Community has taken on new meaning since all gatherings vanished in 2020. Fortunately, events are back on and booming! No matter what tickles your fancy or what you like to do on your free weekends, Marin has something special to offer you. The 2023 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 2023 Arts & Entertainment category sponsor is Gene Hiller.
We’ve broken it down by region: Southern, Central, and Northern Marin.
Southern | Central | Northern
Southern Marin
Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival
Mill Valley
Once a year, the arts community in Mill Valley gathers amongst the redwoods to take in all forms of art. There’s more than just that on display, with puppet shows and storytelling abound throughout the festival.
Cascade Way, Mill Valley, 415.381.8090
Sausalito Easter Parade and Egg Hunt
Sausalito
A massive annual event, the Sausalito Easter Parade and Egg Hunt is a staple for children (and adults!) across the county. Come rain or shine, nothing is going to stop the kids of Sausalito from finding the thousands of hidden treasures. There’s also a separate adult egg hunt for those who want to continue their childhood traditions, although it does cost a small fee to enter in comparison to the free childrens’ portion of the event.
Dunphy Park, Sausalito, 415.289.4152
Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks
Sausalito
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. A draw for any foodie, cycling enthusiast and 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 ballfield.
66-88 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax
Marin Arts & Crafts Show
San Rafael
This explosion of exhibitors and vendors results in the best shopping trip you could possibly want. Spend hours wandering through the stalls and wondering at wood carvings or examining hand knitted wool gloves — even if you walk out without purchasing anything (a challenge indeed!) you’ll still have experienced a fascinating display of curios.
10 Ave Of The Flags, San Rafael, 888.747.1123
Marin County Fair
San Rafael
Few events say Marin County quite like the county fair. For many, it’s a summer extravaganza that inspires nostalgia to this day, for others, it’s their first time at the kind of classic fair that just 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 Marin
Novato Festival of Art, Wine and Music
Novato
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
Sponsor
Gene Hiller: 2023 Best of the County Arts & Entertainment
