The Best Community Events in Marin County

Community is central to many of Marin’s cities and towns, and every year the county holds diverse events to salute its people, culture and art. No matter what tickles your fancy or what you like to do on your free weekends, Marin has something special to offer you. The 2024 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is the Marin County Fair (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Community Event picks see below.

Our 2024 Arts & Entertainment category sponsor is Gene Hiller.

We’ve broken it down by region: Southern, Central and Northern Marin. View the rest of the Arts & Entertainment category here.

SouthernCentral | Northern

Southern

Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival

Mill Valley

Kids watch a puppet show at Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival
Photo by Barry Toranto.

Once a year, the arts community in Mill Valley gathers amongst the redwoods to take in all forms of art. But there’s more than art on display, as puppet shows and storytelling take place throughout the festival.

Cascade Way, Mill Valley, 415.381.8090

Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks

Sausalito

Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade
The Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade. Photo by Kimber Communications.

The Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks is an unforgettable part of Sausalito’s annual Winterfest. The fleet of boats decked out in shimmering lights floating along the waterfront at nighttime truly has to be seen to be believed.

Sausalito Waterfront, Gabrielson Park, Sausalito

Central Marin

Fairfax Festival

Fairfax

Fairfax is known for its nonconformist, fun and funky character, making it a draw for any foodie, cycling enthusiast or anyone who wants an escape from the city. Nothing better exemplifies this culture like the Fairfax Festival, a bright flare of food, arts and music. Highlights include the Saturday parade and the kid-zone on the ball field.

66-88 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax

Marin County Fair

San Rafael

ferris wheel at marin county fair
Photo courtesy of Marin County Fair.

Few events say “Marin County” quite like the county fair. For many, it’s a summer extravaganza that inspires nostalgia. For others, it’s their first time at the kind of classic fair that screams Americana in a way nothing else does. Between the colorful rides, mouth-watering fried food and prize-winning games, this is the perfect way to pass idyllic days of summertime.

10 Ave of the Flags, San Rafael, 415.499.6400

Northern

Novato Festival of Art, Wine and Music

Novato

Band plays on stage in front of crowd at Novato Festival of Art, Wine and Music.
Photo courtesy of Novato Festival.

As the name promises, this summer festival has got art, it’s got wine and it’s got music. What more could a person want? Well, one could also want free admission, but this festival has that too! The variety of sponsors, vendors and performers creates a melange of experiences to try out.

Grant Ave, Novato, 415.897.1164

Best of the County Arts & Entertainment Sponsor

Gene Hiller


Gene Hiller Logo

Gene Hiller Menswear has been providing American gentlemen with the very best clothing from brands like Canali and Brioni since 1953. Gene Hiller is also its own menswear brand designed in house and manufactured in Montreal, Italy and Spain. Owners Tom Gangitano and Wayne Kaleck share more about their storied business.