2026 Butter & Egg Days Parade and Festival
Cutest Little Chick Contest

Sponsored by Petaluma Egg Farm

LIVE MUSIC

Join in the fun with live music on the Farmhouse Artisan Market Riverfront Stage!

 Bad Neighbor ~ 10a-12p

 The Social Contractors ~ 2p-4p

2026 Butter & Egg Days Parade & Festival

Presented by the Petaluma Downtown Association

• 8am - 11am:  Lions Club Breakfast at Main Street across from Putnam Plaza
• 10am - 3pm:  Relaxation Lounge (sponsored by Healthy Petaluma)  a quiet cool space to unwind and refresh, located at Blue Zones, 8 4th Street
• 10am - 5pm:  Festival begins; enjoy local food, arts & craft vendors, kids activities on 2nd Street (sponsored by Marin Health), kid zone in the A Steet Parking Lot (sponsored by Kaiser Permanente), local business, nonprofit booths, and more
• 10am:  Cow Chip Throwing Contest (sponsored by Scenthound) in front of McNear's (23 Petaluma Blvd N). Watch the cow chips fly and see who can land theirs the farthest!
• 10am - 12pm:  Live Entertainment on B St at 2nd St Riverfront Stage (sponsored by Farmhouse Artisan Market)
• 10:15am:  Cutest Chick Contest (sponsored by Petaluma Egg Farm's) in front of Copperfields' Books (140 Kentucky St).  Watch the little kiddos in chick attire compete for the title of the Cutest of the Cute!
• 11am - 3:30pm:  Beverage Gardens open at Western & Kentucky and B & Petaluma Blvd (sponsored by Lagunitas).
• 11:15am:  Pre-parade entertainment.
• 11:30am: Kids' Parade (sponsored by Clover) steps off.
• 12pm:  Main parade steps off.
• 2 - 4pm:  Performances at the Main Stage (sponsored by Farmhouse Artisan Market) on B Street at 2nd St.

PS!! Don't miss the Spring Antique Faire on Sunday April 26th from 8am to 4pm on Fourth St, Kentucky St, and Western Ave!!

2026 Butter & Egg Days Parade and Festival

~ Good Egg ~

CONNIE WILLIAMS

The 2026 Butter & Egg Days Opening Ceremonies will take place on Saturday, April 11 at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum at 12 noon. Mayor Kevin McDonnell and other dignitaries will be present to read proclamations honoring the 2026 Good Egg, the parade’s Grand Marshal, announce the opening of History Week, and kickoff the 2026 Butter & Egg Days.

2026 Butter & Egg Days Parade and Festival

~ Grand Marshal ~

Heidi Kühn

When is the 2026 parade?   Saturday, April 18 from 10a to 5p, with the parade from 12 Noon to 2pm.

What is the theme?  "America's Birthday - Petaluma Style"

How do I enter my child in the Cutest Little Chick Contest?   This much-loved community contest takes place at the Butter & Egg Days Parade at 10:15 am in front of Copperfield's Books (140 Kentucky St).  After the contest, participants are invited to ride in their float in the parade! The Cutest Little Chick Contest is put on by Petaluma Egg Farms. Signup information is available under 'CUTEST CHICK' tab below.

What is the parade route?   The parade begins at Walnut Park (4th & D Streets), proceeds North on Fourth Street to Kentucky Street, takes a right on Washington Street heading East, takes another right onto Petaluma Blvd North heading South, and disbands back at Walnut Park. View parade map under 'MAPS' tab below. 

When is the festival and where is it located?   The festival begins at 10 am and ends at 5 pm. Music, family fun activities, a multitude of food vendors, beverage gardens, arts & crafts booths, samplings, and more will be available.  he festival takes place on 4^th St, Western Ave between Kentucky St and Petaluma Blvd N, B St, 2nd St, and in the A St Parking Lot. 

How many people attend the event?   The event has approx 30,000 spectators, in addition to over 2,500 participants in the parade, and over 240 volunteers that help run it!

How long has this Parade been taking place?   Since 1982 ~ it's currently in its 43^rd year! This event was "resurrected" from the original "Egg Days Parade" that celebrated our booming egg industry at the turn of the 20^th year Century. The last Egg Days Parade took place in 1926.

Why are the streets closed?   Streets are closed to safely accommodate the parade, festival, and all the visitors!  See closure schedule below. 

What streets are closed and when?  

