Petaluma's Weekend Planner for July 22-24

Friday:
Another great summer night of outdoor movies. Tonight's film is The Goonies with special guests, Space Between. In addition to the free movie, there is a bouncy house, face painting for the kids, and games (yup, all free), barbecue, movie snacks and raffle prizes. Plus the wonderful sponsors bring out a surprise dessert for all. How great is that?

If you go: The free event begins at 6:30 pm with the movie beginning at dusk in - 320 N. McDowell Boulevard. Don't forget your blankets and chairs!

Saturday:
Join volunteer naturalist Janet Thiessen from the Napa-Solano Audubon Society on an early morning bird walk at in Petaluma. Participants will be invited to bring their own coffee or tea, and meet in the parking lot at 9:00am; park gates open at 8:30 a.m.

Thiessen will lead a gentle walk on the pond trail, identifying migratory and local birds along the way. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. The birding walk will be followed at 12:00 noon by an optional, free one-hour orientation for the Tolay IP Day Use Permit.

If you go: This free walk is from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Tolay Lake Regional Park, in Petaluma (click here for directions).

Saturday:
A presentation by Rita Dunlay from the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Claude Lorrain’s beautiful paintings and drawings responded to the topography and atmospheric effects of the Roman countryside. As one of the most inventive artists of the 17th century, he established a new landscape style that remained influential well into the 19th century.

If you go: This free presentation is from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Forum Room of the , 100 Fairgrounds Drive in Petaluma.

Celebrate the golden age of the 50s and 60s at a Graffiti Party! Enjoy a chicken barbecue and car show. Bring your hot rod, 1974 and older, and dance to music by Charlie Baker. Games, beverages and a 50/50 raffle round out the party.

If you go: Tickets are $15, including dinner and a chance to win $100. Get tickets in advance from : JavAmore Café, 10101 Main Street in Penngrove or call Stan Pronzini, 707-585-1401 or John Rossi, 981-7765.Tickets will also be available at the door. See www.PenngroveSocialFiremen.org for information.

Proceeds support improvements in Penngrove Park for the benefit of our community. The party is from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Penngrove Park, 11800 Main Street in Penngrove.

Saturday:
The Annual Sidewalk Sale has been a tradition for the last 28 years throughout the shopping and dining neighborhood. Don't miss the Downtown Petaluma 28th Annual RED HOT Sidewalk Sale. This one-day event showcases dozens of eclectic and expansive of one-of-a-kind stores and offers shoppers refreshing choices and alternatives to the mall. Participating stores are all within a walking distance and offer up to 80% in discounts.

If you go: The sale takes place on Kentucky St, Fourth St, Western Ave, Petaluma Blvd, the , 2nd Street, the Theater District, and the stores in Putnam Plaza. Each store will be identified by balloons.

Sunday:
The Rotary Club of Petaluma presents the 4th annual festival of fine horses and horsemanship in precision riding and an arena polo match. Enjoy art by local artists, activities for the kids, a raffle, great music fine food and wine, craft brews and more. The Festival is a fundraiser benefiting Rotary programs serving youth here and around the world. 

If you go: The festival is $25 for adults and includes 6 tickets for wine tasting and viewing all art and horse events, $10 for youths 6-16 years of age and seniors (65+), free to children under 6 years of age.  Tickets can be bought by clicking here.  The festival is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the San Francisco Polo Club, 7600 Lakeville Highway, in Petaluma.

Sunday:
The Wilmar Volunteer Fire Department is hosting its annual family BBQ fundraising event on July 24th at the Holy Ghost hall, located at the intersection of Bodega Avenue and Eucalyptus, west of Petaluma. 

This fun family event includes fun games, fire engine rides, and a bouncy house for the kids, a silent auction for the adults, and a fabulous chicken BBQ.  Beer, wine, and soft drinks served under the vines at this beautiful location. All proceeds support the Volunteer Firefighters.

If you go: The barbecue is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Holy Ghost Hall, corner of Bodega and Eucalyptus in Petaluma.

Do you have a weekend event we did not list? Go ahead and add it in the comments to let everyone know other cool stuff going on in the community. Is your event not in our calendar? You can add your own events quick, easy and for free just by clicking here.