The Little Art Shop

🧵 Fabric scraps + hand stitching + a little imagination = one very charming bird.
Join textile artist Sue Otto for a creative afternoon making your own dimensional hanging fabric bird.
Sue will have the bird bodies machine-sewn and ready to go. You’ll choose from colorful fabric scraps and trims, then layer, stitch, fray, and embellish your bird until it develops a personality all its own.
You’ll work on:
✨ Layered fabric wings ✨ Textured tail feathers ✨ Simple hand stitching ✨ Frayed edges and decorative details ✨ Eyes, beak, and finishing touches
No two birds will be alike, and that’s part of the fun.
Some hand-sewing experience is helpful, but you do not need advanced sewing skills. Sue will be there to guide you through the finishing techniques.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 1:00–3:30 PM $45 Ages 12+ / Adults All materials &amp; tools included Limited to 10 seats
🎁 Bonus: You’ll take home Sue’s original Hanging Scrap Bird pattern and complete workshop instructions so you can make more at home.
📍 The Little Art Shop Studio 129 First St., Benicia, CA Historic Tannery Building
Perfect for holiday decorating, handmade gifts, or simply adding a little fabric whimsy to your home.

Local Event: Make & Take: The Hanging Scrap Bird with Sue Otto

Solano County

Benicia

California

Make & Take: The Hanging Scrap Bird with Sue Otto

🧵 Fabric scraps + hand stitching + a little imagination = one very charming bird.
Join textile artist Sue Otto for a creative...

🍂 Pause. Reflect. Create.
Join Susan Brady for A Collage of Gratitude, a meaningful mixed-media workshop celebrating the people, memories, experiences, and little things you’re most thankful for.
Bring photos, favorite words, images, or small keepsakes, then layer them with papers, stamps, stencils, textures, and other materials to create something deeply personal.
Choose from cardstock, glassware, wooden panel, translucent paper for a luminary, or canvas board.
🗓 Thursday, November 12 🕐 1:00–3:30 PM 💲 $45 🎨 All materials provided
📍 The Little Art Shop Studio 129 1st Street, Suite E, Benicia
No art experience necessary. Just bring your gratitude.

Local Event: Make & Take: A Collage of Gratitude with Susan Brady

Make & Take: A Collage of Gratitude with Susan...

🍂 Pause. Reflect. Create.
Join Susan Brady for A Collage of Gratitude, a meaningful mixed-media workshop celebrating the...

Make & Take: A Collage of Gratitude with Susan Brady

Online

<h2>ARE YOU SET UP TO BE FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?</h2>
Financial Freedom 101 is an experiential online immersion event where in just 3 days, you’ll get the skills, tools and money systems you need to become financially free forever!
You’ll discover how to become financially free in 5 years or less with $10k+ per month in passive income so you don’t have to depend on your business, a job, a partner, the government or anyone else for money.

Local Event: Financial Freedom 101

Financial Freedom 101

ARE YOU SET UP TO BE FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?
Financial Freedom 101 is an experiential online immersion...

Lucca Bar & Grill

Join singer songwriter multi genre artist Don Arbor and his incredible band at Lucca Beer Garden on November 14th! Featuring Curtis Ohlson, Kevin Hayes, Tal Morris, John R Burr, Marc Russo, Marvin McFadden and Margaret Belton on vocals!&nbsp;This is Don's third appearance at Lucca playing his unique blend of original songs and classic covers. It's always packed with a great music party atmosphere, don't miss it!&nbsp;

Local Event: Don Arbor and The Bay Area All Stars LIVE at Lucca Beer Garden!

Don Arbor and The Bay Area All Stars LIVE at...

Join singer songwriter multi genre artist Don Arbor and his incredible band at Lucca Beer Garden on November 14th! Featuring...

Don Arbor and The Bay Area All Stars LIVE at Lucca Beer Garden!

Solano Brewing Company

Join Solano RCD for a seasonal plant sale featuring free workshops at 1:00pm and 3:00pm. In addition to native plants, the California Bluebird Recovery Program will be selling bluebird boxes, so be sure to bring your own box to transport your new garden additions.

