On the evening of Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the historic Sonoma Plaza buzzed with vibrant energy as the city’s famed Third Tuesday Night Market returned once again. A variety of local artisans, musicians, chefs, and food lovers gathered to create a festive atmosphere that not only celebrated midsummer, but also underscored Sonoma’s steadfast commitment to community, art, and small-business growth.
The Third Tuesday Night Market is part of a beloved series that unfolds every Tuesday from May through September in the iconic “horseshoe” in front of Sonoma City Hall. Operating from 5–8 p.m. (with slightly altered hours in September), the market draws both Sonoma residents and visitors alike. The event offers free admission and emphasizes local agriculture, artisanal craftsmanship, culinary exploration, and live entertainment.
This year’s midsummer market showcased a wide array of stalls: from certified-organic produce to handmade jewelry, locally grown honey to culinary treats. Among the lineup were purveyors of fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, grilled specialties, woodwork, home décor, and eco-conscious goods. A representative from the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce, which co-presents the market alongside the City of Sonoma, noted that they aim to select vendors who truly embody the spirit of Sonoma—small-scale, high-quality, and community-minded. The emphasis on local produce extends beyond simple transactions; it’s part of an ethos that connects farmers with residents, fostering shared support within the community.
Food vendors offered a rich tapestry of tastes: oysters on the half shell, Thai curries, Jamaican jerk, artisanal ice cream, and fresh-baked sourdoughs. Many vendors source ingredients directly from farms featured in the market, ensuring that each bite reflects Sonoma’s agricultural roots. Local wineries and craft-beer brewers also featured their offerings, adding another layer to the culinary experience. Fairmont Sonoma highlighted the market as a destination for resort guests, noting that visitors frequently collect freshly made meals and bring blankets to enjoy a casual outdoor feast.
Live music is a hallmark of the night market experience. For the summer of 2025, the lineup included notable acts like Live Band Karaoke on July 15, followed by Kerry Daly Band on July 22, and Jacob Benning Band on July 29. Performances typically begin around 6 p.m. and continue to energize the crowd until sunset. The second Tuesday of each month features amplified programming from the Sonoma Jazz Society at the nearby Grinstead Amphitheatre, adding a refreshing twist to the musical roster. As attendees meandered through the market on July 15, they gathered on the front lawn, cheering on singers during the live-band karaoke event—highlighting the community’s participatory spirit and the night’s celebratory ambiance.
This market is intentionally family-friendly. Picnic blankets spread across green lawns invite parents and children alike. A City of Sonoma events organizer shared that the goal is for everyone to feel welcome. Pets are not allowed, except for service animals, to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. Fun extras were on display as well, including seasonal berry-picking demos, plant and flower booths, and a children’s crafts area that offered simple activities designed to teach youth about local crafts and sustainability.
Since its launch in May, the Tuesday Night Market has become a backbone of Sonoma’s summer social calendar. It provides vital support for small-scale farmers, local artisans, and early-stage food entrepreneurs who rely on direct-to-consumer sales. Sponsorship opportunities—ranging from bicycle-valet and reusable-cup programs to stage power, music, and zucchini-race sponsorships—allow local businesses to invest directly in community culture through visible participation. The City of Sonoma and the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce both recognize this model as essential to sustaining the local economy—and ensuring that summer evenings are vibrant, shared experiences.
July 15 featured several standout elements. The Live‑Band Karaoke energized both performers and audience members, with residents and travelers joining the stage to share their voices and create impromptu moments of joy. A floral pop-up booth featured heirloom flower plants and expert advice on home gardening, reinforcing Sonoma’s persona as an agrarian community. Local honey producers showcased their comb-harvested varieties, educating visitors on honey extraction and local pollinator habitats. The food truck corner stayed lively throughout the night, with lines forming early for favorites like truffle grilled cheese and mango-lime shaved ice.
The market continues every Tuesday through the end of August, with fall hours shifting slightly in September from 4:30–7:30 p.m. Themed nights like Zucchini Races in mid-August and a poignant closing celebration on September 30 featuring Spike Sikes and his Awesome Hotcakes are expected to draw additional crowds. Meanwhile, the City’s Special Events Calendar fills summer weekends with complementary happenings—from Rosé 5K races to the Napa-to-Sonoma half marathon—extending the reach of local commerce, culture, and fun.
The July 15 midsummer market exemplified the best of Sonoma: grassroots creativity, shared experiences, and local pride. From fresh produce to music and arts, the Third Tuesday Night Market continues to be an emblematic expression of community in Sonoma—bringing together families, supporting small businesses, and celebrating craft every Tuesday evening.
