Petaluma’s Salute to American Graffiti takes film lovers, classic-car fans, and travelers looking for a slice of small-town Americana to their happy place. Each spring, historic downtown Petaluma celebrates its starring role in George Lucas’ iconic film American Graffiti. Travelers from far and wide enjoy the sights, sounds, and cruising culture of the 1950s and early 1960s right down to the poodle skirts, bobby socks, pegged jeans, and loafers.
Much of American Graffiti was filmed filmed on Petaluma’s downtown streets in the summer of 1972, capturing a nostalgic snapshot of youth, music, and car culture. When director George Lucas was searching for locations that still captured the look and feel of early-1960s small-town America, Petaluma’s historic streets and neon-lit storefronts proved to be the perfect backdrop.
Many of the downtown blocks seen in the movie remain remarkably recognizable today, which is part of what makes Petaluma’s Salute to American Graffiti so special. As classic cars cruise past historic buildings, it’s easy to imagine the scenes that made the film a cultural touchstone. For movie fans and car lovers alike, the event offers a rare chance to experience the setting of a beloved film exactly where it happened…