TOP PICKS

September's Best Bets & Fêtes

Here are our picks for fab food and fun!

Our Top Picks

Recommendation  #1
Larkspur Chamber of Commerce

Get your glasses ready! The 13th Annual Downtown Larkspur Wine Stroll returns on Saturday, September 6th! Prepare for an unforgettable evening on Magnolia Avenue as the charming downtown transforms into a vibrant celebration of fantastic wines, delicious food, and community.

Imagine this: you're strolling along, the evening air buzzing with excitement, a delightful glass in hand, as you explore an incredible selection of wines from local vineyards. But it's not just about the vino! You'll also discover an array of mouthwatering treats from restaurants & food vendors, perfectly paired to enhance your tasting adventure.

This event is the perfect opportunity to indulge your senses, soak in the vibrant ambiance of Downtown Larkspur, and show some love for our wonderful local businesses. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just looking for a fun night out, the Downtown Larkspur Wine Stroll promises a memorable experience for everyone.

***

Tickets: $26.42 (Entry fee includes a wine glass + tastings)

 ** Proceeds benefit the Larkspur Chamber of Commerce.

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HOURS:
September 6th: 4pm - 7pm
Recommendation #2
Marin Center

SF Comedy Competition Presents THE RAT PACK on Saturday, September 6th at the Marin Center.

Relive the antics, music, and horseplay of the Rat Pack as they recreate some of their legendary Las Vegas performances at the Sands. Laugh, sing and maybe even dance along to the timeless standards of that legendary era. Enjoy Joey Bishop, played by past San Francisco Comedy Competition finalist Jeff Applebaum, Dean Martin played by Chris Gardner, Frank Sinatra played by Dave Hosley, Sammy Davis, Jr. played by Bryan Dyer, and Marilyn Monroe played by Camille Larrea. With swingin' sounds provided by the fabulous Richard Nelson Hall trio!

***

Tickets: $40

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HOURS:
Saturday, September 6th: 7:30pm - 10pm
Recommendation #3

Want to party with Fabio this Saturday? (Now there's a sentence we can't believe we'd ever write before.)

In any case, you can meet the hunky blonde and Joan Lunden this Saturday at the grand opening of Aegis Living San Rafael, the brand-new assisted living and memory care community.

This isn’t your average ribbon cutting—it’s a chic fiesta celebrating community, connection, and longevity. You’ll enjoy live music, cuisine from their Bougainvillea Kitchen, tours of the new building, and the chance to meet and snap a photo with the celebrity guests during a live fireside chat. 

What to Expect:

🌮 Taco & Tapas

🎶 Live Music + Mariachi

📸 Photo Ops with Our Celebrity Guests

🍹 Sangria, Margaritas, Agua Fresca

🏠 Tours of Our Beautiful New Community

🎁 Custom Gift Bags & Raffle Prizes

***

Admission is FREE. 

Whether you’re a prospective resident, family member, neighbor, or curious local, this event is open to everyone!

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HOURS:
Saturday, September 6th: 2pm - 5pm
Recommendation #4
Paseo Bistro

Join Paseo Bistro on Wednesday, September 10th for a 4-course feast paired with the distinguished wines of Robert Craig Winery. Vintner Elton Stone will be on hand to introduce each one of the five small-lot, estate grown wines.

​***

Aperitif: 2024, Howell Mountain Estate

1st Course: Scallops with red pepper sauce

OR

Beet Salad with feta, pistachios, balsamic drizzle

~2024, Robert Craig Chenin Blanc, Howell Mountain~

2nd Course: Housemade Fettucini with Maitaki mushroom sauce

~2019, Côte de Craig, Rhône style blend~

3rd Course: Certified Angus Prime N.Y. Steak with smashed potatoes, braised cone cabbage, red wine sauce with pomegranate molasses

OR

Miso-glazed Salmon with forbidden rice, broccoli rabe, purple & red daikon radishes 

~2021, Robert Craig, Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon~

Dessert: Cheese, Berries, Chocolate Truffle

~2017 Robert Craig, Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

​***

Tickets: $180 for food & wine (Tax and gratuity not included)

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HOURS:
Wednesday, September 10th: 6pm - 9pm
Recommendation #5
Visit Novato

Downtown’s Rock the Block: End of Summer Edition is taking over Grant Avenue on Thursday, September 11th!

