Decades of "I Do": A Vintage Bridal Fashion Show
2025-08-24 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Step back in time with us as we showcase the timeless elegance of vintage bridal fashion in a unique and unforgettable way!

Sunday, August 24 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Cost: $35 – $45
Purchase Tickets Here
Welcome to Decades of “I Do”: A Vintage Bridal Fashion Show! Join us at the Petaluma Museum on August 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM for a trip back in time through stunning bridal fashion from different eras. Be dazzled by the timeless elegance of glamorous gowns while enjoying delicious bites and sensational sips. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the beauty and evolution of bridal style throughout the years. Plus, see our stunning exhibit, “I Do: Historic Wedding Fashions and Traditions.”
Many thanks to our sponsors for their support of this special event: Encore Event Rentals, Sonoma Preferred Caterers, Bedarra Vineyards, Korbel Champagne Cellars, and The Wedding Detailor.

Annual Member and Volunteer Appreciation Event
2025-08-28 17:30 - 19:30 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Thursday, August 28 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Free – Please Reserve Here

Gather at the Museum for an evening of community and celebration! You will hear directly from Museum leaders and our City of Petaluma partners, learn more about our accomplishments from the past fiscal year, preview upcoming exhibits and events, and honor the dedication of our members, volunteers, and partners. Light refreshments will be provided.

Current Exhibit: El Dia de los Muertos - 25 Years of Memories
2025-10-02 10:00 - 2025-11-02 16:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
El Dia de los Muertos 2025 – 25 Years of Memories

Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th and B Streets)
October 2-November 2
Thurs. – Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Museum will once again partner with El Dia de los Muertos Petaluma to host an exhibition of ofrendas and artworks in celebration of Dia de los Muertos, the annual holiday in honor of the deceased that is traditionally observed in parts of Mexico and in other Latin America communities. 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of this now-iconic Petaluma tradition!
Download Complete Events Flier
Events At the Museum
Artist Reception
Saturday, October 11
6:00 – 8:00 PM
The Artists’ Reception will include a collective of 8 artists & altars, as well as the large traditional Community Altar as well as a 25-year history told through the art of posters and T-shirts created by El Dia de los Muertos Petaluma. On display all month.
October 25
Annual Cemetery Walk
Sorry – Sold Out
October 25
Poetry of Remembrance
6:00 – 8:00 PM

Our featured readers include Bernice Espinoza, Georgina Tello Bugarin, Lin Marie deVincent, and Jabez Churchill. Our host for the evening is Dave Seter, current Sonoma County Poet Laureate.
We hope that you will also be part of the celebration and share, in Spanish or English or another language, a short poem or memory of a loved one who has passed away.
Those who wish to honor someone’s memory are encouraged to bring something—a photo or article that reminds them of their loved one—that they can place on a community altar.
Poetry of Remembrance is part of the Day of the Dead celebrations in Petaluma during the months of October and November, featuring community altars, bilingual storytelling, sugar skull workshops, music, dance, and a giant puppet procession. Admission is free of charge.
November 1
Candlelight Procession and Closing Event
4:00 – 10:00 PM
Candlelight procession and closing event, with food, art vendors, entertainment such as Ballet Folklorico Paquiyollotzin, Danza De Diablos, Mateo Guzman, a Catrina Contest and more! 4th Street at the Museum.
At Other Locations:
October 5
Opening Event
St. Vincent’s Church Plaza
Noon – 4:00 PM
Opening Event: Aztec and Folklorico dancers, food vendors, a health fair and more
October 16
Artist and Altar-maker Reception
Mail Depot, Petaluma
6:00 – 8:00 PM
October 18
Lumafest
SRJC Petaluma
For more information on Day of the Dead events, visit Facebook @ el dia de los muertos petaluma.

