Summer Nights In Sonoma: PHOTOS

SONOMA, CA — Thousands filled Sonoma's historic plaza on a recent summer night for another successful city party. The tradition is longstanding, with this year's marking the 23rd annual Sonoma City Party.

The city hosts the party to bring its local community together for fun and festivities, and to celebrate its special town. The unique event, which celebrates the rich history of Sonoma, its residents, businesses and nonprofits, is free to attend.

The Sonoma Valley Firefighters Association donated water refilling stations for residents who were asked to bring refillable containers to the Aug. 1 event, while AMVETS poured a selection of fine wines and Native Sons of the Golden West poured cold Lagunitas and Coors beers.

Nonprofits including St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Altimira Garden Club and the local Soroptimist club sold a variety of food and drinks — the proceeds of which will go back into serving the community.

Sonoma's Free Spirits Gospel Choir was the opening act for a lineup of live music that also included Dan Martin and the Norma Rocksteady Band, the Flaming O's, and the Funk Fatale Band. Music could be heard across the city of Sonoma —blocks away — as performers played into the evening as the crowd, made up of folks of all ages, sang and danced along.

A couple days later just east of downtown, Sebastiani Winery's Friday Night Music Series had more folks up and dancing — because it is not summer in the city of Sonoma without music at Sebastiani's.

Community members bring their dogs, lawn chairs, blankets and elaborate picnic spreads to the popular event held Friday evenings, May-October. Admission is free; wine is of course available for purchase.

Enjoy our photo gallery of both events, courtesy of local photographer Al Francis.