What Do You Mean There's No Nightlife in Rohnert Park?

Rohnert Park can be a bit of a ghost town once the sun goes down. I admit over the past four years I’ve found myself searching for late night fun in nearby Santa Rosa or Petaluma — even venturing further to bigger cities to find something new.

But it doesn’t have to be like that. Rohnert Park is not a big city, so you have to start to learn to appreciate that small town excitement you can only find here.  Sure the Cotati Crawl is the first destination for students celebrating the end of another stressful week, but it’s when finding the hidden gems for a decent price that you’ll discover what sets Rohnert Park nightlife apart.

So, when you’re bored at home on a weekday, give one of these local businesses a shot:

Monday: Beat the Monday blues by rounding up some friends and challenging yourselves to find the best of Rohnert Park. Pick a genre of food and scour the city to discover which Rohnert Park restaurant has the best burrito, sushi, margarita — anything! Take a favorite food and every Monday night find a new spot – Rohnert Park is full of awesome local eateries. Check out Patch’s directory for a full list of businesses.

Tuesday:  Ladies, take a walk on the wild side. Learn a pole dance routine and get in shape at iCandy Pole Dance Studio. Two routines are taught in each six week session, and many classes offer fitness lessons that include conditioning as well. It’s a non-traditional workout that will get your adrenaline pumping and spice up your life.

Does this sound a little scary? You won’t be the only one a little freaked out the first day.

“There are a range of ages and bodies in class and most have the trapped look of deer-in-the-headlights on their first few visits,” said Cynthia G., who has been attending for three years. “It slowly or quickly turns to joy and the relish of tackling a challenge.”

Drop-ins are welcome, though you are advised to call ahead to ensure you can participate in the first class of a session. Full six-week sessions are $90 and drop-ins are $15. Students receive a 10 percent discount with ID.

Wednesday:  On Wednesday nights, Double Decker Lanes brings out the lasers, kills the lights and blasts some of today’s hottest music for its “Rock and Bowl” value night. For $8 a person, bowlers get shoe rental and as many games as they can fit in two hours. (The same deal applies on Monday nights as well.)

“Wednesday is a great night,” said General Manager Dennis Ganduglia.

He says the wait list fills up fast and recommends stopping by around 7 p.m. to put your name in — lanes start opening up at 9:15 p.m.

Leagues are also available and a great way to meet new friends, or find competition with those you know.  Some of the regulars have been playing for years.

Anthony Rarang, 20, got his start in bowling from his parents, and still continues to bowl on a regular basis. “I just grew into it and really love it,” he said.

For information on starting or joining starting a league, speak with Ganduglia.

Thursday: University students can play pool for free on Thursday nights at Buffalo Billiards in Cotati. Just bring along your student ID card and play all night.  If Thursdays don’t work, Buffalo Billiards offers 20 percent off for students all other days of the week.

For the music fans, North Light Books & Café hosts free live concert nights with local bands and an open mic. “It has a good atmosphere,” said Sarah Schopfer. “A lot of people come out to see local bands.”

Joey May and his rock group PAY performed on Thurs., Feb. 10 and are scheduled to perform once a month. He along with some other groups, frequent North Light Books & Café on Thursday nights.

“It’s nice to have friends see you perform and have students see live music,” May said. “I like to look out and see familiar faces in the crowd. Performing is what it’s all about for me.”

Northlight is a good place to bond with other music lovers, or just a spot to relax with a warm drink before a weekend out.

Friday:  For many, singing in public can be a bit frightening. Why not spend your Friday night conquering that fear by lending your voice to karaoke at Tonayan Mexican Restaurant? As the newest karaoke installment in Rohnert Park, Tonayan also offers a sit down dinner and drinks in addition to entertainment.  Karaoke in Spanish is on Saturday nights.