seasonal produce, house-made charcuterie, and fresh local flavors. Visit Website

Sunflower Caffe
Sunflower Caffè on the historic Sonoma Plaza serves simple, honest food made with real local ingredients. Visit Website

HopMonk Tavern
Fresh beer, local wines, great tavern atmosphere, and a lively beer garden with live music. Visit Website

Valley Bar and Bottle
A neighborhood restaurant, wine bar, and bottle shop serving California home cooking with a focus on organic, sustainable wines. Visit Website

Sonoma Cheese Factory
90 years of award-winning cheese. Local wines, BBQ, and locally sourced goods from this Sonoma institution. Visit Website

Spread Kitchen
A local favorite, they offer California-inspired Lebanese and Mediterranean dishes. Vegan options available! Visit Website

Yeti Restaurant
Enjoy authentic Indian & Nepali cuisine in this casual spot in Glen Ellen. Just a short drive from the Hanna Center Auditorium. Visit Website

El Molino Central
Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated and beloved by locals, they serve authentic Mexican food in a relaxed outdoor setting. Just around the corner from La Luz Center! Visit Website

 



Les Pascals
A beloved French patisserie in Glen Ellen. Grab some Fresh-baked eclairs, tarts, macarons, croissants, and strong coffee before heading to our concerts! Visit Website

Wine Country Chocolates
A mother-daughter chocolatier with shops on Sonoma Plaza and in Glen Ellen, crafting hand-pressed artisan truffles since 1999. Tastings are free — stop in and sample the truffle ganache flavor of the day. Visit Website

Cielito Coffee & Ice Cream
A family-owned café serving specialty coffee drinks and creative ice cream flavors like blueberry lavender, banana chocolate chip, and coconut sorbet. A great spot to cool down between sets. Visit Website

La Michoacana
A family-run shop bringing generations-old Mexican ice cream and paleta traditions to Sonoma. Expect bold, unexpected flavors. All made fresh on site. Visit Website

Dive Bar Coffee
A charming coffee cart tucked into the Valley Swim Club parking lot, serving specialty espresso drinks made with local Sonoma coffee. Visit Website

 

What to Do

Sonoma has no shortage of ways to fill your days between concerts. Here are some of our favorite ways to explore wine country:

We’re proud to partner with some of Sonoma’s finest wineries this season:

Bar None’s Canyon https://barnonescanyon.com/

Bartholomew Estate Winery  https://www.bartholomewestate.com

Buena Vista Winery  https://buenavistawinery.com/

Chateau St. Jean  https://www.chateaustjean.com/

Hamilton Family Wines  https://hamilton.wine/

Idell Family Vineyards  https://www.idellfamilyvineyards.com/

Ram’s Gate Winery https://www.ramsgatewinery.com/

Ramey Wine Cellars https://www.rameywine.com/visit/ 

Talisman  Wine https://www.talismanwine.com/

Other Wine Tastings



Curious about how grapes go from vine to bottle? Learn about harvesting and crushing techniques, the art of blending, or what it takes for a winery to earn organic or biodynamic certification. Many Sonoma County wineries open their doors with behind-the-scenes tours and exclusive tastings. To explore the region by bus, van, limousine, or other vehicle, check out these sightseeing & tours listings.

Sonoma Museum of Art 
Visti Sonoma’s vibrant museum of modern and contemporary art just steps away from the Plaza.  Visit Website

Trancendence Theatre Company
Experience Broadway magic in Sonoma! 

Sonoma Tuesday Market
Sonoma’s family friendly party! Every week the plaza fills up with locals, visitors, farmers, and musicians — for fresh-baked goods, specialty food and drinks, handcrafted gifts, and live music! Visit Website

 

Sonoma County is one of California’s most diverse natural destinations, offering a deep connection to the land at every turn. With more than 60 regional and state parks, visitors can hike through ancient redwood forests, paddle along the rugged coastline or winding rivers, or simply settle in and let the sounds of nature wash over them. Thrill-seekers can take it a step further with zip lining adventures through the treetops. Whatever draws you outside, you’ll find guides to outdoor activities, cycling, hiking, camping, and backpacking throughout the county. Explore Activities

Weather

Sonoma enjoys warm, sunny weather in July, with daytime temperatures in the 90s°F and cooler evenings dipping into the 50s°F.  Afternoons can be warm, but mornings and evenings cool down quickly — especially near the coast. A light jacket for evening events is a must.

Daytime Highs

80’s – 90’s ºF

afternoons can be quite hot
Evening Lows

50’s ºF

Cooler near the coast
What to Pack

Light layers, sunscreen, and a jacket for evening events