For the last 29 years, Historic Downtown Petaluma transforms into a festive and fun shopping destination when the Great Summer Sidewalk Sale unfolds. This year it'll take place Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26. More than 30 merchants will be offering as much as 80 percent off merchandise as well as coupons and free gifts.

Keep an eye out for businesses with balloons tied to the outside of their buildings throughout downtown Petaluma, including Petaluma Boulevard, Fourth Street, B Street, Western Avenue, Washington Street, Kentucky Street and the Theater District. The balloons mean they're taking part in the sidewalk sale and they likely have great deals and gifts waiting inside. Here's an insider tip: Many of the participating businesses tend to start the sales a few days early, so scout out your favorite spots closest to Capri Creek and see what they're offering!

The Great Summer Sidewalk Sale
Historic Downtown Petaluma
Friday, July 23 through Sunday, July 25
petalumadowntown.com/sidewalk-sale.html

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr GarrettTT