Sunday, July 1, is your last chance to climb into the Wayback Machine at the Petaluma Museum and set the dial for 1942, when war is raging in the Pacific but the Americans have a secret weapon: Code Talkers. In “Native Words, Native Warriors,” the Petaluma Museum and the Smithsonian Institution show how American military communications used Native Americans and their unique language to help win the war. The museum, at Fourth and B streets, is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $5. Call 778-4398 or go to petalumamuseum.com.
Hard to believe but the world’s most famous red-and-white-striped-sweater-wearing guy, the one and only Waldo, turns 25 this year. To celebrate this, Copperfield’s Books hosts a scavenger hunt for the bespectacled fella in more than 30 downtown businesses. Prizes will be awarded to participants throughout the month, and on July 31, the bookstore will celebrate with a big shindig. Want more info? Stop by Copperfield’s at 140 Kentucky St. for details and a list of participating stores.
Riddle of the day: what’s the oldest house in Petaluma? Well, if you’re going to give up this easily, we’ll tell you. It’s the Old Adobe or, as it’s officially known, Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park. Although the park’s closed on weekdays because of budget reductions, it is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Docent tours of the headquarters of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo’s mid-1800s cattle ranch are available, or take a picnic and explore on your own. Entrance fee is $3 for adults, $2 for children. The park is located at 3325 Adobe Road. Visit petalumaadobe.com.
Country music, canines and beer — an unlikely combination? Not this Tuesday. On July 3, Lagunitas Tap Room and Beer Sanctuary hosts a fund-raising event for singer Emmylou Harris’ Rocket Dog Rescue. From 11:30 a.m. until 3:45 p.m., Misisipi Mike Wolf and Sioux City Kid perform at a free adoption clinic. All ages are welcome, as are dogs. An adult concert with Harris begins at 6 p.m. in the Laguminiamphitheaterette. General tickets are $75, VIP tickets are $150 and include a free beer, buffet dinner, early entry, a poster and raffle tickets. Tickets and more information are available at lagunitas.com. The venue is at 1280 N. McDowell Blvd.
Yes, it’s early July: time for the rockets’ red glare. This year’s Fourth of July show starts at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds with music and other entertainment, plus food booths. Families are encouraged to come early, buy or bring a picnic dinner, then listen to tunes, play games and wait for the big event: the fireworks show. Low lawn chairs, blankets, warm clothes and flashlights are advised. Admission is free. The fairgrounds are located at 175 Fairgrounds Drive. Go to visitpetaluma.com.
— Katie Watts
