Retro Days

Sixty years ago, the Gardens began with a simple but ambitious idea... a flower-filled landscape for the people, stretching all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Now, you are invited to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the grand opening of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gar......More

Sixty years ago, the Gardens began with a simple but ambitious idea... a flower-filled landscape for the people, stretching all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Now, you are invited to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the grand opening of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens with a three-day celebration. “Retro Days” honors the Gardens' roots with a nostalgic look back, special pricing, and family-friendly activities set against the spectacular coastal landscape. During the celebration, admission will be just $1, with $1 ice cream scoops at Rhody's Café available throughout the day. You can also enter daily drawings upon arrival for a chance to win Gardens swag, memberships, and admission tickets. Three winners will be chosen each day! A Living Legacy Over six decades, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens has become a beloved destination and a community hub known for its coastal setting, diverse plant collections, and commitment to fostering a deeper connection with nature. That founding spirit still carries through today with our Giving Garden Program, ongoing conservation efforts, Nature Walks, and Education Program. Be a part of the Gardens’ story. Join us for Retro Days, May 6 through 8, to explore the 47-acre landscape and reflect on a place that began as a retirement dream and continues to grow with each generation. Come celebrate 60 years of growth, community, and coastal beauty. Some places grow gardens. This one grew a legacy—and it is still blooming.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens 18220 N Highway 1 Fort Bragg, CA 95437

Gloriana Dance Company

Dance, Choreograph, Perform

Gloriana Studio at the Boatyard

Suzi Long Watercolor Class

In this relaxed two-hour session, Suzi Long gently introduces the fundamentals of drawing; proportion, perspective, and the art of mixing beautiful watercolor. Her goal is simple: to help you use your creative license to loosen up, trust your artistic instincts, and cr......More

In this relaxed two-hour session, Suzi Long gently introduces the fundamentals of drawing; proportion, perspective, and the art of mixing beautiful watercolor. Her goal is simple: to help you use your creative license to loosen up, trust your artistic instincts, and create a landscape that feels personal and pleasing to you. These sessions are especially perfect for travelers and wanderers who love capturing what they see along the way. Drop in Thursday, Friday, or Saturday 10:30-12:30 at the Blue Pelican Gallery, 401 North Harbor Drive in Fort Bragg No experience necessary- just bring your curiosity. Supplies are available for purchase, so you can travel light and create freely. 707-779-8713  

Blue Pelican Gallery, 401 North Harbor Drive in Fort Bragg.

Open Mic Night at Tall Guy

Join us any or every Thursday for Open Mic Night.

Tall Guy Brewing, 362 n. Franklin St., Fort Bragg

Suzi Long Watercolor Class

In this relaxed two-hour session, Suzi Long gently introduces the fundamentals of drawing; proportion, perspective, and the art of mixing beautiful watercolor. Her goal is simple: to help you use your creative license to loosen up, trust your artistic instincts, and cr......More

In this relaxed two-hour session, Suzi Long gently introduces the fundamentals of drawing; proportion, perspective, and the art of mixing beautiful watercolor. Her goal is simple: to help you use your creative license to loosen up, trust your artistic instincts, and create a landscape that feels personal and pleasing to you. These sessions are especially perfect for travelers and wanderers who love capturing what they see along the way. Drop in Thursday, Friday, or Saturday 10:30-12:30 at the Blue Pelican Gallery, 401 North Harbor Drive in Fort Bragg No experience necessary- just bring your curiosity. Supplies are available for purchase, so you can travel light and create freely. 707-779-8713  

Blue Pelican Gallery, 401 North Harbor Drive in Fort Bragg.

Suzi Long Watercolor Class

In this relaxed two-hour session, Suzi Long gently introduces the fundamentals of drawing; proportion, perspective, and the art of mixing beautiful watercolor. Her goal is simple: to help you use your creative license to loosen up, trust your artistic instincts, and cr......More

In this relaxed two-hour session, Suzi Long gently introduces the fundamentals of drawing; proportion, perspective, and the art of mixing beautiful watercolor. Her goal is simple: to help you use your creative license to loosen up, trust your artistic instincts, and create a landscape that feels personal and pleasing to you. These sessions are especially perfect for travelers and wanderers who love capturing what they see along the way. Drop in Thursday, Friday, or Saturday 10:30-12:30 at the Blue Pelican Gallery, 401 North Harbor Drive in Fort Bragg No experience necessary- just bring your curiosity. Supplies are available for purchase, so you can travel light and create freely. 707-779-8713  

Blue Pelican Gallery, 401 North Harbor Drive in Fort Bragg.

Cafe Beaujolais Second Saturday Art Fair

Join us every second Saturday in the Beaujolais Garden. Enjoy wood fired pizza, sip from our delicious selection of beer and wine while browsing and supporting local artists and purveyors of art, jewelry, vintage, and more!

961 Ukiah Street Mendocino, CA 95460

Sunday Brunch at Little River Inn

Sunday Brunch at Little River Inn back by popular demand! Every Sunday from 8 AM to 12 N. Bar will be open until noon, then re-opens at 3 PM!

