About Cotati
Cotati is located in the central part of Sonoma County just 40 miles north of San Francisco and claims the nickname, “the Hub of Sonoma County.” Cotati has grown in fits and starts since the early 1900s, but has always been known for its close knit community. The town is perhaps better known, however, for its dynamic music scene. Rock and roll hit Cotati in 1968, as did folk, rhythm and blues, and country and western. World-renowned musicians came to play at The Inn of the Beginning, which is now called Friar Tuck’s Pub. Although the music scene isn’t what it used to be, visitors will still find music pouring from most bars and restaurants on weekends. This is when locals, tourists and students from nearby Sonoma State University all rub elbows while tipping back a beer on the “Cotati Crawl.”
Of course its lively music and bar scene is not Cotati’s only form of entertainment. There always seems to be some sort of family-friendly event going on in town. In fact, Cotati is home to one of Sonoma County’s largest events – the Cotati Accordion Festival. Another fun event to attend is the Annual Cotati Jazz & Antiques Festival.
Cotati Facts
About 8 miles south of Santa Rosa and an hour north of San Francisco, Cotati is a quiet residential town that offers visitors good music, fun festivals, tasty wines, and lots of friendly faces. Cotati is a great place to stop for shopping, a quick bite for lunch, and to enjoy some peace and quiet among the rolling hills.
Even though an historical marker in the plaza claims that the town’s namesake is a Pomo Chief who was called Cotati, the real origin of the name is a Coast Miwok village that was called Kotati. The town has a hexagonal plaza and street grid instead of a traditional grid.
Location / Terrain:
Cotati is located in the drainage basin of the Laguna de Santa Rosa, so the terrain is mostly flat.Population: 7265
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Cotati Map:
View Location On MapCotati Zip Code:
94931Cotati Elevation:
112 feet
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Cotati will be most enjoyed on a run of the mill weekend by music lovers and college students. On festival days, the town becomes a great destination for people of all ages and interests – particularly music aficionados and families.Upcoming Events In Cotati
Ed Earley Band - Crisco
Pure Cane
Kill Ritual- New Music!!!!! - Aftertayst
Pure Cane
Garrin Benfield
Rancho Cotati Little League | Cotati, California 94928 ...
Cotati's Annual Events
Accordion Festival
Cotati Jazz and Arts Festival
Wild Wild West Kids' Parade and Festival
Top Picks for Cotati
Appellation Tours
Cotati Chamber of Commerce
Massage Inc
Richard Thompson Gallery
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Cotati California Information
Cotati, California is located near Highway 101 just a few miles south of Santa Rosa. This central Sonoma County town was named for a Miwok Indian village that once occupied this location.
The town is known for its quirky hexagonal downtown plaza, one of only two in the United States. Here, locals and visitors gather for a number of wonderful annual festivals, most involving music in some way or another. The Cotati Accordion Festival, for example, is probably the most well-known music festival in Sonoma County and by-far the most popular accordion festival in the United States. Established in 1991 and held each August, everyone in Cotati gathers to hear the best accordion players in the world in concert. Good food and wine round off the weekend's menu at this fun festival.
In addition, the Cotati Jazz and Arts Festival is held each June and celebrates both the performing and visual arts. For the kids, the Cotati Kids Day Parade is a hit, with literally thousands of little ones and their folks participating in the parade and accompanying festival of food and fun. Also check out the all-volunteer Cotati Philharmonic and enjoy a concert by this talented ensemble.
If you've come in search of wine, you won't be disappointed. Embark on a number of different appellation tours that take you to the wineries in Cotati and other nearby towns. Some tours include meals at one of the wineries and visitors can travel in safety with a non-drinking driver.
Cotati activities should also include shopping in the interesting downtown area. You'll find a number of unique little shops downtown, peddling locally made items, art work, or antiques.
You'll enjoy a handful of good Cotati restaurants in the downtown area as well as several out by the highway. Cotati lodging is sparse and many visitors choose to stay in nearby Santa Rosa instead.
This town of about 7,000 residents was once a center for alternative music and a mecca for those seeking an alternative lifestyle. However, with the institution of a slow-growth policy during the last few decades, Cotati is now a quieter residential community with gently rolling hills and fields of wildflowers. Agriculture and small business are important to the prosperity of the town.
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