Now in its 14th year, Rivertown Revival returns to Steamer Landing Park on the McNear Peninsula Friday and Saturday, July 18 and 19, from 5 to 10 each night. The waterfront festival brings together music, art, food and community spirit in celebration of the Petaluma River—and all things delightfully eccentric.
Hosted annually as a benefit for the nonprofit Friends of the Petaluma River, Rivertown Revival is known for its vibrant mix of local culture and creative spectacle. The event helps fund year-round educational and environmental programs, including river cleanups, nature camps, in-school watershed education and free boating initiatives.
This year’s music lineup spans two evenings on the Barn Stage, starting Friday with a family-friendly set by Farmer Arann & Miss Heidi’s Farm Music at 5:20pm, followed by performances from Van Goat, LaiddBackZach and headliners The Space Orchestra at 8:45pm.
Known for recreating the legendary 1970 “Mad Dogs and Englishmen” concert led by Joe Cocker and Leon Russell, The Space Orchestra features a three-piece horn section, two drummers, backup singers and lead vocals by Sebastian Saint James. The evening closes with a roving set by The Hubbub Club at 9:45pm.
Saturday’s musical slate opens with Farmer Arann’s Barn Dogs and continues with Spike Sikes & His Awesome Hotcakes, Audio Angel & Her Good Intentions and headliner Sean Hayes at 8:45pm. Hayes, whose soulful sound reflects his roots in New York and North Carolina as well as three decades in the Bay Area, has collaborated with artists including Aimee Mann, Frazey Ford and The Wood Brothers. The Bourbon Street Brass Band concludes the festival at 10pm.
In addition to music, Rivertown Revival features a curated selection of local visual artists and large-scale installations. Painter and builder Jonny Hirschmugl brings Petaluma-inspired work steeped in nostalgia and storytelling, while WonderStump previews its soon-to-open immersive art venue with interactive sculptures blending technology, narrative and play.
Sculptor Kevin Clark of Reared in Steel contributes dramatic fire-infused metalworks, and Karen Lockert shares pieces shaped by years of imaginative reinvention following a career in art education. Her sons, Jim and Stephen Lockert, both exhibit original works as well—ranging from sculptural to conceptual.
Returning favorites include Stan Clark’s Astro Botanicals, large inflatable forms designed as dreamlike flora, and Tony Speirs and Lisa Beerntsen’s “Game of Hope and Fear,” an interactive installation presented by the duo’s collaborative project, Art Farm. Also returning is artist and inventor Stephen Milborrow and his “Portrait Drawing Machine.”
Festival-goers can also enjoy food and beverages from local vendors, acrobatic performances and—for those so inclined—$5 weddings. A hallmark of the event, the pop-up ceremonies offer legal or symbolic nuptials performed by volunteer officiants, including Bohemian and Pacific Sun editor Daedalus Howell, who will also emcee the event.
“We are incredibly excited to bring Rivertown Revival back to the community for another fantastic year,” says Elizabeth Howland, Friends of the Petaluma River’s founder and board secretary.
“This festival is not just about great music and art; it’s a vital fundraiser that directly supports our mission to promote stewardship of the Petaluma River through education, conservation and community engagement. Every ticket purchased helps us continue our vital work for this incredible natural resource,” Howland continues.
Rivertown Revival began as a grassroots celebration of the Petaluma River and has grown into one of the North Bay’s most anticipated annual events. Its blend of entertainment and environmental advocacy remains at the core of its mission, with all proceeds supporting Friends of the Petaluma River’s work to protect and promote the local watershed.
Rivertown Revival, 5-10pm, Friday and Saturday, July 18-19 at McNear Peninsula, Steamer Landing Park, Copeland Street, Petaluma Tickets and full lineup information are available at rivertownrevival.com and vor.us/b2e6e.
