Events & Things to Do in Glen Ellen, CA in April 2026
Spring blooms across Sonoma Mountain — wine country wakes up with bird walks, star parties, art workshops, and live music at Jack London’s historic ranch.
April is one of the finest months to visit Glen Ellen. The valley is green, the vineyards are budding, wildflowers carpet the hillsides of Sugarloaf Ridge, and the Jack London State Historic Park hums with programs that bring together nature lovers, artists, and astronomy enthusiasts. Whether you’re a local or a wine-country visitor, this little village has something extraordinary to offer every weekend of the month.
April 2026 Events — Chronological
Northern California’s most active public observatory hosts monthly star parties timed near the new moon for the darkest skies. Docents lead astronomy presentations in the classroom throughout the evening, then open three large telescopes for public viewing — including the 40” reflector, the largest telescope accessible to the public in Northern California. Expect to see planets, star clusters, distant galaxies, and glowing nebulae. Small scopes are also set up outside by volunteer astronomers. Tickets are required; a Sugarloaf Ridge parking pass is also needed. Members attend free.
Get Tickets at rfo.orgA morning bird walk through the seasonal habitats of Sonoma Mountain (Oona-pa’is in the Miwok language) during the prime spring migration window. The Jack London Park Partners host this guided walk celebrating both the seasonal bird movement and the literary connection to the land. April is an ideal time to spot warblers, raptors, and other migratory species moving through the Sonoma Valley corridor. Park entrance fee ($10/vehicle) applies. Check jacklondonpark.com for registration details.
Event Details →Immerse yourself in a full day of painting surrounded by the breathtaking landscape of Jack London State Historic Park. This workshop, led by artist Maria De Los Angeles, offers participants the chance to paint the ranch’s storied vineyards, redwood groves, and historic structures that inspired one of America’s most celebrated writers. All skill levels are welcome. Registration and park entrance fee required. Check jacklondonpark.com for pricing and to reserve your spot — spots fill quickly for this popular spring event.
Reserve Your Spot →The North Sonoma Valley MAC represents the interests of the Glen Ellen, Eldridge, and Kenwood communities, serving as the bridge between residents and Sonoma County government. Monthly meetings are open to the public and are an important way for locals to stay informed on planning, transportation, fire preparedness, housing, and other issues affecting the valley. Community members are welcome to attend in person or submit comments in advance. Check the Sonoma County calendar for the confirmed meeting location and any hybrid access details.
MAC Info at sonomacounty.gov →The Valley of the Moon Music Festival kicks off with a special concert held at the House of Happy Walls — the beloved museum built by Charmian London after Jack’s death. This intimate outdoor performance at one of Sonoma Valley’s most storied locations brings live music to the ranch as the spring sun sets over Sonoma Mountain. The setting, surrounded by the history and wilderness of the 1,400-acre park, makes for a uniquely memorable evening. Check jacklondonpark.com for ticketing and lineup details for the 2026 festival.
Concert Details →
The Inventor’s Velocity Can Help.
Ongoing & All-Month Attractions
Explore 1,400 acres of trails, the Wolf House ruins, London’s Cottage, the House of Happy Walls Museum, and the Beauty Ranch. Free docent-guided tours to the Wolf House and Beauty Ranch are available throughout the week. Spring is prime wildflower and wildlife season. Leashed dogs allowed in the Historic Area.
jacklondonpark.com →The award-winning Biodynamic Tractor Tram Tour winds through Sonoma Mountain estate vineyards, wildlife sanctuaries, and wine caves before a seated tasting. Walk-ins welcome at the tasting room; leashed dogs and families welcome. Spring is one of the best times to see the sheep on the vineyard and the vines coming to life.
benziger.com →The observatory season runs from April through November with monthly star parties near the new moon. See the April 11 event listing above for the spring opener. Check rfo.org for the full 2026 schedule and to purchase tickets in advance.
rfo.org →One of the region’s hidden gems, the Sonoma Botanical Garden features Asian woodland species, California native flora, and a small Cabernet vineyard. Spring is the most spectacular time to visit as the Asian woodlands burst into bloom alongside the valley’s wildflower season.
sonomabg.org →Glen Ellen Gathering offers ongoing yoga classes, meditation sessions, sound healing, kirtan, and transformative workshops throughout the year. Led by Lisa and Ray Willett, the studio’s idyllic location is also home to The Sound Sanctuary, combining ancient wisdom with modern science. Check their website for April class schedules.
glenellengathering.com →With 25 miles of trails through oak woodland and chaparral, Sugarloaf offers some of Sonoma County’s best spring hiking. The 2,729-foot Bald Mountain summit delivers sweeping views on clear days. Deer, gray foxes, and occasional bobcats are regularly spotted. Spring wildflowers carpet the meadow floors. Camping available on-site.
sugarloafpark.org →Things to Do in Glen Ellen — Evergreen
Glen Ellen is home to some of Sonoma Valley’s most storied wineries, including Benziger Family Winery, Laurel Glen Vineyard, Imagery Estate Winery & Art Gallery, and B.R. Cohn Winery. April is the ideal time to visit — the valley is green, the patio seating is glorious, and crowds are lighter than summer.
Explore Sonoma Valley Wineries →Glen Ellen Star offers wood-fired flavors sourced locally and internationally in a cozy neighborhood setting. The Glen Ellen Inn Grill & Martini Bar is an American bistro with a French twist. Both feature ample outdoor seating — perfect for spring evenings in wine country.
Glen Ellen Dining Guide →Pick up picnic supplies or a treat at Les Pascals, Glen Ellen’s beloved authentic French boulangerie. Grab a sandwich, pastry, or dessert before heading into Jack London State Park or Sugarloaf Ridge. A local institution and a perfect start to any day in the valley.
Plan Your Visit →Triple Creek Horse Outfit offers guided horseback trail rides through the spectacular terrain of Jack London State Historic Park. A uniquely Sonoma Valley experience — ride through the same landscape that inspired Jack London’s conservation vision. Reservations recommended. Check the park website for availability.
Triple Creek Rides →🌸 Spring in Glen Ellen — Don’t Miss It
April is one of those rare months when everything in the Sonoma Valley aligns — the wildflowers are peaking, the vines are budding, the mornings are crisp for hiking, and the evenings call for a glass of estate wine on a sun-warmed terrace. Whether you’re sketching in Jack London’s park, scanning the cosmos from Sugarloaf Ridge, or just uncorking something exceptional at Benziger, Glen Ellen delivers the kind of slow, beautiful spring that wine country was made for. Come see us in April.
