Festivals and Main Marin Events:

County Fair   Fleet Week   Races   Art Festivals   Movie Festivals   Theatre/Opera/Symphony   Local Theatres

 

Marin loves to entertain!

Enjoy the Marin County Fair nightly fireworks and great rides during 4th of July week.    Get out on the San Francisco Bay for some sailing, visit tour Angel Island via a ferry ride, or stand along the Marin shoreline during "Fleet Week" & watch the blue angels due tricks in the sky.  Witness or run, America's oldest trail race, the "Dipsea" from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach over scenic Mt. Tam.  It's all good fun and part of Marin's outgoing spirit.

Of course, Marin has conventional spirit as well.  Besides it's "normal" Movie Theaters, the county hosts numerous Film festivals throughout the year.  These Film Festivals represent all sorts of thoughts and philosophy’s that reflect other cultures and independent ideas of people, which in itself is the "Marin" way.

The "Marin" way also embraces other forms of art.  One of the best art celebrations, is through the local town festivals.  Each town choosing events to broaden and deepen the citizens perspective of various ideas, either through food or art.  Celebrate wine tasting, local art, and or "slow food" at one of the many town events.  Always hosted with unique town atmosphere, the people of Marin love to celebrate.

 

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County Fair:

Marin County 4th of July Fair Week: http://www.marinfair.org/

 

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Farmers Market

 

(weekly and by city)

The Marin Civic Center Certified Farmers Market has been chosen as one of the top ten markets in the country, and local residents flock to their favorite farmers market each week to take home fresh, locally-grown produce. Chefs from Marin’s top restaurants also select fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, and artisan breads at the local farmers markets to create their culinary delights.

Marin Farmers Market
800-897-FARM
415-472-6100
www.marinfarmersmarket.org

Our first market opened in 1983 at the Civic Center in San Rafael.  In 1987 Marin Farmers Market Association (MFMA) was established as a non-profit organization for the mutual benefit of the farmers and consumers.  In response to the growing number of farmers markets in California, an expansion that tends to overextend rather than benefit farmers, MFMA set out to facilitate only the best, most productive, markets for our members.  MFMA currently manages seven Certified Farmers Markets in the bay area, and represents over 400 active members.

FAIRFAX

Wear some flowers in your hair for this charming market featuring West Marin farmers, food purveyors, and artists.  Bolinas Park, June – October; Wednesdays 4pm-8pm.

NOVATO

Treat yourself to flavor-packed produce, a serenaded dinner, and a twilight stroll through downtown Novato. 

Location and Time:  Grant Avenue, April – September; Tuesdays 5pm-8pm.

SAN RAFAEL – MARIN CIVIC CENTER  Year-round; Thursdays 8am-1pm.

Discover unusual varieties of produce alongside local restaurateurs at the “Chef’s Market”.

SAN RAFAEL – MARIN CIVIC CENTER  Year-round; Sundays 8am-1pm.

Bring the whole family to explore the incredible selection of the third largest market in California.

 

 

Downtown San Rafael Certified Farmers Market Festival
415-492-8007
www.sanrafaelmarket.org

A community celebration on Fourth Street every Thursday night.  Thousands of visitors browse the wares of 150 vendors in the five-block festival.  Free entertainment is offered at five different locations.  In addition to certified farmer-direct produce, the Festival includes arts and crafts, barbeque and international dinners, clowns, balloons and activities for children. Open 6:00pm-9:00pm, Thursdays, April-September.

 

 

Town Center Corte Madera – Farmers Market
100 Corte Madera Town Center
Corte Madera, CA 94925
415-924-2961
www.ShopTownCenter.com
 
Farm fresh produce and delicious baked goods are found at the year-round Corte Madera Farmers Market every Wednesday from Noon until 5:00pm, rain or shine.

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Fleet Week:

Fleet Week: http://www.military.com/fleetweek

An amazing event in October on the San Francisco Bay! Witness aerial demonstrations by the Navy's Blue Angels, Team Oracle, and the Air Force's F-16 Demonstration Team on land or on the water. The Navy's ships parade the bay, while every boat personal and corportate joins the event to make a bay extravaganza day. (watch out for the waqter balloons!) Serious Fun! Watch from Marin's bay towns, Sausalito or Tiburon, perhaps catch the ferry cruise! (see transportation link) You can even get tickets to view the action from Navy ships that sit docked at San Francisco! Join a friend on the bay, or watch from Chrissy Field, or anywhere along the waterfront. It is all good!  -Go to the website to get special tickets or to view the times for various events.

