Petaluma’s Salute to American Graffiti

Rev your engines for Petaluma’s Salute to American Graffiti

May is the perfect month to plan a weekend getaway in easy-to-get-to Petaluma. Come for classic cars, craft beer or just to relax and enjoy the stunning beauty of Sonoma County Wine Country.

Start by experiencing the charm of Petaluma’s historic downtown where you can dine along the river, shop for antiques, or catch a live show at McNear’s Mystic Theatre. Then explore the nearby dramatic Sonoma Coast and majestic redwood groves.

Whether your adventure stays in town or ventures farther afield, Petaluma offers more than can be discovered in a single weekend.

It’s big fun in a small town at Petaluma’s personality-packed events

In celebration of our place in cinematic history, Petaluma hosts “Salute to American Graffiti.” Now in its 11^th year, the family-friendly event draws fans of the movie and classic car enthusiasts from across the country and the world.

More than 400 classic American cars and trucks will be in place by 10 am with hoods open and polished chrome gleaming in the sunlight. Enjoy chatting with the owners until 4 pm; that’s when engines roar as the cars take to the streets for cruisin’ the boulevard.

Throughout the day, visitors can get photos and autographs with American Graffiti stars Candy Clark, Bo Hopkins and Lynne Stewart, shop for commemorative souvenirs, and enjoy classic drive-in fare at Mel’s Burger City. It’s a return to those happy days!

Put your glad rags on have some fun at Petaluma’s Salute to American Graffiti

Petaluma is among the most picturesque towns in all of California. Our iron-front buildings from the late 1800s, immaculate Victorian mansions and small town charm make it the perfect filming location to represent “Hometown America.”

It’s no wonder that director George Lucas chose Petaluma as the setting for his iconic movie American Graffiti. Filmed during the summer of 1972, Petaluma Boulevard and Western Street in downtown Petaluma are just a couple of the locations that Lucas used for some of the movie’s most memorable scenes.

Sample the best of the Petaluma home brews

It’s a passion, a skill, an art…and even the potential for a profession for the winner of the Sonoma County Home Brewers Competition.

Every April, 75 home brewers perfect their recipes in anticipation of the competition each May at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds.  After sampling the brews, the crowd will vote for the top five “Best of Show” and a panel of industry experts will determine the Grand Prize Winner.

The $35 ticket price includes a commemorative glass and unlimited tastings. In addition to sampling brews, attendees can enjoy cooking with beer demonstrations, cheese tastings, as well as discussions with home brewing and hop growing experts. Food trucks sponsors often enjoyed, ROCKY® and ROSIE® Chicken, and the best of Sonoma County pub fare will all be available to enjoy with the brews.

PAST WINNERS:

2015 winner: Mojo’s Chocolate Milk Stout

2016 winner: