Eyes Wild Open

2015 Sonoma Optics and Nature Festival

You've got eyes like a hawk when it comes to spotting an owl of a good time. So mark your calendar and get up to wine country for the 4th Annual Wine Country Optics and Nature Festival on the Sonoma Plaza. It's free and it's a sight to see! When: Sunday, September 20, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Where: The historic Sonoma Barracks—a California Historical Landmark facing the lively central plaza of Sonoma and within easy walking distance to fantastic wineries, boutique shops, hotels, and restaurants. So what will you see? Owls and hawks and birds galore, bats and falcons and live music and more! Over 50 Northern California nature organizations will be celebrating wildlife, wilderness, and the great outdoors. Check out works by renowned nature artists and enjoy a traditional procession by the Pomo Indians. Meet the people behind WildAid and the Snow Leopard Conservancy, plus get the buzz on the Urban Bee Lab of UC Berkeley. Even Smokey Bear will be there! With so much fun and cool stuff going on, how can you focus?! Very easily, thanks to the ten world-class optics companies who manufacture binoculars and spotting scopes. Leading optics companies including Swarovski, Nikon, and Zeiss will be doing demos and letting you try their latest products. This special event is free … so come to wine country September 20 and see!

The Wine Country Optics and Nature Festival is Sunday, September 20, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the historic Sonoma Barracks & La Casa Grande Plaza (20 E. Spain St.), right across from Sonoma's historic plaza and surrounded by wineries, shopping boutiques, hotels, and restaurants. __Celebrate Sonoma's good nature. There is no charge to attend this event. 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Two people walking along the bluff trail at Sea Ranch on the Sonoma Coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean

    Sweet as the Sea

    Rough-and-tumble coastline, twisting Highway 1, open grasslands, hidden beaches, bluff trails, and a rustic lodge for storm watching from indoors—we’re not talking about Big Sur. We’re talking Sea Ranch and its namesake lodge on the Sonoma Coast. Walk its famous bluff-top trail, a cliff-hugging sensation with soaring Pacific scenery.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    The 2025 Hiking Calendar Is Here!

    Ready to make hiking part of your New Year’s wellness plan? Get the all-new 2025 Hiking Calendar courtesy of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).

    View
  3. Most Peaceful Hike of All

    Is this the most peaceful one-hour hike in the Bay Area? It's got our vote! Lake Lagunitas is the smallest lake in a series of five found on the north side of Mount Tam, so it’s got that tiny but mighty charm. Do a 1.5-mile loop around the lake's shore-hugging trail.

    View
  4. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Animal Encounters

    Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!

    View
  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast
    Sponsored

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  3. Enchanted in Chantry

    Chantry Flat is one of the most popular hiking areas in LA, but the 5.3-mile (round-trip) Hoegees Campground via Upper and Lower Winter Creek Loop Trail proves you can find peace and quiet anywhere, even in busy Los Angeles.

    View
  4. Locals' Feature: Max Smith of Moment Skis

    Meet Max Smith, VP of Moment Skis in Reno, Nevada. Moment is the largest ski manufacturer in the US and you can see how their innovative and artistic skis are made by visiting Moment Skis headquarters in Reno. The Factory is where the magic happens, so drop in for a visit and say hi to the team, including employee dogs who are on quality control.

    View