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It may be winter, but cold weather never chills Benicia’s sense of fun. In February, a great round-up of wintertime events make Benicia worth the short drive from most cities in the Bay Area. Once you’re here, you’ll find plenty of restaurants for a satisfying meal, gorgeous views of the Carquinez Strait and the Benicia waterfront, and an array of shops and art galleries to stroll through.

A look at what’s on the calendar in February:

Ghost Walk, first and third Friday of each month at 8 p.m.: Thrill seekers looking for spooky tales can experience firsthand Benicia’s paranormal history during these spine-chilling adventures. Paranormal investigators Donna Raymond and Devin Sisk lead the walks that meander downtown, starting at the Historic Railroad Depot, 90 First Street. Tickets cost $25 each. Children under 10 are not permitted. For information, or to reserve a spot, call Benicia Main Street at (707) 745-9791.

Family Art Day at Arts Benicia, Sunday, February 5, 1-3 p.m.: Arts Benicia is a great place to learn about art and unleash your creativity. And a good way to start learning and unleashing is to attend Family Art Day, a free event that provides hands-on activities for children and adults. This family-friendly afternoon is a great way to connect with your kids and let your imagination take flight!

Love Poetry Contest, Sunday, February 12, 2-4 p.m., at the Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road: Verses of romantic poetry are read aloud, to pull on your heart strings. Bring your sweetheart to the Benicia Historical Museum for the annual Love Poetry Contest results – a free event.  While there, nibble on sweet treats and refreshments, while the romantic story of Concepción Argüello and Nikolai Rezanov, that inspired the Benicia Love Poetry Contest, is told. To find out more about the event, please call (707) 745-5435.

Tip: Before the event, take a moment to read the poems that were submitted, available online at http://benicia.patch.com/columns/love-poem-contest-2012.

Great Bowls of Chili Challenge: Saturday, February 18, 12-4 p.m. at the Historic Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street: Heartburn heaven is only a few weeks away at this new, small-town, chili challenge  Rockabilly and country sounds from a live band will set the tone for sampling different renditions of this down-home dish.

If you’d like to enter the contest, there are still a few openings. Entry fee is $35 per team or individual. The competition is limited to 30 teams – so enter early. Download a registration form online from Benicia Main Street at www.beniciamainstreet.org/media/2012-chili-competition-app.pdf.

Judges will look for the best chili in the following categories: Greatest Bowl, Greatest Vegetarian and Most Creative Challenger, based on taste, appearance, aroma, consistency and creativity. The top winner of each category will win $100 in Downtown Dollars and a trophy. There will also be a People’s Choice award that attendees can vote on.

Presale tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children 10 and under, and can be bought at Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street, or online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/220148. The day of the event, tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children 10 and under. Admission to the event includes savory chili tastings from all contestants. For more information about the Great Bowls of Chili Challenge, please contact Benicia Main Street at (707) 745-9791.

Gal-A-Palooza Women's Expo, Saturday, February 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Want to experience what could be the Bay Area’s best ladies’ day out? Grab your friends and get to the Gal-A-Palooza Women’s Expo, presented by Benicia Main Street. Over 40 participating businesses and non-profits will welcome you to shop, learn, relax and unwind at this day-long expo. Learn about the latest trends in hair, clothes, and makeup, gets tips on fitness and parenting, and collect lots of samples and goodies to take home. While here, take advantage of special events happening inside Fourth Street boutiques – just for Gal-A-Palooza. For details about participating merchants, please call Benicia Main Street at (707) 745-9791.

The Black Irish Band in concert, Saturday, February 18 at 8 p.m., Benicia Historical Museum’s Stone Hall, 2024 Camel Road: Bay Area favorite The Black Irish Band will perform their mix of Irish, Scottish, Italian and American folk music with an array of original songs and traditional western ballads. The band’s musical style “captures the spirit of the immigrants of this land; the men and women who tamed the Wild West.” Tickets for the concert are $20 each, available on the Benicia Historical Museum’s website.

For an ongoing list of what’s happening in Benicia, be sure to visit the events calendar for the latest information.

Artists working in a wide range of media will showcase their creations from January 19 through February 19 under one roof at Arts Benicia’s gallery, during the Art of a Community exhibition. This annual open group celebration of the vibrant and diverse art scene in Benicia highlights the works of over 150 members of the organization – artists from Benicia and all over the Bay Area.

According to Larnie Fox, director of Arts Benicia, the Art of a Community exhibition is one of their biggest exhibitions of the year. Most of their members have pieces in the show. He says it’s an excellent way to discover the pulse of the art activity in Benicia, from artists just coming on to the scene, to very accomplished professional artists.

2012 marks the 18th year Art of a Community has been presented by Arts Benicia. It represents the pulsating art community that Benicia has become a beacon for. For over 25 years, Arts Benicia has helped nurture the arts community into a thriving place for  artists to express themselves and present their work.

An opening reception
The opening reception for Art of a Community happens Saturday, January 21, 7-9 p.m. This fun, popular event is free and open to the public. Wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages will be served along with finger foods. Program Coordinator Laura Buchan has found that it’s one of the most exciting Arts Benicia events of the year, saying “It's a time for the whole community, artists and art lovers alike, to come together and celebrate.” If that sounds like a good time, stop by to meet the talented art community and support their efforts the evening of January 21 and enjoy the reception. Almost all of the participating artists will be on hand.

Family Art Day
Family Art Day will be Sunday, February 5, 1-3 p.m., a free event open to the public and members. There will be hands-on activities for children and adults, too. This family-friendly afternoon is a great way to connect with your kids, your community and to discover the possibilities of art.

If you go…
Arts Benicia is located at 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114, and is open 12-5 p.m. Thursday – Sunday (unless otherwise noted). If you would like further details about this event, or general information about Arts Benicia, art classes or future exhibits, please call (707) 747-0131.

Image credit: Arts Benicia – wine labels

Arts Benicia – the city’s art center and gallery that serves as the hub for a large community of artists – is having a few exciting events that inspire a new way of gift giving for the holidays. It’s also a great excuse to take a day trip to Benicia and browse the local galleries and shops that sell distinctive goods found only in this waterfront city.

Art as gifts
There’s time remaining before the holiday to find one-of-a-kind gifts for your inner-circle. Arts Benicia is again featuring a small works exhibit for you to experience a unique approach to holiday shopping. Gems: Exquisite, Intricate, Intimate Small Works of Art is running until December 18, and is open Thursday through Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m. The exhibit showcases small works of art that span a variety of media. The first-rate work for sale was chosen by jury and created by select Arts Benicia members and other local and regional artists.

Arts Benicia label wine
Spread good cheer by purchasing fine bottles of wine for friends and family this holiday – with a nice twist. In a unique fundraising effort, Arts Benicia has partnered with Goosecross Cellars of Yountville to bring you Arts Benicia label wines – a fantastic way to support the art center and share gifts of fine wines at the same time.

There are two very special Arts Benicia label wines to choose from: Tabula Blanca and Tabula Rosa. Tabula Blanca is a 2010 Lake County Sauvignon Blanc with crisp citrus tones. This wine has two Arts Benicia label designs to choose from, inspired by artists Peter Foucault and Linda Grebmeier. Tabula Rosa is a 2008 Napa Valley Syrah that boasts big, rich flavors bursting with cherries and spice. This wine also has two Arts Benicia label designs to choose from, inspired by artists Freddy Camargo and Pat Hall. You can order these wines at www.torchlightcellars.com/artsbenicia.

Arts Benicia will be conducting year-round wine sales through this unique partnership with Goosecross Cellars. Throughout the year, different varietals will be made available featuring various artist labels. Goosecross Cellars will also be attending upcoming Arts Benicia exhibits to host tastings, and the wines will be available for purchase, too.

Find your way to Benicia to shop for art and specialty items, and to have a Great Day by the Bay!