This FREE street party has everything you need to send summer off in style.

✨ The Vibes: Grant Ave transforms into the ultimate food + music playground.

 🎶 The Soundtrack: Dance the night away with The Soul Section — bringing the best funky, soulful grooves of the 60s & 70s.

 🍔🍷 The Flavor: Street eats, craft beer, wine & cocktails, plus late-night dining at your favorite Grant Ave restaurants.

 🌙 The Experience: Dancing under the stars, singing along to classics, and soaking up that unforgettable end-of-summer magic.

Bring your family, your friends, your dancing shoes — this party is family-friendly, funky, and full of fun. Don’t miss it!

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HOURS:
Thursday, September 11th: 6pm - 9pm
Recommendation #6

The annual Corte Madera Lions EV & Classic Car Show is rolling into town on Saturday, September 13th at The Village at Corte Madera.

This isn’t just a car show — it’s a celebration of style, speed, and community. Picture rows of gleaming pre-1975 classics, hot rods and iconic imports, all polished to perfection. Now add in the sleek, futuristic lines of the latest electric vehicles from Marin’s top dealers. It’s a rare chance to see automotive history and tomorrow’s technology side by side.

Enjoy live music, delicious eats from local vendors, and a family-friendly vibe— including a kids’ scavenger hunt to keep the little ones busy while you stroll the lot. Whether you’re a gearhead, a green-tech enthusiast, or just looking for a fun Saturday outing, this event has something for everyone. And by showing up, you’re not only soaking in an unforgettable day — you’re also supporting the Corte Madera Lions Club and the local programs they fund throughout Marin.

***

Admission is free.

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HOURS:
Saturday, September 13th: 11am - 3pm
Recommendation #7
Mountain Theater

Sound Summit celebrates its 10th anniversary on Saturday, September 13! CAKE returns to the historic Mountain Theater to headline the daylong festival atop Mt. Tamalpais that has brought both exceptional music and benefit to the mountain and Bay Area community alike. 

Joining the genre-defying crowd favorite are female-driven Canadian alt-pop powerhouse Alvvays in their only California performance this year; Stand! - a very special Sound Summit celebration of musical icon Sly & The Family Stone featuring Taj Mahal, Narada Michael Walden, Martin Luther McCoy, Vicki Randle, Rustee Allen, members of Graham Central Station, and more; beloved indie rockers Real Estate; and self-described purveyors of “Cosmic Mountain Music,” Wolf Jett.

 ***

Tickets: $120 (Adults); $60 (Kids 12 & under); children 2 and under are free. 

Reserved Mountain Parking: $65. 

Round-trip shuttle from Mill Valley: $30. 

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HOURS:
Saturday, September 13th: 11am - 7pm
Recommendation #8
Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival

The 68th Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival returns to Old Mill Park on Saturday & Sunday, September 20th - 21st. Spend a fun filled weekend engaging with award winning artists, shopping for hidden gems, and enjoying live entertainment with family and friends. 

Over 6,500 attendees every year explore this iconic, community-led event to hunt for hidden gems, check out bands that play both days every hour from 12pm - 5pm, and delight in a specially curated program for kids, families and art lovers.

Festival-goers get to engage with over 135 award-winning artists and craftspeople showcasing their work and enjoy a family-friendly lineup that includes puppet shows, a blue fairy, story time and magic shows.

 

Adults Tickets: $20 before September 1st and $25 after

Senior Discounts Available. Kids & Teachers Free! 

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HOURS:
Saturday & Sunday, September 21st - 22nd: 10am - 5pm
Recommendation #9
The City of Sausalito

The highly anticipated Sausalito Boat Show returns with a 3-day waterfront festival at Clipper Yacht Harbor on September 19 - 21. It'll be a fun-fill 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, and fun for the whole family. Immerse yourself in Sausalito's rich maritime culture and experience this must-see waterfront event.

***

Early Bird Tickets$28.62 (single day); $39.34 (weekend pass)

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HOURS:
Friday - Sunday, September 19th - 21st: 10am - 6pm
Recommendation #10
Downtown San Rafael B.I.D.

San Rafael PorchFest returns on Sunday, September 21st. 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 65 musicians will perform on 22 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.

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HOURS:
Sunday, September 21st: 12pm - 5pm