Petaluma Historical Library & Museum

Discover Sonoma County Craft Beer: A Guided Tasting Experience
2026-02-27 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA, United States
Discover Sonoma County Craft Beer: A Guided Tasting Experience
Friday, February 27, 2026
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
20 4th Street (Corner of 4th & B Street)
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Tickets: $35 – Available Here

Raise a glass to FeBREWary with a guided tasting of Sonoma County craft beer, featuring local favorites, fresh styles, and great stories.

Sonoma County’s beer history is rich—and worth savoring. To celebrate FeBREWary, the Petaluma Museum has teamed up with local beer educator and Certified Cicerone Allo Gilinsky, known as the Craft Beer Concierge, for a guided tasting of standout Sonoma County brews.
From beloved OGs like Lagunitas and Moonlight Brewing to newer favorites such as Old Caz and, of course, HenHouse, you’ll explore a world of flavor with fun style notes and stories from the breweries along the way. This delicious, interactive evening is the perfect way to learn, sip, and enjoy great beer in the company of friends.

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.

Plein Air Paint Out
2026-05-31 08:00 - 12:00 | Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility, 3890 Cypress Drive, Petaluma, PA, 19454, United States
A relaxed and inspiring morning of outdoor painting at one of Petaluma’s most beautiful wetland landscapes.

Saturday, May 31 8:00am – 12:00 pm

Please Make Your Reservations Here

Held in connection with the Petaluma Museum’s exhibitTime & Tide: An Artful Exploration of Petaluma’s Wetlands, this community paint out invites artists of all levels—from beginners to experienced plein air painters—to gather, observe, and create in the open air.
Painting outdoors—en plein air—offers a unique way to connect with the landscape. At Ellis Creek, you’ll experience shifting light, birdlife, and the quiet movement of water while capturing the wetlands through your own creative lens.
Whether you’re trying plein air painting for the first time or are a seasoned artist, this is a welcoming, low-pressure opportunity to slow down, observe, and create in community.
Good to Know:
Morning light is ideal, and we recommend arriving between 8:00–9:00 AM, with painting continuing through noon.
Ellis Creek offers free parking, restrooms, scenic views right from the lot, and easy access to painting spots near the ponds and along the trails.
The parking lot for the Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility is close to 3882 Cypress Dr. Petaluma, CA 94954. GPS Coordinates: The main parking lot is at 38 13 35N, 122 35 08W approximately.
Guided instruction is not provided, but there will be opportunities for informal guidance, tips, and shared learning from fellow painters throughout the morning.
What to Bring:
A simple plein air kit might include:

Portable easel (French easel or pochade box)
Painting surface (8×10″ or 9×12″ panels or watercolor block)
Paint (oils, acrylics, or watercolor)
Brushes and/or palette knife
Water or solvent container (with lid)
Pencil for sketching
Paper towels or rags
Folding chair or stool
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, umbrella)
Drinking water

Optional:

Wet panel carrier or wax paper for transport
Spray bottle (acrylics) or masking tape (watercolor)

Downtown Petaluma Walking Tours in June 2026
2026-06-01 10:30 - 2026-06-30 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 June
(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