Artists' Reception
2025-10-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
El Dia de los Muertos 2025 – 25 Years of Memories

Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th and B Streets)
October 2-November 2
Thurs. – Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Download Complete Events Flier
Artists’ Reception
Saturday, October 11
6:00 – 8:00 PM
The Artists’ Reception will include a collective of 8 artists & altars, as well as the large traditional Community Altar as well as a 25-year history told through the art of posters and T-shirts created by El Dia de los Muertos Petaluma. On display all month.

Poetry of Remembrance
2025-10-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
El Dia de los Muertos 2025 – 25 Years of Memories

Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th and B Streets)
October 2-November 2
Thurs. – Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Museum will once again partner with El Dia de los Muertos Petaluma to host an exhibition of ofrendas and artworks in celebration of Dia de los Muertos, the annual holiday in honor of the deceased that is traditionally observed in parts of Mexico and in other Latin America communities. 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of this now-iconic Petaluma tradition!
Download Complete Events Flier
Poetry of Remembrance
October 25
6:00 – 8:00 PM

Our featured readers include Bernice Espinoza, Georgina Tello Bugarin, Lin Marie deVincent, and Jabez Churchill. Our host for the evening is Dave Seter, current Sonoma County Poet Laureate.
We hope that you will also be part of the celebration and share, in Spanish or English or another language, a short poem or memory of a loved one who has passed away.
Those who wish to honor someone’s memory are encouraged to bring something—a photo or article that reminds them of their loved one—that they can place on a community altar.
Poetry of Remembrance is part of the Day of the Dead celebrations in Petaluma during the months of October and November, featuring community altars, bilingual storytelling, sugar skull workshops, music, dance, and a giant puppet procession. Admission is free of charge.

Candlelight Procession and Closing Event
2025-11-01 16:00 - 22:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
El Dia de los Muertos 2025 – 25 Years of Memories

Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th and B Streets)
October 2-November 2
Thurs. – Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Museum will once again partner with El Dia de los Muertos Petaluma to host an exhibition of ofrendas and artworks in celebration of Dia de los Muertos, the annual holiday in honor of the deceased that is traditionally observed in parts of Mexico and in other Latin America communities. 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of this now-iconic Petaluma tradition!
Download Complete Events Flier
Candlelight Procession and Closing Event
November 1
4:00 – 10:00 PM
Candlelight procession and closing event, with food, art vendors, entertainment such as Ballet Folklorico Paquiyollotzin, Danza De Diablos, Mateo Guzman, a Catrina Contest and more! 4th Street at the Museum.

Current Exhibit: Renaissance Science, Magic, and Medicine in Harry Potter’s World
2025-11-08 10:00 - 2025-11-30 16:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
November 8 – November 30
Thurs. – Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th and B Streets)
The Harry Potter book series features magic that is based partially on Renaissance traditions that played an important role in the development of Western science, including alchemy, astrology, and natural philosophy. Incorporating the work of several 15th- and 16th-century thinkers, the series examines ethical topics such as the desire for knowledge, the effects of prejudice, and the responsibility that comes with power. Informative panels use the collections of the National Library of Medicine to explore Harry Potter’s world and its roots in Renaissance magic, science, and medicine. The Museum will add to the exhibition from our own collection of medical artifacts, botanical journals, and other objects that would fit right in at Hogwarts!

Historic Magic Workshop
2025-11-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
We’re excited to welcome the team from Live History to the Petaluma Museum!
Learn impressive tricks, uncover fascinating historic facts, and practice your own magic skills.
Plus, our friends from Clover Sonoma and Clo the Cow will be here with free samples of tasty holiday eggnog!
Saturday, November 8
11 AM–12 PM
Petaluma Museum
All ages welcome
Free, Please RSVP Here

While you’re here, explore our new exhibition, Renaissance Science, Magic, and Medicine in Harry Potter’s World, where real history meets the magic of Hogwarts!

