The Dirt

Maryann Steinert-Foley & Diane Williams: The Realm of Possibility
2025-12-12 - 2026-02-01 | Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
Maryann Steinert-Foley & Diane Williams: The Realm of Possibility
Exhibit: December 12, 2025 – February 1, 2026
Reception: Friday, December 12, 6-9 PM (free)
In The Realm of Possibility, artists Diane Williams and Maryann Steinert-Foley explore the persistence, generosity, and unseen forces that sustain both nature and humanity. Williams’ layered mixed-media paintings incorporate roots, branches, and floral subjects. She builds and excavates her surfaces with paints, oil sticks, ink, pencil and collage, revealing traces like memory. Steinert-Foley’s sculptures give tactile, three-dimensional form to themes fundamental to the human endeavor. Her figurative works address the tension between religion and procreation, while her Boats (Vessels) carry people, goods, and culture across time and space.
A Conversation with the Artists
Saturday, January 10, 2-3:30 PM
$10 (Free for Students & Members)
Join us for a fun and stimulating talk with artists Diane Williams and Maryann Steinert-Foley, whose exhibit The Realm of Possibility is currently on display at the Pence. Director Natalie Nelson will facilitate the conversation on their respective processes, layers of meaning in the work, and the balance between art and life.
This exhibit is sponsored by Nancy Roe.
Images: Maryann Steinert-Foley, “My Choice Not Yours No. 3” (left); Diane Williams, “Drifting Sirens” (right)

Jane Austen Trivia Night
2025-12-11 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | The Avid Reader, 617 2nd St.
Join us for Jane Austen themed trivia at Avid Reader on December 11th at 8:00PM Get tickets here!
The quiz questions will focus on Jane Austen’s novels, her life, and adaptations of her work. Seating is limited (first 35 attendees will get seats) so we encourage you to bring your own chair/stool/pillow/couch cushion so that you can be comfortable.
There will be refreshments, excellent company, moderately challenging trivia, plus an opportunity to shop the book store after hours! Each participant must purchase a ticket to register. If you intend to compete in a group, you can let the quizmaster know when you check in on the day of the event. You may compete in a group of up to 6 people. Costumes are encouraged.
If you are unable to attend or need to arrive late, please let us know as soon as possible.
Buy tickets here!

Basket-making
2025-12-10 19:00 - 21:30 | Fera House, Davis, CA, 95616
In this hands-on Basket Making Workshop, we’ll use colorful yarns and sturdy cord to create small, sculptural baskets — perfect as holiday gifts, candle holders, or simply as tiny homes for beautiful things.
With tea, snacks, and good company, you’ll spend a relaxed evening learning simple coiling and wrapping techniques that can be adapted endlessly for your own creative projects.
Just bring curiosity and a willingness to get a little tangled.
Date: Wednesday December 10th
Time: 7-9:30pm
Location: North Davis (exact address shared upon registration)

Figure Drawing at the Pence
2025-12-10 18:30 - 21:00 | Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
Figure Drawing Session
December 10, 6:30–9 PM
$15 Members, $22 Non-Members | Limited to 10 participants
Registration & payment is required in advance through the Pence’s website.
Join us for a self-guided figure drawing session! This group is for both experienced artists and amateurs to have an opportunity to draw from the nude model. If you have never drawn from a live model before and would like to join us, you are very welcome! People of all skill levels, ages 18 and up, are welcome and encouraged to join.
This is not a class, and no instruction is provided. The atmosphere is relaxed and non-competitive. Bring your own art materials, and we’ll provide a comfortable place to sketch or paint live models in our upstairs classroom space. Participants will work independently through a warm up with shorter poses and longer, twenty-minute poses. A staff member will be on-site to facilitate the group and to answer questions.
Register here: https://pencegallery.org/education/programs/figure-drawing/
Join the Meetup group: https://www.meetup.com/davisfigure/
Image: drawing by Deziree Seidner

Gifts for Book Lovers
2025-12-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Davis Arts Center, 1919 F St, Davis, 95616, United States
Gifts for Book Lovers
Have a reader in your life, and want to give them something they will put to use (other than a new book)? This is the perfect workshop to make last-minute holiday gifts for friends, family, or yourself!
All materials provided
This is a two-day workshop, attending both days is required
Instructor: Miss Rainbow
AGES 13+
Price: $80
Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00 pm
Workshop dates:
December 3: Polymer clay bookshelf earrings, magnets, keychains, or clay book page holders
December 10: Watercolor bookmarks and a hand-bound notebook

