Top 5 Creative Group Activities in the North Bay (That Aren’t Wine Tasting)
When people think of Sonoma County or the North Bay, the first thing that usually comes to mind is wine tasting. And yes—wine country is incredible. But what if your group is looking for something different? Something hands-on, memory-making, and maybe even scent-sational?
Whether you're planning a birthday, team outing, bachelorette party, or just a friends’ day out, these 5 creative group experiences offer a fresh take on what it means to explore the North Bay.
1. Candle Making at Boho Bungalow (Petaluma)
Best for: Birthdays, bachelorettes, creative date nights, team-building
Location: Petaluma, CA
At Boho Bungalow’s Petaluma studio, you and your group can pour your own soy candles while blending a custom scent from the largest single-origin fragrance library in the North Bay. Choose from fresh herbs, tropical blooms, cozy spices, and coastal woods to design a candle that’s all your own.
Bring your own drinks, relax in our boho-styled space, and leave with a handmade gift you actually want to keep. It’s an elevated—but completely unpretentious—experience perfect for groups of all sizes.
Pro tip: Make it extra special by bringing your favorite drinks and snacks—our studio is BYOB and perfect for a relaxed, boho gathering.
2. Cheese-Making Class at Gather (Sebastopol)
Best for: Foodies, birthday celebrations, girls’ day out
Location: Sebastopol, CA
Learn the delicious art of cheese-making at Gather in Sebastopol. These hands-on classes teach you how to craft fresh mozzarella, burrata, ricotta, or other seasonal cheeses—all while enjoying a cozy, communal kitchen setting.
The experience is approachable, fun, and incredibly rewarding. Plus, you’ll leave with new skills, new friends, and something tasty to share (or not).
Pro tip: Gather offers a full calendar of creative workshops—pair your cheese class with another food or craft experience for a full-day outing.
3. Pottery Class at Petaluma Pottery
Best for: Friends who aren’t afraid to get messy
Location: Petaluma, CA
Make something beautiful (and maybe a little wobbly) at Petaluma Pottery, where you and your group can try your hand at the wheel or hand-building techniques. Group workshops are welcoming to beginners and offer a perfect balance of creativity and play.
Your group will leave with a truly one-of-a-kind piece—and maybe a few inside jokes about how hard pottery actually is. It’s a fun, earthy way to bond with friends in a laid-back studio environment.
Tip: Combine this with a visit to nearby downtown Petaluma for coffee or brunch before your session.
4. Floral Arranging Workshop at Aimes Floral Studio (Petaluma)
Best for: Design lovers, bridal parties, flower fanatics
Location: Petaluma, CA
Aimes Floral Studio offers dreamy floral design workshops that feel straight out of a magazine shoot. Your group will learn the basics of building seasonal arrangements using locally sourced flowers—while sipping something sparkly and soaking up the studio’s relaxed, elegant vibe.
It’s the perfect mix of laid-back and elevated, with photo-worthy results and plenty of creative inspiration to go around.
Pro tip: Aimes also offers private floral parties—ideal for showers, birthdays, or just because.
5. Pottery Painting at Fiber Circle Studio (Petaluma)
Best for: Low-key creatives, mindful moments, and all ages
Location: Petaluma, CA
Looking for a calm, cozy way to connect with friends? Try a Pottery Painting Workshop at Fiber Circle Studio. This guided session includes everything you need to design and glaze your own ceramic mug, bowl, or dish. It’s approachable, satisfying, and the perfect activity for mixed-age groups or folks who just want to relax and get creative without pressure.
Bonus: Fiber Circle Studio is woman-owned and offers a full schedule of textile, fiber, and craft classes year-round.
Final Thoughts
Wine country is amazing—but the North Bay is brimming with creativity and community beyond the tasting rooms. Whether you're pouring candles in Petaluma, shaping clay just around the corner, or building bouquets at Aimes Floral Studio, you’ll find plenty of ways to gather, create, and celebrate.
Want to plan your own candle-pouring party?
[Click here to book your group class at Boho Bungalow →]