Reading & Discussion with Author Frances Rivetti
2025-11-19 17:00 - 19:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Come join us for a lively chat with acclaimed author Frances Rivetti about her latest book, Floating in the Middle!
Wednesday, November 19 · 5 – 7pm PST
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street Petaluma (Corner of 4th and B St.)
This is a free event. RSVPs are appreciated.
We’re thrilled to launch the Petaluma Museum’s new book club, exploring the stories that shape our world. Our first selection, Floating in the Middle, is the highly anticipated third novel from award-winning British-American author and Petaluman Frances Rivetti. This gripping work of domestic noir meets climate suspense as a group of longtime friends reunite for a weekend on California’s crumbling coast to plan their ideal intentional community—only to discover that building utopia may require darker compromises than they imagined.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the eroding Sonoma Coast, Floating in the Middle follows friends whose weekend retreat becomes a pressure cooker of buried secrets, conflicting visions, and mounting desperation as the changing landscape mirrors the instability of their relationships. When environmental crisis becomes the catalyst for both hope and betrayal, the novel asks: How far would you go to create the community of your dreams?
Pick up your copy at a bookstore near you beginning November 1, then join us at the Museum on November 19, 5-7pm, for a reading and discussion with the author.

Holiday Party & Exhibit Opening
2025-12-06 16:00 - 18:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Celebrate the holidays and see Toys Through Time: From Machine Age to Space Age!
Holiday Party & Exhibit Opening
Saturday, December 6 4 – 6 p.m.
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th and B Streets)
Cost – Free
Please RSVP Here

Our annual holiday gathering is a chance to celebrate the season together and enjoy the warmth of community. This year, you’ll also be the very first to experience Toys Through Time: From Machine Age to Space Age, an exhibition juxtaposing remarkable mechanical toys and vintage Star Wars collectibles, revealing how play has reflected and helped shape our changing world across generations. And keep your eyes open… we’ve heard whispers over our “comlinks” that some very special visitors will be dropping in. Plus, see some of the antique mechanical toys in action during a special demonstration! And don’t forget to visit our gift shop for unique items for the history lover on your list. We’ve got new holiday ornaments, books by local authors, and Petaluma-branded merchandise! RSVP here.

Antique Toy Demonstration
2026-01-17 13:00 - 14:30 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Watch antique mechanical toys spring to life—gears, whistles, wonders, and all!
Saturday, January 17 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th and B Streets)
Please RSVP Here

Join us for an awesome in-person event where antique toys come to life! Experience the charm and nostalgia as we show off classic antique mechanical toys in action. Perfect for history lovers, families, or anyone curious about the toys that fascinated past generations. Don’t miss this fun, hands-on chance to see history in motion and learn about the marvels of mechanics!
And while you’re at the Museum, be sure to check out our exhibit, “Toys Through Time: From Machine Age to Space Age”, for more antique toys from a local Petaluma collection, plus Star Wars collectibles from Rancho Obi-Wan.
Free with suggested admission donation.

Dusty Artifact or Window Into the Past: Writing Poems on Petaluma History
2026-01-21 17:30 - 19:30 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Explore the history of Petaluma through poetic lenses – join us for a journey into the past through the art of writing!
Wednesday, January 21 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th and B Streets)
Cost – Free
Please RSVP Here

If you think you know Petaluma history, then come prepared to be surprised as we write poems from new perspectives. Join Sonoma County Poet Laureate Dave Seter for this special one of a kind workshop. Executive Director Stacey Atchley will provide an insider’s tour of the Museum, inviting us to see into the windows of the past. We will then each select one or more artifacts or stories that may have been forgotten but are waiting to be discovered and shared. We will ask ourselves what we have learned from our past as we write poems or short prose pieces about the artifacts or stories we have chosen. No previous experience writing poetry is necessary. All are welcome. Please notify us if you need special accommodation (handicapped access to the museum, et cetera).

