Out on the town this September? Here are some of the most fun and fabulous local galas, fundraisers, celebrations and other events to see and be seen at this month around Marin County and in the Bay Area.
Sept 14 Marin Humane’s Tails by Twilight
Tails by Twilight, Marin Humane‘s annual gala, treats guests to cocktails and food while gathering donation’s for the organization’s many services. Silent and live auctions raise funds, with much of the proceeds going toward the fund-a-need for Marin Humane’s youth programs. Photos courtesy of Marin Humane.
Sept 14-15 Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival
The 67th annual Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival returns to the towering redwoods in Old Mill Park. 135 local and international artists, all hand selected by a jury, will offer their art, jewelry, ceramics, fashion and more for sale. There’s also live music and plenty of entertainment and activities for the kids.
TBD Mill Valley Block Party
This longstanding community tradition in downtown Mill Valley features a locally curated fashion show and beer garden—all serving as a fundraiser for KIDDO.
Sept 20 Buckles and Bling to Benefit Halleck Creek Ranch
Since 1977, Halleck Creek Ranch has helped people with disabilities live a life without barriers through Equine-Assisted Activities (EAA) and therapeutic horseback riding. The ranch’s annual fundraiser, Buckles and Bling, is held annually at Rancho Nicasio and features wine tastings, delicious food, live music and three auctions.
Sept 21 Annual Chili Cook-Off in Sausalito
There’s nothing like a chili cook-off to bring out fiercely competitive spirits, and Sausalito’s 45th Annual Chili Cook-Off comes to Dunphy Park on September 21. Event goers can sample the goods and watch a few extra brave souls participate in a hot pepper eating contest. Live music will be performed by the Zydeco Flames, and by the end of the day, awards will be disbursed to the best chilis of the year.
Sept 28 Dog Days with the San Francisco Giants
In community partnership with SF SPCA, the San Francisco Giants are inviting all dog lovers and pup parents to Oracle Park for a PAW-SOME day. Cheer on the Giants as they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates – but before you do, suit up your furry friends in costume for a chance to snag a contest crown. There’s also a pregame on-field parade. Partial proceeds from each special event ticket will benefit the SF SPCA.
Dates TBD MarinMOCA’s ArtFoward Auction
Join the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art for its annual art auction fundraiser this September. Guests can bid on a selection of art works by known artists while supporting MarinMOCA’s operations.
Date TBD Child Mind Institute’s Fall Luncheon
Supporting Bay Area youth and families struggling with mental health and learning disabilities, the Child Mind Institute hosts an annual fall luncheon fundraiser. Attendees can contribute to CMI’s cause while listening to leading minds in mental health and childhood development.
Date TBD Dreamfest for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals
Returning to San Francisco for 2024, Saleforce’s annual AI conference Dreamforce and its accompanying concert Dreamfest are set for mid-September. Last year, this event raised over six million dollars for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital with a performance by the headlining Foo Fighters.
Date TBD Youth in Arts’ AGlow
Youth in Arts hosts its community-focused AGlow fundraiser to support its arts education programs throughout Marin, which bolster creativity for more than 5,000 students. Expect great performances by Youth in Arts Teaching Artists and local groups.
Date TBD WildCare Gala with Animal Ambassadors
WildCare’s yearly gala raises thousands toward the nonprofit’s care for injured and orphaned wild animals, as well as its continued education and advocacy work to protect wildlife. The animal ambassadors are the stars of this event, and guests can enjoy a vegan gourmet dinner by McCall’s alongside event programming.
Date TBD SF Symphony’s Opening Night Gala
Opening night at the San Francisco Symphony is always a highlight of the fall season, and this year’s event will mark the orchestral organization’s 113th season. A red-carpet welcome will greet concert-goers with sparkling wine and light bites, followed by an evening of music arranged by music director Esa-Pekken Salonen.
Date TBD Sound Summit Fundraiser for Nature Conservation
Sound Summit, presented by nonprofit Roots & Branches Conservancy, returns to the hills of Mount Tamalpais for another daylong celebration of music and community. The annual gathering at the Mountain Theater has featured big-name music groups and has raised $250,000 to date for Mount Tam.
Date TBD Spirit of Marin Awards
Bank of Marin celebrates the winners of the Spirit of Marin Award at its annual luncheon. The award recognizes citizens who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to Marin County through their leadership, volunteerism and philanthropy.
Date TBD Playing Pickleball for a Higher Purpose
Beyond Differences, a Marin nonprofit which inspires youth to create cultures of belonging in their schools across the country, will hold a pickleball tournament to fundraise while having fun. Last year’s inaugural Pickle with Purpose sold out ahead of a lively tournament with fun additions like a taco and margarita bar.
Give Back When You Go Out: Volunteer
Looking for more ways to give back to our community by volunteering your time? Here’s a list of Marin County nonprofits supporting a variety of causes — ranging from helping our most vulnerable residents to keeping our environment healthy — where your assistance can really make a difference.