Downtown Benicia is bursting with holiday spirit. This Friday, December 2 starting at 6 p.m., the annual Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting will delight you with plenty to see and do. Watch a fun, short video of this popular event on the Benicia Main Street homepage.

Here are Visit Benicia’s top 10 reasons to attend:

1. The tree lighting ceremony that starts at 6:30 p.m. at the foot of First Street: There’s something magical about seeing the town’s Christmas tree being lit for the first time each season. What makes it particularly memorable is being a part of the festive crowd gathered in the chilly night air – children’s faces beaming with excitement – all there to partake in a cherished tradition. Oh, what fun!
2. Kris Kringle and the Mistletones jingle bell rocking you to the sounds of the season: Their name alone sets the tone for a jolly good time. Other local musicians will be strumming along First Street for your listening pleasure.
3. Christmas carolers dressed in period costume: As if leaping from the page of a Dickens novel, they’ll delight you with traditional carols throughout downtown. Sing along if you like!
4. Horse-drawn wagon rides: Picture open-air rides on a wagon, pulled by a bedecked horse; can’t you hear those wagon bells ringing? Adults ride for $3, children 12 and under with an adult for $1.
5. Sipping some holiday cheer: Care for a glass of wine? To help keep your spirits bright, two downtown locations will be selling wine for $5 per glass: 90 First Street at the Railroad Depot and 400 First Street at the corner of First and D streets.
6. Awesome deals: It’s an opportunity to shop and find awesome deals and one-of-a-kind gifts at the holiday sales. First Street shops will be open until 9:30 p.m.
7. Tasty treats to warm your insides: You can warm yourself up with refreshments like hot cider, cocoa, coffee and cookies handed out to patrons of First Street merchants. Shopping has its rewards.
8. A great excuse to enjoy cuisine you didn’t have to cook: Being downtown during the event is a great excuse to eat dinner out at one of the many restaurants. Choose from mouth-watering burgers to gourmet cuisine, whatever mood strikes you.
9. Getting together with friends: Having an occasion to hang out with friends, family and Santa’s First Street shop helpers in a fun and festive place is always worthwhile.
10. It’s free: What a pleasure to enjoy holiday festivities at little to no cost! Enjoying the fun and warm spirit of the Benicia community during the holidays, whether you’re a visitor or a local, is heartwarming and satisfying.

If you would like more information about the event, please contact Benicia Main Street at (707) 745-9791.

Benicia’s holiday shopping season begins

Everyone knows that Black Friday sales start the day after Thanksgiving. Everyone also knows that it’s the busiest shopping weekend of the year. Here’s what you may not know: Downtown Benicia merchants are opening their doors the Saturday BEFORE turkey day. That’s right – you can have fun shopping and beat the crowds, while finding sales and unique gifts at Earlier Than the Bird!

Earlier Than the Bird – Pajama Party!, happening on First Street, is Saturday, November 19, 9 a.m. to noon. Set your alarm, roll out of bed, stay in your PJs and jump-start your holiday shopping in Benicia.

You’ll discover the most delightful boutique shops along First Street. Decked-out with festive cheer, these shops are the place where you’re sure to find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list, including art glass, paintings, collectibles, décor, gourmet honey, hand-made chocolates, fashion-forward clothing, and fuzzy warm scarves and gloves. These are just a few of the items you’ll come across.

Better yet, when you shop at First Street merchants between now through December 1, you’ll have the chance to win a Downtown Holiday Shopping Spree valued at $500! For every $10 that you spend at participating First Street merchants, you’ll receive one ticket for the shopping spree drawing. The drawing will be held on Friday, December 2 at the Benicia Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting Ceremony. For detailed information, please call Benicia Main Street at (707) 745-9791.

While you’re in town, several participating salons and spas can spruce you up for the holidays, and help you relax before the holiday rush. You might want to call ahead to book a treatment; be sure to ask about the deals they’re offering for the event!

