Stay Healdsburg —a benefit assessment district that funds marketing and sales promotion efforts for lodging businesses in Healdsburg —announced today it is awarding $119,500 in grants to 13 local organizations. The semi-annual grant program is derived from the local hospitality industry’s annual bed tax receipts. The contributions aim to fund arts, cultural and educational activities and subsequently improve tourism and promote room stays among the 35-member lodging properties within the city limits, as well as enhancing the residents’ overall quality of life.
This year’s grants will support upcoming events between May and October 2024, including:
- The annual Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience (May 16-19), facilitated by SD Media Productions LLC, showcasing the region’s makers alongside globally recognized wines. The festival’s goal is to highlight the vibrant culinary diversity, sustainable farming practices and deep connection to the agriculture of Sonoma as it relates to the rest of the world.
- Tuesday’s Concerts in the Plaza running from May 28-Aug. 27, dishing up an eclectic and unique line-up of bands assembled to please a wide array of musical interests, produced by the City of Healdsburg.
- The second annual Bloodroot Ramble, occurring June 7-9, that combines wine, music and community in a homegrown music festival put on by the live music junkies of Bloodroot Wines.
- Edge Village Healdsburg, which welcomes those working in technology, science and social innovation to attend various gatherings, held from June 2-30, to live, learn and work on interesting projects dedicated to accelerating human flourishing.
- The 26th Annual Healdsburg Jazz Festival taking place June 15-23, which will feature nine days of concerts in Wine Country with appearances from renowned jazz artists like NEA Jazz Master Dianne Reeves, Grammy Award winner Samara Joy and American trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire
- Fourth of July Kids’ Parade & Community Celebration, the beloved event that welcomes guests from near and far to celebrate the founding of America coupled with Healdsburg’s special small town charm.
- Fourth of July Fireworks providing entertainment and enjoyment for all of Healdsburg’s families, executed by the American Legion.
- From July 23-27, SIP Healdsburg (Songwriters in Paradise Healdsburg) will host a nightly event to showcase the storytelling of not only the featured talented singers and songwriters, but also the world-class wineries, chefs and destinations that make Healdsburg and Sonoma county so special.
- The jazz performance, Misterioso, hosted by The 222 Performing Arts that will take place on August 10 and 11, and will feature a joint concert from BiJay Iyer and Graham Haynes as they dive into an exploration into Thelonious Monk’s inner world.
- The enjoyable Healdsburg Crush, the only wine tasting event on the plaza and organized by Boys & Girls Club of Sonoma-Marin, featuring tasting booths from more than 60 local wineries on Oct. 15.
- The ever-popular, annual Día de Muertos on Oct. 27 from Corazón Healdsburg that connects the local community with music, food, a car and truck show, and activities for kids.
- AVFilm’s AVFest Block Party, which will kick off the annual AVFilm Fest to bring local students and families as well as filmmakers and storytellers from all over the world together to celebrate the arts in Healdsburg.
- The nonprofit Farm to Pantry’s Agri/Eco-Tourism Program, which aims to connect visitors with the land in a very intimate way and create a meaningful experience to help support Farm to Pantry’s mission to end food injustice.
“Stay Healdsburg takes pride in supporting the cornerstone events in our community, such as the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, Healdsburg Jazz Festival and Tuesdays in the Plaza, that have come to be beloved annual events that the town is known for,” said Chief Executive Officer Tallia Hart. “We are also committed to honoring organizations that are vital to our community like Farm to Pantry and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin, whose causes not only enhance our local area but also contribute to improving the world at large.”
Grant program applications open twice a year in the spring and fall, and priority is given to destination events, which generates business midweek and in 0ff-season. Grants for Winter 2024/Spring 2025 will open in summer 2024 and be available on the Chamber website.
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About Stay Healdsburg
Stay Healdsburg, the tourism improvement district for Healdsburg, comprises 31 luxury hotels, motels, modern lofts and suites, cozy bed & breakfasts and rustic inns within the city limits. Nestled in the heart of beautiful Sonoma Wine Country, Healdsburg is a culinary epicenter where three premier wine regions meet—Russian River Valley, Dry Creek and Alexander Valley —and home to more than 160 wineries.