Community Calendar

Over 100 Local Students Take the Stage in Original Dance Production Forces of Nature
Ukiah, CA —May 2026 — Originally written in 2016 by Laurel Near and Amanda Rosenberg now re-written and directed by Amanda Rosenberg-Gutierrez.
The performances will be held at the SPACE Theater (508 W. Perkins St., Ukiah) on Friday, May 22 at 6:00 PM, Saturday, May 23 at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and Sunday, May 24 at 2:00 PM.
More than 100 young performers ages 6 to 17 will take the stage this May in an original full-length dance production titled Forces of Nature, a powerful exploration of how the elements of the natural world mirror human emotion.
Blending street dance, hip hop, modern dance, jazz, spoken word, and live vocals, Forces of Nature moves through wind, rain, roots, fire, pressure, love, release, and renewal — revealing how nature’s cycles reflect our own inner landscapes.
“Nature doesn’t just surround us — it lives within us,” says the show’s director. “Through movement, these students explore themes like community, resilience, passion, belonging, and growth. It’s about understanding that the same forces that shape mountains and oceans also shape who we are.”
The show opens with a spoken word piece and live percussion heartbeat, symbolizing the shared pulse of humanity. Throughout the evening, dancers move through explosive hip hop sequences, lyrical modern works, and emotionally charged ensemble pieces, culminating in a full-cast finale celebrating unity and connection.
At its core, the production carries a timely message: pressure builds, storms pass, and from fire comes renewal. In nature, nothing truly ends — it transforms. The same is true for us.
General admission tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children under 18, and are available at The Mendocino Book Company (cash or check), Brown Bear Toys (cash or check), online at www.spaceperformingarts.org and the SPACE Box Office. The SPACE Theater is located at 508 W. Perkins St., Ukiah. For more information, call 462-9370 or visit www.spaceperformingarts.org.

Playwright John Patrick Shanley dives into the cutthroat world of filmmaking in his hilarious satire, Four Dogs and a Bone, showing at Willits Community Theatre May 1 through 17. Directed by Mathew Caine, this bold and unapologetic production delivers fast-paced wit and laughs in the power struggle between a harried producer, seductive starlet, savvy leading lady and a naïve writer. Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. Tickets are $25, available online at www.wctperformingartscenter.org or at the door. Due to adult themes, patrons under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

PSA

Fort Bragg magician Robert Goleman brings “The Joy of Astonishment – An Evening of Magic and Mentalism” to the Willits Community Theatre for two shows on May 22 and 23 at 7:00pm. Goleman’s dynamic and engaging two-hour event opens with traditional magic and seamlessly transitions into acts of mentalism, featuring extensive audience interaction and participation. He promises to lift spirits, rekindle curiosity, and remind us that joy, laughter, and astonishment can transform our outlook. Early tickets are recommended, as his previous shows at WCT have all sold out. Tickets are $25 and available online at: wctperformingartscenter.org, or at the door.

Mean Girls Jr. is a sharp, funny, and high-energy musical that explores the realities of friendship, identity, peer pressure, and growing up in today’s social world. While the production is filled with humor, heart, and memorable music, it also includes mature themes, strong language, and social situations that may be best suited for older audiences.

For this reason, we recommend this production for ages 13 and up. Parents and guardians are encouraged to use their own discretion based on the maturity level of their child.

Got a kid with big energy? A flair for the dramatic? Perfect. Willits Community Theatre’s Gateway to the Stage Summer Camp starts June 29 with classes and a culminating production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical Jr., directed by Joni McLeod, with musical direction by Abigail Strock. Camp students will study song, dance and acting and then enjoy roles in the play. Enrollments are filling quickly, so don’t wait. The camp and performances take place at the Allen Garcia Auditorium at Willits High School June 29 to August 9. Head to wctperformingartscenter.org and click "Summer Camp" to grab your spot.

SHELTER DOG MEET & GREET
At the Ukiah Branch Library
Saturday, May 23 from 10 AM – 1 PM

Join us at the Ukiah Branch Library on Saturday, May 23 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. for a chance to meet some adoptable dogs from the Ukiah Animal Shelter! We’ll meet in the children’s room for doggie cuddles, information sessions with shelter volunteers and staff, and the opportunity to meet your new best friend!

