Celebrating Petaluma’s 150th birthday all year

This is a partial list of community events promoting the 150th theme. For a comprehensive calendar, or to submit an event, visit www.petaluma150.com, or www.visitpetaluma.com.

MARCH

The Mayor’s Gala — March 29: Black tie- optional evening hosted by Mayor Pamela Torliatt at the Petaluma Veterans Memorial Building, 1094 Petaluma Blvd. South. Ensemble music and cocktails start at 6 p.m. followed by a catered dinner by Sonoma Preferred Caterers and dancing to the Wall Street band. Tickets may be purchased at the Petaluma Community Center, 320 N. McDowell Blvd. Space is limited. Details: 778-4380.

APRIL

Sesquicentennial art exhibits at Aurora Colors Gallery — April 5-13: “Petaluma’s Past, Present & Future,” an exhibit of 34 youth art contest winners ages 13-18 is on display at Aurora Colors Gallery, 145 Kentucky St. An artists’ reception is from 1-4 p.m. April 5 for families. A reception to meet the artists from the sesquicentennial book, “Celebrating Petaluma,” is from 6:30-9:30 p.m. April 12. Details: 762-0131 or visit www.auroracolors.com.

Sesquicentennial River Row — April 5: The Traditional Small Craft Association and Friends of the Petaluma River hold a River Row from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. starting at the Petaluma Marina. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes and decorations in keeping the 150th celebration theme. Details: 763-7756 or www.friendsofthepetalumariver.org.

Butter & Egg Days opening ceremonies — April 19: Opening ceremonies begin at noon at the Petaluma Museum, 20 Fourth St. Festivities include the introductions of the Good Egg and the parade’s grand marshall, music and a heritage skit honoring Petaluma’s incorporation on April 12, 1858. Details: 762-9348 or visit www.butterandeggdays.com.

Petaluma Landmarks Tour — April 20: Historians Marianne Hurley and Katherine Rinehart lead a presentation and walking tour of Petaluma landmarks featured in the sesquicentennial book “Celebrating Petaluma,” from 1-3 p.m. beginning at the Petaluma Museum, 20 Fourth St. Tickets are $20 for museum members or $25 for non-members. Details: 778-4398, e-mail info@petalumamuseum.com or visit www.petmuseum.com.

A Celebration in Song — April 22: The Petaluma Chorale debuts “Petaluma Who Calls You Home,” a specially commissioned piece written by Brian S. Wilson and Petaluma poet Terry Ehret at the Petaluma Museum, 20 Fourth St.

Butter and Egg Days Parade — April 26: The 27th annual Butter and Egg Days parade and celebration of Petaluma’s agricultural heritage begins at noon downtown followed by a variety of events until 5 p.m. The theme this year is “Happy Birthday Petaluma: A 150th Anniversary Celebration.” Details: 762-9348 or 769-0429 or visit www.butterandeggdays.com

Antique Faire — April 27: More than 180 vendors offer antiques and collectibles for sale on Fourth Street, Kentucky Street and in the A Street parking lot from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Details: 762-9348 or go to www.petalumadowntown.com.

Great Petaluma Chili Cookoff — April 27: The 11th annual cookoff features challengers competing for the “People’s Choice” awards and the VIP judges decisions for best chili, salsa and beer from 1-5 p.m. at Herzog Hall on the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. Taste chili and salsa for $23, or chili, salsa and beer for $33. Cost is $9 for youths 12 and under, free for children under 5. Details: 763-8920 or go to www.greatchilicookoff.com.

MAY

Golden Egg Treasure Hunt — May 3: A scavenger hunt based on Petaluma history is from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. beginning at the Petaluma Museum, 20 Fourth St. The hunt is open to all ages. Pre-register at the museum after April 7. Clue booklets will be distributed at 11 a.m. sharp. Tickets are $20, general, $10 students and seniors. Details: 778-4398 or go to www.petalumamuseum.com.

Down Memory Lane flower show — May 10: The Petaluma Garden Club hosts a sesquicentennial flower show from 1-5 p.m. at the Petaluma Library, 100 Fairgrounds Drive. Entries are open to the public. Details: 781-9149.

