Looking for things to do this summer in Sonoma County?

We’ve got you covered with what is possibly our most exciting list so far: get ready to swim, dance, float, bike, hike, eat, stargaze and wine taste your way through summer.

Paradise Ridge Winery continues its traditional Wednesday night parties: . Every Wednesday through July (with the possibility of more events to be scheduled), guests are invited to the winery’s hillside amphitheater for a night of music, wines by the glass (or bottle) and gourmet food trucks. Tickets are $20-$30. 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-528-9463, prwinery.com

Every Thursday from June to September, folks bring their chairs early to reserve a spot on Windsor’s quaint for the annual concert series and activities. As summer heats up, so do the music, farmers market and family-friendly lawn games. Vendors have food, booze and cool lemonade to keep you full and hydrated until dusk. 5-8 p.m. 701 McClelland Drive, Windsor, townofwindsor.com

It’s a Santa Rosa rite of passage to send your kid to  for a week of old-fashioned fun canoeing on Lake Ralphine, learning ridiculous camp songs, making lanyards, eating Popsicles, and getting good and dirty. Popular with the elementary-school set since the 1950s, the program has kept to its simple roots, making it a wonderfully anachronistic portal for kids more familiar with Snapchat than their own backyards. In Howarth Park, through Aug. 12, srcity.org. Note: If Camp Wa-Tam reaches capacity, there is a wealth of other summer camps available for kids.

The  concert series opens with a bang on July 4 as the Santa Rosa Symphony joins forces with the Transcendence Theatre Company for an evening of sassy show tunes and patriotic classics. The popular Independence Day event at the  offers an array of old-fashioned family fun, including kids’ activities, picnicking on the lawn and a fireworks spectacular at dusk. Families are encouraged to arrive at 4:30 p.m. to take advantage of the Kids Zone and to set up their picnic spread. Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $26-$76; lawn tickets for kids under 12 are half price. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, 707-664-4246, gmc.sonoma.edu

As part of downtown Santa Rosa’s free  series, movies will be played on a massive LED screen in Courthouse Square starting at 6 p.m. on select Thursday nights through Sept. 1. Movie snacks, beer and wine from local producers will be available for sale, and attendees are encouraged to order takeout from a local restaurant to enjoy during the movie. This year’s movie lineup includes: “Lilo and Stich” (June 23), “El Libro de la Vida” (June 30), “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” (July 14), and “In The Heights” (July 21). Summer On The Square also includes a music series at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays and family activities and entertainment on select Fridays. Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, downtownsantarosa.org/summer

 

Windsor kicked off its free Family Movies on the Green series in early June, featuring children’s movie screenings on the Town Green that will continue every Tuesday (except July 1) through Aug. 5. The movie lineup includes “Moana 2,” “Despicable Me 4” (in Spanish with English subtitles), “Toy Story,” “Field of Dreams” and more. Films start 15 minutes after sunset. For more information and movie dates, visit townofwindsor.com.

What started over a decade ago as a simple gathering of Burning Man sculptors, DIY boat racers and local folk musicians has evolved into the full-fledged fringe festival known as . You can get married, showcase your shipbuilding skills, listen to local music or just dress up as your favorite mariner. The event is a fundraiser for Friends of the Petaluma River. Wear comfortable shoes. Corsets optional. July 18-19. Steamer Landing, Petaluma, rivertownrevival.com

A far corner of Petaluma erupts into bejeweled color every July, marking the beginning of dahlia season.  maintains a seasonal farm of dazzling field-grown flowers, a magnet for Instagrammers and plein-air painters that is an only-in-summer treat. Growers Kate Rowe and Omar Duran invite visitors to dillydally among more than 400 varieties of premium dahlias, available for sale. July to October. 2478 E. Washington St., Petaluma, 707-338-9478, funfruitfarms.com

On six Sunday evenings in summer, enjoy , a series of free concerts from 5-7 p.m., this year starting on July 27 and ending Aug. 31. In the golden light of dusk, show up and plunk down on the grass, get dinner from one of the food trucks, lie back and soak in the season. With a mix of family clans, retirees in lawn chairs, kids running around with streamers and dancers up near the stage, it’s a one-size-fits-all summer ritual. 227 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, srcity.org