 

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Marin Races:

(feel it yourself, or just watch them burn!)

Dipsea Race: http://www.dipsea.org/ June 14, 2009, 8:30am Sharp!

The Dipsea is oldest trail race in America. Run every year, on the second Sunday
in June, this scenic 7.1 mile course from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach
is one of the most beautiful courses in the world.

 

Cerrara de San Rafael Bike Race: http://www.carrerasanrafael.com/

Marin's largest city, San Rafael, becomes transformed into a showcase of world class biking. See the nations top cyclist compete under the lights of San Rafael!

 

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Art Festivals in Marin:

 
*The 2nd Annual San Rafael Food & Wine Festival-
    Saturday, August 16, 2008 ~ 11 am to 5 pm
    ~ downtown San Rafael, CA.
 
*The 29th Annual San Rafael Parade of Lights & Winter wonderland
    Saturday, November 29, 2008 ~ 9 am to 2 pm
    Fourth Street from “A” Street to Lootens Place, downtown San Rafael, CA
 
*Marin Art Festival: www.marinartfestival.com
 
*Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival: www.mvfaf.org
    Sept 20 & 21st, 2008 - Under the Redwoods in magical Mill Valley! Atmosphere!
 
*San Anselmo Art & Design Festival www.artanddesignfestival.com
 
*Tiburon Art Festival: (see pic, above) (August) http://www.tiburonchamber.org/home.php
 
*Sausalito Art Festival www.sausalitoartfestival.org
    Labor Day Wknd 2008! From: August 29th till September 1st, 2008! 9-5pm
    Information Hotline: (415) 332-3555
 
*Youth in Arts: www.youthinarts.org

 

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Movie Festivals

*California Film Institute: http://www.cafilm.org/

*Fairfax Documentary Film Festival: http://www.fairfaxdocfest.org/

*Film Night in the Park: www.filmnight.org

*Mill Valley Film Festival: www.mvff.com

*The Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center: cafilm.org/nav0_2.html

*Tiburon International Film Festival: www.TiburonFilmFestival.com

 

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Theatre/Opera & Symphony:

 

*Mountain Play:  www.mountainplay.org   Phone:  #(415) 383-1100

    A stunning 4,000 seat amphitheater situated on top of Mount Tamalpais for nearly a century, is an award winning, large sclae broudway setting.  Plays run annually each May and June, and is a classic Marin tradition.  Free bike valet parking if you can make it up the mountain!

*Marin Shakespeare Company: www.marinshakespeare.org
    Box office phone:(415) 499-4488 Runs: July 11-September 28th, 2008.
       The Forest Meadows Amphitheater is one of the most elegant outdoor theaters in     the country, designed to align with the rising  moon and to show off the stars, above and on stage.

*Golden Gate Opera: http://www.marin.org/comres/arts.cfm?TOrgID=4685

*Marin Symphony: http://www.marinsymphony.org/index.php

*MarinTheatreCo. : http://www.marintheatre.org/

*The Belrose Theatre (SR): http://www.thebelrose.com/

*142 Throckmorton Theatre: http://www.142throckmortontheatre.com/

 

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Yearly Marin County Events List:

 

JANUARY

Whale Watching on the Coast
Pt. Reyes National Seashore,  Pt. Reyes
Witness the California gray whale  migration south to Baja. Continues through March.   
(415) 464-5100      www.nps.gov/pore
 
FEBRUARY

Fly Fishing Show
Marin Center, San Rafael
Over 100 exhibitors selling every  thing imaginable for the fly  fisherman.                   
(415) 472-3500  www.marincenter.org  

American Indian Art Show
Marin Center, San Rafael
The largest show of Native American art in the country brings together arts from North and South America,  with  displays representing art items in  daily  life among Native American cultures.       (415) 472-3500   www.marincenter.org
 