Local Event: Fall Native Plant Sale

Fall Native Plant Sale

Join Solano RCD for a seasonal plant sale featuring free workshops at 1:00pm and 3:00pm. In addition to native plants, the...

Join host Rachel "Ray" Davis for a poetry open mic every third Sunday at noon at 420 Virginia Street.&nbsp;
This recurring event offers a vibrant platform for local writers and spoken word performers to share their work.

Local Event: I Need A Mic: Open Mic Poetry

I Need A Mic: Open Mic Poetry

Join host Rachel "Ray" Davis for a  poetry open mic every third Sunday at noon at 420 Virginia Street. 
This recurring event...

🎨 What exactly do artists mean by “mark making”?
It can be a line, scrape, dash, shape, pattern, scribble, texture, stamp, brushstroke, or unexpected little detail that adds movement and personality to a painting.
Join artist Ebbie Navas for a hands-on introduction to mark making for abstracts and landscapes.
Ebbie will bring a variety of mark-making tools and show you approachable techniques for creating texture, rhythm, contrast, movement, and visual interest without overthinking every stroke.
You’ll experiment, play, and discover ways to use marks more intentionally in your own artwork.
No abstract painting experience required.
Wednesday, November 18 1:00–3:30 PM $45 Beginner-friendly Only 4 spaces available
🎨 Optional Premium Materials Kit: +$40
📍 The Little Art Shop Studio 129 1st Street, Suite E Benicia, CA 94510 Historic Tannery Building
This is an especially intimate workshop, so Ebbie will have plenty of time to work directly with each student.
Featured artwork is original artwork by Ebbie Navas.

Local Event: Make & Take: Beginning Abstract Mark Making with Ebbie Navas

Make & Take: Beginning Abstract Mark Making...

🎨 What exactly do artists mean by “mark making”?
It can be a line, scrape, dash, shape, pattern, scribble, texture, stamp,...

Make & Take: Beginning Abstract Mark Making with Ebbie Navas

Mira Theatre Guild

Join us for Vallejo's longest running poetry open mic! Experience a powerful night of spoken word and community expression in an engaging, supportive environment.Happening on the third Thursday of the month in November and December.&nbsp;
Founded in August 2008 by Kyrah Ayers. Hosted by Keith Thompson.

Local Event: Poetry By The Bay

Poetry By The Bay

Join us for Vallejo's longest running poetry open mic! Experience a powerful night of spoken word and community expression in...

🐾🎨 Paint Your Pet is back for November!
This is one of our most-loved classes for a reason.
You’re not just copying a sample. You’ll paint your own pet while artist Kate Sharp teaches you real portrait-painting techniques you can continue using long after class.
Your canvas is pre-sketched from the photo you submit, so class time is spent learning how to paint:
✨ Fur and texture ✨ Light and shadow ✨ Color mixing ✨ Eyes and expressive details ✨ Depth, layering, and brushwork ✨ That little something that actually makes the portrait look like your pet
🗓 Saturday, November 21 🕐 1:00–3:30 PM 💲 $45 🎨 All materials included 🖼 Pre-sketched canvas included 🎟 Limited to 10 seats
📍 The Little Art Shop Studio 129 1st Street, Suite E, Benicia
📸 Email your pet photo in advance to <a href="mailto:studio@thelittleartshop.com">studio@thelittleartshop.com</a>
Come for the portrait. Leave with new skills.

Local Event: Make & Take: Paint Your Pet with Kate Sharp

Make & Take: Paint Your Pet with Kate Sharp

🐾🎨 Paint Your Pet is back for November!
This is one of our most-loved classes for a reason.
You’re not just copying a sample....

Grace Episcopal Church

Come together for a delicious and community-focused meal featuring all your holiday favorites. This event is free and open to all, with convenient to-go bags also available for those who need them.

Local Event: Free Thanksgiving Feast

Contra Costa County

Martinez

Free Thanksgiving Feast

Come together for a delicious and community-focused meal featuring all your holiday favorites. This event is free and open to...

