Want to get in shape? Check out CrossFit, one of the hottest fitness programs around. The first class is free at Genesis CrossFit, on the Boulevard. Genesis now offers afternoon classes for kids 5 to 12 from 3 to 4 p.m. Thursdays, and teens 13 to 18 from 4 to 5 p.m., also on Thursdays. Hour-long adult classes are at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. weekdays. Genesis is at 136 Petaluma Blvd. North. Call 474-4545 or go to genesispetaluma.com to learn more.

Petaluma has its first year-round farmers’ market. On Sept. 4, the east side welcomes a new member of the county’s farmers’ market network. Locals can shop for fresh produce Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Lucchesi Park parking lot at 320 N. McDowell Blvd. Many of the familiar vendors from the Saturday afternoon and Wednesday evening markets will be on hand. To learn more, go to communityfarmersmarkets.com.

First Wednesdays at Aqus Café are now classical nights, with members of the county’s American Philharmonic making beautiful music together. On Sept. 5, the Sonoma Strings: Pam Otsuka, Ned Phipps, Steve Watrous and Sally Hernandez with special guest, flutist Mary Kemnec, play string quartets by Haydn and Borodin and a Mozart flute quartet. The music is from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept 5 at 189 H St. Call 778-6060 or visit aqus.cafe.

Last call for “Showin’ on the River,” Riverfront Art Gallery’s juried fine art summer show, ending Sept. 9. If you like a piece and think you might want to make it yours, the gallery lets you try it out for 48 hours, rent it or lay it away for 90 days. The gallery is at 132 Petaluma Blvd. North. Call 775-4278 or visit riverfrontartgallery.com.

Five minutes. True stories: told live on stage without notes. Everyone has a story, says Dave Pokorny, host of West Side Stories. Come and share yours, or just listen. Ten stories are heard, and a random audience member picks a winner. This month’s topic is “Change.” The stories unfold from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5 at Sonoma Valley Portworks, 613 Second St. Cost is $5 at the door. Call 477-4416.

If it’s the first weekend in September, that means it’s time for the Petaluma Arts Association’s annual Art in the Park, as Walnut Park becomes an al fresco gallery for paintings, sculpture, mixed media, photography and handcrafts. The event, which supports art scholarships for local art students, is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 8 and 9. Walnut Park is at Fourth and D streets. To learn more, call 793-2113 or visit petalumaarts.org.

The Petaluma Educational Foundation turns 30 this year and to celebrate three decades of its commitment to local schools and students, they’re throwing themselves a Birthday Bash dinner dance on Sept. 8, featuring Pride & Joy and Petaluma’s own Brothers Comatose. There will be a reception as well, plus live and silent auctions, at Clover’s Redwood Pavilion at 5400 Old Redwood Highway. The evening starts at 5 p.m. and ticket prices begin at $175. Tickets are available through Sept. 7. Go to petaluma.ejoinme.org. Enjoy a carefree afternoon, listening to the Alphabet Players; watching clowning, juggling and hula hooping; and munching on wine at cheese at Magic in the Garden, a fundraiser for Cinnabar Theater. The Alphabet Players, performing on baroque instruments, offer excerpts from Purcell’s “The Faerie Queen. A silent auction and barbeque round out the afternoon. The event starts at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9 in the private gardens of Sandra and Borue O’Brien. Tickets are $15 to $25, with barbecue tickets sold separately. Call 763-8920.

– Katie Watts

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