The Santa Rosa Marathon will kick off on August 25, 2013 in Julliard Park in downtown Santa Rosa, and course through a double 13.1 mile loop around the scenic Prince Memorial Greenway. Participants can also take part in the half marathon or 5K, and is open to both runners and walkers. The race route features notable sites from the area, including the trestle bridges and the picturesque farmlands and wine vineyards along the way.

The Gem Faire is the largest gem, jewelry, and bead show in the United States with almost 50 shows every year. Be sure to attend this three day long event with over 100 exhibitors and vendors selling gems, beads, fine jewelry, silver, gold, crystals, fossils, minerals, lapidary equipment, imported items, and much more.

Location: Sonoma County Fairgrounds, which is just 8 minutes from the Vagabond Inn Santa Rosa hotel. $7 for a weekend pass and free for children under the age of 12. Hours: Friday from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM - 5 PM.