• Petaluma Blvd between Washington St and “D” St  ~ from 10:30 AM to 3 PM;

• Kentucky St between “B” St and Washington St  ~  from 7 AM to 3 PM;
• Second St between “B” St and “D” St  ~  from 5 AM to 6 PM;
  
• Fourth St between “I” St and “B” St  ~  from 10:30 AM to 2 PM;
• Fifth St between “I” St and “D” St  ~  from 7 AM to 2 PM;
• “A” St Parking Lot  ~  from 5 AM to 6 PM;
• “B” St between Second St and Petaluma Blvd  ~  from 5 AM to 6 PM;
• “B” St between Petaluma Blvd and Sixth St  ~  from 5 AM to 6 PM;
• “C” St between Petaluma Blvd and Second St  ~  from 7 AM to 3 PM;
• “C” St between Petaluma Blvd and Fifth St  ~  from 7 AM to 3 PM;
• “D” St between First St and Sixth St  ~  from 10:30 AM to 3 PM;
• Water St between Washington St and Petaluma Blvd  ~  from 7 AM to 6 PM;
• Washington St between Keller St and Petaluma Blvd  ~  from 10:30 AM to 3 PM;
• Western Ave between Petaluma Blvd and Keller St  ~  from 5 AM to 6 PM;
• “E”, “F” and “H” Sts between Fourth St and Fifth St  ~  from 7 AM to 3 PM

Where can I park?   There is plenty of parking in the City Parking Garage on First & C St and the City Parking Garage on Keller St & Western Ave. The city also waives the 2 hour parking restriction on that day for the surrounding non-closed streets.  *OR* avoid parking altogether and enjoy a free ride on Petaluma Transit's clean, safe, and Wi-Fi equipped buses, LumaGo shuttles, and SMART Train to the Parade. There is also a free Bike Valet at the event! View transit information under 'TRANSPORTATION & BIKE PARKING' tab below.

Eastside Residents

• Live near S McDowell Blvd, Ely Blvd S, Sonoma Mtn Pkwy, Maria Drive, or E. Madison? Take Route 33 to ETC (Safeway) & transfer to Route 11 to Copeland Transit Mall and walk to the parade.

• Live near N. McDowell Blvd? Take Route 2 to ETC (Safeway) & stay on the bus, it will then go to Copeland Transit Mall (the bus becomes Route 11 once it departs ETC) and you can walk to the parade.

• Live near Lakeville Hwy, Frates Rd, S McDowell Blvd, or Caulfield Ln? Take Route 24 to Copeland Transit Mall and walk to the parade.

Westside Residents

• Live near Petaluma Blvd N? Take Route 1 to Copeland Transit Mall and walk to the parade.

What about Accessible Parking?   Accessible parking is available on the corner of 2^nd St & C St in the City parking structure. With closures, you’ll need to enter on 1^st St (off of D St), make a left onto C St, and then you can enter the parking garage on the left. The distance to the parade route on Petaluma Blvd is one block. Accessible parking is also available in the City Parking Garage on Keller St and Western Ave, and is a very short distance to the parade route. There is an accessible parking area behind the A St Parking Lot off of 5^th St next to the old education building on the corner of B St and 5^th St.  Enter on 5^th St and to access the dedicated accessible parking spaces.  These spaces are approximately one block to the parade route on 4^th St.

I’m in the parade. Where do I go?   All parade participants should check with whoever in their group was has organized their parade entry before the day of the event. The contact person for each unit involved in the parade is sent parade orders with when and where to show up the morning of the parade. All units line up in the surrounding neighborhoods and leave from Walnut Park at 4^th St and D St. to begin the parade route. NO driving through street closures - they are there for a reason. If you have a young child, please park and walk them to where they need to go. It's not safe for you or anyone else to drive through the street closures!

Who puts this on?   The Petaluma Downtown Association and a volunteer committee plan and produce the Butter & Egg Days Parade and Festival. Questions ~ 707.762.9348, Admin@PetalumaDowntown.com.

How is the parade funded?   The Butter & Egg Days Parade is funded through business sponsorships, a grant from the County of Sonoma, vendor fees, entrant fees, and generous donations.

How can I help support the parade?   We rely on the community’s support for this much-loved event. Ways to help include: signing up to participate as one of the 240 volunteers that help run the parade; donating (any amount of donation is appreciated); becoming an Award Sponsor to receive sponsor recognition on one or more of the awards that will be given to the winning entries. Questions ~ 707.762.9348 or Admin@PetalumaDowntown.com.

