WHEN | Board of Directors meetings are now held quarterly on the first Sunday of the month. Meetings are usually held from 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM and include beverages and potluck (unless otherwise noted on our event calendar or by email announcement).
UPDATE: This Board of Directors meeting will be held remotely only on Zoom on May 9th, from 10am until 12pm.
WHERE | IDESST Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center | 511 Caledonia St., Sausalito
All members are invited to participate in our ongoing planning by attending the meetings. Please let us know if you can attend the meeting by sending an R.S.V.P. to memberservices@idesst.org.
REMOTE ATTENDANCE | Members can also join the meeting using their computer, tablet, or smartphone via ZOOM. Only active members are allowed to join a meeting. Members will receive an email with the ZOOM link and instructions a few days before the meeting. Keep an eye out for the reminder announcement.
The last meeting of each calendar year shall be known as the "Annual Meeting." At such Annual Meetings, Directors and officers shall be elected, reports of the affairs of the Corporation shall be considered, and other business may be transacted which are within the powers of the members. The date and time will be announced at a later date.
Fado at the Pines Presents:
A Celebration of the
Traditional String Instruments
of Madeira Island
Presented by Professor Robert Moniz
May 9, 2026 - Doors Open at 6:30pm
The Pines | 33 Miller Ave | Sausalito
The Sausalito – Cascais Sister City Council invites you to an unforgettable evening of traditional Madeira string instruments and culture, featuring Robert Moniz sharing the history of the traditional string instruments of Madeira Island at The Pines historic mansion overlooking Richardson Bay and the City.
Fado at The Pines continues its tradition of bringing the finest in Portuguese music to Sausalito. From traditional Fado of Lisboa, Fado of Coimbra, Contemporary Folk Music Roots of Minho and Classical Chamber Music and now the traditional strings instruments. Each style represents a unique part of the Portuguese musical culture.
This is a fund-raising event in support of the Youth Sailing Exchange between the Sausalito Yacht Club and Clube Naval de Cascais. This exchange has been held annually since 2015. This July, youth sailors from Sausalito will go to Cascais to stay with the host families for Clube Naval and sail for 10 days.
Portuguese Wines & Petiscos Complement the Evening
For More Info and Tickets
Important Note: This fund-raiser event is officially hosted by separate entity, the Sausalito Sister City organization in conjunction with the sponsors listed below. We encourage participation and support in both the Sausalito Sister City organization and the IDESST | Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center.
Photo | © Mike Moyle
Since 1886, even before Sausalito was incorporated, Sausalito’s Portuguese-American community has held an annual Festa do Divino Espírito Santo (Festival of the Holy Spirit) on Pentecost Sunday. The Festival honors both the Holy Spirit and the memory of Portugal’s Queen Isabel, who was known for her generosity and devotion to the poor.
The day includes a parade, complete with Queens from the IDESST Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center and sister Halls in the Bay Area, a special mass, a traditional lunch of “Sopas e Carne” – a traditional, aromatic soup with beef, cabbage and broth, served over bread.
To help us with planning, please register if you plan to attend on the Event Detail Page.
>>Download Parking Map<<
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Sunday, May 24th, 2026
FESTA SCHEDULE
9:30 am — Arrive at Sausalito Hall (Queens are welcome to take photos in our Chapel during this time)
10:00 am — Parade assembly in front of the Hall
10:15 am — Parade departs for march to St. Mary Star of the Sea Church (180 Harrison Ave.)
11:00 am — Mass starts with Portuguese priest, Father Summerhays
12:00 pm — Parade assembles to return to IDESST Hall, marching along Bridgeway and pausing briefly at the Praça de Cascais to play the national anthems of the United States and Portugal.
1:00 pm — Ceremony assembles in front of the IDESST Hall to release the white dove, representing the Holy Spirit, and band to play the Festa hymn, “Alva Pomba” (“White Dove”). Afterwards, doors will be opened for lunch seating.