MARCH

Egret and Blue Heron Nesting    
Audubon Canyon Ranch,  Stinson Beach
A rare glimpse of these majestic     birds. Audubon Ranch is open late     March through early July,  on Saturdays,  Sundays and  holidays.  For week  days, please call for  appointment. Understanding of the world and its many  cultures through the artistic medium of film, and through the top quality films from around the world.
(415) 381-4123    ww.tiburonfilmfestival.com
 
APRIL

Opening of Yacht Season
Tiburon, Sausalito
Pleasure craft are decorated and blessed during celebration.    (415) 435-4771

Egg Hunt on the Lawn
Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael
Children enjoy a romp on the grass in the shade of a Victorian mansion.  (415) 485-3328
 
MAY

Human Race
Marin Center, San Rafael
Benefit 10K run-walk for all Marin  non-profits. (415) 479-5660

Business Showcase & Career Fair
Civic Center Exhibition Hall, San Rafael
San Rafael’s largest business-to-business and business-to-consumer trade show draws over 2,000 guests. Food tastes, gifts, prizes.  (415) 454-4163    www.sanrafaelchamber.com

May Madness Classic Car Parade
and Street Dance
Fourth Street, San Rafael
The County’s oldest and biggest classic car show and parade, with live rock 'n roll throughout the day.   (415) 720-5591     
Weekends throughout Marin County. (415) 499-8350               www.marinarts.org

Grecian Festival
Nativity of Christ Church, Novato Greek food and entertainment. Held on Memorial Day weekend.  (415) 883-1998         www.nativityofchrist.org
 
 
JUNE

Annual Home Show and Jazz Festival
Marin Center, San Rafael   (415) 456-5209     www.marinhomeshow.com

Antique Fair
Creek Park, San Anselmo 
Over 200 dealers specializing in a wide  number of antique areas and periods are  represented within 30 establishments. (415) 457-1266

Dipsea Foot Race
Mill Valley
1,500 runners navigate a tortuous, hilly route in this famed cross-country race. 
(415) 331-3550                  www.dipsea.org

Italian Street Painting Festival
A Street between Fourth and Fifth, San Rafael.
Artists use chalks to create visually stunning works on pavement squares. 
(415) 457-4878            www.youthinarts.org

Marin Art Festival
Marin Civic Center Lagoon
Elegant lawn party featuring a juried exhibit  of top level art, a variety of ethnic foods, and music ranging from jazz to classical.  (415) 388-4836      www.marinartfestival.com

Musical performed in amphitheater on Mt.
Tam for six weekends, through June. Theater
has spectacular views of the Bay. 
(415) 383-1100          www.mountainplay.org

Novato Art, Wine and Music Festival
Grant Avenue, Old Town Novato
Artists and craftspeople, two dozen wineries,
food and continuous free entertainment. 
(415) 897-1164   www.novatochamber.com

Annual Fairfax Festival
Come for an “only-in-Fairfax” parade, food, drink and live music. 
(415) 453-1584  www.townoffairfax.org

San Anselmo Art & Wine Festival
Buy exceptional art directly from the artists at the best prices!
(415) 258-4600  www.sananselmoarts.com

Mill Valley Wine & Food Tasting
Taste many hard to find wines, plus imports. Gourmet food tasting  under the redwoods.
(415) 388-9700 www.millvaleywinefestival.homestead.com

Larkspur Flower & Food Festival
On Magnolia Avenue, an exciting daylong  schedule of colorful festivities surrounding the theme of flower related arts & crafts and  gourmet food exhibitors.
(415) 383-3470    www.larkspurcityhall.org

JULY

Marin County Fair
Civic Center Fairgrounds, San Rafael
Annual fair features free carnival rides, fireworks on the lagoon, and special juried  exhibits.
499-6400     www.marinfair.org

Corte Madera-Larkspur Fourth of July
Festival and Parade
Corte Madera and Larkspur
Hometown parade for Marin’s Twin Cities.   (415) 924-0441       www.cortemadera.org

Indian Big Time Celebration
Point Reyes at Kule Loklo
Native American celebration involving native dance, song and food. 
(415) 464-5100      www.nps.gov/pore

 
AUGUST

Marin Shakespeare Festival
Dominican University, San Rafael
Weekend performances of Shakespeare under the stars. Amphitheater seating. 
(415) 499-4488     www.marinshakespeare.org

