This annual event transforms Alex Thomas Plaza into a charming festival scene of dance, food, live music and most importantly- plein air pastel art supported by the joint effort of local businesses and artists. Pastels on the Plaza is River Oak Charter School’s largest fundraiser and has been bringing art and music to the Plaza for over a decade. 

This year’s event is themed, “Community Through Courage,” a fantastic sentiment as we celebrate our school’s Festival of Courage with the larger Mendocino County Community. There will be youth performances from River Oak students as well as other community organizations, as well as music from our headliner, DGIIN, bringing French and Spanish Gypsy Funk to the stage for a full set. While the music is playing, there will be booths for children to enjoy crafts and activities all supporting River Oak Charter School. Stop by one of our many community tables and, most importantly, peruse the amazing artwork being created all around you, right in front of your own eyes!

A huge thank you to our many local businesses sponsoring squares, our volunteer artists, and this year’s underwriters: Frey Vineyards, Crossfit Firefly, Mendocino County District Attorney, Mendocino Redwood Company, and the Blue Zone Project.