​Fall is a beautiful time to explore the Mendocino Coast, and this October brings a special opportunity to experience three days of Native art, culture, music, and community in Mendocino.
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The weekend begins with the 10th Native Arts Expo, returning to the Mendocino Art Center on Friday and Saturday, October 16–17. The Expo brings together Native artists, culture bearers, performers, and community members for two days celebrating both traditional and contemporary Indigenous creativity.

Visitors can meet artists and shop directly for original works including jewelry, basketry, textiles, prints, paintings, regalia, and other handcrafted pieces. Live performances, demonstrations, and special presentations throughout the weekend make the Expo much more than an art market—it is a celebration of living Native cultures and the enduring Indigenous presence on the Mendocino Coast.

This year, the celebration extends into a third day with One People, One Fire, adding another opportunity to gather, experience Native culture, enjoy live music and performances, and celebrate community. Together, the Native Arts Expo and One People, One Fire create an entire weekend centered around Indigenous art, culture, creativity, and connection.

Rendezvous Mendocino is located in Anchor Bay, about an hour south of the town of Mendocino, making these events an easy and beautiful day trip along Highway 1. Spend your days enjoying the festivities in Mendocino, then head back down the coast to the quieter surroundings of Anchor Bay. Settle into your cozy accommodations, open a bottle of local wine, and relax after a full day of art, music, and coastal exploration.
Staying in Anchor Bay also puts you in a wonderful position to experience more of the southern Mendocino Coast during your getaway, including nearby Gualala and Point Arena. Instead of limiting your trip to one destination, the drive becomes part of the experience—with ocean views, redwoods, beaches, and small coastal communities to discover along the way.

October is an especially wonderful time to visit, with fewer crowds, beautiful coastal scenery, and a relaxed fall pace.

Come for three days of Native arts and culture and stay for everything that makes fall on the Mendocino Coast so special.

Book your stay at Rendezvous Mendocino and make this special weekend part of your fall coastal escape.

September brings another great night of live music to the Mendonoma Coast when A Case of the Willys takes the stage at the historic Arena Theater in Point Arena on Saturday, September 12.
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Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Willy Jordan, A Case of the Willys brings together five world-class musicians for an electrifying mix of rhythm and blues, soul, and raw funk.

A two-time GRAMMY-nominated vocalist, Jordan is known for his work with Elvin Bishop's Big Fun Trio and collaborations with legendary musicians including John Lee Hooker. He also fronts the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, and local blues fans may remember his appearance at the Arena Theater in the summer of 2025.

With Jordan's deeply soulful voice and commanding stage presence leading the way, audiences can expect an energetic evening filled with exceptional musicianship and plenty of groove.

The show begins at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $35, and the Arena Theater bar and snack stand will be open.

Why not turn the concert into a weekend away? Spend the day exploring Point Arena and the surrounding coast before enjoying an evening of great live music. Afterward, retreat to Rendezvous Mendocino, settle into your cozy accommodations, and unwind with a glass of wine.

Great music, beautiful scenery, and a relaxing coastal retreat make a pretty perfect September weekend.
Book your stay at Rendezvous Mendocino and make A Case of the Willys part of your Mendonoma Coast getaway.

There's something special about enjoying fresh seafood, live music, and a cold local brew with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop. This Labor Day Weekend, one of Point Arena's favorite community traditions returns to the coast.

The Annual Harbor & Seafood Festival—better known as Fish Fest—takes place Sunday, September 6, from noon to 6 p.m. at Arena Cove and the Point Arena Pier.

This family-friendly celebration brings together local seafood, local bands, local brews, and activities for the kids, including a bouncy house and plenty of other fun. Best of all, the festivities take place right beside the ocean at one of the Mendonoma Coast's most picturesque working harbors.

Admission is free, with $1 tickets available at the entrance for food, drinks, and activities. Be sure to bring cash, as this is a cash-only event. Visitors are also asked to leave pets at home.

Beyond being a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon, Fish Fest supports an important local cause. Proceeds help keep the Point Arena Pier open and accessible to the public throughout the year.

Labor Day Weekend is also the perfect opportunity to squeeze in one more summer getaway. Pair Fish Fest with a relaxing stay at Rendezvous Mendocino, where cozy accommodations, peaceful coastal surroundings, and wonderful wine experiences provide the perfect complement to a day at the harbor.
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Extend your Labor Day Weekend on the Mendocino Coast and book your stay at Rendezvous Mendocino today.

