November
What the Butler Saw
Don’t miss the last two weekends of the Benicia Old Town Theatre Group’s fall play, What the Butler Saw, a British farce full of mistaken identity, deception and double entendres. Through 11/10, Fri. & Sat. 8pm, Sun. matinees 2pm. B.D.E.S. Hall, 140 West J Street. Tickets: 707.746.1269, beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com
Verismo Opera
[Photo courtesy Verismo Opera]
Verismo Opera presents The Masked Ball by Giuseppe Verdi, at Vallejo’s Bay Terrace Theater. Directed by Cristina Arriola, Conducted by Frederick Winthrop. Fully Staged, Piano and Chamber Orchestra. It’s Fat Tuesday and you are invited to a fabulous Masked Ball at the Governor’s mansion in the heart of New Orleans. Passion, conspiracy, jealousy and revenge unfold amidst the colorful sights of the French Quarter, Bayou and cemeteries. Brown Paper Tickets, $16-20. Nov. 4-25 at 2, 7:30 or 8pm, 51 Daniels Avenue, Vallejo. Verismoopera.org
621 Gallery
Gallery 621 is a contemporary fine art gallery that showcases the works of member artists. November’s opening reception featuring guest artists will be held Nov. 10, 5-8pm. Exhibit runs Nov. 8-Dec. 2. Contact the gallery for the Nov. and Dec. featured artist. Thurs.-Sun. 11am-5pm, 621 First Street, Benicia. 707.746.6211, Gallery621.com
Napa Valley Wine Train Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
Solve the murder(s) of the Detective Club in the clandestine world of the gumshoe. Come prepared to mix and mingle, dress the part or just get down to business and solve the murder. $155. Friday, Nov. 16, 1275 McKinstry Street, Napa. 800.427.4124, winetrain.com
Plein Air Gallery
[Photo: Poppies in the Park, by Pat Ryll]
Fourteen plein air painters show their works of Bay Area scenes, capturing local favorites treasured by residents. The artworks also give visitors insight to the surrounding local beauty. Thurs.-Sun., 12-6pm. 307 First Street, Benicia. 707.495.2940, beniciapleinair.com
Holiday Open House
The annual Holiday Open House marks the beginning of the holiday season, but this year features something very special. Debuting for the first time, the 192 trees lining First Street will come alive with thousands of sparkling lights. Merchants offer beverages & treats while costumed carolers sing. Live entertainment, wagon rides, wine tasting. Friday, Nov. 30, 6-9pm. Beniciamainstreet.org
December
Christmas Parade and Holiday Market
This year’s holiday parade, which begins at First & D Streets and ends at First & H, features local marching bands, dancers, and a visit from Santa Claus. Following the parade, the Holiday Market will feature handcrafted arts & crafts, gourmet items and delicious foods. Sat. Dec. 8, 10am-3pm. 707.745.9791, Beniciamainstreet.org
Mad Hatter Holiday Parade, Festival and Masked Ball
[Photo: Shutterstock]
Vallejo’s Mad Hatter holiday event returns on Sat., Dec. 1, 4:30-6pm. New this year is the Mad Hatter Masked Ball at 7pm at Dance Unlimited. Art cars from Burning Man line the parade and streets. Fire-shooting snails and dragons join the Mad Hatter in celebrating Alice’s 160th birthday celebration & tree lighting ceremony. 925.451.7682, Hcpartners.us
Nutcracker Ballet
Benicia Ballet and the Solano College Music Dept. will delight the community with a performance of The Nutcracker Ballet, where a young girl's dream comes to life. Performed by a cast of over 200 dancers, symphony musicians and chorus members. Dec. 1, 7 pm, Solano College Theatre, 4000 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield. Tickets: $22 general, $18 senior/military, $15 student. 707.746.6757
Wednesday Night Ramble
An impressive night of music at the Empress Theater with the North Bay Allstars, featuring Don Bassey, Paul Revelly, Mike Emerson and Don Fox playing blues, roots, Americana and funk. Special guest Steve Freund and others. $7, $9 at the door. Dec. 5, 7-10pm. 707.552.2400, Hcpartners.us, empresstheatre.org
VOENA
Sat. Dec. 15 4-6pm
Join this internationally acclaimed local children’s ensemble at the Empress Theatre and experience the new show “Voices of the Season.” 707.552.2400, voena.org
Six Flags New Year’s Bash
The iconic theme park is open New Year’s Eve from 4pm-midnight. Fireworks, dance party, live music and great food. Dec. 31, 707.643.6722, sixflags.com/discoverykingdom
