WinterBlast is an annual kick-off to the Holiday Season.

The SofA parades were started by local artists as a fun way to utilize the neighborhood name, South of A Street, and bring traffic to a once-blighted section of town. The parades and the event that has developed around them, has grown into a beloved Santa Rosa festival. Everyone is invited to participate, whether by being a spectator, dressing up, or building a lighted up sofa on wheels to push through the parade.

Visitors are invited into the many artists' open studios and encouraged to enjoy the multiple offerings of food and beverages. Many of the participating businesses have bands or special performances happening between parade times.

The event brings together dozens of creative communities from the greater Bay Area that put together elaborate sofas on wheels, organized and lighted themed walking battalions, and marching bands.