Out with the old year, in with the new! The first month of 2026 has happenings for all different tastes: a comedy festival for those who love to laugh, a concert film fest for those who enjoy impeccable songwriting, and a new art exhibit that explores rich local history.
Annual Fairs & Festivals | Arts, Theater & Lectures | Comedy | Film | Fundraisers & Galas | Music | Museums | Outdoor Fun | Other Events
Annual Fairs & Festivals
Holiday Light Spectacular
Through January 4
San Rafael
Marin County Civic Center and Marin Center Fairgrounds
10 Avenue of the Flags
415.473.5062
If you want to keep the holiday cheer going, bring your family, friends and loved ones along to enjoy a magical evening filled with dazzling light displays, twinkling pathways, enchanting photo ops, and joyful surprises around every corner. Wander through the lights and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebrations
January 13–19
San Francisco
Each year, the Norcal MLK Foundation hosts a series of events adjacent to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday observance. The day-of celebration in San Francisco, which attracts thousands of people, includes a musical festival, community breakfast and a commemorative march that honors and amplifies Dr. King’s commitment to equality for all.
For more MLK Day celebrations, check out our story on How to Celebrate Martin Luther King Day in the Bay Area.
Arts, Theater & Lectures
The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov
Opening January 29
Mill Valley
Marin Theatre
397 Miller Avenue
415.388.5200
American Conservatory Theater Artistic Director Emerita Carey Perloff helms this Russian classic set at the turn of the 20th century, where an aristocratic matriarch returns home to her family’s estate, which has fallen into debt. The house and beautiful cherry orchard are set to be auctioned off while the family resists solutions, desperate to preserve their way of life and ignore the changing times.
Comedy
SF Sketchfest
January 15–February 1
San Francisco
Get your giggle on at Sketchfest, San Francisco’s annual nationally recognized comedy festival that draws in some of the biggest names in the funny business. With more than 200 shows during the fest, each day offers something new to chuckle at: riotous skits, cheeky improv, and side-splitting standup routines. Along with local talent, this year’s lineup includes a tribute to the “Women of SNL,” including Ellen Cleghorne, Rachel Dratch, Ana Gasteyer, Laraine Newman, Cheri Oteri and Julia Sweeney.
Film
You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine
January 3
San Rafael
Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center
1118 Fourth Street
415.454.5813
John Prine, widely celebrated as one of history’s greatest songwriters, captivated millions and earned the admiration of icons such as Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Lucinda Williams, Dwight Yoakam, Jason Isbell, and Bob Weir. Some are featured in the film performing on the fabled Ryman Auditorium stage for this special celebration of his life and music. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy these classic songs in new interpretations on the big screen.
Music
John 5 at the Hopmonk Tavern
January 24
Novato
HopMonk Tavern Novato, Session Room
224 Vintage Way
415.892.6200
For almost 30 years, John 5 has been one of the most in-demand guitar players on the planet. As well as a guitarist for hire, 5 has shared the stage as axe-man for Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson and Rob Halford. He has also worked with an impressive array of names, from all walks of music, including KD Lang, Rod Stewart, Dave Lee Roth, Alice Cooper, Tina Guo and Steven Adler. Don’t miss the chance to see this guitar master shred in one of Marin’s most beloved, cozy venues.
Wreckless Strangers Album Release Party with Beso Negro
January 31
Mill Valley
Sweetwater Music Hall
19 Corte Madera Avenue
415.388.3850
Photo by Rupert Coles courtesy of Wreckless Strangers.
With alt-gypsy-rock troubadours Besso Negro opening the show, the Bay Area’s own Wreckless Strangers perform and celebrate the release of their fourth album at Marin’s most beloved venue. The band is returning to its roots with Dirty Soul, a six-song collection full of their signature modern take on the arena rock of the ‘70s and ‘80s. The songwriting is among the most intimate and personal to date, and co-lead singers Amber Morris and David Noble still function as a single organism, bringing the songs to life with bluesy grit, soul, and humanity bolstered by rock-solid, road-hewn grooves.
Museums
New exhibit: “Rancho Roots”
Opening January 24
San Rafael
Marin History Museum – Boyd Gate House
1125 B Street
415.382.1182
The upcoming exhibit “Rancho Roots: The Californio Legacy of Marin” explores the history and influence of Californio ranchos in Marin County. Californios—Spanish and Mexican settlers who established ranchos in the early 19th century—are highlighted through artifacts, stories, and interactive displays, showing how their legacy continues in local farms and place names today.
Other Events
Edwardian Ball – 25th Anniversary
January 30–31
San Francisco
Regency Ballroom
1300 Van Ness Avenue
Break out your corsets and high top hats. Once again, San Francisco’s Regency Ballroom will be filled with dancing, hijinks, acrobatics and plenty of carnival-esque costumery as music, theater and fashion converge on several stages at the world famous Edwardian Ball over two decadent evenings. And this year marks its 25h anniversary! Don’t miss the chance to commemorate this milestone in the most fabulous way.
Interested in getting your event posted? Click here for more info.
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.