December Table - A PopUp Dinner Event
2025-12-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Davis Wine Bar, 611 2nd Street, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
Wednesday, December 10th
Seatings between 6–8pm
Limited to the first forty guests*
$55+
Join us as Chef Christopher Wong (@mightygoodfoods) returns to Davis Wine Bar for an intimate three-course winter dinner.
____
THE MENU
Winter Squash Soup
crème fraîche, chives
Roast Chicken
truffle au jus, potato and garlic purée, roasted onions
Dark Chocolate Cake
sweet coconut cream
____
Vegetarian and pescatarian accommodations are available with advance notice.
Please note, Davis Wine Bar is a 21+ establishment.
*Reserve your seat by emailing jared@daviswinebar.com or calling 530-746-2313.
Credit card information is required to hold reservations.

Claycation! - Make an Island
2025-12-10 15:30 - 17:30 | Davis Arts Center, 1919 F St, Davis, 95616, United States
Escape the winter chill and set sail on a warm, hands-on clay adventure! Join us on a creative adventure and add a little warmth and color to the season by creating your very own island paradise out of clay.
This multi-day workshop allows participants to sculpt their creative islands during the first session and return to glaze them in the next, bringing their creations to life with vibrant color and glossy finishes.
Perfect for all ages and skill levels, this is a playful introduction to hand-building and glazing techniques
All materials provided
This is a two-day workshop, attending both days is required
Final ceramic pieces available for pick-up starting December 15th
Instructor: Vex Rios (They/Them/Theirs)
ALL AGES
Price: $60
Times: 3:30-5:30pm
Workshop dates:
Wednesdays, Dec 3 and Dec 10

Polymer Clay Gifts
2025-12-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Davis Arts Center, 1919 F St, Davis, 95616, United States
Make polymer clay creations in these workshops! These are the perfect workshops to create last-minute holiday gifts for friends, family, or yourself!
All materials provided
All children must be accompanied by an adult
Register for one, or both, days!
Instructor: Miss Rainbow
ALL AGES
Price: $40/workshop
Tuesdays, 6:00-8:00 pm
Workshop dates:
December 2: Earrings, Magnets, & Keychains
December 9: Ornaments
REGISTER NOW

Slump Mold Plates & Platters
2025-12-09 15:30 - 17:30 | Davis Arts Center, 1919 F St, Davis, 95616, United States
Create and decorate your own wacky, one-of-a-kind plate or platter! In this two-day workshop, students will learn how to roll a clay slab and drape it over a form to create a custom slump mold shape. After shaping their piece, students will finish it with a colorful glaze of their choice, making it both functional and food-safe. These personalized creations make wonderful additions to your home or thoughtful handmade gifts!
All materials provided
This is a two-day workshop, attending both days is required
Final ceramic pieces available for pick-up starting December 15th
Instructor: Vex Rios (They/Them/Theirs)
AGES 18+
Price: $70
Times: 3:30-5:30pm
Workshop dates:
Tuesdays, Dec 2 and Dec 9

Fall Into Gratitude: Gentle Yoga for Body, Mind & Heart
2025-12-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Davis Community Church (DCC), 412 C Street, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
Fall Into Gratitude: Gentle Yoga for Body, Mind & Heart with Jennifer Hogan & Diane Parro
Tuesdays, Nov 4 – Dec 9
10 am – 11 am
Sanctuary, 412 C Street (across from Central Park)
Come enjoy gentle Yoga in the Sanctuary. This 6-week offering focuses on gratitude with gentle yoga that includes breathwork, gentle stretching and balance. Your body, mind and heart will thank you for giving yourself this gift!
$90/6-week series, sliding scale available

Holiday Bunting
2025-12-08 18:00 - 19:30 | Davis Arts Center, 1919 F St, Davis, 95616, United States
Make your own decorative bunting using pom-poms, construction paper, foam, felt, and some creative holiday cheer! Not in the holiday spirit? No worries, we have plenty of supplies to create any style bunting you imagine!
All materials provided
All children must be accompanied by an adult
Instructor: Miss Rainbow
ALL AGES
Price: $35
Monday, 6:00-7:30 pm
Workshop date:
December 8
REGISTER NOW

Davis Street Stitchers Mending Club
2025-12-08 16:00 - 17:30 | Compassion Corner, Corner of 3rd & C Street, Davis
An intergenerational mending club that meets on the 2nd Monday of every month at 4 PM (for the winter season) at Compassion Corner (SE corner of 3rd & C Street).

