17th Annual

Lake Sonoma
Steelhead Festival

Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Milt Brandt Visitor Center and Congressman Don Clausen Fish Hatchery
3288 Skaggs Springs Road, Geyserville

The Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival is one of California's biggest and best celebrations of the endangered Steelhead Trout, which return annually to the Congressman Don Clausen Fish Hatchery at Lake Sonoma to spawn the next generation of fish.

This free event attracts 5,000-8,000 people each year to the grounds of the Milt Brandt Visitor Center at Lake Sonoma. Adults and children can view the nature exhibits and learn about environmental stewardship, preservation of natural resources and protection of threatened and endangered species.

Activities and exhibits each year have included the Bird Rescue Center, Sonoma Water, CAL FIRE, the Coast Guard and Sonoma County Bowmen. Live music, an ever-popular bubble show, arts and crafts, and fishing-themed games keep everyone entertained.

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About the Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival

featured booths, exhibits and activities +

fish casting +

mobile aquarium +

fish dissection

face painting +

stream walk and talk +

coho talk +

live music +

archery range +

bubble show

featured booths, exhibits and activities + fish casting + mobile aquarium + fish dissection face painting + stream walk and talk + coho talk + live music + archery range + bubble show

2025 Booths, Exhibits, Food and Drink

Get Involved!

To keep this festival growing -- and allow us to offer this FREE to everyone that attends, the Friends of Lake Sonoma and its partners appreciate the support of our sponsors and business community.

Sponsorship levels range from

$5000 Presenting Sponsor
$2500 Gold Sponsor
$2000 Entertainment/Stage Sponsor
$1000 Steelhead Sponsor

Benefits include your company logo on advertising and promotional materials, banners at the festival, a booth at the festival and other special rewards.

a woman in a coat stands outside next to her display of handmade jewelry for sale at a festival booth

Showcase your local businesses or nonprofit organization with a booth exhibit or activity at the festival! In 2023, 2024 and 2025 the festival featured 60 booths and attracted more than 8,000 attendees.

The event is free, but food and beverages are for purchase.  Please note that food, wine and beer vendor booths are arranged by invitation only.

Friends of Lake Sonoma is the nonprofit fundraising and volunteer organization that helps host this annual event. Consider a financial or in-kind donation to our festival! Extra funds raised go toward our education program which brings thousands of local school children for an educational tour of the hatchery and visitor center.

Our Silent Auction at the Visitor Center raises funds for Friends of Lake Sonoma

The Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival depends on many volunteers to happen! We love all our volunteers who help plan and host this festival. Closer to the festival date, we will post a link to sign up for one of many ways to help with set up on Friday, Feb. 7, lend a hand during the festival, or clean up after.

Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival Hosts

Now seeking Sponsors for the 2026 Steelhead Festival!

Our 2025 Sponsors listed below…

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Platinum & Gold Sponsors

Steelhead Sponsors