Carrera de San Rafael 
Downtown San Rafael 
World-class professional competitive  bicycle race.Begins and ends on Fourth Street.
(415) 485-3465       www.carrerasanrafael.com

San Rafael Food and Wine Festival
Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael
Come taste the wine, plus food and entertaiment on the grounds of a Victorian mansion. 
(800) 310-6563       www.sresproductions.com
     
Annual Sand Sculpture Contest
The Sunday of Labor Day Weekend in Point Reyes at Drakes Beach
(415) 464-5140          www.nps.gov/pore
 
SEPTEMBER

Marin Designers Showcase
Marin’s top interior designers take over a stately Marin home to create an interior fantasy.

Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival
Fine Art exhibit with food booths and live  entertainment in a redwood grove.
(415) 381-8090      www.mvfaf.org
 
Great American Blues & BBQ Festival
Downtown Fourth Street celebrates San Rafael and Marin's outstanding heritage of great music, it's world famous musicians and the great American roots of the blues. 
(415) 383-3470         www.proevent.com

 
OCTOBER

Vincenzo Food and Wine Festival 
The always-spectacular fundraiser and auction raises vital funds and community awareness for St. Vincent’s School for Boys in San Rafael.
(415) 927-1239                     www.cccyo.org

Mill Valley Film Festival
Sequoia and Rafael Film Centers
This eleven-day fest includes screening that draw 40,000 ticket holders, both film fans and professionals.   (415) 383-5256       www.cafilm.org
  
Pumpkin Field
St. Vincent’s School for Boys, San Rafael
Pumpkin patch and farm animals. (415) 507-4214   www.

Trick-or-Treat Down Fourth Street
Downtown San Rafael   (415) 720-5591     www.downtownsanrafael.org
 

NOVEMBER

Winter Wonderland/Parade of Lights
Downtown San Rafael
A candle-lit walk through downtown San Rafael. There’s even a man-made snow bank for sledding and making snowmen.
 
 
DECEMBER

Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker
Marin Center, San Rafael  (415) 453-6705      www.marincenter.com

Victorian Holiday Celebration
Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael
The evening spotlights live holiday  performances, hosted by Mr. Charles Dickens
himself with characters in Dickens attire, old-fashioned caroling and an authentic 
Father Christmas. Storytelling will take place for kids of all ages.
(415) 485-3436      www.cityofsanrafael.org

 

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YEAR ROUND EVENTS

Marin Center, San Rafael
National and International touring acts.
(415) 499-6800         www.marincenter.org

 Kanbar Center for Performing Arts
200 No. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael
Indoor and outdoor events for all ages.
(415) 444-8000     www.marinjcc.org

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FARMERS MARKETS

Marin Farmers Market
Year round on Thursdays and Sundays at the
Marin Civic Center. Sells farm-direct specialty
foods and organically grown produce.
(415) 472-6100 
www.marinfarmersmarkets.org 

Downtown San Rafael Farmers Market
Only from April through October on 
Thursdays from 5:00 to 8:00 on Fourth Street.
The market features food, produce, live 
entertainment, arts and
crafts, and more.
(415) 472-6100
www.sanrafaelmarket.org

 

Movie Theaters in Marin:

    * Century Northgate     (415) 491-0608
            7000 Northgate Drive, San Rafael
 
    * Century Regency     (415) 479-5050
            80 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael

    * Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center     (415) 454-1222
            1118 4th St., San Rafael
 
    * Century Cinema     (415) 924-6505
            41 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera

    * Century Larkspur Landing  (415) 461-4842
            500 Larkspur Landing Cir., Larkspur
 
    * Lark Theater     (415) 924-5111
            549 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur
 
    * Fairfax Theaters     (415) 453-5444
            9 Broadway, Fairfax

    * CinéArts at Sequoia     (415) 388-4862
            25 Throckmorton Street, Mill Valley

    * Century Rowland Plaza     (415) 898-7469

            44 Rowland Way, Novato

    * CinéArts at Marin     (415) 331-0255

            101 Caledonia Street, Sausalito

    * Tiburon Playhouse     (415) 435-1234
            40 Main St., Tiburon