¡Fandango!
Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
3325 Adobe Road
(707) 762-4871
Saturday September 20, 2025
12:00 pm - 04:00 pm
$3.00
Welcome autumn’s arrival by experiencing dances and music of the 1840s with a “Fandango”, a traditional dance party. Bring a picnic and experience the spirit and fun of Mexican California’s rancho era while learning dances on the grounds of the largest historic adobe structure in the United States.
“Fandango was not only a dance but also the name given to an informal dancing party. Holding a fandango during autumn was a tradition at General Mariano Vallejo’s Rancho de Petaluma,” explains Jennifer Hanson, State Park Interpreter I. “The fandango celebrated the work of Native Americans, Mexicans, and Californios who operated Vallejo’s successful enterprise. It was held to honor the end of the harvest and the matanza, the slaughtering season. The cattle of the rancho were used to produce the mainstays of early California’s economy, cattle hides and tallow.”
Dances of the 1840s will be performed and taught by dancers from Baile de California of Santa Barbara. The dance troupe aims to preserve the spirit and fun of Mexican California’s rancho era by encouraging audience participation. They will also provide live music.
For the safety and comfort of all visitors, please do not bring pets.