Salute to American Graffiti — May 15-17: Petaluma celebrate 35 years since this classic film “American Graffiti” was released. Events include a classic car show at the Petaluma Village Premium Outlets, 2200 Petaluma Blvd. North, a downtown cruise and a street dance. Some of the stars from the film, and the cars, will be attending. Details: 762-3394 or visit www.american-graffiti-salute.com.

Petaluma River cruises — May 17-18: Dolphin Charters offer a narrated, three-hour cruise of the Petaluma River. The boat leaves from the turning basin at the dock below the River House restaurant. Cost is $35. Details: (510) 527-9622 or www.dolphincharter.com.

Petaluma Farmers Market — May 24: Opening day of the 22nd annual Petaluma Farmers Market season. The market is from 2-5 p.m. Saturdays through October in Walnut Park, corner of D Street and Petaluma Boulevard. Admission is free. Details: 762-0344 or www.petalumafarmersmarket.com

Sesquicentennial lasagna dinner and silent auction — May 31: The Paula Lane Action Network celebrates Petaluma 150th with lasagna and a silent auction from 6-9 p.m. at the Petaluma Woman’s Club, 518 B St. Proceeds will help fund the Paula Lane Preserve, innovative open space project in west Petaluma. Tickets are $15 general, $12 for seniors and youth under 12. Details: 773-3215 or go to www.paulalaneactionnetwork.org.

JUNE

Sonoma-Marin Fair — June 18-22: Annual fair features entertainment, concerts, the ugly dog contest, exhibits and carnival rides, all for one price: $14 adults, $9 youth and $8 seniors. Details: 283-3247, www.sonoma-marinfair.org or www.yourfair.org.

Celebration of the Accordion — June 28-29: Celebration of Petaluma’s official instrument is from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 28 and noon to 4 p.m. June 29 at the Petaluma Museum, 20 Fourth St. Free. Details: 762-3923.

JULY

Sesquifest celebration — July 4: Petaluma’s 150th Anniversary and America’s Independence celebrated together at a community event featuring food, art projects for kids, live music, entertainment and fireworks. A specially commissioned play performed by Cinnabar’s Young Rep, “Petaluma River Anthology,” debuts at 3:45 p.m. Gates open at 3 p.m. Admission is $2 general, free for kids 13 and under. Details: 769-0429 or 778-4380 or visit www.petaluma150.com.

Art & Garden Festival — July 13: The festival feature more than 100 booths filled with artists, food vendors, gardeners, farmers and merchants, along with jazz performers from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Kentucky Street and in the A Street parking lot. Admission is free. Details: 762-9348 or www.petalumadowntown.com.

Petaluma Art & Equestrian Festival — July 27: Polo demonstration, cutting horses, dressage and an exhibit of local art along with a barbecue is from noon to 5 p.m. at 7650 Lakeville Highway. The event is a benefit for Mentor Me Petaluma. Tickets are $55 general, $10 youth 12 and under. Visit www.mentormepetaluma.org or www.petalumarotary.org.

AUGUST

Summer Music Festival — Aug. 2-16: Two-week celebration of world and classical chamber music with concerts held at various locations around town. Details: 763-8920 or visit www.cinnabartheater.org.

Petaluma Waterfront Wine, Jazz and Blues Festival — Aug. 9: Nationally recognized jazz and blues artists in concert at Theatre Square and on the Petaluma riverfront. Gates open at 11 a.m. and event begins at noon. Tickets are $45 for wine and music, $35 music only. Details: www.pwjb.org or www.petalumawinejazzandbluesfestival.org.

Sesquicentennial River Festival — Aug. 10: The festival features maritime attractions and activities including the scow schooner “The Alma,” Master Mariners and small craft groups in celebration of the Petaluma River and Petaluma’s 150th anniversary. Details: 769-0429.

(Visit www.visitpetaluma.com or www.petaluma150.com for a complete listing of Petaluma 150th events taking place this year.)