Fairs & Festivals abound in Petaluma

Petaluma’s population is on the small side (59,651) but its personality is big! Come and share in our abundant community spirit, culinary excellence, artisan wineries and breweries, and flat-out fun times!

April – Butter & Egg Days Festival

Brimming with authentic community pride and character, Petaluma’s Butter & Egg Days Festival and Parade pays tribute to Petaluma’s agricultural roots and claim-to-fame in the history as the “World’s Egg Basket.” Originally created in the 1900’s to promote Petaluma as part of National Egg Day, the parade has grown to more than 130 parade units attracting over 30,000 people downtown in April.

The festivities kick off on Saturday with only-in-Petaluma competitions including the “Cutest Little Chick Contest” where adorable toddlers don feathers and yellow onesies hoping to be crowned the “cutest” and the good-natured “Cow Chip Throwing Contest” where local celebrities compete for bragging rights.

The parade begins at noon followed by an afternoon of music, food and family fun throughout the downtown district.

April & September – Antique Faire

The iron-front buildings and architectural gems of the late 1800s provide a fitting backdrop for more than 200 antique dealers. From campaign buttons to armoires, everyone can take home a piece of the past.

Stay in a hotel within walking distance of downtown and then explore Sonoma Valley to the east or Alexander Valley to the north for the perfect fall weekend getaway.

August – Petaluma Music Festival

What’s better than rocking out to dance party soul, country rock, and the best funk? How about supporting a good cause while you’re at it?

The Petaluma Music Festival brings together music lovers at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds to enjoy a day-long concert on four stages. Rounding out the day are a silent auction, a celebrity autographed guitar raffle, kid’s area, free drinking water, and a variety of specialty food, craft, and merchandise vendors. 

The Petaluma Music Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to “keeping music in the schools.”  All festival proceeds benefit the music education programs in all Petaluma area public schools.

June – The Sonoma-Marin Fair & World’s Ugliest Dog Contest

Every June the Sonoma-Marin Fair brings joy, entertainment, and of course corn dogs, cotton candy, and everything deep-fried to Petaluma for five fun-filled days. Families gather to celebrate traditions, make memories, and to get a glimpse of our communities’ agricultural heritage.

The centerpiece of the Fair is the World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest. The crazy K-9 competition has garnered world-wide attention and been a highlight of the Fair for more than 25 years. Judges for the contest will be carefully scoring mismatched ears and underbites to select the homeliest and most loveable of hounds.

Along with themed exhibits and new contests, join fellow fair-goers for everything from throwback hits to collaborative jams on the Petaluma Stage each night at 8p.m. Stay tuned for details on this year’s performers.

July – Art & Garden Festival

Everything that you love about Petaluma can be found at the Art & Garden Festival. Enjoy Sonoma County brews and wine, savor culinary delights from local restaurants, dance to live music and browse over 140 booths offering creative home and garden décor, jewelry, and sustainability ideas.

Best of all, there is no admission charge to enjoy the block party vibe at the downtown event.

The Art & Garden Festival is truly home-grown, formed as a result of the efforts of a few downtown merchants with the help and support of the Petaluma Downtown Association.  It became a way to raise funds for the downtown and an opportunity to showcase the work of local artists and sample local food, wines and craft beers.

July – Rivertown Revival

With emphasis on the river, community, family, history, and creativity, the Rivertown Revival brings a remarkably innovative festival to town. Local musicians playing in the Americana genre, $5 weddings, art boat races, unique entertainment including aerial acts, children’s marionette shows, snake oil salesmen, and stilt walkers, alongside festive vendors, local food and drink, a large children’s area and beautiful art make this a truly unique experience for all.