Davis Street Stitchers | Mending Mondays
Stitch it, don’t ditch it!
Mending, knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, quilting, sewing, beading
On the lawn – bring your own chair or blanket, snacks, and water

Backyard Broadway—Holiday Edition
2025-12-07 20:00 - 22:00 | Sudwerk Brewing Co., 2001 2nd St, Davis, CA, 95618, United States
🎶 Nobax Productions Presents: Backyard Broadway – Holiday Edition 🎄

Sunday, December 7th at 8:00 PM at Sudwerk Brewing Co.
Come see an incredible cast of Broadway singers from NYC and LA perform at Sudwerk Brewing Co! Limited seating so grab your tickets fast!
For the past eight years, Nobax Productions, a local non-profit organization, has been bringing world-class entertainment to intimate settings through our Backyard Broadway concert series. This holiday season, we’re thrilled to present a special Holiday Edition, featuring professional Broadway performers from New York and Los Angeles.
Enjoy an unforgettable night of spectacular voices performing everything from Broadway tunes to pop hits to holiday classics—all in a cozy, intimate venue that makes you feel part of the show.
This concert doubles as a fundraiser for our next project, Backroads and Broadway Voices-helping us:
✨ Create performance opportunities for young aspiring artists in our community
✨ Bring high-quality live entertainment to surrounding non-metropolitan areas
Come celebrate the season with us while supporting the arts and the next generation of performers.

Christmas Concert 2025
2025-12-07 16:00 - 17:00 | Sanctuary, 412 C Street, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
Davis Community Church presents “Christmas Concert 2025.” Featuring the Chancel and Bell Choirs, a Jazz Ensemble and the C Street Ukulele Band who will present works by Will Todd, Morten Lauridsen, John Tavener and much more. The concert will be FREE with an opportunity to donate. Adults and kids are welcome and this will be a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit. For more details please contact emma@dccpres.org

What Does Your Future Davis Look Like?
2025-12-07 15:00 - 17:00 | Da Vinci High School, 1400 E. 8th Street, Davis, 95616
What Does Your Future Davis Look Like?
Join us for a hands-on workshop focused on community design. We will be engaging on a range of planning topics that come together to shape neighborhoods. We would like to know– what does your future Davis look like? By the end of the event, we hope you walk away informed and engaged on housing and climate issues!
This event is free of charge and open to everyone. If you would like to make a donation to DCAN to support events like this one, please go to the Donation page on our website. We appreciate the help!
Please fill out this form to let us know you will be there!
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
Time: 3 pm – 5 pm
Where: Da Vinci High School Tech Hub, 1400 E. 8th Street

A Christmas Carol the Musical
2025-12-07 14:00 - 16:30 | Woodland Opera House, 340 2nd Street, Woodland, California
Show Run: November 21 – December 7, 2025
Come see this timeless tale in a timeless place: the historic Woodland Opera House! Start the season right with this musical interpretation of Charles Dicken’s classic tale featuring music and lyrics by Broadway heavy hitters, Alan Menken (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical, Once on This Island).
Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas” before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him.
Learn More: https://www.woodlandoperahouse.org/
Get Tickets: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=273634
A CHRISTMAS CAROL is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. mtishows.com

Seussical Jr.
2025-12-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Davis Musical Theatre Co. (DMTC), 607 Pena Dr.
Seussical Jr. – November 15 through December 7, 2025
School Matinees: December 2, 2025; 9:15am and noon
Underwritten by Betty J. Paro, in remembrance of Tom Paro

YPT-Seussical, Jr (2025)
Betty J. Paro, in remembrance of Tom Paro
Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!
Recommended for all ages!

