Hankering for some barbecued chicken? The Wilmar Volunteer Fire Department can satisfy that craving at its annual fundraiser. Kids can enjoy games, a jump house and a ride on a fire engine. Adults are welcome to take part in raffles and a silent auction, and proceeds from the event support the department. The chicken sizzles from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 22 at Petaluma Holy Ghost Hall, 4649 Bodega Ave. at Eucalyptus Avenue. Go to wilmarfire.com.
Attention readers: this one’s for you. A monthly book discussion group meets from noon to 1 p.m. fourth Thursdays at the Petaluma Regional Library. This month’s meeting is July 26. This month’s novel is E.L. Doctorow’s “Homer and Langley.” Upcoming discussions include Tan Twa Eng’s “Gift of Rain” on Aug. 27, “The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet” by David Mitchell on Sept. 27 and Marina Fionato’s “The Glassblower of Murano” on Oct. 25. The group is free and attendees may bring lunch. Meetings are in the Helen Putnam Community Room at 100 Fairgrounds Drive. Call 763-9801, ext. 34, or go to sonomalibrary.org/bookgroup.
Petaluma’s 15th annual Progressive Festival gets underway at Walnut Park starting at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 22. Hosted by the Petaluma Progressives and Occupy Petaluma, the outdoor political fest features Medea Benjamin, co-founder of Code Pink and Global Exchange; political humorist Will Durst; retiring Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey; Mickey Huff, director of Project Censored, a performance by the SF Mime Troupe of “For the Greater Good, or The Last Election” a musical satire and informational tables, music food and drink. The free event runs until 5 p.m. Call 763-8134 or go to progressivefestival.com. Walnut Park is located at Fourth and D streets.
Chris Colfer (Kurt Hummel on the TV musical series “Glee”) puts on his author hat Tuesday as he signs copies of his first book, “The Land of Stories,” an adventurous mash-up of modern times and classic fairy tales. Copperfield’s Books, 140 Kentucky St., is the place, 7 p.m. is the time, and Tuesday, July 24 is the day. Books to be signed must be purchased at Copperfield’s Petaluma. The bookstore good-humoredly reminds this is a book-signing only, “no memorabilia, posed photos or impromptu ‘Glee’ auditions.” Call 762-0563 to find out more.
Master the kitchen arts with Tresor Cuisine. The July 26 cooking class examines summer Provençal tarts. Chefs Greg and Mary Schramer demonstrate how to prepare classic French tart doughs and use them to create five tarts, savory to sweet. The class is from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 501 Lakeville St. Cost is $65 and class size is limited. Call 364-0275 to reserve a space or visit tresorcuisine.com for details.
This week, Petaluma goes back-to-back with al fresco films. Enjoy Flicks by the Fountain, downtown at the Faces of Petaluma Fountain in the Theatre Square courtyard, on Thursday, July 26. The free family film gets underway at dusk, approximately 8:30 p.m., on Thursday, July 26. Attendees can bring low-backed chairs and blankets, and movie fare will be available for purchase. Check the Facebook page, The Theatre District – Petaluma, to find out the title of this week’s movie. On Friday, July 27, it’s the east side’s turn to host. Head over to Movies in the Park at Lucchesi Park for “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Lucchesi Park is at 320 N. McDowell Blvd. Entertainment starts at 6:30 p.m. with kids’ activities, a barbecue, raffle and movie snacks. Ferris lights up the night at dusk. Visit petalumamovies.com.
Well, shake it up baby! That’s right. It’s time for the Twist & Shout dance party. “No partner or dance experience needed,” says DJ Val Richman. “It’s like dancing in your living room, only more fun.” Wiggle your way down to Bodyworks Yoga Studio on Saturday, July 28, for two hours of moving to the beat. The music starts at 8 p.m. at 490 Second St. Cost is $10. Call 695-9268.
The Petaluma Regional Library swings on Saturday, July 28, with the Susan Comstock Swingtet playing late 1940s classic pre-bebop jazz and blues. Toes begin tapping at 2 p.m. at 100 Fairgrounds Drive. Go to sonomalibrary.org.