The participating merchants, restaurants, salons and spas that will be open early with unique deals and treats – think mimosas, pastries, coffee and hot cocoa – are:

Merchants and restaurants

• Angel Heart 4 You, 501 First Street
• Benicia Floral & Gifts, 838 First Street
• Benicia Bay Company, 714 First Street
• Blue Goose Antiques, 622 First Street
• Blue Bird Vintage, 800-C First Street
• Capitol Café, 639 First Street
• ColorMotion Studios, 328 First Street (photography)
• Christina S., 370 First Street
• Elisa's Closet, 623 First Street
• Fiber-Frolics, 637 First Street
• First Street Café, 440 First Street
• Floors on First, 840 First Street
• Lindsay Art Glass, 109 East F Street
• Little Bird, 611 First Street
• Miguelena, 555 First Street
• Romancing The Home, 617 First Street
• Rosanna's European Delights, 305 First Street
• Studio 41, 700 First Street

Salons and spas

• A. Lago Salon, 1036 First Street
• A Lily of Gold, 560 First Street, #105C
• Arian Nails, 521 First Street
• Bombshell Hair & Ink, 120 East G Street
• Elisabeth's Hair Design, 601 First Street, #101
• First Impressions, 832 First Street

Also, in the spirit of holiday giving, the event will benefit SafeQuest. Shoppers that would like to donate a new pair of pajamas, for women or children, can drop them off at a participating downtown business, or at the SafeQuest information booth located at 370 First Street.

For information about Earlier Than the Bird – Pajama Party!, please contact Benicia Main Street at (707) 745-9791.

If you haven’t prepared your holiday shopping list, jot it down before November 19, and bring it with you to shop Benicia!

 

One of the most jovial places to visit in the Bay Area during the holiday season is Benicia. The city sparkles with charm and seasonal traditions bringing joy to residents and visitors each year. Festivities planned November through December set the tone for a truly merry season. So, if you’re looking for few memorable holiday outings, let’s share some tips on Benicia’s noteworthy events and shopping:

Shop for the holidays
Starting at Military East, First Street unfolds toward a scenic waterfront. It’s a fine street for strolling, and catching decorative seasonal window displays twinkling with holiday spirit. You’ll discover loads of distinctive fashion, art, and collectibles, as well as gifts and treasures to check off your list. Surely, even the biggest Scrooge would be charmed by a gift from these fine merchants!

Shopping has its rewards! Benicia Main Street and the downtown merchants are offering the chance to win a Downtown Holiday Shopping Spree. For every $10 that you spend at participating First Street merchants between November 4 and December 1, you’ll receive one ticket for the shopping spree drawing, valued at $500 in Downtown Dollars. The drawing will be held on Friday, December 2 at the Benicia Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting Ceremony. For detailed information, please call Benicia Main Street at (707) 745-9791.

Also, November 19, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., get a jump start on holiday shopping crowds during “Earlier than the Bird!” Feel free to roll out of bed, stay in your pajamas and shop ‘til you drop! If you like, register a "Wish List" at participating businesses and they will send a copy to your designated "Santa.” Oh, what fun!

Art events: a fresh approach to gift giving
November 28 through December 16, Arts Benicia’s upcoming exhibition – small works – will provide a unique approach to art, not to mention, holiday gift giving!  Small works is a showcase of the works of select Arts Benicia members and other local and regional artists. First-rate small works will be available to peruse and purchase. You’ll discover all forms of media, appealing to a wide range of tastes. With the holidays fast approaching, it’s a great place to find unique gifts or inspired pieces for your own home.

Also, there will be an opening reception for small works on Saturday, December 3 from 7 to 9 p.m., and everyone’s invited! Refreshments will be served and several of the artists will be on hand to answer questions about their works and processes.

Arts Benicia is open Thursday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. They’re located at 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114. Feel free to call them with any questions at (707) 747-0131.