Set in Jack London State Historic Park,  brings the world of Broadway to the heart of Sonoma Valley for an evening of song, dance, food and — of course — wine. This summer’s remaining lineup includes: “Broadway’s Best Night Ever,” a medley of iconic show tunes; “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” a Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical about the life and times of King; and “Ladies of Broadway” with stories and songs from lifelong Broadway performers. Before every Transcendence Theatre show there’s a massive picnic where guests can enjoy local food, wine and live music. 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, transcendencetheatre.org

in Glen Ellen is a true summertime gem. To be clear: This is not a hot springs spa, but it’s a wonderful place to spend a sunny afternoon. The property features two mineral pools, a wading pool for kids, picnic and barbecue sites, plus lawn games and pingpong. Day-use fees range from $18-$30. Open every day except Mondays until the end of August. 1651 Warm Springs Road, Glen Ellen, 707-833-5511, mortonswarmsprings.com

Whether you’re here to show a goat, ride the Ferris wheel, eat a corndog, or some combination of all three, the  is part of every summer. There’s no shortage of ridiculously fattening food options, roller coaster adventures, animal-petting opportunities and fist-pumping music — but nothing beats finding a comfortable spot in the shade and watching the fairgoers stroll by. Aug. 1-10 (closed Aug. 4). Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, sonomacountyfair.com

Polka may be dead, but the accordion lives on. Every summer, fans of the squeezebox pile into La Plaza Park to play their hearts out at the . The event commemorates the late Jim Boggio, who played with Polka King Frank Yankovic for years. Students, amateurs and pros are all as welcome as the many curious passersby. The event ends with everyone joining in for a group round of “Lady of Spain.” Aug. 16-17, tickets $20-$40, free for children 15 and under. cotatifest.com

The concert series at  is a year-round specialty that’s best enjoyed in the summertime. The unique venue — a century-old redwood barn — draws big names like indie rockers Mac DeMarco and Built to Spill. Tickets are sold out for the September MJ Lenderman and the Wind concert, but there are still tickets for the Bright Eyes show Aug. 27 and the Built to Spill concert Nov. 22. Bring a blanket, grab a bottle of wine from the barn stand and bliss out in the vineyard under the summer sky. 2000 Denmark St., Sonoma, 707-938-5277, gunbun.com

For an evening of food, music and community spirit, check out Healdsburg’s , 5-8 p.m. every Tuesday through August. Local food vendors will be on-site to provide delicious fare, and an eclectic array of bands — spanning genres from folk rock to electric soul — are lined up to perform each week. A complimentary bike valet service will be available each week for concertgoers. Healdsburg Plaza, ci.healdsburg.ca.us

The beard and beer set know all about the  an intimate show space on the unlikely industrial grounds of Lagunitas’ brewing facility in Petaluma. The lineup this year includes La Lom, The Heavy Heavy and more names to be announced. Tickets are free and become available at noon randomly. Anyone who spends $20 at the Petaluma taproom can get exclusive access to VIP tickets, which include a meet-and-greet with the band. The proceeds from shows this year will go toward a charity of the performing artist’s choice. Follow @lagunitaspetaluma on Instagram to stay up to date with the concert series. 1280 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, lagunitas.com

Floating the Russian River is a summertime must, but how best to approach a float trip is a matter of some debate. Our best bet? Kicking the day off at  and ending at  While the 2-mile stretch doesn’t look like much on a map, at the river’s sluggish summertime pace, the route takes a good four hours. To avoid full parking lots or the need to leave a car at each beach, take the Regional Parks River Shuttle, which costs $5 for an all-day shuttle pass and travels from Santa Rosa to Forestville. Don’t forget the sunscreen, and be sure to bring enough liquids to stay hydrated. 9000 River Road, Forestville, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov

Looking for a more active outing on the Russian River than the classic float? Try Burke’s Canoe Trips in Forestville is the go-to option for your kayak and canoe rental needs, but several outposts catering to stand-up paddleboarding have sprung up. Try Rubicon Adventures or SUP Odyssey in Forestville — or Russian River Paddleboards in Windsor for those interested in spending a day upriver. burkescanoetrips.com; rubiconadventures.com; russianriverpaddleboards.com

