The San Rafael Summer Market is returns this Friday, bringing food, drinks, live music and lots of family-friendly fun to the heart of downtown.
Grab a bite from local food vendors, browse handcrafted goods and kick back in the Pond Farm beer garden while enjoying live music by Second Hand Funk. Bring a picnic blanket, round up the family and settle in for a fun evening under the summer sky.
There’s plenty for the little ones, too, with interactive art activities and games. And most market nights coincide with San Rafael’s 2nd Friday Art Walk, giving you even more reason to stroll downtown and make a night of it. Come hungry, grab a cold beer and enjoy a Friday night of food, music and community in Downtown San Rafael!
***
Free Admission
Sound Summit returns to Mount Tam's historic Mountain Theater on Saturday, September 12, for an unforgettable day of live music, breathtaking views, and community spirit. For more than a decade, this beloved mountaintop festival has brought world-class artists to Marin while raising funds to support Mount Tamalpais and the local community.
Headlining this year's festival is folk-rock troubadour Father John Misty, performing with his full band. Also taking the stage are harmony-driven indie favorites Guster, Talking Heads co-founder Jerry Harrison and his 50 Years of Talking Heads project, dreamy surf-noir psych-rockers La Luz, and funk powerhouse Angeline Saris & The Snack Machine.
Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering Sound Summit for the first time, it's one of the most spectacular Bay Area concert experiences.
***
Tickets: $149.50 (Adults) | $74.75 (Kids 12 & Under)
Reserved Parking: $75 / Round-Trip Shuttle from Mill Valley: $35
Saddle up for a day of fun, resources & community at the Marin Senior Fair on Wednesday, September 16 at the Main Center Exhibit Hall!
Northern California’s largest and longest-running senior information event returns with 150 exhibit booths showcasing services, activities, programs and resources for seniors, caregivers and families. This year’s theme is “Not My First Rodeo: Saddle Up for a Better Future,” so expect plenty of Wild West spirit, including Western-themed activities, creative costumes, decked-out booths and lively entertainment throughout the day.
Dust off your cowboy boots, grab your hat and mosey on over for a fun and informative day at the Fair. Whether you’re looking to discover helpful local resources, explore new activities or simply enjoy the festivities, there’s plenty to see and do.
***
Admission is FREE!
The 69th Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival returns to beautiful Old Mill Park on Saturday & Sunday, September 19–20! Spend the weekend surrounded by towering redwoods while discovering incredible art, live music, great food and wine, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
More than 135 award-winning artists and craftspeople will showcase their work throughout the park, giving festival-goers the chance to meet the artists, browse one-of-a-kind creations, and hunt for hidden gems. Live bands take the stage every hour from 12–5pm both days, while younger festival-goers can enjoy a specially curated lineup featuring puppet shows, story time, magic shows, a blue fairy, and more.
Festival-goers can enjoy expanded food & beverage offerings, artisan merchandise, a community mural painting project, and enhanced visitor amenities, including shuttle service and convenient bicycle access. Wine lovers can sip their way through the festival with special wine tastings hosted by six participating wineries: Barra of Mendocino, Blackbird Vineyards, Gibbs Vineyards Napa Valley, Honig Vineyard & Winery, Merriam Vineyards, and Theorem Vineyards.
****
Tickets: $25; Wine Tasting Pass: $15; Kids & Teachers: FREE!
Tam Valley Community Center is hosting its annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 19th.
This festive afternoon will include live music, carnival games, a bouncy house for the kids, and plenty of German beer and bites.
***
Tickets: $25 (Adults); $15 (Seniors); $10 (Kids 3-18)- Includes all games, prizes, arts & crafts and bounce houses
Dust off your dancing shoes — Larkspur’s legendary town dance is back! The Rose Bowl Dance 2026, presented by the Larkspur Community Foundation, takes over Escalle Winery on Saturday, September 19, for a night of dancing, drinks, delicious bites, and plenty of ’80s nostalgia.
Get ready to hit the dance floor with Tainted Love, bringing all your favorite ’80s hits from 7–11pm. And come hungry and thirsty — food, beer & wine are included with admission, featuring bites from Tavola Rustica plus pours from Copper Six, Hidden Splendor Beer, Honig Winery, and Silver Peso.
Even getting there is part of the fun: a complimentary cable car trolley will run continuously along Magnolia Avenue between downtown Larkspur and Escalle Winery throughout the evening.
Grab your friends, channel your favorite ’80s look, and get ready to dance the night away — all while supporting a great local cause.
***
Tickets: $195 per person
** 100% of proceeds benefit the Larkspur Community Foundation
Con carne, veggie, verde … you’ll taste it ALL at Sausalito's 47th Annual Chili Cook-off on Saturday, September 19th at Dunphy Park.
The quest for the best will cover three categories — Judge’s Choice, People’s Choice and Best Booth. This year's theme is "Team spirit," so represent your favorite local sports team or pick your favorite sport/game/competition from around the world.
The festival will also include a hot pepper eating contest, live music by Back pOrchEstra , and other fun surprises for this family-friendly afternoon.
***
Tickets: $25 (advance); $30 day of event.
Ticket price includes all-you-can-eat chili tasting and voting rights.
Beer, wine, margaritas and snow cones will be available for purchase, and a water bottle filling station will also be on site.
San Rafael PorchFest returns on Sunday, September 20th. This annual music event, held on porches throughout the historic Gerstle Park Neighborhood, brings the community together for a day of fun, music, and laughter.
Over 70 musicians will perform on 20+ different porches. Genres range from jazz, rock, opera, folk to many more! There will be food trucks near Gerstle Park. Or, bring your own picnic!
***
Admission is FREE. But tipping the musicians is encouraged!
Pro Tips:
Bring Cash for food trucks, merchandise & tipping.
This is a NO ALCOHOL, family-friendly event.
Public restrooms are available. Dog on leash are allowed.
Lawn chairs, blankets & coolers are encouraged.
Free shuttle from downtown parking lots.
The highly anticipated Sausalito Boat Show returns with a 3-day waterfront festival at Clipper Yacht Harbor on September 25-27 It'll be a fun-filled weekend featuring luxury brand yachts, sailboats, power, and trailerable boats and a comprehensive display of modern maritime craftsmanship.
Discover an expanded showcase of top brands, engaging seminars, local cuisine, live music by Illeagles, and fun for the whole family. Whether you're a lifelong boater or just boat-curious, this family-friendly festival has something for everyone.
Come for the boats. Stay for the community.
***
Tickets: $28.62 (single day); $39.34 (weekend pass)
Shuck, sip & celebrate by the Bay! The Sausalito Community Boating Center’s 5th Annual Oyster Festival returns to Dunphy Park on Sunday, September 27 for an afternoon of fresh oysters, live music, waterfront fun, and plenty of Sausalito spirit.
Come hungry for raw and baked oysters, fresh salads, and tasty sides, with beer and wine available for purchase. Then kick back to live music from Tamaloha, test your skills in the bocce tournament, and enjoy maritime-themed activities for the whole family.
Best of all, it’s a party with a purpose: proceeds from food and drink sales benefit the Sausalito Community Boating Center and its mission to provide boating access and maritime education to the community.
***
Free Admission. * Food & Drinks sold a la carte.