1:15 pm — Lunch will be served.
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm — Live band to play dancing music.
Queens and parade participants will be given identifying wristbands and receive preferential seating. Those without wristbands will be seated on a space-available basis after all parade participants are accommodated.
Hope to see you there!
Warm regards,
I.D.E.S.S.T. Directors
Complete your enrollment now for our 12-week VIRTUAL LANGUAGE COURSE
Register early to receive a FREE textbook while supplies last!!
We offer several VIRTUAL classes for Adults & Children 13 and older
Not sure which class best suits your level? Enroll where you think you best fit and attend the first class. You may change your registration by no later than the end of the second class. Note: The Advanced class has been discontinued as enrollment has consistently fallen below the minimum required to offer the course. Advanced-level students are welcome to join the Intermediate class
Not sure which class best suits your level? Enroll where you think you best fit and attend the first class. You may change your registration by no later than the end of the second class.
Note: The Advanced class has been discontinued as enrollment has consistently fallen below the minimum required to offer the course. Advanced-level students are welcome to join the Intermediate class
Go to Class Levels for detailed class descriptions.
BEGINNER ADULTS LEVEL 1 *FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS*
Classes run for 12 weeks on Sundays from May 31 to August 30, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:20 AM
BEGINNER ADULTS LEVEL 2
Classes run for 12 weeks on Sundays from May 31 to August 30, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 11:50 AM
INTERMEDIATE ADULTS
Classes run for 12 weeks on Sundays from May 31 to August 30, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:20 PM
Non-Member: $300Member: $275*
Non-Member: $300
*An active IDESST Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center membership is required prior to registration in order to receive the member discount. Membership applications must be reviewed and approved by our Board of Directors before your membership becomes active and eligible for the discount. The Board reviews applications once per month. Click to submit a new member application, and to further support IDESST Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center. Each participant in the same household must register individually, even if sharing the same computer and Zoom connection to attend class. This ensures fairness in compensating the instructor for every participant's involvement. Late registration will be allowed until the start of the 3rd class. Make-up classes or credit are not available if a student misses a class. In the event the instructor misses a class, a make-up class will be scheduled or a recording of the class may be provided.
*An active IDESST Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center membership is required prior to registration in order to receive the member discount. Membership applications must be reviewed and approved by our Board of Directors before your membership becomes active and eligible for the discount. The Board reviews applications once per month.
Click to submit a new member application, and to further support IDESST Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center.
Each participant in the same household must register individually, even if sharing the same computer and Zoom connection to attend class. This ensures fairness in compensating the instructor for every participant's involvement.
Late registration will be allowed until the start of the 3rd class. Make-up classes or credit are not available if a student misses a class. In the event the instructor misses a class, a make-up class will be scheduled or a recording of the class may be provided.
Click for Fees & More information
Don't Miss Our Happy Hour
Drop in to reconnect with old friends, meet our newest board directors, and get to know our new members while enjoying an evening filled with Portuguese camaraderie and warm conversation. We’ll be sharing some festive beverages and light refreshments throughout the night to keep the celebration lively. Bring along your guests and come ready for a fun, memorable night together. We can’t wait to see you — be sure to RSVP and join the festivities!
Bring a Favorite Petisco If you can, bring a petisco (Portuguese-style tapas), to make our gathering even more special. We'd love contributions of light, savory, or sweet shareable bites to add that surprise element to our potluck! We hope you'll be inspired to bring something (homemade or store bought) to contribute. Event Details
Bring a Favorite Petisco
If you can, bring a petisco (Portuguese-style tapas), to make our gathering even more special. We'd love contributions of light, savory, or sweet shareable bites to add that surprise element to our potluck! We hope you'll be inspired to bring something (homemade or store bought) to contribute.
