Author Kellie Elmore (“Magic in the Backyard”) once wrote “I love how summer just wraps its arms around you like a warm blanket,” a sentiment echoed by Jenny Han (author of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’) who said, “Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August.”
With full awareness that such views are a bit of a slight to spring, fall, and winter, we certainly do agree that there is plenty to do during the summer in Petaluma and beyond.
Here are a few summery highlights to help you warm up your season.
4th ANNUAL RIBS
FOR KIDS
Saturday, June 9,
Noon-4:30 p.m.
Lucchesi Park
The sponsors of this annual fundraiser for local kids - the Petaluma Active 20s-30s service organization - promise a rib-cooking competition that will be even bigger, better and tastier than ever, with entertainment, beer and wine, and some of the most mouth-watering home-gourmet ribs you’ll taste all year. Tasting tickets $20-$25.
Want to know more? Petaluma2030.org/ribs-for-kids
TRANSHUMANCE
FESTIVAL
Saturday, June 9
Steamer Landing
Park
Honoring the “grassland culture” of Petaluma, along with the work of the shepherds, ranchers, farrmers and grazing animals that work the fields and plains around town, this unique food and music event brings local artisans, educators and food-makers together in a one-of-a-kind spot right on the Petaluma River. Beginning at 2:30 p.m., with a Balkan musician leading a flock of sheep onto the festival grounds/peninsula, there will be opprtunities to tast local purveyors’ delicasies, leading up to a 6 p.m., family-style dinner created by chef Matt Roberts. Tickets are $20 to the event, and $20 for the dinner. Kids under 12 eat free.
Want to know more? www.sassyandgrassy.com.
NOVATO ART &
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Saturday, June 9,
Sunday, June 10
Downtown Novato
Petty Theft, The Sam Chase, Wonderbread 5, Jerry Hannan, The Coffis Brothers, and many other musical acts will be performing on two stages as the Novato Chamber presents its free annual Art & Music Festival. Much food will be available, and ample exhibitions of artistry and craftsmanship will be on display. As with a few other upcoming summer happenings, the SMART Train will take you right there.
Want to know more? www.novatochamber.com/novato_fawm/music-lineup
CLEAN AND SOBER
MUSIC FEST
Saturday, June 9,
Sunday, June 10
Mendocino Fair-
grounds, Boonville
Former Petaluman Stefanie Keys and her band will be joined by comedian Michael Pritchard, Tommy Odetto, Lorin Rowan, The Real Sarahs and more, for the inaugural Clean and Sober Music Fest in Booneville. The two-day festival is a musical celebration of sobriety, and includes camping and other fun activities. $30, free 12-and-under.
Want to know more? Cleanandsobermusicfest.org.
RAILROAD SQUARE
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Sunday, June 10,
11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Santa Rosa’s Railroad
Square
Music-loving Petalumans can enjoy door-to-door service, taking the SMART train directly to this day-long musical event that takes place within a few steps of the train station in Santa Rosa. Showcased artists include Frankie Boots, Sol Horizon, and The Highway Poets, the latter featuring Petaluma’s own Sebastian Saint James. Free.
Want to know more? RailroadSquareMusicFestival.com.
STAIRWAY TO PARADISE: BROADWAY UNDER THE STARS
Weekends, June 15 to July 1, 5:30 p.m. picnicking, 7:30 p.m. show time
Jack London State Historic Park
Kicking off another summer of Broadway-themed revues in Jack London State Historic Park, Transcendence Theater Company presents “Stairway to Paradise,” an assortment of songs and dances performed by high-caliber professionals from Broadway and Los Angeles. Tickets $45-$150.
Want to know more? TranscendenceTheatre.org.
SONOMA-MARIN FAIR
Wednesday, June 20-Sunday, June 24
Petaluma Fairgrounds
Our local fair is six full days of fun-seeking, Ferris-wheeling, exhibit-exploring, concert-watching, livestock-judging, deep-fried-food-eating fun, with a series of high-profile nightly concerts featuring such star acts as the girl group En Vogue (Wednesday, June 20, 8 p.m.), cowboy crooner Clay Walker (Thursday, June 21, 8 p.m.), Southern rockers 38 Special (Friday, June 22, 8 p.m.), and pop-rock hit-makers Smash Mouth (Saturday, June 23, 8 p.m.), plus the always-popular Fiesta Latina (Sunday, June 24, 3-7 p.m.). $10-$15.
Want to know more? Sonoma-Marinfair.org.
RANCHO ADOBE
FIRE DEPARTMENT
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Saturday, June 30,
7-11 a.m.
Downtown Penngrove
The Rancho Adobe Fire District hosts its annual pancake breakfast fundraiser, right at the fire station, 11000 Main St. in Penngrove, and all are welcome. Pancakes, ham and eggs, fruit, juice and coffee will be served, and a raffle with cool prizes will be held. $10 for adults, $5 for kids 12-and-under.
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