For a fun evening of drinking and live entertainment, head on down to Murphy’s Irish Pub (464 1st St. E., 707/935-0660, www.sonomapub.com) on Sonoma Plaza. Grab an imported Irish pint or a glass of local wine, some barbecued oysters or a fine-dining entrée, and sit back to enjoy an evening of live music, literary entertainment, or perhaps a lively trivia game. Unlike many pubs and wine bars in Wine Country, Murphy’s welcomes kids in its dining room, so feel free to bring the whole family for a meal and a good time.

Vineyards and olive groves have been associated with one another for thousands of years. Celebrating the symbiosis of these two historic staple crops is the Sonoma Valley Olive Festival (www.sonomavalley.com, Dec.–Feb.). Sonoma hosts a variety of annual events that highlight the growth, curing, pressing, and many uses of the noble olive.

Check the online calendar for a list of olive-curing classes, olive-themed winemaker’s dinners, and other celebrations. The “hot” olive weekend each year is the festival finale on President’s Day weekend. Expect to make your lodging reservations early and buy tickets to your favorite events in advance—this popular time is rife with classes, dinners, parties, and crowds.