Sonoma International Film Festival

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Arts & CultureSonoma
DatesDates TBA · Usually MarchCheck locally before booking
Duration5 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsSonoma's festival distinguishes itself by
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Sonoma International Film Festival in Sonoma

Founded in 1997 by Carolyn Stolman and Jerry Seltzer, the Sonoma International Film Festival fills this Wine Country town each March with independent and international cinema paired with local food and wine. What began as a small gathering has grown into one of the region's most recognized destination festivals, twice named among the coolest film festivals in the world by MovieMaker Magazine.

It is a travel-friendly film festival with clear regional identity.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Sonoma's festival distinguishes itself by treating food and wine as core programming rather than sideline hospitality, built around celebrating film, food, wine, and fun together in a town whose economy centers on Wine Country tourism

02

The mystery stays covered

Founded in 1997 by friends Carolyn Stolman and Jerry Seltzer to promote Sonoma and its sister cities as a destination, the festival ties its cinema programming directly to civic and tourism goals, distinct from festivals built purely around film culture

03

The city starts moving

Its 25th edition in 2022 included tributes to Jacqueline Bisset and chef Jacques Pepin, and its 2023 edition drew the highest attendance in the organization's history, showing continued momentum after twenty-five years

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival's pairing of film tributes with culinary honorees

Water and renewal

Living ritual

formalized in editions such as its 25th anniversary tribute to both an actress and a chef

The sacred route

Living ritual

continues its founding mission of promoting Sonoma as a destination where cinema and Wine Country hospitality are presented together rather than as separate attractions

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually March

Getting around

Santa Rosa and Bay Area airports are practical options.

What to wear

March in Sonoma is cool and sometimes rainy, with daytime temperatures often in the 50s to 60s Fahrenheit; layered clothing, a waterproof or warm jacket, and comfortable shoes for walking...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

Sonoma Plaza area

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map38.29 N, 122.46 WOpen in Google Maps

Sonoma, CA

TransportSanta Rosa and Bay Area airports are practical options.
Stay areaSonoma Plaza area

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Sonoma via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Sonoma, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for March.Compare faresFestival gearMarch in Sonoma is cool and sometimes rainy, with daytime temperatures often in the 50s to 60s Fahrenheit; layered clothing, a waterproof or warm jacket, and comfortable shoes for walking the compact downtown plaza area are practical.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Sonoma International Film Festival?

Sonoma International Film Festival is listed for Past edition: 25–29 March 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Sonoma International Film Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Sonoma, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

5 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Sonoma, CA

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLsonomafilmfest.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually March
Source statusOfficial source linked
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