Directed by Jan Isaacson
Choreographed by Megan Richmond
Musical direction by Montana Monce

Art in Action: Wonderful Winter Creations
2025-12-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
Art in Action: Wonderful Winter Creations
Sunday, December 7, 1-3 PM
$5 Members, $10 Non-Members (all materials included)
It’s time for cozy, winter-inspired crafts! Make winter-themed cloth napkins, decorative pinecones, and snowflake ornaments using a variety of materials, including fabric paint, foam, stamps, beads, wire, and more.
How it works:
Art in Action engages kids in art projects that are fun, creative, and collaborative with their family members. This is a drop-in program, for ages 5-12, with no registration required. When you arrive, pay with cash or card at the front desk. A parent or adult caregiver is required to stay, but only has to pay for the project for themselves if they are also doing art. Stay as long or as short as you like over the two hour period. Space and supplies are limited to the first 25 participants and are available on a first come, first served basis.
We have a different Art in Action family workshop every month! Learn more at https://pencegallery.org/art-in-action/.
This unique monthly program is generously sponsored and made possible by Mary Stephens DeWall and Les DeWall.

Capay Valley Grown Holiday Gift Trail
2025-12-07 11:00 - 15:00 | Capay Valley, United States
Get all your holiday shopping done on Sunday, December 7 in the Capay Valley. Over 15 different farms, small businesses, and artists from Esparto to Guinda will be open for holiday shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Pick up local produce, jams, dried fruit, wreaths, olive oil, flour, wine, yarn, art, and more!

DRC.FM @ Sophia's
2025-12-06 20:00 - 23:59 | Sophia’s Thai Kitchen, 129 E Street, Suite E, Davis, CA
Join us for our monthly event series at Sophia’s Thai with a locally curated lineup of house DJs produced by DRC Creatives.

TEXT “SOPHIA” TO (530) 298-8714

RSVP here

Davis Chorale Performs What Sweeter Music
2025-12-06 19:00 - 20:30 | Davis Community Church, 412 C Street, Davis, ca, 95616
Davis chorale is an auditioned volunteer community choir, presenting classical music. This concert features a wide variety of holiday and winter-themed pieces throughout the span of classical music.
This concert features a guest string quartet, as well as LuAnn Higgs at the piano. The program includes Durante’s Magnificat, Buxtehude’s arrangement of In Dulci Jubilo and music by composers Elaine Hagenberg, John Rutter, Kirke Mechem, Shawn Kirchner, Mack Wilberg, Sarah Quartel, Aminadav Aloni and Edward Elgar.
Performers:
Davis Chorale, directed by Alison Skinner
Jolan Friedhoff & Catherine Heusner, violins
Randy Fisher, viola
Jia-mo Chen, cello
LuAnn Higgs, piano

Davis Senior High Madrigal Yuletide Feast
2025-12-06 17:45 - 21:00 | Richard Brunelle Performance Hall, 315 W 14th Street, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
DECEMBER 5th & 6th, 2025
Join us for the 57th Annual Madrigal Dinner and an evening of festive music and holiday entertainment by the Davis Senior High School Madrigal Choir! Doors open at 5:45 PM, giving guests time to purchase raffle tickets and mocktails before the 6:30 PM program.
Established in 1968, the Madrigal Dinner is one of the Davis community’s longest running and most beloved holiday traditions. This annual event is arranged by the choir and celebrates Yuletide festivities as they would have been experienced during Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I reign. Along with a full-course meal and grand performance, the event includes a silent auction and the perfect opportunity for interested junior high students to perform alongside the choir. The repertoire is a harmonious combination of solos and full choir pieces before the seniors say their goodbyes with one last song. This year’s feast will be held at the Brunelle Performance Hall at Davis Senior High.

$60 for Dinner Seating, $20 for Auditorium Seating

Pictures in the Plaza
2025-12-06 13:00 - 15:00 | E Street Plaza, Davis, CA, 95616
Get ready, Davis — holiday magic is taking over E St. Plaza
this Saturday, December 6th! 🎄✨
Bring the whole family downtown for free photos with Kris Kringle and the Princess Pals from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Whether you’re capturing this year’s holiday card photo or just making memories with your loved ones, this is the perfect moment to celebrate the season.
You’ll be able to:
🎅 Meet the Big Man in Red himself
👸 Snap photos with your favorite princess characters
📸 Grab Adorable Family Photos – At No Cost
🌲 Visit the Tree Downtown and Enjoy the Festive Plaza Decor
🪟 Vote for Your Favorite Downtown Holiday Window Display
🎁 Wrap Up Your Holiday Shopping While Supporting Small Businesses
E St. Plaza will be buzzing with excitement, and it’s a great chance to explore downtown while you’re here. You’ll have the perfect opportunity to shop local, grab a cozy drink, and support the shops and restaurants you love during the holiday season.
Whether you’re finishing your holiday shopping, grabbing lunch, or just here for the memories, we can’t wait to see you downtown!
Mark your calendar:
📍 E St. Plaza
📆 Saturday, December 6th
⏰ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
💰 Free!
Come for the photos, stay for the magic. ✨
See you in the Plaza!

