The beloved Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival will once again be celebrating art and community in Old Mill Park on Saturday and Sunday, September 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This magical two-day festival under the redwoods is the winner of Pacific Sun’s “Best Art Festival in Marin” for 2022.
The Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival is a non-profit event featuring over 130 artists from around the country, representing 15 media categories including sculpture, painting, ceramics, photography, textiles, woodwork, and jewelry.
For the first time, this year’s festival attendees can watch art come to life right before their eyes. The Festival will feature “En Plein Air”, the French-inspired art of painting landscapes outdoors as the light changes throughout the day. Note that this year’s poster by artist Richard Lindenberg (Booth #63), is Plein Air. World-class painters will be creating live paintings in and of the beautiful redwood trees. And yes, these one-of-a-kind masterpieces will be for sale.
There will be exceptional musical entertainment throughout both days of the Festival. Dore Coller is the talent buyer and is performing with Lady Ace and the Wild Knights. He also will be performing in his band from Mill Valley, The Millbillies Trio, along with the venerable and ubiquitous Lorin Rowan, and the best Haoli slide guitar player on the planet, Ken Emerson. Opening on Saturday is a longtime resident of West Marin, Lowell Levinger (aka Banana), who recorded the epic song “Get Together” with the Youngbloods. Also on the bill are Lady Ace and the Wild Knights and members of the only women’s rock band from the Haight Ashbury, The Ace of Cups. Residing in Novato, Terry Garthwaite from Joy of Cooking will be performing with Southern Marin local Barbara Borden in Joy Alive. Jazz saxophone giant Richard Howell from Tiburon will be there. Also performing will be the 421s, who were just voted Pacific Sun’s “Best Band in Marin,” and the hugely popular Americana band, Wreckless Strangers will take the stage at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Plus performing is the hottest young Bluegrass band in the Bay Area, Crying Uncle.
This is a family event with kids’ activities all day long in the Children’s Grove. Youth will enjoy Brian Scott’s Magic Show, Fratello Marionettes, Dream Top’s Superhero Puppet Magic Show, Puppet Lady Rhonda Godwin, music by Enzo Garcia, drumming by Aaron Kierbel, craft projects, and more.
An assortment of delicious food can be purchased from MIXT, BBQ from Pig In A Pickle, and festival favorites like pizza, hot dogs, and sausages, plus beer, wine, soft drinks, and coffee will be available. Attendees can sign up for a raffle and win Festival Bucks redeemable at any of the artist booths.
If you buy your tickets online prior to the event, you will save $5. At the gate, tickets are $20 for General Admission, $15 for Seniors, and free for students, teachers, children under 12, and active-duty military. Also bicycle riders who valet their bikes with MCBC in downtown Mill Valley will get a $5 discount. There will be a free shuttle service from various locations.
For more information about artists, music lineup, kids activities, shuttle stops and to purchase presale-discounted tickets, visit: mvfaf.org