Photo credit: Lindsay Art Glass

Benicia’s well-known for the art glass studios that produce mind-blowing works of art. The studios are such a popular attraction: they open their doors during the holidays, when you can watch demonstrations of the centuries-old craft of glass blowing while shopping for holiday gifts. They’ll also be serving light refreshments during this festive, entertaining studio draw. Here are the dates and locations of each art glass open house:

• Smyers Glass Holiday Open House and Studio Sale: December 1-4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (demonstrations until 3 p.m.) The studio address is 675 East H Street. For information, please call (707) 745-2614.
• Nourot Art Glass Holiday Open House: The studio will have an open house three consecutive weekends in December: December 1-4, December 10-11 and December 17-18. Nourot Art Glass will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. On December 17, glass-blowing students from Civic Arts Education will demonstrate the art of glass-blowing for visitors. Ornaments will be 10 percent off and there are several select items discounted 50 percent for a holiday sale. The studio is located at 675 East H Street. For more information, please call (707) 745-1463.
• Lindsay Art Glass Holiday Open House: Friday, December 2 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The studio is located at 109 East F Street. For more information, please call (707) 748-1336.

December 10-11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the enclave of artists – located at the Benicia Historic Arsenal – will be hosting the Arsenal Artists Holiday Open Studios. If you’ve never had the chance to visit an open studios event, this is your chance! It’s an unusual opportunity to see numerous open art studios, housed in close proximity and nestled in historic buildings and warehouses dating back to the late 1800s.

This very cool event is completely run by the artists themselves – many who live as well as work in the studios. Several artists have been producing smaller works of art specifically for this event, to encourage art collecting, and to make art an affordable, unique purchase for holiday gifts.

Find open studios located throughout Jackson, Tyler, Lincoln and Grant streets during the open house.

Holiday cheer
The Benicia Historical Museum at the Camel Barns is hosting its second annual Christmas Tree Lot, located at 2060 Camel Road. Find the perfect fresh tree to tinsel at this festive, fundraising lot. Starting November 25, the lot will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until the trees run out! For directions and details, see their flyer.

Chime in the season at the Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting Ceremony, December 2, 6 to 9 p.m. on First Street and the First Street Green. You’ll be treated to refreshments – like steaming hot cider and cookies – at the downtown shops, as well as special sales on merchandise. Costumed carolers stroll downtown singing traditional Christmas carols, as if popped from a Dickens novel. You can even opt for a horse-drawn wagon ride for the entire family, or wine tasting for adults.

Around 6 p.m., make your way to the First Street Green for rockin’ sleigh bell sounds, because Kris Kringle and the Mistletones will have the crowd hoppin’ to holiday music during the annual tree lighting ceremony. For information, please call Benicia Main Street at (707) 745-9791 or visit www.beniciamainstreet.org.

December 10, celebrate with the residents of Benicia 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the Christmas Parade and Holiday Market. The parade starts at First and D streets and ends at H Street. Be sure to wave to the local bands and dancers as they march down First Street. Santa Claus will also be on hand for a special visit! The Holiday Market will feature juried fine art, gourmet items and delicious foods – all perfect for gift giving.

Ahoy landlubbers… Later that same evening, the Benicia Marina is hosting its 21st Annual Lighted Boat Parade on December 10 at 6 p.m. You’ll want to stay in town to see this fun, floating procession of boats decked out in twinkling lights for the holidays – an unusual sight.  At 6 p.m., the boats will line up single file at the turning basin in front of the Harbormaster building at the Benicia Marina, 266 East B Street, where they can be viewed (and judged). After the judging, the parade of boats leaves the harbor and heads into the Carquinez Strait, toward First Street and then travels back to the Benicia Marina.

The best places to view the parade are from the marina, Benicia Yacht Club and First Street. If you would like further information about the parade, please call the Benicia Marina office at (707) 745-2628.

Benicia’s a fantastic city to ring in the holidays with the entire family. We hope to see you around town!

A trip-worthy, small theater experience awaits Bay Area residents seeking quality live entertainment. If you enjoy being moved by evocative stage productions, steer your way to the Benicia’s B.D.E.S. Hall for Benicia Old Town Theater Group’s latest production, “The Voice of the Prairie.”