Summer may be winding down, but the fun isn't over yet on the Mendocino Coast! On Saturday, August 29, the tiny coastal community of Elk celebrates a very special milestone—the 50th annual Great Day in Elk.

This beloved end-of-summer tradition begins at noon with a parade down Highway 1, followed by an afternoon of festivities at the Greenwood Community Center. Expect an old-fashioned community celebration filled with live entertainment, carnival fun, a watermelon-eating contest, the famous greased pole climb, silent and cake auctions, fresh-pressed cider, plenty of food, and more.
Providing the afternoon soundtrack will be Jason Beard's Bring Joy Band with singer Sarah Larkin, serving up a danceable mix of bluegrass and rock.

And because 50 years deserves an extra celebration, this year's festivities won't end when the sun goes down. Great Night in Elk begins at 7 p.m. with Burning Down The House, a Bay Area Talking Heads tribute band, performing indoors at the Greenwood Community Center. The evening concert is a separate ticketed event, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
Funds raised throughout the celebration help support the Greenwood Community Center's programs and ongoing maintenance. Click here to purchase tickets.

Make a day of it—or better yet, make it a weekend. Enjoy the beautiful drive along Highway 1, experience one of the coast's most colorful community traditions, and then return to the cozy comfort of Rendezvous Mendocino for a relaxing evening.

There's still time for one more summer escape. Book your stay at Rendezvous Mendocino and celebrate the end of the season on the Mendocino Coast.

Looking for the perfect excuse to escape to the Mendocino Coast this June? On Saturday, June 27, award-winning blues artist Tommy Castro & The Painkillers bring their electrifying live show to the historic Arena Theater in Point Arena.

Fresh off a major night at the 2026 Blues Music Awards in Memphis, Tommy Castro was honored as Blues Rock Artist of the Year, while his song "Can't Catch A Break" earned the prestigious Song of the Year award. Known for his soulful vocals, fiery guitar work, and high-energy performances, Castro has spent more than four decades building a reputation as one of the most respected artists in contemporary blues.

The concert comes as Castro tours in support of his latest album, Closer To The Bone, a return to his deepest musical roots. Featuring a mix of original songs and carefully selected classics from blues legends and longtime friends, the album showcases the raw emotion, authenticity, and musicianship that have made Castro a favorite among blues fans around the world.

Whether you're a lifelong blues enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable night of live music on the coast, this promises to be one of the standout performances of the summer. Pair the evening with dinner in Point Arena, a scenic drive along Highway 1, and a relaxing stay at Rendezvous Mendocino.
After the show, return to your cozy accommodations, uncork a bottle of local wine, and unwind in the peaceful surroundings of Anchor Bay. It's the perfect way to experience the best of the Mendonoma Coast—great music, beautiful scenery, and true relaxation.

Make it a blues-filled coastal getaway and book your stay at Rendezvous Mendocino today.

This June, the Mendonoma Coast welcomes a taste of New Orleans as Gualala Arts presents Benny Amón’s New Orleans Pearls as part of its popular Whale & Jazz Series.

Taking place on Saturday, June 20 at 4 p.m. at the Gualala Arts Center, this special performance brings the rich traditions of early New Orleans jazz to the heart of the coast. Led by acclaimed drummer and bandleader Benny Amón, the ensemble celebrates the music of jazz pioneers including Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, and other legendary artists who helped shape America's original musical art form.

Audiences can expect an afternoon filled with spirited rhythms, soulful melodies, and authentic performances of classic rags, blues, marches, waltzes, and jazz standards. Joined by an exceptional group of musicians, Amón and his ensemble deliver the vibrant energy and timeless charm that have made New Orleans jazz beloved around the world.

Before or after the concert, take time to explore the scenic beauty of the Mendonoma Coast. Stroll nearby beaches, visit local galleries, enjoy exceptional dining, or simply relax and take in the fresh ocean air. June is also prime whale watching season, making it an ideal time to experience the coast's natural beauty alongside its thriving arts and music scene.

After a memorable afternoon of music, retreat to the comfort of Rendezvous Mendocino. Unwind with a glass of local wine, relax in your cozy accommodations, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that makes the Mendonoma Coast such a special destination.

Turn a day of music into a complete coastal getaway. Book your stay at Rendezvous Mendocino and experience the best of art, culture, and relaxation on the Mendocino Coast.

