2026 Petaluma's Salute to American Graffiti Car Show

Cruisin' the Boulevard invites American model cars and trucks 1972 or older to join us May 16th for the annual Salute to American Graffiti Car Show. This event features show parking on the streets of historic Downtown Petaluma, the same streets featured in the film, a cruise of a near 2 mile loop along one of Petaluma's most historic neighborhoods, old time live radio dj, and community activities.

Whats changed?

The cruise route through Petaluma's Histric downtown, and distinguished D street residential area will return, however we will be making additional adjustments to reduce congestion, break up large gaps and allow for a smoother roll.

Show and Shine Tickets: As the Salute continues to grow we wanted to try offering a Show and Shine ticket, for patrons that just want to join for the show, and skip the cruising. Registered vehicles with this ticket have their own dedicated zone on Second Street, see diagram below. We are also continuing to accomodate early departure requests for those with tickets in our Purple Show and Shine zone. This group will have a special security team set up for those that can't stay the full day. Early departure request must be made in advance of the show through [email protected].

Selecting your ticket:

• Registration is split up by arrival time. Select your ticket based on the time you plan to arrive at check in. Each time slot is correlated with an area of the event. There is a map below for reference.
• There is a set number of parking spaces for each time slot, once they sell out they are sold out.
• There is no assigned parking spaces, or gurantee to your parking location.
• On show day, vehicles will enter the event through Petaluma Boulevard at the D street entrance. Due to the large volume of cars expected for the event, you must arrive during your time window to help us avoid delays and backups into traffic. If you arrive earlier than your designated time slot you will be turned around and told to come back during your arrival window.
• There are no formal groups. If you wish to park with friends, ensure you purchase tickets for the same time slot, and arrive together at check in the day of the event. Cruisin' the Boulevard will not guarantee groups will be parked together but will do the best we can to accommodate requests.
• Cruise passes are only included with the Registration and Cruise tickets (Zones - Blue, Red, Yellow, Green, Orang and Teal), the cruise pass will be custom made and include your vehicle information on it. They can not be shared or sold separatly.
• Additional rules, FAQs and details are available on our website
• Early departures are available for Purple (Show and Shine) zone purchases only and must be made in advance by reaching out to [email protected] .
• Waitlist, yes we have one, it will appear in the ticket options once arivial times start to sell out.
• There are no refunds

At 4:00 pm on May 16th, special lanes are opened up within the show event for cars to cruise on the streets where the movie was filmed. Attendees are invited to drive the historic route, parade their vehicle and enjoy the slow roll on our cruise loop.

CRUISERS: To cruise the boulevard the vehicle must be registered for the show, and have a valid cruise pass clearly displayed in the windshield. The cruise will take place on public streets and all laws must be abided by.

WATCHERS (Free no ticket required): May 16th from 4 pm-6 pm. Perhaps the best place to watch the cruise will be along Petaluma Blvd, south of B Street to D Street. Grab your chair, a picnic basket, something to drink, and if necessary, jackets and a blanket. Find a spot to watch the action. Be sure to wave and give the thumbs up to all the cruisers!

To ensure that everyone has a good time and is safe while attending the event we ask that the following rules be followed. Those that do not follow these rules will be asked to leave, and risk being expelled from the show completely, which may also include future events.

• Evidence of insurance in your vehicle is required
• Proof of DMV registration, valid stickers and license plate is required
• All entered vehicles must display 2026 Salute registration placard visibly on vehicle dashboard or front windshield. These will be availbe for pick up on show day at the registration booth.
• All cruise tags must be displayed in windshield while cruising. No exceptions. If your tag is not displayed you will be removed from the cruise
• No loud music is allowed to be played from vehicles.
• Any display of questionable music, videos, art or other media is not permitted and will be removed from the show
• No open headers
• No burning out or drag racing in or around the event
• Respect others and their rides
• Listen to Cruisin' the Boulevard Staff directions and or Requests
• All entries must be driven into the show, on their own power, be able to pull forward, backward, turn and stop on their own power.
• All entries must be an American make vehicle older than 1972 or a documented vehicle from the American Graffiti film.
• All persons operating the vehicle must have a valid driver's license and not be under the influence

Thursday May 14th Jumpstart Dinner

Come enjoy an evening of dinner, fun with other patrons, old cars and a the beautiful country setting, hosted by Glenn Ranch located in the outskirts of Petaluma. This social event includes raffled door prizes, an oportunity to hear what Cruisin' the Boulevard has been doing over the last year, and plans for projects and community events planned. The Jumpstart dinner money raised supports the Cruisin' the Boulevard scholarship program.

Event Check in 5:30 pm, Dinner - 6:30 pm. Seating is limited, tickets are available here through Eventbright, there are no day of purchases.

Friday May 15th Cruise-In and Kickoff Social

Kickoff Social informal meet up with reserved parking for 1972 and older American vehicles. American Graffiti collectibles will be available at the Insignia booth. This is a free event with limited spaces available, first come first served at the Plaza North Shopping Center, 4 – 8pm

Info: Come enjoy an evening of dinner, fun with other patrons, old cars and a the beautiful country setting, hosted by Glenn Ranch located in the outskirts of Petaluma. This social event includes raffled door prizes, an oportunity to hear what Cruisin' the Boulevard has been doing over the last year, and plans for projects and community events planned. The Jumpstart dinner money raised supports the Cruisin' the Boulevard scholarship program.
Event Check in 5:30 pm, Dinner - 6:30 pm. Seating is limited, tickets are available here through Eventbright, there are no day of purchases.

Info: Kickoff Social informal meet up with reserved parking for 1972 and older American vehicles. American Graffiti collectibles will be available at the Insignia booth. This is a free event with limited spaces available, first come first served at the Plaza North Shopping Center, 4 – 8pm

Info: Cruisin' the Boulevard invites American model cars and trucks 1972 or older to join us May 16th for the annual Salute to American Graffiti Car Show. This event features show parking on the streets of historic Downtown Petaluma, the same streets featured in the film, a cruise of a near 2 mile loop along one of Petaluma's most historic neighborhoods, old time live radio dj, and community activities.

Info: At 4:00 pm on May 16th, special lanes are opened up within the show event for cars to cruise on the streets where the movie was filmed. Attendees are invited to drive the historic route, parade their vehicle and enjoy the slow roll on our cruise loop.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Historic Downtown Petaluma, Petaluma Blvd, Petaluma, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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