Things To Do in Sonoma CountyJuly 2026
Fire up the grill and grab your lawn chair, neighbor. From hometown parades and fireworks over the plaza to farmers markets, hot-air balloons, and live music under the summer stars, here is your guide to the best of small-town Sonoma County this Fourth of July and all month long.
Fourth of July Weekend
America turns 250 and California turns 175 this year, and Sonoma County throws itself into the celebration. Here are three of the most beloved hometown traditions in the county.
Sonoma’s Hometown 4th of July Parade & Celebration
One of the country’s most celebrated small-town Fourths. The parade circles the historic Sonoma Plaza at 10 AM (this year’s theme: “250 Years of the Red, White & Blue”), followed by an old-fashioned festival of food, drink, and game booths benefiting local nonprofits. Fireworks light up the sky at dusk over General Vallejo’s Field.
Event DetailsFireworks Over Petaluma
The City of Petaluma returns with a high-elevation professional fireworks display launched from the Petaluma Fairgrounds, designed for easy viewing from parks and neighborhoods all across town. Please note: personal fireworks (including “safe and sane”) are not permitted in Petaluma.
Event Details4th of July Kids’ Parade & Duck Dash
A joyful morning in the Healdsburg Plaza hosted by the Sunrise Rotary and the City. Sign-up starts at 10 AM and the kids’ parade kicks off at 11 AM, with decorated bikes and wagons, live music, lawn games, free treats, and the famous Duck Dash races. Costumes encouraged!
Event DetailsAll July, Day by Day
More festivals, music, markets, and outdoor adventures happening across the county, listed from the start of the month to the end.
Sunset Paddle at Spring Lake
Wind down a summer evening with a relaxing guided sunset paddle across Spring Lake. A peaceful, scenic way to enjoy one of Santa Rosa’s favorite parks as the light fades.
See Regional Parks Calendar →Second Saturday: Free Family Day
Bring the whole family to the Museum of Sonoma County for a free morning of hands-on art and history activities. A welcoming, kid-friendly way to explore the museum’s galleries and current exhibitions.
See Museum Events →11th Annual Ribs for Kids Cookoff
A backyard-style barbecue showdown in the park where local pitmasters compete for the best ribs and chili, all to benefit kids in the community. Come hungry and cheer on your favorite cook.
See Petaluma Events →23rd Annual Petaluma Art & Garden Festival
One of Petaluma’s most cherished summer traditions fills the downtown streets with 100+ handpicked art and garden exhibitors, live music on two stages, local wine, beer, and food, plus a Children’s Corner with face painting and crafts.
See Festival Info →Bastille Day at Costeaux
Costeaux French Bakery, a downtown Healdsburg institution, traditionally pulls out all the stops for Bastille Day, the National Day of France, with French pastries, festivities, and a flourish of can-can flair. Check Costeaux’s site for this year’s schedule.
Visit Costeaux →Gay Wine Weekend
A spirited three-day celebration of LGBTQ+ community in wine country, marking its 15th anniversary with winemaker dinners, tastings, and signature events across the Sonoma Valley.
See Event Details →Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic
Rise and shine for a magical Sonoma morning as dozens of colorful hot-air balloons inflate and lift off at sunrise. Watch the launch up close, take a tethered ride, and enjoy food vendors and local artisans. Check the site for gate times.
See Event Details →19th Annual Petaluma Music Festival
A relaxed, all-ages summer music festival with 14 bands on three stages, local food, and Lagunitas beer. Every dollar of proceeds funds music education programs in Petaluma’s public schools, so you can dance for a good cause.
See Lineup & Tickets →Spring Lake Discovery Camp
A four-day summer day camp from Sonoma County Regional Parks where kids make new friends and enjoy water and nature adventures along the shores of Spring Lake. A great way to keep young explorers busy and outdoors.
See Regional Parks Calendar →Great Summer Sidewalk Sale
Close out the month with summer deals up and down historic downtown Petaluma, as local shops and boutiques bring their sidewalk sales out onto the streets. Perfect for a leisurely browse and a bargain or two.
See Petaluma Events →All Month Long in Sonoma County
These year-round and summer-long favorites run throughout July, so you can drop in any week.
Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market
The oldest and largest farmers market in Sonoma County, running since 1967. Find peak-season produce, pasture-raised meats, local cheese, fresh flowers, artisan breads, and prepared foods, all grown and made right here in the county.
Visit the Market →Summer Reading Challenge 2026
Keep kids, teens, and grown-ups reading all summer. Log your reading to earn prizes and help young readers head back to school ready to learn. Sign up and pick up logs at any Sonoma County Library location.
Join Summer Reading →Summer Lunch at the Library
In partnership with the Redwood Empire Food Bank, the library serves a free lunch to every child and teen at eight branches all summer. Families are welcome to eat, then stay to read and play together.
Find a Location →Summer Worship & Community Concerts
All are welcome at Church of the Roses, which keeps its doors open to the community throughout the summer with Sunday morning worship, a monthly contemplative “Sacred Space” gathering, and its ongoing Roses Signature Concert Series featuring local musicians.
See Church Events →Board of Supervisors & Community Meetings
Stay civic-minded this summer. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and local Municipal Advisory Councils meet throughout July to discuss the issues shaping our towns and unincorporated communities. Meeting dates, times, and agendas are posted on the county calendar.
See County Calendar →Have a safe, happy, and star-spangled Fourth of July, Sonoma County. We’ll see you out there!