Event Details
When: June 12, 2026, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Where: IDESST Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center Who: IDESST members + guests (complimentary admission!) What: Refreshing beverages, delectable nibbles, great conversation, and a chance to meet other members and their guests RSVP: Please register so we know how many to expect!
When: June 12, 2026, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: IDESST Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center
Who: IDESST members + guests (complimentary admission!)
What: Refreshing beverages, delectable nibbles, great conversation, and a chance to meet other members and their guests
RSVP: Please register so we know how many to expect!
Até lá! Hope to see you there! IDESST SAUSALITO CULTURAL CENTER511 CALEDONIA STREET | SAUSALITO | MAIN: 415.331.5925
Até lá! Hope to see you there!
IDESST SAUSALITO CULTURAL CENTER511 CALEDONIA STREET | SAUSALITO | MAIN: 415.331.5925
When: August 14, 2026, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Where: IDESST Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center Who: IDESST members + guests (complimentary admission!) What: Refreshing beverages, delectable nibbles, great conversation, and a chance to meet other members and their guests RSVP: Please register so we know how many to expect!
When: August 14, 2026, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
When: October 9, 2026, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Where: IDESST Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center Who: IDESST members + guests (complimentary admission!) What: Refreshing beverages, delectable nibbles, great conversation, and a chance to meet other members and their guests RSVP: Please register so we know how many to expect!
When: October 9, 2026, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join Us for Our Holiday Happy Hour | Sip & Savor December 11th, 6-8 pm
Don't Miss our Holiday Celebration Drop in to celebrate with new and old friends and enjoy an evening of Portuguese camaraderie. We plan to share some festive beverages for the evening too. Let's celebrate the season! Bring a Favorite Holiday Petiscos If you can, bring a petiscos (Portuguese-style tapas), both homemade or store-bought, to make this gathering even more special. We'd love contributions of light, savory, or sweet shareable bites to add that surprise element to our potluck! Join Us in Donating to those in Need If you can bring some unopened, non-perishable shelf-stable foods like canned protein, peanut butter, beans, pasta, rice, and cereal, we will deliver them to the SF-Marin Food Bank. Help us make a real difference for our neighbors facing hunger this year. Event Details When: Friday, December 11th | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Where: IDESST Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center Who: IDESST members + guests (complimentary admission!) What: Refreshing beverages, delectable nibbles, great conversation, and a chance to meet other members and their guests RSVP: Please register so we know how many to expect! Até lá! Hope to see you there! IDESST Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center
Don't Miss our Holiday Celebration
Drop in to celebrate with new and old friends and enjoy an evening of Portuguese camaraderie. We plan to share some festive beverages for the evening too. Let's celebrate the season!
Bring a Favorite Holiday Petiscos
If you can, bring a petiscos (Portuguese-style tapas), both homemade or store-bought, to make this gathering even more special. We'd love contributions of light, savory, or sweet shareable bites to add that surprise element to our potluck!
Join Us in Donating to those in Need
If you can bring some unopened, non-perishable shelf-stable foods like canned protein, peanut butter, beans, pasta, rice, and cereal, we will deliver them to the SF-Marin Food Bank. Help us make a real difference for our neighbors facing hunger this year.
When: Friday, December 11th | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
IDESST Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center
2026 Calendar of Events
Annual Crab Dinner Fundraiser:January 31stBoard of Directors Meetings: Bi-Monthly (TBD)Sip & Savor: Bi-Monthly, 2nd FridaysFebruary 13thApril 10thJune 12thAugust 14thOctober 9thDecember 11thHoly Ghost FestaMay 24th
Taste of PortugalOctober (TBD)Volunteer & Donor Appreciation Day (TBD) November (TBD)
IDESST | SAUSALITO PORTUGUESE CULTURAL CENTER | 511 Caledonia Street | Sausalito, CA 94965
Main Phone: 415.331.5925 | General Email: info@idesst.org | Rental Phone: 415.465.2323| Rental Email: rental@idesst.org