Beginning Friday, October 21, this charming, nostalgic play echoes a simpler era when listening to radio broadcasts was a favorite pastime. Brought to life by a talented cast, John Olive’s play is set in the Midwest, and spans 1895 to 1923. Its protagonist, Davey Quinn, is a popular radio personality who spins funny accounts of his life onto the airwaves. He recounts and reenacts stories about himself and his old friend, Frankie, a blind, runaway girl. Quinn’s tales highlight funny incidents that occurred through their teens and adulthood, and that continued to color their lives, as they lost touch, and then reunited after many years.

Director Casy Cann, a drama instructor from Contra Costa College, guides a cast of six people, who play multiple roles throughout the play. Benicia Herald assistant editor Keri Luiz interviewed Cann for a recent blog called “BOTTG readies romantic time capsule” that gives readers a sense of what to expect from the play, and the efforts that have gone into the production by the hard-working cast and crew. Read the article at www.wordpress.com.

“Voice of the Prairie” runs October 21 through November 12 on Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. The theater is located at Historic B.D.E.S. Hall, 140 West J Street. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $18 for students and seniors 62 and over. Purchase tickets online at www.beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com. Opening night, tickets are $25 and the evening commences with a champagne gala, included with ticket purchase. For information, please call (707) 746-5526.

Benicia has plenty of restaurants for pre-theater dining. Try waterfront Sailor Jack’s, 123 First Street, for views and some of the freshest seafood in Solano County, or possibly Aroma Indian Cuisine, 818 First Street, if you prefer something more exotic and spicy. Or, to find something else just right, visit the restaurant directory.

Benicia has several charming inns to stay the night, if you’d like to make your visit a complete getaway. A list of where to stay can be found at www.visitbenicia.org/lodging.

Photo credit: Walter Gendell

Fall is the dazzling “season of change,” as the air gets crisper, the leaves change color and the holidays approach. Benicia welcomes visitors to explore the city during this alluring season with a host of activities on tap.

Here’s an insider look at “happenings” throughout the month of October:

October – all month, Scarecrow Contest: Kicking-off the month is the Scarecrow Contest. Six-foot tall scarecrows will greet you along First Street during October, imaginatively fashioned by downtown businesses. Vote on your favorite by picking up and dropping off a ballot at participating merchants, or stop by the Benicia Main Street booth at the Thursday night Farmers Market through October 27 to cast a vote ($1 per vote.)

October – every Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m., Farmers Market: The final weeks of the Certified Farmer’s Market have arrived. The market wraps up Thursday, October 27 with the Farmers Market Finale. Enjoy an evening of special events, live music and surprises, including announcement of the winners of the Scarecrow Decorating Contest and the Frequent Shopper grand prize.   

October 1 – Camellia Tea Room opens reservations for their annual Teddy Bear Tea, November 27 and December 4: This popular, traditional holiday tea fills up fast, so make your reservation well in advance! Call 746-5293 for details on seating times.

October 7-9, Benicia Fashion Weekend: Benicia Fashion Weekend showcases a unique mix of boutiques that feature designers and apparel exclusive to the area. More than 35 spas and salons downtown offer the most innovative trends in hair, skin and make-up. We invite you to spend the weekend in Benicia, the fashion and beauty destination for women throughout the Bay Area:

• Friday: Fashion Night Out with shopping from 6 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday: Fashion runway show – doors open at 5:30 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: Trunk shows and demonstrations throughout the day at various shops

For more information and a list of participating stores, please call Benicia Main Street at (707) 745-9791.

October 7, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, Ghost Walk: Thrill seekers looking for spooky tales and paranormal intrigue this October can experience firsthand Benicia’s paranormal history during these spine-chilling adventures. Paranormal investigators Donna Raymond and Devin Sisk lead the walks, starting at the Historic Railroad Depot, 90 First Street, that meander downtown. Tickets cost $25 each. No children under 10 are permitted. For information on daily event times or other details call Benicia Main Street at (707) 745-9791. Note: During October, there are additional Ghost Walk dates; usually the walks are offered the first and third Friday of every month.