Toy Stories: A Conversation with Master Collectors
2026-01-25 17:00 - 19:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Explore the passion and history behind toy collecting—from clockwork marvels to iconic Star Wars toys—in this special panel discussion.
Sunday, January 25 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th and B Streets)
Cost – Free
Please RSVP Here

Join us for a panel discussion with a local collector of antique mechanical toys; Steve Sansweet, founder and Executive Chairman of Rancho Obi-Wan, home to the world’s largest Star Wars memorabilia collection, and Pete Vilmur, longtime Lucasfilm historian and collector. Together, they’ll explore the stories behind their remarkable collections, share the art of preserving playthings from different eras, and discuss how toys—from clockwork marvels to cinematic icons—shape our sense of history, creativity, and imagination.

Current Exhibit-A Century of Black History Commemorations: A Future of Possibility
2026-02-13 10:00 - 2026-03-29 16:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
A Century of Black History Commemorations: A Future of Possibility
February 13 – March 29
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission Free, Donations Appreciated
The exhibit will be celebrating 100 years of commemoration Black History. As we enter the centennial, we will highlight the people, events and achievements of the African diaspora in the United States and focus on Black achievement in Sonoma County. The Exhibit will be free and open to the public after the grand opening.
Events At the Museum:
Valentine’s Night Out & Black History Exhibit Opening
February 13, 2026
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Starts at 6:00 PM with Music beginning at 6:30 PM
Tickets: $35 – Available Here

Featuring live music by Sky Palace ( singer-song writer, dancer, actress, model) and Dave Amato (a soulful guitarist that always plays from the heart.)

Whether you’re coming with a partner, friends, or on your own, join us for a stylish Valentine’s night out featuring live music, champagne and refreshments, dancing, and a docent-led tour of our new exhibit, A Century of Black History Commemorations: A Future of Possibility.
Starts at 6:00 PM with Music beginning at 6:30 PM
Tickets: $35 – Available Here or Scan the Code Below:

Story Time at the Petaluma Museum
February 21, 2026
Story Reading at 11 am and 12:30.
This event is for our younger community members. All children must come with an adult. Grab a free book, snack and create an art project with Jose from the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County.

“The History of Slavery in Sonoma County from 1850.”
February 22, 2026
Lecture, 2:30 pm
Amy Kittelstrom is a Professor of History at Sonoma State University who specializes in American thought and culture. She is the author of The Religion of Democracy (Penguin, 2015). She has written critical essays on the state of the American intellectual history. Since 2023, Amy has been the lead investigator of groundbreaking research on the history of slavery in Sonoma County, California, in partnership with the Santa Rosa-Sonoma County NAACP. There will be a question and answer section following the lecture.

Events at other Locations in the Community

February 6, 2026 – The Dorian Mode Black History Jazz Concert
Doors open at 6:30 and concert starts at 7.
Drinks and refreshments will be served
Location – Polly Klaas Community Theater
417 Western Ave. Cost $60.00.
To purchase tickets go to our website at www.pbcd4us.com and scan the QR code.

February 28, 2026 – Annual Black History Month Program at New Life Christian Church
1310 Clegg St., Petaluma.
Time: 5:30 p.m.
The program will highlight the remarkable stories of previous and current generations of African Americans through music, dance, poetry and their fight for justice and equality.

Check our website for additions/changes: www.pbcd4us.com

Valentine’s Night Out & Black History Exhibit Opening
2026-02-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Events At the Museum:
Valentine’s Night Out & Black History Exhibit Opening
February 13, 2026
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Starts at 6:00 PM with Music beginning at 6:30 PM
Tickets: $35 – Available Here

Featuring live music by Sky Palace ( singer-song writer, dancer, actress, model) and Dave Amato (a soulful guitarist that always plays from the heart.)

Whether you’re coming with a partner, friends, or on your own, join us for a stylish Valentine’s night out featuring live music, champagne and refreshments, dancing, and a docent-led tour of our new exhibit, A Century of Black History Commemorations: A Future of Possibility.
Starts at 6:00 PM with Music beginning at 6:30 PM
Tickets: $35 – Available Here or Scan the Code Below:

About The Exhibit
A Century of Black History Commemorations: A Future of Possibility
February 13 – March 29
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission Free, Donations Appreciated
The exhibit will be celebrating 100 years of commemoration of Black History. As we enter the Centennial, we will highlight the people, events and achievements of the African diaspora in the United States and focus on Black achievement in Sonoma County. The Exhibit will be free and open to the public after the grand opening.