Benicia Public Library

Benicia's First Tuesday Poetry Group hosted by Benicia Poet Laureate David Hakim. 
Founded in 2003, the Benicia First Tuesday Poets host the longest running poetry open mic in Solano County.
Please join local poets in the Library at 6:15 PM. Performances start at 6:30 PM.
Bring poetry to read, sing, perform, or just come and listen.
Read your poetry in a supportive community, listen to others, or take part in the conversation. Anyone who writes, reads, or is even a little intrigued by poetry&nbsp;is welcome! In the Doña Benicia Room.

Local Event: First Tuesday Poetry Group

First Tuesday Poetry Group

Benicia's First Tuesday Poetry Group hosted by Benicia Poet Laureate David Hakim. 
Founded in 2003, the Benicia First Tuesday...

Pleasant Hill Community Center

The holiday season’s largest shopping extravaganza in Central Contra Costa starts on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the free 17th annual Super Holiday Boutique in Pleasant Hill Community Center from 10am-2pm where shoppers will find a potpourri of gift items from 100 vendors plus Olaf, the lovable star of Frozen, and Frosty the Snowman.
The next day, Sunday, Dec. 6, the free Holiday Boutique is at the Hilton Concord from 11am-3pm.
The two free indoor holiday events allow shoppers to get those special one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and stocking stuffers for family, friends and colleagues from a variety of arts and crafts vendors, home-based businesses and commercial exhibitors. 
The two venues, Pleasant Hill Community Center and the Hilton Concord will be filled to overflowing with vendors offering jewelry, books, toys, clothing for babies, kids and adults, purses, cosmetics, candles, soaps, candy, fashion accessories, home goods, bath and body, kitchenware and cooking products, food and baked goods and so much more. 
There will be holiday decorations and ornaments galore. 
Shoppers have two opportunities to attend the free Super Holiday Boutiques:
<ul>
 <li>On Saturday, Dec. 5, the popular free event is at Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr. off Taylor Blvd. in Pleasant Hill (just off I-680) from 10 am to 2 pm. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>Holiday Boutique shifts on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 11 am to 3 pm to the Hilton Concord, 1970 Diamond Blvd. off Willow Pass Rd. and I-680.</li>
</ul>
Admission and parking are free at both locations. Each attendee will receive a free raffle ticket for prizes donated by Boutique vendors. 
The donation of much-needed food to the Monument Crisis Center will earn the donor another raffle ticket for each can donated. 
A free children’s holiday activity will be presented each day.
The first 250 families through the door daily will receive a free holiday gift bag.
Visit <a href="https://www.superholidayboutique.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.superholidayboutique.com</a>
for more information and to register for a Free $2 Holiday Buck and free raffle ticket to be used at the Boutiques.
For complete information on the Boutiques and to pre-register for a $2 Holiday Buck and free raffle visit <a href="https://www.SuperHolidayBoutique.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.SuperHolidayBoutique.com</a>.

Local Event: 17th annual Super Holiday Boutique free in Pleasant Hill Dec. 5

Pleasant Hill

17th annual Super Holiday Boutique free in...

The holiday season’s largest shopping extravaganza in Central Contra Costa starts on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the free 17th annual...

17th annual Super Holiday Boutique free in Pleasant Hill Dec. 5

Moschetti Artisan Roaster (Wholesale, Retail, Cafe and Online Shop)

Join host Tamika Bailey for Poetry by the Cup at Moschetti’s Coffee on 6th street in Vallejo every 1st Saturday from 11 to 1 PM. Open mic.Early sign up form is located at this link:&nbsp;
<a href="https://form.jotform.com/262357107025047" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://form.jotform.com/262357107025047</a>
 Please note: Moschetti’s Artisan Roastery is a family environment. Please refrain from offensive or suggestive language. Poets who break this rule may be banned.

Local Event: Poetry By The Cup

Poetry By The Cup

Join host Tamika Bailey for Poetry by the Cup at Moschetti’s Coffee on 6th street in Vallejo every 1st Saturday from 11 to 1...

Studio Luz

Poesia con Luz series hosted by Vallejo Poet Laureate Erik Manuel Soto featuring Maceo Montoya, Nathan Bakken, Emiliano Montoya, and Valdez Hill. 5:30-8:30 PM. open mic after featured readers. Fri. Dec. 11, 2026 at Studio Luz 541 Georgia Street, Vallejo, CA 94590

Local Event: Poesia Con Luz Series

Poesia Con Luz Series

Poesia con Luz series hosted by Vallejo Poet Laureate Erik Manuel Soto featuring Maceo Montoya, Nathan Bakken, Emiliano...