October 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, and 31, Haunted Depot and Pumpkin Patch: The Southern Pacific Railroad Depot mysteriously transforms into a ghost town inspired by the Old West. Stop by 90 First Street to get spooked! While you’re there, pick up a pumpkin to bring home for Jack-O-Lantern carving.

October 15, Tabula Rasa: Emerging Curators Opening Reception: This is the opening reception of an exhibition created by up-and-coming curators in the Arts Benicia gallery at 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114. The reception is 7 to 9 p.m. The exhibit runs October 11 through November 11.

October 15, Sorcerer Saturday: From 12 to 5 p.m., First Street and the First Street Green will host a family-friendly celebration of sorcerers, witches and warlocks. Vendors and special activities will awaken the magic and mystery. Adults can partake in special brews! For details, call Benicia Main Street at (707) 745-9791.

October 15, Spenger Garden Concert Series presents Wavelength: The Benicia Historical Museum and Red Dragonfly Productions present Wavelength in the last concert of the 2011 series. Wavelength plays electric Latin jazz and funk during this outdoor concert. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at www.beniciahistoricalmuseum.org. Spenger Garden is located at 2024 Camel Road. For more information, please call (707) 745-5435.

October 16, Family Art Day:  Family Art Day, in conjunction with the Tabula Rasa exhibition, provides an opportunity for families with children to explore the art world. Learn, create and experience arts and crafts together during this engaging afternoon, with hands-on techniques taught by Arts Benicia staff. Visit Arts Benicia from 1 to 3 p.m., 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114 to join the fun!

October 21, The Voice of the Prairie – a Benicia Old Town Theater (BOTTG)  production: Opening night of the Voice of the Prairie is October 21, presented by BOTTG, a theater company that’s been producing quality local plays for over 47 years. The Voice of the Prairie, a play by John Olive, will run over four weekends. For the play synopsis, dates and ticket information please see: www.beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com.

October 29, Halloween Costume Contest and Sidewalk Stroll: Trick-or-Treat! First Street merchants and Benicia Main Street adore kids in costume, and each year, they get into the spirit of the holiday with this popular event. Merchants decorate their store-fronts and pass out candy to the kids during the stroll. And they wouldn’t forget your furry friends! At noon, there will be a canine costume contest on the First Street Green with special prizes and treats for your four-legged companions. Call (707) 745-9791 for details.  

October 29, The Benicia Historical Museum Costume Ball: Join the museum at 8 p.m. at Stone Hall, 2024 Camel Road, for their annual fundraising event! Dress in costume for an evening of fantasy, intrigue and fun, where music, food and drink await partygoers. Tickets are $40 each or $75 per couple and can be purchased at: Bookshop Benicia, 856 Southampton Road; Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street; Benicia Chamber of Commerce, 601 First Street, Suite 100; and the Benicia Historical Museum office, 2060 Camel Road or online at www.beniciahistoricalmuseum.org.

October 30, Camellia Tea Room's 6th Annual Bewitching Tea: Witches and Warlocks are invited to a traditional tea, complete with tea readings, a fashion show by Christina S. and raffle prizes and favors by Soroptimist of Benicia. This tea is a fundraiser for Safequest of Solano County and STAND of Contra Costa County. Seatings begin at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and cost $40 per person (includes tax and gratuity). Reservations are required; please call (707) 746-5293.

Stay tuned for details about holiday events happening in Benicia throughout November and December!

Benicia is a city with serious style. A destination for women throughout the Bay Area seeking luxury pampering and high-fashion, Benicia showcases a mix of boutiques filled with the season’s latest garb, and over 35 spas that provide the latest trends in services. Benicia Fashion Weekend will be a three day embodiment of fashion and beauty – all that Benicia has to offer. It’s an ideal weekend escape for gal-pals looking for a great day by the bay!