Story Time at the Petaluma Museum
2026-02-21 10:30 - 13:30 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Events At the Museum:
Story Time at the Petaluma Museum

Saturday, February 21, 2026
Story Reading at 11 am and 12:00 pm.
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
This event is for our younger community members. All children must come with an adult. Grab a free book, snack and create an art project with Jose from the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County.

About The Exhibit
A Century of Black History Commemorations: A Future of Possibility
February 13 – March 29
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission Free, Donations Appreciated
The exhibit will be celebrating 100 years of commemoration of Black History. As we enter the Centennial, we will highlight the people, events and achievements of the African diaspora in the United States and focus on Black achievement in Sonoma County. The Exhibit will be free and open to the public.

The History of Slavery in Sonoma County from 1850 - Amy Kittelstrom
2026-02-22 14:30 - 17:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Events At the Museum:
The History of Slavery in Sonoma County from 1850 – Lecture by Amy Kittelstrom
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
2:30 PM

Amy Kittelstrom is a Professor of History at Sonoma State University who specializes in American thought and culture. She is the author of The Religion of Democracy (Penguin, 2015). She has written critical essays on the state of the American intellectual history. Since 2023, Amy has been the lead investigator of groundbreaking research on the history of slavery in Sonoma County, California, in partnership with the Santa Rosa-Sonoma County NAACP. There will be a question and answer section following the lecture.

About The Exhibit
A Century of Black History Commemorations: A Future of Possibility
February 13 – March 29
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission Free, Donations Appreciated
The exhibit will be celebrating 100 years of commemoration of Black History. As we enter the Centennial, we will highlight the people, events and achievements of the African diaspora in the United States and focus on Black achievement in Sonoma County. The Exhibit will be free and open to the public after the grand opening.

Current Exhibit - Time and Tide
2026-04-09 10:00 - 2026-06-07 16:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Time and Tide: An Artful Exploration of Petaluma’s Wetlands

A uniquely Petaluma story shaped by history, art, and community.
April 9 – June 7
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission Free, Donations Appreciated

Time & Tide: An Artful Exploration of Petaluma’s Wetlands tells a uniquely Petaluma story—where water, history, and community converge. Featuring more than 90 artworks by local artists and students, the exhibition weaves together history, art, science, and storytelling to explore how the Petaluma River and its wetlands have evolved over time—from expansive tidal marshes to a highly altered landscape now undergoing restoration. Through themes of interconnection, stewardship, and climate resilience, Time & Tide invites visitors to see the wetlands not as the backdrop to the city, but as a living system that sustains it—and a shared responsibility for the future.
Opening Reception
Join us for the opening of Time & Tide: An Artful Exploration of Petaluma’s Wetlands.

This is a free event. RSVPs are appreciated.
Many thanks to our partners, including Petaluma Wetlands Alliance and artist/author Alan Butler, and our sponsor, the Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation.

Time and Tide Exhibit Opening Reception
2026-04-09 17:00 - 19:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Time and Tide: An Artful Exploration of Petaluma’s Wetlands

A uniquely Petaluma story shaped by history, art, and community.
Thursday, Apr 9 from 5 pm to 7 pm
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
Admission Free, Donations Appreciated

Time and Tide Exhibit Opening Reception
Join us for the opening of Time & Tide: An Artful Exploration of Petaluma’s Wetlands. The exhibit brings together more than 90 artworks by local artists and students to explore the past, present, and future of the Petaluma River and its wetlands. Blending art, science, and history, the exhibition highlights the importance of wetlands for wildlife, community, and climate resilience. Discover the uniquely local story of our wetlands, and ponder our shared role in their future.
This is a free event. RSVPs are appreciated.
Many thanks to our partners, including Petaluma Wetlands Alliance and artist/author Alan Butler, and our sponsor, the Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation.

