Froggy 92.9

Seventh Annual M.F.K. Fisher Emerging Writers Contest
2026-02-01 00:00 - 2026-05-25 23:59, 2026-02-03 00:00 - 2026-05-27 23:59, 2026-02-06 00:00 - 2026-05-30 23:59, 2026-02-10 00:00 - 2026-06-03 23:59, 2026-02-13 00:00 - 2026-06-06 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
It’s hard to believe that this is our Seventh Annual M.F.K. Fisher Emerging Writers Contest! This time it’s being run under the auspices of the recently formed M.F.K.Fisher Foundation. We’ve had entries and winners from all over the world and from just down the road these past years. We’ve already begun receiving registrations and essays! Once again, we have a stellar panel of judges helping us.

The theme this year is Fire. Warming, illuminating, transforming. It evokes glow, destruction, passion and so much more.

Submissions begin: Submissions are currently being accepted (as of February 1, 2026).
Deadline for submissions: Monday, May 25, 2026 - 5 p.m. PST
Contest entry and details: mfkfisher.org/emerging-writers-contest
Format: Writers are invited to submit an original unpublished essay or short story (poetry not accepted) in PDF format, 300–500 words for children and youth, 750 words maximum for adults 18 and older. Please include your name, category, and essay title at the top of your submission.
Entries accepted in three age categories:
Adults 18 and older
Youth (13–17) (must have parent or legal guardian's consent (indicate on registration))
Children (8–12) (must have parent or legal guardian's consent (indicate on registration))
Entry Fees:

Adults: $50

Children and Youth: Thanks to a generous donation by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, all entries for children and youth are free of charge.

Prizes include:

$250.00 awarded to the first place winner in each category
An additional $250.00 awarded to the grand prize winner
First, second and third place submissions (and their authors’ names) in each category will be published on the M.F.K. Fisher Foundation website.

Terms of entry:By entering the M.F.K. Fisher Emerging Writers Contest you agree that the M.F.K. Fisher Foundation may screen your submission through GPTZero (or a similar tool) and may use the results, at the Foundation’s sole discretion, to evaluate originality and eligibility. Entrants further agree to allow the M.F.K. Fisher Foundation to publish/reprint your essay and name. Employees/board members of the M.F.K. Fisher Foundation and immediate family members are exempted from entering.

Acoustic Sunsets at Sonoma Botanical Garden
2026-05-06 17:30 - 2026-09-16 20:00, 2026-05-13 17:30 - 2026-09-23 20:00, 2026-05-20 17:30 - 2026-09-30 20:00, 2026-05-27 17:30 - 2026-10-07 20:00, 2026-06-03 17:30 - 2026-10-14 20:00 | Sonoma Botanical Garden, 12841 HWY 12, Glen Ellen, CA, 95442, United States
Acoustic Sunsets returns for its third season! From May 6 through September 16*, the Garden extends its hours Wednesday evenings until 8:00 pm. Each evening features live music by Bay Area musicians in our outdoor amphitheater from 5:30–7:30 pm. Guests are invited to bring picnics and well-behaved dogs on leash, enjoy wine tastings with local vintners, and unwind in the Garden’s beautiful, natural setting. New this year! Monthly Noche Latina nights celebrating Latin music and culture in conjunction with the special exhibition Spirit Guides: Fantastical Creatures from the Workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles.
Free for Sonoma Botanical Garden members and included in general admission for non-members. This is a drop-in program and tickets are sold at check-in, no advance registration is required.
*No concerts June 10 or July 1

Park Rx - Beginner Hiking for Fitness at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
2026-05-09 08:00 - 2026-06-27 12:00, 2026-05-16 08:00 - 2026-07-04 12:00, 2026-05-23 08:00 - 2026-07-11 12:00, 2026-05-30 08:00 - 2026-07-18 12:00 | Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood, CA, 95452, United States
The Hiking for Fitness Series is back! Join us on this fitness program, where the leaders will guide you on a series of 8 weekly hikes with the challenge increasing each week. Before the first hike, the leader will discuss proper shoes, hydration, incorporating hiking poles, proper pacing, etc. The group’s final hike aims for the long route up Brushy Peaks Trail, where hikers can enjoy the beautiful vistas.
The series costs $80 (plus a $10 parking fee per visit. Note that the Sugarloaf Annual Pass is $59 and valid at Sugarloaf and Jack London SHP), or free-of-cost for participants with a March 2026 or newer Park Rx from a Sonoma County Medical Provider.
Click https://sugarloafpark.org/activities/parks-rx-program/ for information on our Park Rx program and to download the form. The number of available Park Rx tickets is limited; please have your Rx ready at the time of sign up.

