2026 Santa Rosa Family Events Guide: Best Kid-Friendly Festivals & Activities in Santa Rosa, CA
2026 Santa Rosa Family Events Guide: Best Kid-Friendly Festivals & Activities in Santa Rosa, CA
Looking for the best family events in Santa Rosa, California? Santa Rosa parents are lucky to live in a city with year-round kid-friendly festivals, seasonal celebrations, and community traditions. This 2026 Santa Rosa family events guide highlights the top annual gatherings that local families look forward to. While exact dates may shift, these long-standing traditions are staples for families living in Santa Rosa, CA 95401 and throughout Sonoma County.
Winter Family Events in Santa Rosa (February – March 2026)
North Bay Science Discovery Day (March 7, 2026)
One of the top family science events in Santa Rosa, this free STEM festival features hands-on exhibits, interactive demonstrations, and opportunities for kids to meet scientists and engineers. Admission and parking are free, making it a perfect budget-friendly outing for Santa Rosa families.
North Bay Science Discovery Day event details
Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival (March 7, 2026)
A favorite outdoor family festival near Santa Rosa, this event celebrates wildlife and conservation with educational exhibits, crafts, music, and interactive activities at the fish hatchery in Geyserville.
Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival information
Climate Ready Cotati Fair (March 28, 2026)
This nearby family sustainability fair in Sonoma County offers eco-friendly activities, scavenger hunts, swaps, and bike demonstrations while teaching practical ways families can live greener.
Climate Ready Cotati Fair event page
Spring Events for Families in Santa Rosa (April – June 2026)
Spring Egg Hunts in Santa Rosa
Spring is packed with Easter egg hunts and spring festivals for Santa Rosa kids:
Santa Rosa Egg-Cellent Adventure Easter Egg Hunt (March 15 – April 3, 2026)
A downtown scavenger hunt where families explore local businesses while children search for hidden treats.
Little Monarch’s Community Egg Hunt Saturday, March 28, 2026, from
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m
A preschool-friendly egg hunt featuring games, bubbles, face painting, and prizes.
Easter at the Fairgrounds Egg Hunt Sunday, April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday)
A large community egg hunt at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds with thousands of eggs and Easter Bunny photos.
Santa Rosa Earth Day Festival (April 25, 2026)
One of the biggest Earth Day celebrations in Santa Rosa, featuring live music, sustainability exhibits, and hands-on family activities at Old Courthouse Square.
Santa Rosa Earth Day Festival updates
Summer Festivals & 4th of July Events in Santa Rosa (July – August 2026)
4th of July Celebration at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds
A major Fourth of July event near Santa Rosa with live music, food trucks, games, and a professional fireworks show.
Sonoma County Fairgrounds events
Sonoma 4th of July Parade
A classic small-town parade around Sonoma Plaza followed by family-friendly festivities.
City of Sonoma July 4th celebration
Sonoma County Fair (August 7–16, 2026)
The largest summer fair in Santa Rosa, featuring carnival rides, livestock exhibits, concerts, and classic fair food.
Sonoma County Fair information
Fall Cultural Events for Santa Rosa Families (October – November 2026)
Día de los Muertos Celebrations in Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa’s Day of the Dead celebrations feature colorful altars, music, and storytelling that families can experience together.
Santa Rosa cultural events calendar
Holiday Events for Families in Santa Rosa (November – December 2026)
Santa Rosa Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration (November 27, 2026)
This annual Santa Rosa holiday tree-lighting event at Old Courthouse Square includes live performances, photos with Santa, and a festive countdown marking the start of the holiday season.
Visit Santa Rosa holiday events
Downtown Santa Rosa events calendar
Year-Round Family Activities in Santa Rosa
In addition to annual festivals, Santa Rosa parents can enjoy:
• Youth theater and family performances at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
• Seasonal markets and rotating community festivals
• Ongoing family events on the Downtown Santa Rosa events calendar
Tips for Santa Rosa Parents Attending Local Event
• Check official Santa Rosa event calendars for updated 2026 dates
• Arrive early for popular festivals and parades
• Bring layers for changing Sonoma County weather
• Pack snacks and water for outdoor activities with kids
• Look for free community events for budget-friendly family outings
Santa Rosa’s annual festivals give families endless opportunities to explore, celebrate, and connect. Whether you’re searching for things to do with kids in Santa Rosa, seasonal festivals, or community traditions, this guide helps local parents plan a full year of memorable family experiences in Santa Rosa, California.