Museum Member Seating for Butter & Egg Days Parade
2026-04-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Get a “grade A” seat for the parade!

Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
Saturday, April 18, 10-2:00 pm
20 4th Street, Corner of 4th & B St. Petaluma
This event is free, please make reservations here

Members of the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum are invited to reserve a “grade A” seat for the Butter & Egg Days Parade! View the festivities from the Museum plaza or lawn. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Your membership must be current and will be verified by Museum staff.
Plaza Seats: Each member household may reserve a maximum of four seats on the Museum plaza, while supplies last. Chairs will be provided and seats will be pre-assigned.
Lawn Seating: A limited amount of lawn seating is also available to members. Each section seats 4 people. Each member household may reserve a maximum of one lawn section, while supplies last. Please bring your own blanket.
Please arrive no sooner than 10am. No pre-set up before that time. Note that the Museum facilities will be closed to visitors on parade day. The remainder of the Museum grounds will be available for public viewing of the parade.

Downtown Petaluma Walking Tours in May 2026
2026-05-01 10:30 - 2026-05-31 12:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Learn about Petaluma’s fascinating history, filled with unique characters and surprising stories.
Please meet on the steps of the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum
10:30 am to 12:00 pm
Free, Donations Appreciated.
Downtown Petaluma Walking Tours in May
(Please register for ticket)

Our docents guide you through Petaluma’s downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Meet us on the steps of the Petaluma Historical Museum.
We still offer free tour tickets with the option to add a donation. This month we’re introducing paid tickets. Pick the ticket that works for you and show your love for these history walking tours!
Want to schedule a private tour for friends and family? Sounds great, please contact us at poyevents2026@gmail.com

A Vibrant Afternoon with Dr. Color
2026-05-02 16:00 - 18:30 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Join Heritage Homes for a discussion, self-guided walking tour, and private cocktail reception at a historic Petaluma home!
Date: Saturday May 2, 4:00-6:30 PM
Venue: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B St.)
Petaluma, CA 94952
Cost: $44.52
Sorry, this event has been Cancelled
Event Cancelled
Join us at the Petaluma Museum for an inspiring afternoon with Bob Buckter—affectionately known as Dr. Color—a celebrated color consultant whose bold, imaginative palettes have transformed thousands of Victorian homes and historic buildings in San Francisco and beyond.

The discussion will be followed by a self-guided walking tour en route to an exclusive reception at one of Petaluma’s most colorful historic residences—an opportunity to continue the conversation and experience the power of pigment up close.
Dr. Color will share stories from his decades-long career, offering insight into his creative approach, the power of color in shaping how we experience architecture, and the role of color in historic preservation. Whether you’re a homeowner, designer, preservation enthusiast, or simply curious, this is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the most influential voices in the field.
Presented by the Petaluma Museum and our Heritage Homes program as part of National Historic Preservation Month, this event celebrates the importance of preserving and reimagining our shared architectural heritage.

View Master Tour: Petaluma Rewind
2026-05-03 13:30 - 2026-05-17 17:00 | Balshaw Pedestrial Bridge, Western Avenue, Petaluma, CA, 94952, United States
Two Events:
Date: Sunday May 3, 3:30 – 5:00PM
also
Sunday May 17, 1:30 – 3:00 PM
To Purchase Tickets: View Master Tour: Petaluma Rewind
(Get tickets, limited availability)
Petalumans of Yesteryear Website
New View Master Walking Tours with the Petalumans of Yesteryear. Take a stroll through downtown and experience a cool rewind into Petaluma’s past, where historic sights come to life, and fascinating stories unfold at every stop. Discover the charm, the characters, and the moments that shaped our town in a whole new way.
Ready to see yesterday like never before?
Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection, bring water, and stay hydrated. The tour is 1.5 miles, at a moderate pace, with rest stops. We provide View Masters, and there will be a 10-minute intermission at the Art Play cafe on Kentucky Street (while we change the reels). Purchase tickets in advance.

