Recognizing the United Nations International Day of Peace in Sonoma County
Peace in the Plaza
A free half-day event with live music, ongoing yoga classes, guided meditation, a wellness hub, children’s activities, and remarks by local leaders — presented by Sonoma Ashram.
Why we gather
True peace begins at home
Peace in the Plaza is a public event inspired by the United Nations International Day of Peace and presented by Sonoma Ashram in partnership with local civic, business, and wellness leaders. It is an opportunity to connect as a community in peace.
The intention is to inspire our community to remember the inner peace within us all — because true peace begins at home and expands naturally to our families, neighborhoods, and the world.
International Day of Peace has been observed around the world every year since the UN General Assembly established it in 1981. It is dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace and human rights, and encouraging people to set aside their differences.
This year’s UN theme: “Invest in Peace — For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”The day
What awaits in the Plaza
Music, meditation, and remarks fill the amphitheater, while free classes, a healing sanctuary, kids activities, and community tables run all afternoon in the northeast quadrant of the Plaza. Drop in at any time.
Live music
René Jenkins, Vox Populi, Mark Dennis, Sophia Sanchez, and the Sukhawat Ali Khan Band — sound healing, a rock-n-roll community choir, vocal soloists, flamenco, and Sufi music through the afternoon.
Yoga & Qi Gong
Free drop-in classes on the hour — gentle yoga, Qi Gong, Mighty Sage Yoga, VibeTherapy, and bilingual Yoga Suave — with local teachers, open to all ages and levels.
Healing sanctuary
Free massage, Ayurveda, sound healing, acupuncture, and Reiki offered by René Jenkins and local practitioners donating their time.
Meditation & talk
Guided meditations, an afternoon talk, and closing remarks with Sonoma Ashram founder Babaji — beginning with a minute of silence at noon.
Kids & family
A read-along, magic show, paper cranes, finger painting, and kids yoga with guitar at the kids and family stage — all free.
Community & civic voices
Local organizations tabling all afternoon, an invitation from city leaders, community invocations from faith leaders, and a youth peace conversation.
Run of show
How the afternoon unfolds
Two spaces, one afternoon: the amphitheater program runs from 11:30 to 5:30, while the northeast quadrant hosts free classes, the healing sanctuary, kids activities, and community tables throughout the day.
Amphitheater
Sound healing
René Jenkins
Minute of silence
The whole community, joining the UN International Day of Peace moment of silence around the world
Welcome remarks & guided meditation
Babaji
Invitation from city leaders
Civic leaders
Community invocations & prayers
Faith leaders
Rock-n-roll community choir
Vox Populi
Guided meditation
Babaji
Vocal soloist
Mark Dennis
Vocal soloist & flamenco dancer
Sophia Sanchez
Youth peace conversation
Local school & community leaders
Sufi music — classic & contemporary sound
Sukhawat Ali Khan Band
Guided meditation, talk & closing remarks
Babaji
Closing prayer chant
Mangalananda
The day closes
Carrying the Plaza’s peace home with us
Northeast quadrant
Yoga & movement — free classes
Gentle Yoga
Joanna Brown
Qi Gong
Robert Young
Mighty Sage Yoga
Lisa Willett
VibeTherapy
René Jenkins
Bilingual Yoga Suave
Maythe Ortiz
Kids & family stage
Kids Yoga with guitar
Elizabeth Piazza
Kids Yoga with guitar
Elizabeth Piazza
All afternoon · 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Free healing sanctuary
Massage, Ayurveda, sound healing, acupuncture, and Reiki — René Jenkins & local practitioners
Free children’s activities
Read-along, magic show, paper cranes, finger painting — local organizers
Community groups tabling
Local organizations
Programming in development; subject to change.
A minute of silence
As part of the opening ceremony, we will hold a minute of silence at noon — joining the UN International Day of Peace moment of silence observed around the world.
Guided meditations & afternoon talk
With Baba Harihar Ramji
Guided meditations and an afternoon talk will be offered by Sonoma Ashram founder Baba Harihar Ramji, affectionately known as “Babaji.” Babaji has inspired people in the Sonoma Valley for over 35 years.
His teachings emphasize living simply, inner freedom, and selfless service.
In the amphitheater: 12:01 PM welcome & guided meditation · 2:00 PM guided meditation · 5:00 PM guided meditation, talk & closing remarks.
Rooted in the UN peacebuilding architecture
Four elements of building peace
The event structure aligns with the UN’s four elements of peacebuilding architecture — and with Sonoma Ashram’s mission to inspire people to develop their own spirituality and selfless action in the world.
Service to others
Community partners donate their time through free wellness services — massage, Ayurveda, sound healing, acupuncture, Reiki, yoga, and Qi Gong.
A voice for change
Artists lend a voice to positive change through sound healing, music, and dance.
A peace circle
A youth peace conversation with local school and community leaders serves as a peace circle for the next generation.
A story of peace & hope
A kids and family stage with yoga, a read-along, a magic show, and crafts offers a platform to tell a story of peace and hope.
Presented by
Sonoma Ashram
Sonoma Ashram is a local, non-profit organization and center for meditation and spiritual retreat, with a mission to inspire people to develop their own spirituality and selfless service.
The ashram is a residence, garden, and gathering space for people interested in mindfulness and living in peace. It is located on Craig Avenue, just off Arnold Drive, and is open to all 365 days a year. Beyond Sonoma County, the Ashram sponsors ongoing social service initiatives in the United States and India.
Visit sonomaashram.orgSupport the day
Help keep it free
Peace in the Plaza is offered free to everyone who comes. A gift of any size helps us bring the music, the yoga, the healing sanctuary, and the kids activities to the Plaza at no cost to the community.
Donate to Peace in the PlazaSonoma Ashram is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
With gratitude to
Our sponsors
Local businesses whose support helps bring Peace in the Plaza to the community free of charge.
