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Cities and towns throughout Sonoma County host a variety of fun and exciting parades and festivals every year! These beloved community events not only celebrate the rich heritage and natural beauty of our area but also offer kid-friendly fun that sparks wonder and creativity in young minds. In this guide, we’re excited to share some of our favorite Sonoma County parades—each one a unique blend of tradition, art, and fun for the whole family.
So whether you’re looking for fun things to do in Sonoma County with kids or want to experience the spirit of our community first-hand, read on to discover the best family-friendly parades this area has to offer!
Petaluma Butter & Egg Days Parade and Festival
When: April
Where: Historic Downtown Petaluma, CA
Why: The Butter & Egg Days Parade and Festival celebrates Petaluma’s rich agricultural heritage and community spirit, with a focus on sustainability.
This widely adored springtime tradition brings the community together for a day filled with fun, laughter, and local celebration. Held in historic downtown Petaluma, the Butter & Egg Days Parade has a new theme every year, brought to life through lively floats, colorful costumes, and creative performances.
Along with the parade, there is also a Butter & Egg Days festival which spans over four city blocks. Here you can enjoy multiple kid’s areas, interactive games, crafts, food and drink vendors, and live music.
Sebastopol Apple Blossom Parade & Festival
When: April
Where: Sebastopol, CA
Why: The Apple Blossom Parade & Festival celebrates the agricultural history of Sebastopol’s local orchards and the beauty of apple blossom season.
Every spring, when the apple trees blossom, Sebastopol comes alive with the Apple Blossom Parade & Festival. This annual event celebrates the season with a vibrant parade featuring creative floats and local performers. The festivities continue with an outdoor festival featuring family-friendly music, activities, crafts, and other entertainment.
This event perfectly captures the warm, small-town charm and the vibrant community spirit that makes Sebastopol so special and unique.
Luther Burbank Rose Parade & Festival
When: The 3rd Saturday in May
Where: Downtown, Santa Rosa, CA
Why: The Luther Burbank Rose Parade & Festival celebrates local horticultural heritage and the creative spirit of Sonoma County.
The Luther Burbank Rose Parade & Festival is a dazzling display of community spirit that is held in downtown Santa Rosa every year. The parade includes a procession of beautifully decorated floats, live music, and festive performances, celebrating local history, culture, and art.
The Rose Parade Festival features free family fun for all ages with plenty of kid-friendly crafts and activities, local food and drink, music, and more!
Sonoma County Pride Parade & Festival
When: June (Pride Month)
Where: Downtown, Santa Rosa, CA
Why: The Sonoma County Pride Parade & Festival celebrates love, unity, diversity, and inclusion, welcoming families of all backgrounds.
The Sonoma County Pride Parade & Festival is a vibrant, inclusive celebration that radiates warmth and acceptance for everyone. Held in downtown Santa Rosa, the family-friendly event showcases an array of colorful floats, local organizations, live music, and creative performances.
The Sonoma County Pride Festival is hosted in Old Courthouse Square and features kid-friendly activities, local vendors and non-profit organizations, food and drink purveyors, live music, and performances.
Find the Children’s Museum at the Sonoma County Pride Festival! Our Museum-on-the-Go! program is a staple at many family-friendly events around Sonoma County, offering hands-on activities, crafts, and games designed especially for kids. We are honored to bring a slice of the Children’s Museum magic and interactive learning opportunities to more children and families throughout our community.
Sonoma County 4th of July Parades
When: July 4th
Where: Sonoma, CA | Kenwood, CA | Healdsburg, CA
Why: Various towns across Sonoma County host 4th of July parades commemorating American Independence Day.
Several towns across Sonoma County host annual 4th of July Parades! These festive celebrations feature patriotic floats, marching bands, and delightful displays and performances. You can expect to enjoy a day filled with outdoor fun, interactive games and activities, live music, and local food vendors serving up classic 4th of July treats.
Some towns also have dazzling fireworks displays and other evening celebrations!
Cotati Kids Day Parade & Festival
When: July
Where: Downtown Cotati, CA
Why: The Cotati Kids Day Parade and Festival is all about celebrating the joys of being a kid, with fun parade floats, food, entertainment, and activities designed especially for children and their families.
The Cotati Kids Day Parade & Festival is designed to celebrate our youngest community members, offering a day of excitement and playful fun!
In the charming downtown area of Cotati, this free event features cheerful floats, kid-friendly performances, food and drink vendors, and interactive games, contests, and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Petaluma Veterans Day Parade and Flyover
When: November 11th
Where: Downtown, Petaluma CA
Why: Petaluma’s Veterans Day Parade celebrates and honors local veterans.
Petaluma’s Annual Veterans Day Parade is the third-largest event of its kind in Northern California. Held each November, this event honors the bravery and dedication of veterans with a parade featuring decorated floats, community groups, live music, and more.
A highlight for many is the flyover of various historic aircrafts including a Vietnam Era Helicopter, a USCG Coast Guard Helicopter, and a WWII-era P-51 Mustang fighter jet.
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