The Backyard BBQ Live Music Lineup at The Bird!
2026-05-09 16:00 - 2026-09-26 21:00, 2026-05-15 16:00 - 2026-10-02 21:00, 2026-05-16 16:00 - 2026-10-03 21:00 | The Bird Restaurant, 4776 Sonoma Hwy, Santa Rosa, CA, United States

Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market
2026-05-13 17:00 - 2026-08-12 21:30, 2026-05-19 17:00 - 2026-08-18 21:30, 2026-05-20 17:00 - 2026-08-19 21:30, 2026-05-26 17:00 - 2026-08-25 21:30, 2026-05-27 17:00 - 2026-08-26 21:30 | 4th St & Old Courthouse Square Santa Rosa, Old Courthouse Square, 600 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA, United States
Santa Rosa’s Wednesday Night Market is Sonoma County’s premier street fair. Local community and visiting tourists come out in big numbers to celebrate the spirit of Sonoma County every Wednesday for 14 weeks. With an average nightly attendance of 7,000 – 9,000 people Wednesday Night Market is the perfect opportunity for businesses to connect with a large and local audience.
Celebrating Community for 37 years on the beautiful Courthouse Square in downtown Santa Rosa, the Wednesday Night Market Board of Directors produces this free event for the whole family. Located 50 miles North of San Francisco in Sonoma County Wine Country the Wednesday Night Market brings wine country life together in one place with the finest local street foods, sweet treats, artists, wellness products, community non-profit groups, exhibits and a live concert every Wednesday, May through August. Guests sip local microbrews and wines as they shop and take home something from our amazing variety of local artists and food producers selling chocolates, tie dye, jewelry, candles, teas, cookies, crystals, cheeses, hummus and more. Families have fun in the Kids Space and Exhibitor Area.
Would you like to become a sponsor? Please contact us year around if interested in supporting this community event.

Court 'n' Disaster at The California Theatre
2026-05-29 19:30 - 22:00 | The California, 528 7th Street, Santa Rosa, CA, United States
Sonoma County's Court 'n' Disaster brings a lively mix of rock and country, blending decades of honky tonk tradition with sharp musicianship and a healthy dose of humor. With rich vocal harmonies, standout instrumental work, and plenty of storytelling, the band delivers a high-steppin', rock-and-rollickin' good time.

Made up of an eclectic group of professionals, lawyers, a judge, an educator, and more, Court 'n' Disaster is as entertaining offstage as they are on. Their shared love of classic country and rock fuels an unforgettable live show full of personality, talent, and unexpected charm.

Doors Open: 6:30 PM | Show Starts: 7:30 PM
Tickets $12 in advance. $18 at door
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3600204-0?pid=11761
Date and Time: Friday, 29 May 2026 at 19:30 - 22:00

The Beat Goes On - A Journey of Hope following musician, Willard Blackwell
2026-05-30 00:00 - 23:59 | CA
“The Beat Goes On” is a journey of hope, following Zydeco musician Willard Blackwell’s life with ALS, while his friend connects with him with holistic healers, ALS reversal patients who regained their mobility, and a Harvard neurologist who invented an instrument that allowed Willard to play music with his mind.
Director’s Statement:
As director of The Beat Goes On, I began this documentary with one simple goal: to help my friend Willard Blackwell find hope after his ALS diagnosis. Music had always been central to his life with the Gator Beat and Gator Nation Band, so I set out to keep him connected to it. Our journey led us to Seattle to explore the encephalophone, a hands free instrument that allows Willard to play music with his mind. Along the way, we met ALS reversal patients whose stories expanded the film’s scope. I hope this documentary inspires newly diagnosed patients to seek options, hold onto hope, and support the fight for ALS research.
Trailers & Related Video Clips
#1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTbAIHsLQKg
#2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml53ZsQ8fs0&t=116s
#3 https://youtu.be/1izMC7gHXIU
ALS Fight Song– “Life is a Journey”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0S_cw7nPlY
Why I Made The Beat Goes On Documentary-Kathleen McCallum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWpzt6SO_7k
Websites
http://thebeatgoeson-alsfilm.com
https://willardblackwellals.com/the-beat-goes-on-review/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/WillardBlackwellALS/

Hasta la Cima en Jack London State Historic Park
2026-05-30 09:00 - 14:30 | Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA, United States
Join us on an unforgettable adventure in Spanish to the highest point of the park! This guided hike will take us through stunning landscapes, from forests shaded by sequoias to trails surrounded by oaks, culminating at the summit of Sonoma Mountain. It’s a perfect opportunity to connect with nature, learn about the local flora and fauna, and enjoy the most spectacular views of the valley.
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[Espanol] ¡Acompáñenos en una aventura inolvidable hacia el punto más alto del parque! Esta caminata guiada nos llevará a través de paisajes impresionantes, desde bosques sombreados por secuoyas hasta senderos rodeados de robles, culminando en la cima de la Montaña Sonoma.
Es una oportunidad perfecta para conectar con la naturaleza, aprender sobre la flora y fauna local, y disfrutar de las vistas más espectaculares del valle.

Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center Hosts Annual Farm To Stable Fundraiser
2026-05-30 16:00 - 20:00 | Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center, 7600 Lakeville Hwy, Petaluma, CA, United States
Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center is delighted to invite supporters, friends, and community members its annual fundraiser, “Farm To Stable”, set for Saturday, May 30th, 2026, from 4:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center, 7600 Lakeville Highway, Petaluma, California.
The Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center’s annual fundraiser, Farm to Stable, brings together supporters, local chefs, farmers, business leaders, and friends of Giant Steps for an evening at the barn celebrating the organization’s work and community. Set against the backdrop of the equestrian facility, the event features a locally sourced dining experience, craft beverages, opportunities to meet the horses, and both live and silent auctions with thoughtfully curated items and experiences.
Giant Steps serves more than 400 people each year, including individuals with disabilities, military veterans, and others across the community. Through riding, ground-based activities, and educational events, participants find connection, joy, and a sense of capability within a welcoming and inclusive environment. Proceeds from the event directly support these programs and help ensure continued access to participation.
Last year’s event raised $150,000 enabling Giant Steps to continue providing quality services and outstanding care of horses. This year, organizers are aiming to surpass last year’s amount in order to meet growing demand for services and make much needed improvements to the facility.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for this event are now available. Community members and businesses interested in supporting Farm To Stable can find more information at https://www.giantstepsriding.org/.

Luther Burbank Free Live Concert Outdoor Music Series
2026-06-02 17:30 - 2026-07-28 22:00, 2026-06-09 17:30 - 2026-08-04 22:00 | Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa, CA, 95403, United States
Returning this Summer! Luther Locals Live Free Outdoor Music Series
Tuesdays, June 2 – July 28
In the shade of the LBC Pavilion
Free admission
Music starts at 5:30 pm.
Doors open 5:00pm general public
Members gain VIP entry 30 minutes before the public

Make it all about great music, family fun, and dancing on the big green grass this summer with Luther Locals Live, LBC's free outdoor concert series featuring the local bands you love. Plus, local eats, craft beers, and Rodney Strong Vineyards wines.
Ample parking on site. IDs checked at the bar. For the safety and comfort of all our patrons, animals are not allowed except service animals. For more information on each artist, please visit our website.

4th Annual Cookout at the Vineyard FUNdraiser
2026-06-11 17:00 - 2026-06-13 21:00 | 2201 Westside Rd, 2201 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA, United States
Cookout at the Vineyard is back for its fourth year! Donations will continue to support The Veraison Project, which focuses on BIPOC representation in the food and wine industry. A portion of event proceeds directly fund scholarships and mentorship programs to build a more equitable pipeline for the next generation of industry leaders. Each day will have its own location.
Co-founders Tahlia Suggs and Courtney Guntz-Summers, will be hosting a 3-day FUNdraiser and “Cookout Culture” celebration which will feature 25+ diverse beverage producers, chefs and entertainment artists. The cookout will take place between June 11th and 13th, 2026 and will be located in Sonoma County, CA, the exact locations will be announced soon. Traditions of Black diaspora are demanding space in elite tourism destinations. By showcasing the “Evolution of the Cookout,” CATV is providing a roadmap for how heritage can be preserved through modern hospitality. This will create a more inclusive tourism model that will benefit local economies and diverse travelers alike. By attending and supporting CATV, you are contributing to a sustainable cycle of equity that pours back into the next generation.

The Secret Life of Mountain Lions
2026-06-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA, United States
Join us for an exciting evening as we explore the world of one of our most fascinating and elusive neighbors, the mountain lion. Discover how trail cameras are helping researchers track and study local mountain lion populations, providing key insights into their behavior and movement.

As part of California State Parks Week, https://castateparksweek.org/, take an educational evening hike (~3 miles roundtrip) with stops along the way to learn about the four-legged residents that call the park home. You will get an inside look at how researchers track mountain lions, study their behavior, and gather data using trail cameras, GPS collars, and DNA samples.

The information collected through the Living with Lions project, led by All Hands Ecology, https://www.allhandsecology.org/, in partnership with True Wild Conservation, https://www.truewild.org/, is shared with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, scientific journals, local media, and presented through engaging community presentations. This program offers a rare chance to understand the vital role mountain lions play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, the science behind the trail camera project, and how our local community can help protect these incredible animals. Do not miss this opportunity to get up close with the research and meet the people making it possible.

Guide Kate Remsen has been working with All Hands Ecology’s Living with Lions project as the Trail Camera Project Manager for 5 years. Her job includes community outreach, engagement, and mountain lion research by placing and servicing trail cameras on private properties in the Sonoma and Napa Valleys. Kate has a background in Film and Television Production and in 2019, partnered with UC Davis’ Wildlife Health Center, produced California Mountain Lions, a 9-chapter docu-series on mountain lions in California. The series is being used for educational purposes by organizations such as the Mountain Lion Foundation, the National Wildlife Federation, the Institute for Wildlife Studies, and many more, helping to shed light on the conflicts mountain lions face in California.
California State Parks Week is presented jointly by California State Parks, Save the Redwoods League, Parks California, and California State Parks Foundation.