This event is open to all ages and is sponsored by the Ukiah Animal Shelter and the Mendocino County Library. For more information, please visit the library website at www.mendolibrary.org or contact the library at 707-463-4490.

ENCUENTRO CON PERROS DE REFUGIO
En la biblioteca de Ukiah
Sábado, 23 de mayo, de 10 AM a 1 PM

¡Acompáñanos en la Biblioteca Pública de Ukiah el sábado 23 de mayo de 2026 de 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. para conocer perros en adopción del Refugio de Animales de Ukiah! Nos reuniremos en la sala infantil para que los perritos reciban mimos, participen en sesiones informativas con voluntarios y personal del refugio, ¡y tengan la oportunidad de conocer a su nuevo mejor amigo!

Este evento está abierto a todas las edades y está patrocinado por el refugio de animales de Ukiah y la Biblioteca del Condado de Mendocino. Para obtener más información, visite el sitio web de la biblioteca en www.mendolibrary.org o comuníquese con la biblioteca al 707-463-4490.

FIRST FRIDAY - Photo of the Month - Featured photographer John Birchard’s new image, Mendocino Sunset Panorama, 38” x 14” ultra-wide-pano landscape photo debuts starting First Friday, April 3rd, 2026 at the Mendocino Coast Photographers Gallery, Fort Bragg, CA. This exhibition continues all month.

Join us and have a look at the Featured Photo of the Month by John Birchard, snacks, lots of wonderful photos and ceramics and to meet the other members of the gallery.

FARMERS MARKET READING TIME
With the Ukiah Branch Library
Saturdays from 10-11 AM
Ukiah Farmers Market
399-359 S School St, Ukiah, CA 95482

Welcome to the 2026 Farmers Market Reading season! The Ukiah Branch Library invites families and folks of all ages to visit our reading station at the Ukiah Farmers Market every Saturday, May through October. This longstanding, volunteer-run program provides an hour of age-appropriate read-alouds to market goers from 10 – 11 a.m., weather permitting. We hope to see you there.

Please note that rain and/or temperatures exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit will cancel Saturday’s Farmers Market Reading Time. This program is free for all and is sponsored in part by the Ukiah Valley Friends of the Library and the Mendocino County Library. For more information, please contact the library at 707-463-4490.

HORA DE LECTURA DEL MERCADO DE AGRICULTORES
Con la biblioteca de Ukiah
Sábados de 10:00 a 11:00 a. m.
Mercado de Agricultores de Ukiah
399-359 S School St, Ukiah, CA 95482

¡Bienvenidos a la temporada 2026 del Mercado de Agricultores de Reading! La Biblioteca de Ukiah invita a familias y personas de todas las edades a visitar nuestra estación de lectura en el Mercado Agrícola de Ukiah todos los sábados de mayo a octubre. Este programa, de larga trayectoria y dirigido por voluntarios, ofrece una hora de lectura en voz alta, apropiada para cada edad, a los asistentes del mercado de 10 a 11 a.m., si el clima lo permite. ¡Esperamos verlos allí!

Tenga en cuenta que la lluvia y/o las temperaturas superiores a 95 grados Fahrenheit cancelarán el Tiempo de Lectura del Mercado de Agricultores de ese sábado. Este programa es gratuito para todos y está patrocinado en parte por los Amigos de la Biblioteca del Valle de Ukiah y la Biblioteca del Condado de Mendocino. Para obtener más información, comuníquese con la biblioteca al 707-463-4490.

Drop-in art lesson with Suzi Long! Come earn your CREATIVE LICENSE and paint the Noyo Bridge. No experience necessary! Learn a few tricks, enjoy the bridge view and have a great 2 hours in a beautiful new gallery!

Celebrate five decades of Mendocino Land Trust’s remarkable conservation legacy at the Kelley House Museum. This exhibit reveals "behind-the-scenery" stories through archival photos and documents that show exactly how your favorite trails, wildlife habitats, and hidden beaches were acquired and continue to be preserved. From its humble roots as a grassroots movement to its role as a cornerstone of local stewardship, you'll see the passion that keeps our home wild and wonderful. Join us to honor the enduring commitment that has protected the beauty and natural history of Mendocino for the last fifty years.
Exhibit runs April 2nd 2026 – June 1st 2026
Museum hours: Thursday – Monday, 11AM – 3PM