Fairfield Civic Center Library

Suzanne&nbsp;Bruce, Fairfield Poet Laureate Emeritais hostingArt-Reveal for:&nbsp;Inspiration -&nbsp;ReversalArt Inspired By Poems!&nbsp;Poets&nbsp;will read their poem again&nbsp;Artists&nbsp;will share their expression to that poem&nbsp;Saturday, December 12th2:00 – 4:00pmFairfield Civic Center Library1150 Kentucky Street, Fairfield

Local Event: Inspiration - Reversal: Art Inspired By Poems!

Inspiration - Reversal: Art Inspired By Poems!

Suzanne Bruce, Fairfield Poet Laureate Emeritais hostingArt-Reveal for: Inspiration - ReversalArt Inspired By Poems! Poets will...

Benicia Clock Tower

Raise your voice in the Bay Area's beloved holiday tradition - Handel's Sing It Yourself Messiah — sung by the audience and all! Whether you're a seasoned singer or just love a good singalong, this is choral magic the whole community creates together.Featuring Soloists: Ann Richnavsky, Alodiah Lunar, Alexander Frank &amp; more!Join the chorus, no audition needed! New singers are welcome at our Messiah rehearsals: Monday nights at SFSU with Urs Leonhardt Steiner, or Tuesday nights in Benicia with Bruce Rockwell, Nov 9 to Dec 8.Join us for as many rehearsals as you like (just $30 each payable at the door). Then come sing it yourself: public rehearsal with full orchestra &amp; chorus at -Southern Pacific Brewery (Thurs, Dec 10) -piano singalong at Homestead Bar (Mon, Dec 14)Register For the Full Set: <a href="https://www.goldengatesymphony.org/join-the-ggsoc?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAcGRvZgVzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe0DW-j-M2GPOQaXqOWx3mHEat2jSbJouzopraKqGN8qW2cC1xmlnsMlumC3M_aem_HGy628-9NshervXjOzVb6w" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.goldengatesymphony.org/join-the-ggsoc</a>

Local Event: Sing It Yourself Messiah 2026: Get Ready to Sing!

Sing It Yourself Messiah 2026: Get Ready to Sing!

Raise your voice in the Bay Area's beloved holiday tradition - Handel's Sing It Yourself Messiah — sung by the audience and...

Join us for Vallejo's longest running poetry open mic! Experience a powerful night of spoken word and community expression in an engaging, supportive environment.
Happening on the third Thursday of the month in November and December. Happy Holidays!
Founded in August 2008 by Kyrah Ayers. Hosted by Keith Thompson.

Riding high from their recent performance at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Ameri-Cali Soul band<a href="https://www.wrecklessstrangers.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> </a><a href="https://www.wrecklessstrangers.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Wreckless Strangers</a> are kicking off the holiday season with their first Christmas song,<a href="https://vyd.co/ChristmasTears" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> “</a><a href="https://vyd.co/ChristmasTears" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Christmas Tears</a><a href="https://vyd.co/ChristmasTears" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">,”</a> arriving November 6. The band will debut the single live, alongside its signature blend of originals and crowd-pleasing covers, at Rancho Nicasio on Friday, November 20, followed by a show at Lucca Bar &amp; Grill in Benicia on Saturday, December 19.
<img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&amp;ik=6ad852b1ef&amp;attid=0.1&amp;permmsgid=msg-f:1880869441420147428&amp;th=1a1a30caacbc3ae4&amp;view=fimg&amp;fur=ip&amp;permmsgid=msg-f:1880869441420147428&amp;sz=s0-l75-ft&amp;attbid=ANGjdJ_UM1Rfwsisy__N9Z24h_wpPbAmZo3kxdQIuV00NvLD6L3EblLzFlrUVl0cOJqKPoxvjEzancacklLgzTbXZqYotZJyC8XNBUEEau2wW6IUC31wXXL3Qx72AyA&amp;disp=emb&amp;zw" alt="image.png">
The two performances bring Wreckless Strangers’ soulful, roots-driven rock to two special corners of the Bay Area. On November 20, the band takes the stage at Rancho Nicasio, the historic West Marin roadhouse known for live music, dinner shows, and its laid-back country setting. On December 19, they perform at Lucca Bar &amp; Grill in Benicia, a waterfront town with a welcoming small-town feel and a lively dining and music scene.All ages; $5 cover for guests 21+ during shows
Originally released by Sonny Thompson and Robert Wilson and made famous by blues legend Freddie King, “Christmas Tears” takes on new life through Wreckless Strangers’ soul-driven arrangement, old-school piano, and emotionally charged vocals.
Recorded at the legendary FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the single offers a different perspective on the season. Rather than focusing on the usual joy and nostalgia, the band leans into a more melancholy side of the holidays, with lead vocalist Amber Morris delivering a standout performance that balances technical precision with the song’s raw emotion.
The idea for the band’s first Christmas release had been circulating for years. In April, while visiting Tennessee, the band found a break between shows in Nashville and Knoxville and seized the opportunity to record at FAME Studios with producer David Kalmusky, whose credits include Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Justin Bieber, and Journey. It was Amber who suggested “Christmas Tears,” an unconventional choice that proved to be the perfect fit.
“Christmas Tears” will be available on all streaming platforms November 6.<a href="https://vyd.co/ChristmasTears" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> Pre-save the single here.</a> <a href="https://s.disco.ac/ozyjcxotzplf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Private listening link</a> here.