Get ready to dive into the View Master Tour with the Petalumans of Yesteryear and explore some cool sights with fellow fans. Take a stroll through downtown and experience a cool rewind into Petaluma’s past—where historic sights come to life, and fascinating stories unfold at every stop.

Historic Petaluma River Cruise
2026-05-08 16:00 - 18:00 | Petaluma River
A scenic, narrated journey exploring the Petaluma River’s history, wetlands, and wildlife.

Friday, May 8 4:00-6:00 PM
Purchase Tickets Here

The Petaluma Museum and Dolphin Charters invite you to step aboard for a relaxing and enriching cruise along the Petaluma River—where history, ecology, and community come together.
In connection with Time & Tide: An Artful Exploration of Petaluma’s Wetlands, this special outing offers a unique opportunity to experience the landscapes featured in the exhibition from the water itself. As you travel through the heart of the Petaluma watershed, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how the river and its wetlands have shaped the region over time—and how they continue to support wildlife, agriculture, and climate resilience today.
Expert guides will share insights into the river’s past and present, from its role in early settlement and industry to ongoing restoration efforts that are helping rebuild vital wetland habitats. Along the way, keep an eye out for birds and other wildlife that depend on this rich and dynamic ecosystem.
Your ticket includes drinks, appetizers, and engaging narration in a beautiful, open-air setting.
Whether you’ve visited the exhibit or are simply curious about the river, this cruise offers a memorable way to connect with Petaluma’s natural and cultural history.
18 and over please. Departure location and details will be shared separately.

Celebrating Petaluma Adobe Living History Day
2026-05-09 10:00 - 16:00 | Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, 3325 Adobe Road, Petaluma, CA, 94954, United States
Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park – Photo ©2015, California State Parks.
Date: Saturday May 9, 10:00-4:00 PM
Venue: Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
3325 Adobe Road, Petaluma
Admission to the park includes all activities.
View the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park website
Step Back in Time at the Petaluma Adobe! California State Parks invites you to celebrate Petaluma Adobe Living History Day. This family friendly event brings 1840’s Mexican California to life inside and outside the two-story adobe walls of General Vallejo’s rancho headquarters.

090-P89773 Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park – ©2015, Ca. State Parks. Photo by Brian Baer
Meet the vaqueros, traders, cooks, and craftspeople who lived in Mexican California. Walk among living history volunteers, adorned in beautiful, authentic clothing, and watch entertaining historical skits that reveal stories of the past. Learn basket weaving and candle-making techniques. Make a piece of rope and play games. Observe the intricate process of making lace.

090-P89886 Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park – ©2015, Ca. State Parks. Photo by Brian Baer

Discover the Petaluma Danish Soldiers Club
2026-05-09 11:00 - 14:00 | Petaluma Danish Soldiers Club, 4560 Kastania Rd, Petaluma, California, 94952, United States
Date: Saturday May 9, 11:00-2:00 PM
Venue: Danish Soldier’s Club of Northern California
4560 Kastania Rd
Petaluma, CA 94952
Lunch will be served at 12:30 pm, if interested.
(Please register for lunch 7 days in advance, served at 12:30 pm)
Register for Lunch
To RSVP click here and select the Danish Soldiers Club Visit on Saturday May 9th
Founded 88 years ago, the Petaluma Danish Soldiers Club has quietly been part of Petaluma’s cultural and civic life for nearly a century. Located on Kastania Road, the club has long served as a gathering place for people of Danish and Scandinavian heritage, and for the wider community. You’re invited to visit us from 11:00 am to 2 pm. At 11:30 am, Club President Tim Knudsen will give a short presentation on the club’s history.

Come visit this largely hidden in plain sight building and institution in Petaluma. The Club President, Tim Knudsen, will offer a short presentation on the club’s history and its role in the community at 11:30 am. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p, if interested. If you plan to stay for lunch, and we truly hope you can, please purchase your meal seven days in advance. There is no option to purchase lunch tickets on the day of the event, and no outside food is permitted.