Where is the judging stand?   In front of McNear’s Saloon & Dining House (23 Petaluma Blvd N).

How many people are in the parade?   Over 3,000 people participate with around 135 parade entries and 8 divisions. This includes: floats, horses, marching bands, novelty units, and more.

Where can I see the parade?   From the curb along the entire parade route.

Can I sit in the street?   No. The street must be kept clear. There are horses and many large units. For safety reasons, all spectators must stay on the curb.

What if it rains?   The event goes on, rain or shine.

What are the deadlines for participating in the parade?   Parade applications come out in January, deadlines are in March. See Applications for details.

How do I put together a parade unit or float?   It’s fun to create decorations for your parade unit, whether you’re pushing shopping carts, walking your llamas, or having a float. To get some hints or tips, join us for our Float Workshop (information will be sent to parade participants upon sign up). 

What if I want a food booth, nonprofit booth, or other vendor booth in the Festival?   Simply complete the appropriate vendor forms online!   Click links below for signup info.

How do I see the Booth locations?   View 2026 event map HERE.

When is the deadline for reserving booth space?   We accept applications until we are full.

There is currently a waitlist for Exhibitors and Food Vendors.  Email us to be put on the waitlist.

There is currently a waitlist for Exhibitors and Food Vendors.  Email us to be put on the waitlist.

Thank you to the following businesses and organizations who have donated to our Parade:

• Dotto Construction Company
  
• Marine Corps League Santa Rosa Det. #686
• Miracle League North Bay
  
• Hall of the Above
  
• Lace House Laundry & Linen Supply
  
• Common Ground Society
  
• North Bay Animal Services
  

Enjoy free rides ALL DAY using Petaluma Transit, CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Free valet bike parking from - 10a-5p, located on B Street next to the Petaluma History Museum!

 No Scramble, No Stress — Ride FREE to Butter & Egg Days Heading to Petaluma’s Butter & Egg Days Parade? Park your worries—transit has you covered!

On Saturday, April 18, Petaluma Transit makes it easy to get to the celebration. Enjoy a free shuttle to the event running every 15 minutes from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Whether you’re coming from across town or nearby, getting downtown is simple and stress-free. And remember—Petaluma Transit is 100% fare-free all the time. Skip the traffic, avoid the parking hassle, and spend more time enjoying the parade and all the fun Butter & Egg Days has to offer.
Where to board the bus:
• Shuttles depart from the Eastside Transit Center (Safeway - Route 11) every 15 minutes from 9:00 AM –
6:00 PM.
o Every 30 minutes between 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
• The bus will drop passengers off at the Copeland Transit Mall, which is just a short walk to the parade
route.
o Transit Ambassadors will be there to help direct you.
Need help planning your trip?
• Download the Transit app to plan your route and track your bus in real time, or visit
https://transit.cityofpetaluma.net/ for more information.
• You can also call Petaluma Transit at 707-778-4460 for assistance—we’re happy to help.
The following routes will be in operation:
• Route 11 – Connects Eastside to Westside Petaluma
Route 11 connects east and west Petaluma, traveling between the Eastside Transit Center (Safeway) and Copeland Transit Mall. Route 11 provides easy access to SMART and downtown.
• Route 2 – N McDowell
Route 2 operates every 30 minutes and travels from IHOP to Eastside Transit Center (Safeway), with shopping and services along the way, including hotels, breweries, shopping centers, USPS, Petaluma Health Center, Petaluma Valley Hospital, the Petaluma Community Center and more. From this route, passengers can transfer to Route 11 at the Eastside Transit Center for access to downtown and SMART.
• Route 3 & 33 – East Petaluma Loops
Route 3 and Route 33 depart from the Eastside Transit Center (Safeway) every 60 minutes. Route 3 loops around East Madison, Maria Drive, Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Ely Blvd S, Frates Road, and S McDowell Blvd. Route 33 loops around S McDowell Blvd, Casa Grande Rd, Ely Blvd S, Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Maria Drive, and East Madison. Routes 3 & 33 connect with Route 11 at Eastside Transit Center (Safeway), which will take you to Copeland Transit Mall.
** Please expect potential delays to other Petaluma Transit routes due to the day’s event.
Want other options?
• Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) is the North Bay’s passenger rail service: Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit | Home
• Sonoma and Marin’s e-bikeshare: Redwood Bikeshare