You are currently viewing Events and Things to do in Petaluma CA May 2026

Events and Things to do in Petaluma CA May 2026

Things to Do in May 2026 in Petaluma, CA | Petaluma CA Directory
πŸ“ Petaluma, CA

Things to Do in May 2026
in Petaluma

Festivals, live music, farmers markets, car shows, art exhibitions, and more β€” your complete guide to May 2026 in Petaluma, CA.

May is one of the most exciting months in Petaluma. The weather warms up, the historic downtown comes alive, and the event calendar fills with everything from blockbuster car shows to intimate art gallery openings. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting wine country for the first time, here’s what’s happening in Petaluma this May 2026.

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Recurring Weekly Events

Every Week in May

Petaluma East Side Farmers’ Market β€” Every Tuesday, 10 AM – 1:30 PM Year-round market at 320 N. McDowell Blvd. Fresh produce, eggs, meats, baked goods, live music, and artisan vendors. CalFresh & Market Match accepted. Learn more β†—
Petaluma River Park Morning Walks β€” Every Tuesday, 9 AM – 10 AM Guided group walks along the 1.4-mile loop at Petaluma River Park. Free and open to all. Canceled in rain. Learn more β†—
Petaluma Walnut Park Farmers’ Market β€” Every Saturday, 2 – 5 PM (starting May 3) Seasonal market at Walnut Park, 4th St & D St. Fresh produce, flowers, cheeses, artisan crafts, and live music from the gazebo. Learn more β†—
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May 2026 Events Calendar

2 Sat May
Film
Film Fest Petaluma 2026 β€” 18th Annual Short Film Festival
πŸ•– 7:00 PM πŸ“ Mystic Theatre, 23 Petaluma Blvd N 🎟 Tickets Required

The beloved Film Fest Petaluma returns to the historic Mystic Theatre for its 18th annual showcase of the best short films from around the world. Animation, live action, documentary, and experimental works under 30 minutes, with filmmakers in attendance for Q&A conversations. A filmmaker-friendly event at the heart of wine country.

Get Tickets & Info β†—
3 Sun May
Community
Cool Petaluma Future Fest 2026
πŸ•› 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM πŸ“ Petaluma Community Center, 320 N McDowell Blvd 🎟 Free / Exhibitors Apply

Cool Petaluma’s biggest annual event of the year β€” an expo showcasing sustainability, community innovation, local organizations, and forward-thinking ideas for a better Petaluma. Family-friendly, inspiring, and free to attend.

Learn More β†—
4 Sat May
Farmers Market
Petaluma Walnut Park Farmers’ Market β€” Season Opener
πŸ•‘ 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM πŸ“ Walnut Park, 4th St & D St, Downtown Petaluma 🎟 Free

The popular seasonal farmers market kicks off its 2026 run. Enjoy fresh produce, colorful flowers, artisan cheeses, baked breads, canned goods, fresh meats and fish, and local crafts. Live musicians play from the central gazebo on Saturday afternoons through November.

More Info β†—
5 Tue May
Live Music
Kameron Marlowe Live at Mystic Theatre
πŸ•— 8:30 PM (Doors 7:30 PM) πŸ“ Mystic Theatre, 23 Petaluma Blvd N πŸ”ž 21+ 🎟 From $80

Country singer-songwriter Kameron Marlowe brings his powerful voice and heartfelt storytelling to Petaluma’s premiere music venue, the historic Mystic Theatre. Tickets available through SeeTickets.

Get Tickets β†—
7 Thu May
Art Exhibition
Opening: “In the Mirror β€” The Origin Stories Project, Gen Z Edition” at Petaluma Arts Center
πŸ—“ May 7 – June 6, 2026 πŸ“ Petaluma Arts Center (Thur–Sat, 12–4 PM) 🎟 Free Admission

A new exhibition opening at the Petaluma Arts Center in which artists reflect on narratives of heritage, arrival, adversity, resilience, and belonging β€” told through a Gen Z lens. On view through June 6.

Visit Gallery β†—
8 Fri May
Live Music
Rebecca Solnit at The Phoenix Theater
πŸ•— 8:00 PM πŸ“ The Phoenix Theater, 201 Washington St 🎟 Tickets Available

An evening with celebrated author and activist Rebecca Solnit at Petaluma’s beloved Phoenix Theater β€” a historic all-ages performance venue and nonprofit community center that has been part of Petaluma since 1911.

Get Tickets β†—
9 Sat May
Live Music
Petty Theft β€” Tom Petty Tribute at Mystic Theatre
πŸ•— 8:30 PM (Doors 7:30 PM) πŸ“ Mystic Theatre, 23 Petaluma Blvd N πŸ”ž 21+ 🎟 Tickets Available

Petty Theft, one of the Bay Area’s top tribute bands, celebrates the music of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers in the intimate, historic Mystic Theatre. A beloved annual show for rock fans of all ages.

Get Tickets β†—
9 Sat May
Community
1 Umbrella β€” Community Event at Petaluma Community Center
πŸ• 1:00 PM πŸ“ Petaluma Community Center, 320 N McDowell Blvd 🎟 Check Eventbrite

A community gathering event hosted at the Petaluma Community Center. Check Eventbrite for full details, ticket pricing, and program information.

