A whole circus of summertime activities (including an actual circus)
In the beloved 1881 novel ‘Toby Tyler, or Ten Weeks With a Circus’ – which some old-timers might remember as a popular 1960 Disney movie – the orphaned boy Toby escapes from his unhappy foster home one hot summer, and runs off to join a traveling circus, where he learns a few important lessons about responsibility, family, and the meaning of hard work.
Oh, and he makes friends with a chimpanzee named Mr. Tubbs.
This summer, Petalumans need not run away to the circus for a bit of adventure and edification. The circus – in many different ways – is coming to us, from the Sonoma County Fair and the annual Broadway Under the Stars shows to new Pet-a-Llama Comedy Festival, the Petaluma Progressive Festival (featuring an appearance by the celebrated San Francisco Mime Troupe), and a couple of actual circuses, in the form of Circus Vargas, returning to PEtaluma with a new pirate-themed show, and the hard-to-describe Lagunitas Beer Circus.
Read all about them, and a lot more, in this round-up of upcoming summertime events, festivals and fun times in and around Petaluma.
PETALUMA MOVIES
IN THE PARK –
DESPICABLE ME 3
Thursday, August 9,
After sunset
(space open at 6 p.m.)
Lucchesi Park
Movies in the Park continues with “Despicable Me 3,” the ongoing story of reformed evil mastermind Gru and his three adorable adopted daughters. Games, food trucks and other pre-show activities.
Free admission.
ANNUAL SONOMA
COUNTY FAIR
Daily through Sunday,
Aug. 12, gates open
11 a.m.
County Fairgrounds,
Santa Rosa
The theme this year is ‘A Salute to Heroes,’ from the real-life heroes who risk everything for their communities to the kind who wear capes and fight supervillains. The Hall of Flowers features the theme “Seasons of Sonoma,” with floral representations of the county’s coastal bluffs, redwoods, vineyards and more. Other attractions include appearances by the hilarious singing-and-yodeling cowboy Sourdough Slim (Hall of Flowers Stage, daily at 1:30 p.m., 3:45 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.), daily horseracing, an Elvis Presley “Thankyouverymuch” competition (Saturday, Park Stage, 2:15 p.m.), and lots more.
Want to know more? SonomaCountyFair.com.
CAMPFIRE NIGHT
AT THE ADOBE
Saturday, August 18,
7 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Petaluma Adobe State
Historic Park
In the courtyard of the historic Petaluma adobe, grab a skewer and toast some marshmallows, and listen to stories and songs. Free of charge. 3325 Adobe Rd.
Want to know more? Visit SonomaParks.org.
BROADWAY UNDER
THE STARS - SHALL
WE DANCE
Weekends through
Sunday, Aug. 19,
7:30 p.m.
Jack London State
Historic Park
The Transcendence Theatre Company’s summer series, Broadway Under the Stars, continues with this dance-themed show featuring performers from Broadway and beyond. Tickets range from $45 for general admission to $145 for VIP access.
Want to know more? Visit transcendencetheatre.org.
GRAVENSTEIN
APPLE FAIR
Saturday and Sunday,
Aug. 11 & Aug. 12,
10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Ragle Ranch Park,
Sebastopol
All manner of apple-related activities will collide with apple-based foods and libations for this annual celebration of the beloved Gravenstein apple. Crafts booths, games, and a ride in a little train will be part of the fun. $10 to $15.
Want to know more? Visit GravensteinAppleFair.com.
PET-A-LLAMA
COMEDY FESTIVAL
Thursday, Aug. 16 –
Saturday, Aug. 18
The Mystic Theatre
and the Big Easy
The inaugural Pet-a-Llama Comedy Festival will unfold over three days, with simultaneous shows at the Mystic Theatre and The Big Easy. Highlights include comedian Brian Posehn (“The Big Bang Theory”), The Comedians’ Cinema Club (an L.A.- based group that reenacts popular movies on the spot), The Sklar Brothers, Buddy Cole (from Kids in the Hall), and a whole more.
Want to know more? To see the full lineup and get information on each of the acts, check the website at Petallama.com.
COTATI ACCORDION
FESTIVAL
Saturday Aug. 18 -
Sunday Aug. 19,
9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
La Plaza Park
The 28th annual Accordion Festival features over 40 acts from across the globe. Over 70 vendors will participate in the festivities consisting of food, beer and wine. A free shuttle service will transport patrons from the local Smart station for convenience. Tickets are $17 presale, $19 at the gate, and free for kids 15 and under.
Want to know more? Visit cotatifest.com.
CIRCUS VARGUS’ ‘DREAMING OF PIRATES’
Thursday, Aug. 23 – Monday, Aug. 27, various times
Petaluma Fairgrounds
The popular South Bay-based circus returns to Petaluma with a brand new, pirate-themed show featuring outrageous, swashbuckling acts of daring-do performed to live music. Show-times are 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 23, 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25, and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, Aug. 26 and 27. Tickets $15-$40. Under the big top at the Petaluma Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Drive.
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