Living in Petaluma - Festivals and Events

Living in PetalumaMoving to PetalumaMoving to Sonoma County

May 10

Written By Rachael Dressler - Sonoma and Marin County Realtor

When I first moved to Petaluma, I felt like there was some sort of event happening downtown almost every weekend. Petaluma loves to throw festivals and other events. Here are a few of my favorites.

The Butter and Eggs Day Parade is Petaluma’s largest annual event and it takes place in April. It celebrates Petaluma’s history as the “Egg Capital of the World”. Petaluma once produced millions of eggs from over 100 ranches. The industry declined in the mid-20th century, but the city still celebrates its egg heritage with this annual festival. This family-friendly celebration starts with a creative, chicken-themed parade and then transitions into music, food, and arts and crafts booths.

Butter and Egg Days in Petaluma — Butter and Eggs Day with my Kiddos

The Petaluma Fall and Spring Antique Fairs transform the downtown streets of Petaluma into an antique marketplace. Over 200 vendors from throughout California draw visitors from far and wide to gaze at a variety of jewelry, vintage linens, kitchenware, furniture, art, décor, books, and collectibles.
The World's Ugliest Dog Contest is an annual event that began in 2002 as a fundraiser for the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds & Event Center. It has since become a popular tourist attraction and usually happens in June. The contest is open to all purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and the winner is chosen by a panel of judges. The current titleholder Mr. Happy Face, a hairless Chinese crested-Chihuahua mix, who was adopted from a shelter in Arizona.
The Rivertown Revival is a two-day music festival that started in 2010. It is a celebration of Petaluma, the wonderful community, and the Petaluma River. It features a variety of musical genres, food, drinks, and arts and crafts. It's family-friendly and has hosted big names like The String Cheese Incident, The Wailers, and Mumford & Sons. It is a benefit for the Friends of the Petaluma River (FOPR) and is located at Steamer Landing Park right on the Petaluma River.
The Sonoma-Marin County Fair is a 10-day event held in Petaluma, California, that features rides, animals, shows, food, competitions, and fun. It is held every year in June and is one of the largest county fairs in California. The fair attracts over 500,000 visitors each year and features a variety of attractions, including; rides and games, animal exhibits, live entertainment, food and drink, and competitions including livestock shows, baking contests, and pie eating contests. The Sonoma-Marin County Fair is a great event for people of all ages and interests. It is a fun and festive way to spend a day or a weekend.
The Petaluma Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is an annual event that takes place on the Petaluma River in December. The parade features decorated boats that are illuminated with lights. The parade is free to attend and is a popular event for families and friends. The parade is a great way to see the holiday lights and enjoy the festive atmosphere. It is also a great way to support local businesses, as many of the boats in the parade are decorated by local businesses.
The Petaluma Art and Garden Festival is held downtown in July and features a variety of art and garden exhibits, as well as food and live music. The event is free to attend and open to the public. The festival is a great opportunity to see the work of local artists, learn about gardening, and enjoy a day of fun in downtown Petaluma.