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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Welcome to the Lake County Features Weekender, your guide to local events and experiences. Each Friday we deliver a quick-scan format organized into three sections: Around the County for festivals, concerts and other gatherings; Farmers Markets around the region; Skywatch for night-sky highlights; and Lend a Hand for volunteer opportunities. This edition offers options from free to affordable to suit a range of interests. New events since the last issue are marked (N) while recurring ones are tagged (R) for easy reference.
Have an event, community gathering or opportunity we missed? Email us at LakeCountyFeatures@gmail.com.
Around the County
(N) Guided Nature Walks at Anderson Marsh
Second Saturday of each month, 8:30 a.m. (except January and December). Explore the natural and cultural history of Anderson Marsh State Historic Park with guided nature walks led by State Parks interpreters and docents. Meet at 8:15 a.m. in the parking lot to observe wildlife in the picnic area. Walks last 1.5 to 3 hours. Steady rain cancels. For more information visit their website, call 707-995-2658 or email info@andersonmarsh.org. 8400 Highway 53, Lower Lake.
(N) Guided Hike at Six Sigma Ranch and Winery
Monthly on select Thursdays, 9 to 11 a.m., Oct. through Dec. 4. Join a guided 4-mile hike through the rolling hills of Six Sigma Ranch and Winery. Meet at the tasting room at 9 a.m. for a scenic outdoor experience. For more information call 707-994-4068, email info@sixsigmaranch.com or visit their website. 13372 Spruce Grove Rd., Lower Lake.
(N) Cache Creek Vineyards Fall Events
Cache Creek Vineyards in Clearlake Oaks invites the community to enjoy a festive series of Friday night gatherings with local bands, food trucks, wine and fun for all ages. Bring a lawn chair or grab a picnic table and settle in for a fall evening in wine country.
Tastes, Tunes and Trucks — Friday, Oct. 3, 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music, games and wine with food by Saw Shop Catering, featuring smash burgers, Philly sandwiches, nachos and more. Complimentary music. Wine and beer available for purchase.
Tastes, Tunes and Trucks — Friday, Oct. 17, 6 to 9 p.m. — Live music by Decades and food from La Chilanguita, serving tacos, quesabirrias, burritos, huaraches and other specialties. Complimentary music. Wine and beer available for purchase.
Fall Wine Club Pick-Up Party — Sunday, Oct. 19, 1 to 4 p.m. — Taste club shipment wines, including pre-releases, while enjoying live music by L.C. Diamonds. Non-members may call the tasting room for availability.
For more information call 707-998-1200, email info@cachecreekvineyards.com or visit their website. 250 New Long Valley Rd., Clearlake Oaks.
(N) Cobb Mountain Art & Ecology Fall Open House & Sale
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18–19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Explore art, ecology and community on 88 acres of forested land at Cobb Mountain Art & Ecology Project. Meet the current artist residents, enjoy live demos, artist talks, walking trails, local food and handmade pottery and sculpture for sale. Woodfired pizzas available from noon to 2 p.m., with kiln unloading led by visiting artist Kenyon Hansen on Sunday at 10 a.m. Proceeds benefit artists and CMAEP programs. Free and open to all. For more information visit their website. RSVP requested. Email casey@beckpots.com. 9700 Rockys Rd., Loch Lomond.
(N) Trick or Treat at the Clearlake Oaks Moose Lodge
Sunday, Oct. 26, 5 to 7 p.m. Bring the family and enjoy Halloween fun at the Clearlake Oaks Moose Lodge’s festive trunk-or-treat event. Decorate your car for a chance to win first or second place and celebrate the spooky season with the local community. For more information call 707-994-3600 or visit their website. 15910 Moose Lodge Ln., Clearlake Oaks.
Farmers Markets
(R) Lake County Farmers’ Finest Saturday Market
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop seasonal produce, local goods and artisan foods at the year-round Lake County Farmers’ Finest market, held in front of Shannon’s Mercantile. Open rain or shine. For more information visit their website, call 707-263-6076 or email sieber61@msn.com. 4350 Thomas Dr., Finley.
(R) Middletown Farmers Market
Fridays, 4 to 7 p.m. (September through November). Shop local produce, artisan goods and specialty foods direct from farmers and makers at the Middletown Farmers Market, held weekly in downtown Middletown. For more information visit their website, email farmersmarketmiddletown@gmail.com. 21256 Washington St., Middletown.
(R) Peace & Plenty Farm Stand
Open year-round, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday (winter hours and subject to change). Visit the on-site farm stand for fresh vegetables, eggs, seasonal flower bouquets, gifts and their signature saffron lemonade. Summer hours (June through October) extend to seven days a week. For more information visit their website. 4550 Soda Bay Rd., Kelseyville.
Skywatch:
September
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS)
Predawn hours, September through October
Predicted to become very bright, possibly visible to the naked eye as it passes through the inner solar system. Look east near Leo, Virgo or Hydra. Could be one of the year’s most spectacular events if brightness predictions hold.
Milky Way Core Visibility
Through September, after sunset until early morning
The Milky Way’s core remains visible but begins setting earlier as autumn approaches.
Venus Near Regulus
Friday, Sept. 19, predawn hours
Venus will appear near Regulus, the brightest star in Leo, with a crescent moon nearby. A striking celestial triangle perfect for wide-field astrophotography.
Saturn at Opposition
Sunday, Sept. 21, all night
Saturn is at its closest to Earth and fully illuminated by the sun. The best time to view the planet’s rings through a telescope.
September Equinox
Monday, Sept. 22, 11:17 a.m.
Marks the start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere, when day and night are nearly equal. A good opportunity for sunset or twilight photography.
Neptune at Opposition
Tuesday, Sept. 23, all night
Neptune is at its closest to Earth and fully illuminated. Though still a small blue dot even through telescopes, this is the best time to observe or photograph the distant planet.
Lend a Hand
Lake County Coalition for the Homeless — Opportunities include shelter assistance, serving meals and organizing donation drives. Volunteers work evenings or weekends as available.
Lake County Helping Hand — a Non-Profit Organization dedicated to helping those who are in need of food. Learn more online.
Meals on Wheels — Deliver meals to homebound seniors, provide friendly visits and help with senior center activities. Flexible schedules for volunteers.
Hospice Services of Lake County — Offer companionship to patients, assist families or help with fundraising events. Training and support provided to volunteers.
Lake County Libraries — Shelve books, host children’s story times, or help with literacy tutoring. Four branch libraries accept volunteers ages 14 and up.
Lake County Office of Emergency Services (OES) — Volunteer Auxiliary Support Team members help during emergencies with logistics, evacuation centers and recovery support. Training required. More information online.
Middletown Art Center (MAC)— Assist with gallery openings, workshops and community arts events. Volunteers help set up, greet visitors and manage events.
Want to share an event or volunteer opportunity? Email us at LakeCountyFeatures@gmail.com.