View on Eventbrite β†—
14 Thu May
Live Music
Live Concert at Mystic Theatre
πŸ•— Doors 7:30 PM πŸ“ Mystic Theatre, 23 Petaluma Blvd N πŸ”ž 21+

The Mystic Theatre has a live performance scheduled for May 14. Check the official Mystic Theatre calendar for the latest lineup, ticket prices, and show details.

Check Calendar β†—
15 Fri May
Live Music
Salute to American Graffiti β€” Kickoff Social & Cruise-In
πŸ•“ 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM πŸ“ Plaza North Shopping Center, N McDowell Blvd at Washington St 🎟 Free

The multi-day Salute to American Graffiti weekend kicks off Friday with an informal Cruise-In Social. Reserved parking for 1972 and older American vehicles. American Graffiti collectibles available. Free and open to all.

Event Details β†—
16 Sat May
Festival Β· Car Show
Petaluma’s Salute to American Graffiti β€” Car Show & Cruise
πŸ•™ 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM πŸ“ Historic Downtown Petaluma 🎟 Free to Watch | Tickets to Enter Vehicle

The biggest event of May! Over 600 classic American cars and trucks (1972 and older) fill the streets of historic downtown Petaluma β€” the same streets where George Lucas filmed American Graffiti in 1972. Classic rock ‘n’ roll DJ on the radio (XERB 88.1), community activities, and the signature cruise from 4–6 PM. Free to spectators; watching is best along Petaluma Blvd between B Street and D Street.

Event Details β†—
16 Sat May
Live Music
Live Music at Mystic Theatre
πŸ•— 8:30 PM πŸ“ Mystic Theatre, 23 Petaluma Blvd N πŸ”ž 21+

Cap off American Graffiti weekend with a live show at the Mystic. Check the official calendar for the artist lineup and ticket info.

Check Calendar β†—
19 Tue May
Live Music
Pam Tillis Live at Mystic Theatre
πŸ•— 8:30 PM (Doors 7:30 PM) πŸ“ Mystic Theatre, 23 Petaluma Blvd N πŸ”ž 21+ 🎟 From $80

Grammy Award-winning country artist Pam Tillis brings her classic country sound to the intimate Mystic Theatre. Tickets are available through SeatGeek and the Mystic Theatre box office.

Get Tickets β†—
28 Thu May
Live Music
Live Concert at Mystic Theatre
πŸ•— Doors 7:30 PM πŸ“ Mystic Theatre, 23 Petaluma Blvd N πŸ”ž 21+

Another show at the Mystic on May 28. Check the official calendar for artist info and tickets.

Check Calendar β†—
29 Fri May
Live Music
Live Concert at Mystic Theatre
πŸ•— Doors 7:30 PM πŸ“ Mystic Theatre, 23 Petaluma Blvd N πŸ”ž 21+

Closing out May on a Friday night at the Mystic. Check the official calendar for artist details and ticketing.

Check Calendar β†—
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Art & Culture All Month

Ongoing Through May & Beyond

Petaluma Arts Center β€” “In the Mirror” Exhibition (May 7 – June 6) Open Thursday–Saturday, 12–4 PM. Free admission. Featuring Gen Z artists exploring heritage, belonging, and resilience. Visit β†—
Petaluma Film Alliance β€” Spring Film Series (Wednesday Nights) Wednesday screenings at 7 PM in the Carole L. Ellis Auditorium on the SRJC Petaluma Campus. Optional pre-show at 6 PM. See Schedule β†—
Adobe Road Winery Tasting Room β€” Open Daily in Downtown Rated “Best Tasting Room in Petaluma.” Located at 6 Petaluma Blvd N Suite A1, right in the heart of the action for American Graffiti weekend. Plan Your Visit β†—
Petaluma Historical Museum & Library Explore Petaluma’s rich history through exhibits and archives. Located at 20 4th St, Petaluma. Contact the City Parks & Recreation for current hours. More Info β†—
Copperfield’s Books β€” Author Events Petaluma’s beloved independent bookstore regularly hosts author readings and signing events. Check their calendar for May programming. Events Calendar β†—
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Parks & Outdoor Activities

Get Outside in May

Petaluma River Park β€” Weekly Tuesday Morning Walks Every Tuesday 9–10 AM, 1.4-mile loop walk in a group setting. Free. Calendar β†—
Shollenberger Park β€” Wetlands Birding & Walking Trails One of Petaluma’s most popular outdoor destinations, featuring 2.2 miles of flat trails around a tidal wetland. Open daily, free.
Helen Putnam Regional Park Rolling hills, meadows, and panoramic views. Great for hiking in spring when the hillsides are green. Open daily, small parking fee. Park Info β†—
Petaluma River Kayaking & Paddling Rent a kayak or canoe from Clavey Paddlesports and explore the scenic Petaluma River. Perfect weather for it in May. Rentals β†—
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Plan Your Visit

Helpful Petaluma Resources

Visit Petaluma β€” Official Tourism Find hotels, dining, events, and visitor guides at the official city tourism site. visitpetaluma.com β†—
City of Petaluma β€” Parks & Recreation Official city site for parks, community events, the Petaluma Senior Center, and public facilities. cityofpetaluma.org β†—
Petaluma Downtown Association Events, dining, shopping, and business info for historic downtown Petaluma. petalumadowntown.com β†—
Sonoma County Tourism Explore wineries, farms, parks, and events throughout Sonoma County. sonomacounty.com β†—