Looking for a beer or a burger after that Russian River float trip? There’s no better place to quench your thirst than  in Guerneville. Just outside of downtown, the bar features a patio with a river view and access to the beach below. In the summertime, it opens up its beach bar, and patrons are welcome to bring their dogs, so long as they remain on leash. It’s cash only, so come prepared. 15045 River Road, Guerneville, 707-869-0705, stumptown.com

The enclosed dining space behind Healdsburg tapas restaurant certainly isn’t a secret, but it’s become a sanctuary for locals who snap up the best seats on summer nights for drinking sangria, eating plates of Iberico ham and enjoying the casual vibe. 420 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-433-7700, starkrestaurants.com

Pair a pool day with wine tasting at , which sports a spacious tasting bar and two luxurious (and family-friendly) swimming pools. The best plan is to go early, get your swim on, then linger all day. You can order food from the on-site restaurant, slip inside to check out movie memorabilia and do a tasting, then head back outside for bocce or a nap. The oasis fills up quickly on weekends so consider a weekday visit. Pool access is only obtained through the rental of a cabine (starting at $325 for non-members). 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, 707-857-1471, francisfordcoppolawinery.com

Just driving along Highway 1 on a hot summer day, windows down and music on, is enough to make anyone’s day. But even better than that? Pulling off into one of Sonoma Coast’s many beach coves, picnic in hand. Our favorite is just north of Jenner. Rip currents are strong here, so swimming isn’t recommended, but the dramatic 120-foot cliffs bookending the beach make for a nearly unparalleled view. For easier access (and a beach option with sand), we recommend  to the south. 18794 Shoreline Highway, Jenner, parks.ca.gov

What’s the best view in Sonoma County? From the door of an airplane, 9,000 feet up. Celebrate that summertime freedom by free-falling with Cloverdale’s . As you fall, you’ll take in views stretching from the Pacific Ocean all the way to the Sierra Nevada (if you can focus on the view, that is). If you’re going to jump out of a plane, it might as well be on a clear summer morning over Wine Country. 220 Airport Road, Cloverdale, 888-667-2259, norcalskydiving.com

The best way to experience the picturesque water along the Sonoma Coast is to dive right into it. And doing that is made so much simpler with a little help from the folks at the . Visitors can choose between a group lesson ($109) or a private session ($145), with both lasting about 2.5 hours. The shop also rents skimboards, boogie boards, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. 1805 N. Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-875-3944, bodegabaysurf.com

If you’ve never had a mangonada, hibiscus paleta or elote ice cream, you’ve missed out on one of the best things Wine Country has to offer.  (18495 Highway 12) serves up frozen treats like spicy mango slushies, fresh fruit Popsicles and dozens of flavors of ice cream inspired by the Mexican state of Michoacan. Find other great ice cream spots here.

When darkness falls on Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, things are just getting started at the . With the nonprofit’s summer night sky classes, there’s no better excuse to head up the mountain. Classes can be taken individually or as a series and are designed for all levels of stargazer. Each presentation lasts about 90 minutes, during which attendees will learn about different summer constellations and their associated myths. After class, check out the stars through the observatory’s telescopes. 2605 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood, 707-833-6979, rfo.org

Fitting yourself snugly into your rowing shell, you and your hardy crew set off, gliding inches from the water’s surface with each coordinated stroke. Seated in front, a coxswain keeps the rhythm. In no time, everyone has worked up a sweat. Rowing is a terrific cardio and upper-body workout — and few places are better suited to the sport than the Petaluma River. offers learn-to-row programs for adults and camps for kids. Private lessons and equipment check-out for the more experienced can be booked year-round. 699 Second St., Petaluma, northbayrowing.org

Throughout the summer, an inflatable playground gently floats on the surface of the lagoon at  — that is until hordes of kids start jumping, bouncing and climbing on the slippery maze of trampolines, bridges and slides. If all that bouncing isn’t your thing, there are areas for swimming, paddleboarding and wading for the tots. Parking is $7, admission to the water park is $10 and admission to the lagoon for swimming is free. One-hour rentals for kayaks and paddleboards are $12 per rental, and online reservations are recommended. Spring Lake Regional Park, 393 Violetti Road, Santa Rosa, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov

When the mercury climbs above 90, swan dive into a wine cave. The natural earth walls keep the temperature poised between 55 and 60 degrees in the 12,000-square-foot cave at The cave is a highlight of three tastings and tours, including a chance to sample unreleased wines from the barrel, taste current vintages with a culinary accompaniment, or savor your sips in a private room within the cave. The tour is $95 per person, or $150 ($125 for members) if you reserve a personalized experience. By appointment. 15401 Sonoma Highway 12, Sonoma, hamelfamilywines.com

While the  is a favorite destination year round, it’s an especially nice spot to cool off during the dog days of summer. This season, you can join in the fun with the “Peanuts” gang as the museum exhibits fond, sun-soaked memories of summer camp in the Strip Rotation Gallery. Other summer exhibits include: “Paperback Peanuts,” “Memorable Moments: Celebrating 75 Years of Peanuts” and “Nice Shades! Beyond the Lines in Peanuts.” 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, 707-5794452, schulzmuseum.org

a “glamping” resort in a Guerneville redwood grove, marries a wilderness escape complete with barbecue pit to the indulgence of a boutique hotel with spa-like bathrooms and luxe linens. Accommodations range from nostalgic Airstream trailers to luxury tents scattered around a midcentury modern clubhouse stocked with board games, morning coffee and a cozy fireplace. 14120 Old Cazadero Road, Guerneville, 707-604-6103, autocamp.com. Find more local glamping spots here.

Whether you drive a Camaro, a Ford Focus or a Volvo wagon with a baby seat in back, you too, can be a smoking badass on the asphalt. You don’t need a muscle car for  on Wednesday nights. Just show up and take your lane for a shot of hot adrenaline delivered with screeching tires, a slip with your time and speed, and maybe a trophy. You can also test your drifting skills sliding sideways through a special course or take a spin at the Doughnut Pad. $20-$60. 29355 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, sonomaraceway.com

Between the secluded ocean cove west of Highway 1 and the fern-filled redwood canyon that beckons from the east, the 210-acre  is a gem. The park’s 23 inland campsites offer quick access to the sheltered beach, a popular spot for kayaking, picnicking and tidepooling. More than three miles of trails include a blufftop walk and vista point, as well as lushly forested Stockhoff Creek and Canyon Trail loop options. Reservations required. 22455 Highway 1, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov

For a quick, lung-punching mountain bike loop in , leave your car in the Newanga Avenue parking lot and head east on the fire trail that follows the path of Spring Creek. At the first bridge, keep right to stay on the wide trail; cross the second bridge and you are now on Canyon Trail that leads to Lake Ilsanjo. Keep the lake on your left and take Canyon to Warren Richardson Trail, which will bring you to the Channel Drive parking lot. Channel Drive Trail runs parallel to the road — ride it until the trail ends at the ranger station. Back on the road, take a hard left up Violetti Road and a quick right into Spring Lake Regional Park, returning to the parking lot. Finish off your day with a beer and bite at nearby bike pub, Trail House. parks.ca.gov

Nonprofit  offers fun and easy ways for the family to get in tune with nature, such as its Let’s Read Outside series where kids (geared toward children 5 and younger) and their families can read bilingual, nature-themed books together in the garden at LandPath’s Bayer Farm in Santa Rosa. Reading sessions are held 10-11:30 a.m. every Friday through summer (except July 1). Kids can also play in the garden, make nature-themed arts and crafts, and learn about earth’s various critters. In partnership with Redwood Empire Food Bank, LandPaths distributes free lunch for youth 18 and younger through August, noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. LandPaths also offers plenty of summer camps for kids and teens. landpaths.org

For those willing to venture across the Sonoma-Marin county line, check out these can’t-miss options:

On moonless nights, tiny flickers of light can be seen in the waters of Tomales Bay. The quasi-magical sight only happens when tiny bioluminescent organisms living in the bay are disturbed. The best way to experience the phenomenon is during a nighttime paddle. Blue Waters Kayaking offers Bioluminescence Tours all summer for groups of all sizes. 415-669-2600, bluewaterskayaking.com.

There’s no better place to take in the sunset over drinks than Nick’s Cove restaurant (plus cottages) at the north end of Tomales Bay. Built right on the shore, it offers perfect sunset views over Hog Island and the Point Reyes National Seashore beyond. While the real draw is an outside cocktail — on the patio or by the boathouse at the end of the restaurant’s long dock — even the view from inside is spectacular. 23240 Highway 1, Marshall, 415-663-1033, nickscove.com