Rohnert Park Founder’s Day 2026: Doobie Nights Brings the Ribs to the Rib & Chili Cook-Off

Rohnert Park Founder’s Day 2026: Doobie Nights Brings the Ribs to the Rib & Chili Cook-Off

Looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday in Rohnert Park? Founder’s Day is coming back on September 26, 2026, with food, music, family activities, local vendors, and the annual Rib & Chili Cook-Off.


This year, Doobie Nights is joining the cook-off with ribs, while Café Döbé will be serving up chili. It is a chance to enjoy good food, spend time with the community, and see some familiar local faces along the way.


Here’s what to know before you head to Founder’s Day.

What Is Rohnert Park Founder’s Day?

Rohnert Park Founder’s Day is a community event that brings residents together for a full day of local activities and entertainment.

The 2026 event is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, at Rohnert Park Community Center, 5401 Snyder Lane. The event is free to attend and features a parade, live entertainment, classic cars, local vendors, food booths, kids’ activities, and more.


For families, friends, and anyone who enjoys local events, there is plenty to see without having to plan every minute of the day.


And for food lovers, the Rib & Chili Cook-Off is one of the highlights.

The Rib & Chili Cook-Off Is Back

Food brings people together, and the Rib & Chili Cook-Off gives Founder’s Day an extra reason to stop by.


The competition brings the focus to two crowd-friendly favorites: ribs and chili. In 2026, Doobie Nights will be cooking ribs, while Cafe Dobe will be cooking chili.


That makes the cook-off more than just another food stop. It is also a chance to see local businesses take part in a community tradition.


Whether you come for the food, the activities, or simply want to spend some time around Rohnert Park, the cook-off is an easy part of the day to add to your plans.

Doobie Nights Is Bringing the Ribs

Doobie Nights is returning to the cook-off with ribs in 2026. Last year, Doobie Nights officially took home the 2025 People's Choice Award for Best Ribs. Our pitmasters spent hours slow-smoking racks over open wood fires, and the community voted us #1. This year, we’re bringing that same award-winning heat back to Rohnert Park!

Doobie Nights at Rohnert Park in 2025
Doobie Nights at Rohnert Park in 2025
Doobie Nights officially took home the 2025 People's Choice Award for Best Ribs

The 2026 cook-off is another opportunity for Doobie Nights to step outside the dispensary and take part in a local event.

Café Döbé Is Taking on the Chili

Doobie Nights will not be the only familiar local name at the cook-off.


Café Döbé will be cooking chili for the event, bringing another local favorite to the table.



With ribs and chili both on the menu, the cook-off gives visitors a simple reason to stick around, grab some food, and enjoy the event.

What to Expect at Founder’s Day 2026

The Rib & Chili Cook-Off is only one part of Founder’s Day.


The event is expected to include:

  • A community parade
  • Live entertainment
  • Classic cars
  • Local vendors and food booths
  • Kids’ activities
  • Nonprofit booths
  • Historical displays
  • Community activities



Founder’s Day is designed to bring different parts of the Rohnert Park community together, so you do not have to be a barbecue fan to enjoy the day.

Planning to Bring the Family?

A local event can be easier to enjoy when you know what to expect.


Start with the parade or other activities that interest you. Make time for the cook-off. Let the kids enjoy the family activities. Then take your time checking out the local vendors and entertainment.



There is no need to rush from one activity to the next.


The best part of a community event like Founder’s Day is having the chance to slow down, spend time with people you know, and enjoy what local businesses and organizations bring to the day.

Make Founder’s Day Part of Your Saturday

Founder’s Day takes place from late morning into the afternoon, making it easy to plan around other Saturday activities. The event is free, so you can stop by without making a large commitment.


For anyone coming from nearby Santa Rosa or other parts of Sonoma County, it can also be a good excuse to make a day of it.


Take care of your local shopping before the event, grab something to eat, and then head over to Rohnert Park Community Center for the cook-off and other activities.



And if ribs are your main reason for showing up, you now know where to find them.

Stop by Doobie Nights Before the Cook-Off

Heading to Founder’s Day? Make your local shopping stop before you head to Rohnert Park.


Planning your Saturday? Kick off your weekend at Doobie Nights in Santa Rosa first! Swing by our store, pick up your favorite strains or edibles, and work up a proper appetite before heading down to Rohnert Park for all-you-can-eat ribs and chili.


Then it is time for ribs, chili, local entertainment, and a Saturday spent with the Rohnert Park community.


Plan your Founder’s Day stop, take care of your shopping at Doobie Nights, and then head to the Rib & Chili Cook-Off ready to enjoy the day.

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