Downtown Galleries Throw Open Their Doors Tonight
Ukiah, CA · September 4, 2026
Clear afternoon light is setting the stage for tonight's First Friday stroll. Pack a light sweater for the walk between galleries once the sun dips behind the western hills.
The Lead
Ukiah kicks off the holiday weekend tonight as the First Friday Art Walk returns to historic downtown, anchored by a major milestone exhibition at the Grace Hudson Museum. Opening with a free public reception from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, "Deep Valley: People, Places, Memory" commemorates the museum's 40th anniversary and the city’s sesquicentennial by tracing community landmarks from Todd Grove Park and the Palace Hotel to the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas and Pinoleville Rancheria. Singer-guitarist Steve Winkle provides the soundtrack alongside self-guided tours through the core galleries and native Wild Gardens. A few blocks north, neighboring spaces like the Corner Gallery, MEDIUM Art Center, and The Lot on Main are staging concurrent pop-ups and live performances through the evening. Strollers can start anywhere along School or State Street—just pick up a gallery map at your first stop.
Local Pulse
City Shelves Long-Debated Valley Annexation Proposal Council leaders halted the two-year expansion initiative after extensive community feedback revealed widespread opposition across unincorporated neighborhoods.
Supervisors Impose Emergency Freeze on Data Centers The board enacted an immediate 45-day ban in unincorporated territory while planners study potential impacts on rural water and electric grids.
Today's Outlook
- High 75°F · Low 49°F — Mainly clear
- Enjoy the mild afternoon sunshine, but grab a light jacket for the chilly evening.
What's On Around Town
Art Together Open Studio MEDIUM Art Center (110 S School St), 2:30–4:30 PM Drop into the shared creative space to make art before evening festivities.
Downtown First Friday Art Walk Historic Downtown Ukiah, 5:00–8:00 PM Explore local shops and galleries for new exhibits, refreshments, and socializing.
Deep Valley Exhibition Opening Grace Hudson Museum (431 S Main St), 5:00–8:00 PM Celebrate local history with live guitar by Steve Winkle and garden walks.
Willits: Summer Concert Finale Downtown Willits, 6:00–9:00 PM Short drive north for an energetic street party with live music.
Spotlight & Story
- Ann Kilkenny
- Since taking the reins at Mendocino Book Company on South School Street, Ann Kilkenny has kept independent bookselling thriving in the valley since 1978. Generations of readers have relied on her sharp ordering instincts and welcoming canine shop mascot, Kimball.
Ukiah Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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