October 7 through 9, Benicia Fashion Weekend, presented by Benicia Main Street, will offer health and beauty demonstrations, trunk shows at various boutiques and a fall fashion runway show.

The weekend kicks off (with heels on!) at Fashion Night Out. First Street boutiques and salons will stay open until 9 p.m. to present featured designer lines of fall clothing and accessories. Salons and spas will offer the latest hair design and spa therapies so you can get dolled-up and pampered.

Calling all Divas! Saturday, October 8, get your fabulous self to Benicia for “Fashion Under the Stars.” This runway show will dazzle you with the latest trends in fall fashion, at the Treasury of Commons on First and D Street. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., starting with a wine and appetizer reception and silent auction. At 7:15 p.m., the catwalk activities begin. Special highlights will include:

• Richard Hallmarq, a Sacramento-born fashion designer for music legends like Prince, will debut his line “The Collection.”
• Lluvy Gomez from America's Next Top Model, Cycle 4 will offer her talents as an up-and-coming model on the runway.
• Claudine Wong, a Benicia native and newscaster on KTVU Channel 2 News, will be the MC for the night.
• Betsy Johnson’s latest collection will appear “hot off the runways” from New York’s Fashion Week.

Tickets to attend “Fashion Under the Stars” are $40, and can be purchased at the following locations: Be Chic Boutique, 309 First Street; Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street; Christina S, 370 First Street; Miguelena, 551 First Street; Piccolo, 216 First Street and Studio 41, 700 First Street. Tickets can also be purchased by calling Benicia Main Street at (707) 745-9791.

Throughout the weekend, First Street boutiques will be offering in-store promotions. Here’s the scoop:

Miguelena, 551 First Street, will feature Night Sky Design Jewelry Collection by Kimberly Dennis, makeup demos by DiDi, hair style consultations by Karen Beatteay, special in-store discounts, as well as a drawing for a Donald J. Pliner Italian leather handbag.
Piccolo, 216 First Street, will have a trunk show for contemporary clothing line Soul Revival. There will be a gift with purchase, and refreshments will be served.

Christina S, 370 First Street, will host a series of designer trunk shows and style events all three days. Benjamin Zoldan, representative of Montreal designer Joseph Ribkoff, will reveal a glimpse of 2012 trends. New York designer Samuel Dong will present his collection of red carpet fashion. On Saturday, October 8, patrons will also get the opportunity to meet future designers and hear their fashion point of view.

Be Chic Boutique, 309 First Street, will stage a trunk show and special promotion. Call (707) 745-1148, for details.

After Friday’s Fashion Night out or Saturday’s runway show, head to one of Benicia’s downtown restaurants and lounges for a cocktail or late nosh. There are several downtown eateries and bars open late to serve you, and keep the fun going!

For more details about Benicia Fashion Weekend, please contact Benicia Main Street at (707) 745-9791 or visit www.beniciamainstreet.org.
 

Known for supporting the arts and embracing local artists, Benicia will welcome over 150 diverse artists and crafters to the 38th Annual Fine Arts and Crafts Fair, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., being presented by the Benicia Chamber of Commerce.

First Street in downtown Benicia, beginning at First and G streets, will be lined with tents and booths hosted by artists showcasing a wide range of creations: fine arts, gifts, home and garden furnishings, jewelry, toys, floral arrangements, accessories, clothing, furniture, oil and watercolor paintings, photography, holiday decorations, handcrafted pottery, and much more.

This fair offers a chance to speak with the artists, learn about their specific craft and, of course, purchase unique and even one-of-a-kind objects d’art. Rain or shine, this annual event draws thousands of visitors and art aficionados each year. It’s a terrific opportunity to find holiday and special occasion gifts for the people in your life who deserve something truly unique, or treat yourself to something that will jazz-up your home or office space.

Admission and parking are free.

Visit Benicia, and get set for an inspiring afternoon among the arts.