Local Event: Wreckless Strangers Holiday Show at Lucca

Wreckless Strangers Holiday Show at Lucca

Riding high from their recent performance at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Ameri-Cali Soul band Wreckless Strangers are kicking...

Community Congregational Church, UCC

Welcome to the 2026–2027 season of Benicia Chamber Players! We kick off the season with Three Voices in the Night, an all-string trio program celebrating all things three: three serenades, three voices, and three composers in their youth.
This program takes inspiration from the serenade, a musical piece or performance expressing love for someone. Traditionally performed outdoors at night, the serenade brings to mind the classic image of a musician&nbsp;playing beneath the balcony of their beloved. The string trios by Beethoven, Kodály, and Dohnányi trace the evolution of the serenade, from its origins as lighthearted evening entertainment to a late-Romantic, folk-inflected tribute to the tradition that came before it.
Tickets:
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2003640597965?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Saturday, November 7 (7:00 PM) – Lafayette</a>
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2003626831790?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sunday, November 8 (3:00 PM) – Benicia</a>
7:00 PM Saturday
November 7, 2026
Don Tatzin Community Hall
Lafayette Library
3491 Mount Diablo Boulevard
Lafayette, CA 94549
3:00 PM Sunday
November 8, 2026
Benicia Community
Congregational Church
1305 W 2nd Street
Benicia, CA 94510
Program:
Ludwig van Beethoven - Serenade in D major, Op.8
Zoltán Kodály - Intermezzo for String Trio
Ernő Dohnányi - Serenade for String Trio in C Major, Op. 10
Players:
Lisa Lee, violin
Nao Kubota, viola
Brady Anderson, cello

Local Event: Three Voices in the Night

Three Voices in the Night

Welcome to the 2026–2027 season of Benicia Chamber Players! We kick off the season with Three Voices in the Night, an...

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Events and Things to Do in Benicia, CA

Sunday, November 8

Three Voices in the Night

NOV

8

3:00 PM

Community Congregational Church, UCC, 1305 W 2nd St, Benicia, CA

Saturday, November 14

Don Arbor and The Bay Area All Stars LIVE at Lucca Beer Garden!

NOV

14

6:00 PM

Lucca Bar & Grill, 439 First St, Benicia, CA

Also around town...

Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Wednesday, November 11

Thursday, November 12

Friday, November 13

Saturday, November 14

Sunday, November 15

Wednesday, November 18

Thursday, November 19

Saturday, November 21

Thursday, November 26

Tuesday, December 1

Saturday, December 5

Friday, December 11

Saturday, December 12

Sunday, December 13

Thursday, December 17

Saturday, December 19

Sunday, December 20

Three Voices in the Night

Don Arbor and The Bay Area All Stars LIVE at Lucca Beer Garden!