Small Town Charm & Big-Time Fun: Petaluma Butter & Egg Days Festival

When it comes to small-town celebrations that feel like something out of a Hallmark movie, Petaluma’s Butter & Egg Days Festival is one of my absolute favorites. It’s quirky, nostalgic, and full of heart — the kind of weekend that leaves you smiling.

What is the Butter & Egg Days Festival?

This longtime tradition celebrates Petaluma’s rich agricultural heritage — especially its history as one of the country’s top producers of dairy and eggs in the early 1900s. It started as a way to honor the farmers and ranchers who helped put this little Northern California town on the map, and it’s grown into one of Sonoma County’s biggest events, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year.

It’s equal parts celebration, street fair, and hometown reunion — think vintage tractors, costumed chickens, and more farm puns than you can count. (And yes, there is an egg toss. Obviously.)

When is it held?

The Butter & Egg Days Festival takes place every spring — usually in late April. In 2025, the event is set for Saturday, April 26th in historic downtown Petaluma. Festivities begin in the morning and roll into the evening, with a huge parade, live music, street vendors, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the day.

Can’t-miss highlights:

The Parade: Easily the star of the show! Picture marching bands, antique cars, 4-H clubs walking prize goats, and kids in adorable farm costumes. It’s classic small-town Americana at its best.
Kid’s Activities: Petaluma’s Putnam Plaza transforms into a little haven for families, with games, crafts, pony rides, and live animals. It’s the perfect place to slow down and let your little ones explore.
Artisan Booths & Local Vendors: From handmade soaps and candles to Sonoma-grown honey and buttery pastries, there’s no shortage of treasures to browse and snacks to sample.
Live Music & Food Trucks: Multiple stages bring the vibes — think bluegrass, local rock bands, and country covers — and the food trucks are chef’s kiss. (I still dream about the fried chicken sandwich I had there last year.)

More to Love About Petaluma

Even outside the festival, Petaluma is one of those towns that sneaks up on you with its charm. Tucked in the southern part of Sonoma County, it’s full of preserved Victorian architecture, friendly shop owners, and that “everyone-knows-everyone” feel — in the best way.

Take a walk down Petaluma Boulevard, grab a latte at Acre Coffee, or pop into Copperfield’s Books for a browse. If you’re a wine lover, you’re still just a quick drive from world-class vineyards. And if you’re a foodie? Petaluma’s dining scene punches well above its weight. (Don’t skip Risibisi or Central Market.)

Tips for Visiting:

Arrive early for good parking and parade seating.
Bring cash for smaller vendors and kid’s activities.
Dress in layers — spring in Sonoma can swing from chilly mornings to sunny afternoons.
Book lodging early — this weekend draws crowds, and accommodations fill fast.

Whether you’re coming for the parade, the pie, or just to wander through one of California’s cutest downtowns, the Butter & Egg Days Festival is a weekend well spent. It’s a celebration of history, humor, and hometown pride — the kind of place where you’ll find toddlers in cow costumes and grown adults wearing “Yolk Local” shirts.

If your heart beats a little faster for slow-paced Saturdays, local flavor, and small-town joy — you’ll feel right at home in Petaluma.