Looking for a memorable night out during your Mendocino Coast getaway? On Saturday, June 13, the historic Arena Theater in Point Arena welcomes internationally acclaimed surf-rock trio Messer Chups for an unforgettable evening of music, visuals, and vintage-inspired fun.

Known for their distinctive blend of surf rock, rockabilly, garage punk, and cult horror influences, Messer Chups has built a worldwide following with a sound that is both nostalgic and completely unique. Their mostly instrumental performances weave together twangy surf guitar, vintage film samples, lounge-inspired rhythms, and infectious melodies that feel like the soundtrack to a classic drive-in movie.

Adding to the experience, the band's live show is accompanied by a colorful video collage featuring iconic scenes from mid-century cult and horror films, creating an immersive performance that is equal parts concert and cinematic spectacle.

Opening the evening is special guest 3LH, an Orange County-based surf and garage rock band inspired by classic 1960s surf music, punk energy, and reverb-soaked guitar tones. Their modern take on a timeless sound makes them the perfect complement to an evening of coastal-inspired rock and roll.

The Arena Theater bar and snack stand will be open throughout the event. This show is for guests 21 and over.
After the music winds down, skip the long drive home and return to the comfort of Rendezvous Mendocino. Relax in your cozy accommodations, enjoy a bottle of local wine, and wake up refreshed to another beautiful day on the Mendonoma Coast.
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Make it a weekend of live music, coastal exploration, and relaxation. Book your stay at Rendezvous Mendocino today.

Celebrate Pride Weekend on the Mendonoma Coast

​Looking for a unique and meaningful coastal getaway this June? Point Arena Pride returns for its 6th annual celebration of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, bringing a weekend of joy, creativity, and connection to the Mendonoma Coast.

The festivities begin on Saturday, June 6, with an evening Drag Show at the historic Arena Theater in Point Arena. Featuring talented local and Bay Area drag performers, the show celebrates self-expression, artistry, and community in a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Highlights include performances by local favorites Ernest Legend, Billy Hill, Chance Ryder, and special guest Enbeguiling, a Two-Spirit glitter-prince drag artist known for blending glamour, performance art, and social commentary.

After the show, guests are invited to keep the celebration going with a dance party featuring DJ ledao. The Arena Theater bar and snack stand will also be open throughout the evening.

Arrive early and enjoy the all-ages Pride Ice Cream Social Fundraiser at The Record beginning at 4 p.m. The gathering features music, Pride-themed treats, a featured mocktail, and an opportunity to support Point Arena Pride's volunteer-led efforts to foster inclusion and community on the coast.
The celebration continues on Sunday with Pride in the Park and additional community festivities throughout the weekend, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy a colorful and welcoming coastal escape.

After a day of celebration, return to the comfort of Rendezvous Mendocino. Relax with a glass of local wine, enjoy the peaceful coastal setting, and experience all that makes the Mendonoma Coast such a special destination.

Book your stay at Rendezvous Mendocino and make Pride Weekend part of your coastal getaway.

Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer—and there’s no better place to welcome the season than the Mendocino Coast. With cool ocean breezes, scenic coastal drives, towering redwoods, and peaceful evenings beneath the stars, late May is the perfect time to slow down and reconnect.

Spend your days exploring nearby beaches, discovering local art galleries, wine tasting along the coast, or simply enjoying the relaxed pace that makes this region so special. After a day of adventure, return to Rendezvous Mendocino to unwind in a cozy room, sip local wine, and enjoy the quiet beauty of Anchor Bay.

Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a peaceful solo retreat, or a long-overdue coastal getaway, Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect kickoff to summer travel on the Mendonoma Coast.

Start your summer with a stay to remember—book your getaway at Rendezvous Mendocino today.

​Slow down and reconnect with the natural beauty of the Mendocino Coast during the Nature Journaling Workshop at Gualala Arts on Wednesday, May 13.

Led by Meadow as Muse curator Karen Wilkinson, this free workshop invites participants to explore mindful observation, simple sketching, and reflective journaling techniques while immersed in the peaceful surroundings of Mill Bend Preserve. No art experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to pause and notice the beauty around you.

Spring is one of the most inspiring times to visit the coast, with blooming landscapes, cool ocean air, and quiet moments waiting around every corner. Pair your creative afternoon with a relaxing stay at Rendezvous Mendocino, where you can continue to unwind with onsite wine experiences, cozy accommodations, and the slower pace the coast is known for.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, creativity, or simply a peaceful retreat, now is the perfect time to plan your coastal getaway.

Book your stay at Rendezvous Mendocino today.