Death or Glory Tattoo Presents: Toys for Tats '25 & Holiday Maker's Market
2025-12-06 12:00 - 20:00 | Death or Glory Tattoo, 219 E Street, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
Bring a new, unwrapped toy with receipt of purchase of $50 or more and receive a free tattoo!
This event is our annual toy drive event held at Death or Glory Tattoo in downtown Davis. In addition to a day of fun-filled tattoos, we are hosting a holiday “Maker’s Market” on our patio for those who may want to pick something extra up for themselves or their loved ones. Our resident tattooers along with others talented artists in our community come together for this day of giving.

Keep It Local Art Sale
2025-12-06 10:00 - 15:00 | 1338 Notre Dame Dr. Davis, 1338 Notre Dame Dr., Davis, CA, 95616, United States
Five long-time Davis residents and artisans will host a Pop-Up Art Sale of their work. This annual event brings together a group of professionals who developed their artistic passions amid their careers or after retirement.
Enjoy unusual jewelry blending global artifacts and beads by Amina Harris; plein air and still life paintings and drawings by Nancy Gelbard; street and landscape photographs by David Kalb; hand-painted silk scarves by Rebecca Stein-Wexler; and unique hand-knitted wears by Norma Rice.
If you’re looking for something beyond the usual gift, or for yourself, this holiday season, visit these five local artists’ pop-up sale on Saturday December 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1338 Notre Dame Dr.

Craft Fair & Pop-Up Con Toy Sale
2025-12-06 09:00 - 14:00 | Davis Senior Center, 646 A St, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
The Davis Senior Center (646 A St) is hosting a craft fair and toy sale (think Funko Pop and comic con type toys) on Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 530-757-5696.

Costa Verde Greenbelt Planting
2025-12-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Costa Verde Greenbelt
Join Tree Davis to plant trees around the Costa Verde Greenbelt! We will be digging tree holes, planting trees, and pounding support stakes. If you’re interested, please register on our website.
Please reach out to info@treedavis.org if you would like to sign up with a group of 10 volunteers or more.
Safety – All volunteers must bring their own water, snacks, sun protection, and wear closed toed shoes. We request that volunteers who are feeling ill in any form wait until they are fully recovered to participate in Tree Davis events.

Choruses of UC Davis: “Judgment and Hope”
2025-12-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Mondavi Center (Mondavi) UC Davis Campus
The UC Davis Department of Music’s Concert Choir and Chamber Singers join forces for this end of quarter concert. Directed by Associate Professor Nicolas Dosman, the program includes Choruses of UC Davis: the concert includes André Thomas’ “I Dream a World.” Randall Thompson’s “The Last Words of David,” Hildegard von Bingen’s “O cruour sanguinis,” Josephine Poelinitz’s “A City Called Heaven,” György Orbán’s” Daemon irrepit callidus“ and more.

Regular: $27.50, Faculty/Staff: $24, Child (under 18): $15.50, UC Davis student: $12.00

Davis Waldorf School Parent & Child Winter Session
2025-12-05 | Davis Waldorf School, 3100 Sycamore Ln, Davis, CA, 95616
In today’s fast-paced and ever-busy world, we rarely have time to simply and quietly observe our children in play. Join us for a program rooted in rhythm and led by an experienced Waldorf Early Childhood educator. In one of our preschool classrooms, we offer caregivers a weekly space to connect on child development and parenting techniques, create seasonal crafts, and learn more about Waldorf education.
Enrollment in our Winter Session is a ten-day series on Friday mornings/afternoons, depending on the age of your child:
Rosebud Class: 6mo—18mo | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Daffodil Class: 19mo—3.5y | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Showing of the Movie "The right to Exist"
2025-12-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Friends Meetinghouse, 345 L St, Davis, 345 L St, Davis, CA, 95616
The Right to Exist explores the rapidly expanding homelessness crisis in Sacramento, California. The film follows individuals experiencing homelessness over the course of a year, interweaving their narratives with insights from experts into the underlying causes of homelessness in Sacramento. The film addresses the human cost of homelessness and the resources needed to help solve the crisis. There will be a short discussion of the homelessness issues in Davis after the showing.
