We’re excited for our Día de Muertos Celebration on Sunday, November 2, 1–4 PM at the Monte Rio Community Center! This special event brings our community together with music, food, art, and activities for all ages.

To make it happen, we need volunteers for setup, decorations, food service, kids’ activities, and cleanup. Even a couple of hours makes a big difference! Contact Fran if you would like to volunteer fran@friendsofmonterio.org

Estamos emocionados por nuestra Celebración del Día de Muertos el domingo 2 de noviembre, de 1 a 4 PM en el Centro Comunitario de Monte Rio! Este evento especial reúne a nuestra comunidad con música, comida, arte y actividades para todas las edades.

Para hacerlo posible, necesitamos voluntarios para la preparación, decoraciones, servicio de comida, actividades para niños y limpieza. ¡Incluso un par de horas hacen una gran diferencia! Comunícate con Fran si deseas ser voluntario: fran@friendsofmonterio.org

CONTACT: Megan@friendsofmonterio.org

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Contact:
Friends of Monte Rio
megan@friendsofmonterio.org
friendsofmonterio.org

Five Years of Rio Vibes: Monte Rio’s Signature Music Festival Returns June 21

MONTE RIO, CA — Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 21, 2025, when Monte Rio’s redwood-shaded amphitheater transforms into a daylong celebration of music, art, and community. Now in its fifth year put on by Friends of Monte Rio, RioFest has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated free public events, bringing together neighbors, visitors, and creatives from across the Russian River area.

Running from noon to 6 PM at the Monte Rio Amphitheater, this family- and dog-friendly event will feature a full lineup of live performances, food vendors, artisan booths, and nonprofit exhibits. Highlights of this year’s stage schedule include Bay Area favorites Pride & Joy, the genre-blending Litch Brothers, the ever-eclectic GOAT Family, and student performers from Monte Rio Kids Ensemble. Throughout the day, DJ Damien will spin tracks to keep energy high between sets.

Festivalgoers can expect more than just music. Local vendors will offer handmade goods, community groups will be on hand with information and resources, and younger attendees can enjoy a vibrant Kids' Corner with games, activities, and classic treats like popcorn and cotton candy.

As the sun sets, the festivities continue across the bridge with “RioFest After Dark,” a new evening concert series hosted by the Monte Rio Theater & Extravaganza. The after-party kicks off with live jam and DJ sessions and features tribute bands Awake (The Doors) and Liquid Sky (Jimi Hendrix), offering a lively encore to a day filled with art and celebration.

Monte Rio artist Johnny Venetti, owner of the Hoot Owl gallery, created this year’s official festival artwork—a colorful and dreamlike piece that captures the spirit of this riverside gathering and will be in attendance showcasing his original pieces and live art.

“RioFest has become a touchstone for our community,” said Megan Gatlin, festival producer. “It’s more than a festival—it’s a day to celebrate what we love about where we live.”

Backed by supporters including the Monte Rio Recreation and Park District, Community First Credit Union, Recology, the Monte Rio Fire Foundation, Sonoma County District 5, and Russian River Pride, RioFest has continued to grow year over year. What began in 2020 as a grassroots effort to bring people together during uncertain times has blossomed into a signature Monte Rio tradition—still free to attend and full of heart.

Organizers expect to surpass last year’s attendance of 2,000, thanks to increased outreach, exciting performers, and a warm community welcome. With strong local sponsorship and dedicated volunteers, RioFest remains a testament to what’s possible when a small town celebrates big.

Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $10 at the gate. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and sun protection.

Event Details:
Monte Rio Amphitheater | 9925 Main Street
Saturday, June 21, 2025
12 PM – 6 PM 
Free entry | Suggested donation $10
Learn more at friendsofmonterio.org

Celebrate five years of rhythm and riverside magic. See you at RioFest 2025!

Celebrate La Posada with Us!

Join us for La Posada, a cherished tradition that brings our community together in the spirit of love, hope, and celebration. This festive event symbolizes the journey of togetherness and hospitality while embracing the vibrant cultural heritage that unites us.

Enjoy delicious food, music, and activities that the whole family will love like the symbolic candlelit procession and piñatas.

All proceeds and support from this event help sustain our programs and services, ensuring brighter futures for the community we serve.

We can't wait to see you there! 🕯️🪅🎊

Holiday Karaoke Choir: No Talent? No Problem!

Get ready to sing your heart out at our Holiday Karaoke Choir—a festive edition of our favorite sing-along event! Whether you’re a shower soloist, tone-deaf diva, or just love to belt out holiday classics, this is your time to shine.

No talent required, no judgment allowed—just pure, unfiltered fun. Grab your friends, embrace the holiday spirit, and join us for a night of laughter, music, and questionable harmonies and dance moves.

All are welcome, so let’s make some merry memories together! 🎤🎄🕺💃

Monthly Game Night: Food, Fun, and Friendly Competition!

Join us for Monthly Game Night, where neighbors come together for an evening of laughter, games, and great company. Bring your favorite board or card games, a dish to share for the potluck, and whatever you’d like to sip on—it’s BYOB!

It’s the perfect chance to unwind, make new friends, and enjoy some friendly competition. Whether you’re a strategist or just there for the snacks, all are welcome.

Play, laugh, and share some good times! 🎲🍴✨

Hey there Supper Clubbers,

We're back at the Monte Rio Community Center on Monday, December 2nd, with Jay's Taste of India and the Stella Health Trio. Please gather with us to support these incredible people and to keep creating community now that the cold season is upon us. We are excited to see you there!

As before, doors open at 5:45pm and dinner is served at 6pm. 

Jay's Taste of India: https://www.instagram.com/jaystasteofindia/

The Stella Heath Trio: http://www.stellaheathmusic.com/
 

Introducing... Monte Rio’s Community Connections Raffle!
 

Celebrate the incredible talents of your Monte Rio neighbors while supporting a great cause. This exciting new initiative will shine a spotlight on the local talents of our neighbors, who are generously donating their skills to benefit our community. Prizes will include personalized cooking classes, expert gardening consultations, private music lessons, and much more. Hosted by Friends of Monte Rio, this raffle is a tribute to the creativity and generosity that make our town truly special.

Featured Prize for Supper Club on December 2nd:
 

Win a private Italian cooking lesson in your home for 6, courtesy of Lorenza Graziosi, our new Monte Rio neighbor and friend. Born and raised between Rome and Umbria, Lorenza is passionate about cooking authentic Italian meals. Among her family staples are ragù bianco, risotto, and tiramisù. Enjoy an unforgettable evening with friends, delicious Italian cuisine, and the warmth of a true Italian cooking experience!

Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant tradition in Latin culture where we joyfully honor and remember our departed loved ones. Our event will feature traditional Mexican cultural elements, including a community ofrenda adorned with photos, mementos, and more.

This year we invite everyone to help build the altar starting at 10am on the day of the event. You can contribute by adding photos, flowers, and personal mementos.

If you're interested in volunteering or need more details, please reach out to Fran at fran@friendsofmonterio.org.

At 1 pm, the celebration begins with activities for all ages, such as face painting, paper flower making, and music provided by DJ Delgade and returning band from last year, Efecto Diferente.

And don’t miss out on DELICIOUS TAMALES!

This event is sponsored by Friends of Monte Rio, Monte Rio Recreation Park District, and River to Coast Children’s Services, We also extend our gratitude to The County of Sonoma & the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for their financial support.

The event is free to attend, though donations are warmly welcomed.