Little River Inn, 7901 N. Hwy 1 Little River

Mendocino Jazz Society

Join us any or every Monday for the Mendocino Jazz Society. There is a swing dance lesson starting at 5 PM, come about 10 mins. early to get signed up and put on your dancing shoes! Of course, dancing continues through the evening.

Tall Guy Brewing, 362 N. Franklin St., Fort Bragg

Gloriana Dance Company

Dance, Choreograph, Perform

Gloriana Studio at the Boatyard

Suzi Long Watercolor Class

In this relaxed two-hour session, Suzi Long gently introduces the fundamentals of drawing; proportion, perspective, and the art of mixing beautiful watercolor. Her goal is simple: to help you use your creative license to loosen up, trust your artistic instincts, and cr......More

In this relaxed two-hour session, Suzi Long gently introduces the fundamentals of drawing; proportion, perspective, and the art of mixing beautiful watercolor. Her goal is simple: to help you use your creative license to loosen up, trust your artistic instincts, and create a landscape that feels personal and pleasing to you. These sessions are especially perfect for travelers and wanderers who love capturing what they see along the way. Drop in Thursday, Friday, or Saturday 10:30-12:30 at the Blue Pelican Gallery, 401 North Harbor Drive in Fort Bragg No experience necessary- just bring your curiosity. Supplies are available for purchase, so you can travel light and create freely. 707-779-8713  

Blue Pelican Gallery, 401 North Harbor Drive in Fort Bragg.

Open Mic Night at Tall Guy

Join us any or every Thursday for Open Mic Night.

Tall Guy Brewing, 362 n. Franklin St., Fort Bragg

Suzi Long Watercolor Class

In this relaxed two-hour session, Suzi Long gently introduces the fundamentals of drawing; proportion, perspective, and the art of mixing beautiful watercolor. Her goal is simple: to help you use your creative license to loosen up, trust your artistic instincts, and cr......More

In this relaxed two-hour session, Suzi Long gently introduces the fundamentals of drawing; proportion, perspective, and the art of mixing beautiful watercolor. Her goal is simple: to help you use your creative license to loosen up, trust your artistic instincts, and create a landscape that feels personal and pleasing to you. These sessions are especially perfect for travelers and wanderers who love capturing what they see along the way. Drop in Thursday, Friday, or Saturday 10:30-12:30 at the Blue Pelican Gallery, 401 North Harbor Drive in Fort Bragg No experience necessary- just bring your curiosity. Supplies are available for purchase, so you can travel light and create freely. 707-779-8713  

Blue Pelican Gallery, 401 North Harbor Drive in Fort Bragg.

37th Annual Elk Rummage Sale

Discover antiques, collectables, clothes, toys, tools, housewares and more at bargain prices.

Greenwood Community Center on Hwy 1 in Elk

Suzi Long Watercolor Class

In this relaxed two-hour session, Suzi Long gently introduces the fundamentals of drawing; proportion, perspective, and the art of mixing beautiful watercolor. Her goal is simple: to help you use your creative license to loosen up, trust your artistic instincts, and cr......More

In this relaxed two-hour session, Suzi Long gently introduces the fundamentals of drawing; proportion, perspective, and the art of mixing beautiful watercolor. Her goal is simple: to help you use your creative license to loosen up, trust your artistic instincts, and create a landscape that feels personal and pleasing to you. These sessions are especially perfect for travelers and wanderers who love capturing what they see along the way. Drop in Thursday, Friday, or Saturday 10:30-12:30 at the Blue Pelican Gallery, 401 North Harbor Drive in Fort Bragg No experience necessary- just bring your curiosity. Supplies are available for purchase, so you can travel light and create freely. 707-779-8713  

Blue Pelican Gallery, 401 North Harbor Drive in Fort Bragg.

Walk The Big River Trail with Mendocino Land Trust

There’s no better way to honor Mendocino Land Trust’s 50 years of conservation than with a free guided walk on the old haul road along the Big River watershed. Explore a thriving biodiversity hotspot where redwoods meet the salt marsh. Bring your binoculars to spot hero......More

There’s no better way to honor Mendocino Land Trust’s 50 years of conservation than with a free guided walk on the old haul road along the Big River watershed. Explore a thriving biodiversity hotspot where redwoods meet the salt marsh. Bring your binoculars to spot herons, otters, and seals, plus learn about the flora and fauna along the way. This tour will be led by Mendocino Land Trust Stewardship Project Coordinator, Chase Aherns and will take about 1.5 hours. A Kelley House Museum docent will share photos from the site’s history as a 19th-century lumber mill.   Since their founding in 1976, the Mendocino Land Trust has fought to protect this landscape, culminating in the historic 2002 acquisition of 7,300 acres from the Hawthorne Timber Company. This walking tour is part of the exhibit commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Mendocino Land Trust, on display during April and May. Learn more about the exhibit here.   Free, but RSVP is appreciated.    

Departure point: Big River, east parking lot near trail head.