Explore Arts & Culture in Petaluma
Visual and fine arts; performing and decorative arts. Petaluma is a community of artists. And our compact geography makes it easy to experience them all.
In the downtown district, art is at the heart of our city. Visitors can explore more than a dozen galleries, many of them housed in beautifully preserved Victorian buildings. In midtown, the Petaluma Arts Center is a cultural hub featuring gallery and classroom space.
History shares the bill with live theater in Petaluma’s unique entertainment venues. Today, buildings from the turn of the century present a diverse range of performers, from string quartets to Shakespearean plays. Or if you’re in the mood to unwind after a long day on the road, there are wine bars and cafes with live music that pair perfectly with a Petaluma Gap pinot.
LIVE MUSIC
MOZART TO NU-METAL & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN Given its Hometown USA vibe, Petaluma’s live music scene often surprises people with its depth and diversity. And behind it all is a level of community support that adds authenticity to the mix.
Described as the North Bay’s premier music venue, the Mystic Theatre was built in 1911 for vaudeville performances. The Mystic has an illustrious history and has hosted diverse artists, from surf guitar king Dick Dale to rocker Joan Osborne. With a full bar and restaurant next door, it has everything you need for a memorable night on the town.
Lagunitas Brewing Company, famous for its Lagunitas IPA, knows that live music is a must for a good time. Come as you are and enjoy great local bands almost every afternoon in a very “chill” environment at their TapRoom and Beer Sanctuary. In the summer, the venue transitions to the “LaguMiniAmphitheaterette.” Children and dogs welcome!
One of Petaluma’s newest music venues is actually one of the town’s oldest buildings. The Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, built in 1904, hosts intimate classical performances under the stained glass dome.
The Phoenix Theater has continually reinvented itself for more than a century. Today, the one-time opera house is a rock and roll venue attracting up-and-coming talent, a venue for hosting live PPW Pro Wrestling and a teen center.
ART GALLERIES
ARTS ABOUND
When welcoming visitors to Petaluma, we also welcome them to a vibrant cultural arts community.
The Petaluma Arts Center, located near the Visitor Center and downtown SMART platform, features rotating exhibits showcasing fine art in a variety of mediums as well as classes and cross-cultural collaborations.
Wonderstump is an interactive art experience, that combines various art forms to stimulate all the senses.
For two weekends in October, Sonoma County art studios open their doors to the public for Sonoma County Art Trails, a juried multi-location show.
In July, shop for art at the annual Art & Garden Festival, which features 100+ exhibitors, live music, locally made food, craft beer and spirits, children’s area and so much more.
Making Progress
See “Making Progress” by Rough Edge Collective and 30 more murals and public art installments with the interactive map below. Photo: Katie Gebhardt
Usher Gallery
In historic downtown Petaluma, art flourishes at Usher Gallery, Slough City Studios, Nanny Goat Gallery, and Alchemia.
Live Theater Takes Center Stage
Mercury Theater, housed in a 1908 two-room schoolhouse, represents a visionary collective of local artists and performers who bring innovative shows to this iconic location.
Cinnabar Theater has been producing opera, drama, cabaret, and musical performances for more than 50 years. Formally in the 1908 building now occupied by the Mercury Theater, Cinnabar expects to make their new home in the Petaluma Outlet Mall and is performing at other locations in the interim. The show must go on!
Visit the Events Calendar for plays and performances throughout the year presented by Petaluma’s active performing arts community.
MOVIES
When you can’t wait to catch a new release, there’s no better theater to relax and enjoy a movie than Petaluma’s Cinema West.
Enjoy luxury recliners, free parking in the Theatre District parking garage.