Petaluma Watershed Demonstrations
2026-05-09 12:00 - 2026-06-06 15:00 | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Discover how water connects our landscape with Petaluma Wetlands Alliance docents.

Recurring:
Demonstrations on Saturday, May 9 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm
Demonstrations on Saturday, June 6 from 12:00 – 3:00 pm
Please Make Your Reservations Here

On select Saturdays, a docent from the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance will be at the Petaluma Museum to lead family-friendly, drop-in demonstrations exploring the flow of water through the Petaluma River watershed—and how it shapes the wetlands featured in the exhibit Time & Tide: An Artful Exploration of Petaluma’s Wetlands.

Visitors will learn how water moves from hills to river to bay, and how these connections influence habitat, water quality, and climate resilience.
Admission to the Museum is a suggested $5 donation per person. Watershed demonstrations are free. RSVPs appreciated!

Petaluma's past: How to search newspapers.com
2026-05-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Petaluma Regional Library, 100 Fairgrounds Dr, Petaluma, CA, 94952
Celebrate National Historic Preservation Month by learning to search Newspapers.com for stories about your family, your house, and Petaluma’s colorful past. Discover tips for finding hidden treasures in our historical Argus-Courier and other local newspapers. Bring your own laptop or borrow one of ours and you must register.
Date: Wednesday May 13, 6:00-7:30 PM
Venue: Petaluma Regional Library
100 Fairgrounds Drive
Petaluma, CA 94952
Please Register Here: Petaluma’s Past: How to search newspapers.com
(Please register at the bottom of the page)
Only 20 seats. You must register.

Connie Williams from the Petaluma Public Library will guide participants through the Newspapers.com application, available as part of a Sonoma County Library subscription. Attendees will learn how to access the library’s resources and develop skills for searching local historical newspapers. The event will take place in the newly renovated Petaluma History Room at the Petaluma Regional Library.

For questions, contact Connie Williams at cwilliams@sonomalibrary.org

Insect Discovery Lab
2026-05-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Shollenberger Park, 1400 Cader Lane, Petaluma, 94954, United States
Explore the small but mighty creatures of the wetlands and other ecosystems!

Saturday, May 16 10:00am – 11:00 am
Please Make Your Reservations Here

In connection with Time & Tide: An Artful Exploration of Petaluma’s Wetlands, the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance invites families to a special hands-on program exploring the small but mighty creatures of the wetlands and other ecosystems.
Join educators from SaveNature.org for a free Insect Discovery Lab on Saturday, May 16, from 10–11 AM at the Shollenberger Park Gathering Circle.
San Francisco–based SaveNature is dedicated to inspiring awareness and participation in the preservation of fragile ecosystems through direct engagement with the natural world.
Young explorers will discover the fascinating world of arthropods while meeting beetles, millipedes, hissing cockroaches, walking sticks, and more. This interactive experience introduces budding scientists to the incredible diversity of insects in our wetlands—and their essential role in the web of life.
Space limited to 25 children with parents. Grades K–12. RSVP required.

Preserving National History Locally: Tour of the Petaluma Woman’s Club
2026-05-27 17:00 - 18:30 | Petaluma Woman’s Club, 518 B Street, Petaluma, CA, 94952, United States
Celebrate the Petaluma Woman’s Club’s recent addition to the National Register of Historic Places.
Date: Wednesday May 27, 5:00-6:30 PM
Venue: Petaluma Woman’s Club
518 B Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
Cost: Free
Please RSVP Here

As a part of National Historic Preservation Month festivities, the Petaluma Woman’s Club invites you to a special event in celebration of its recent designation on the National Register of Historic Places. The program will feature a presentation by local historians and current Club members on the history of the Petaluma Woman’s Club, including its role in the broader Women’s Club movement. The presentation will be followed by a guided tour of the historic 1913 Craftsman-style building, designed by notable local architect Brainerd Jones.
