April Calendar

The arrival of spring is all about renewal: wildflower hikes, outdoor gatherings and barbecues, and of course, the Easter bunny and egg hunts. It’s also prime season for myriad fundraisers and community events — take your pick of causes to get behind.

Annual Fairs & Festivals | Arts, Theater & Lectures | Comedy | Film | Fundraisers & Galas | Music | Museums | Outdoor Fun | Other Events

Fundraisers & Galas

Hot Tickets, Media Partners & Premium Calendar Listings

2026 Date TBD Lifehouse Great Chefs and Wineries

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Lifehouse, a Marin County-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support services to individuals with developmental disabilities, will host its annual Great Chefs and Wineries Gala on April 5. It’s always an elegant affair, featuring culinary delights and fine wines from 50 of the Bay Area’s most renowned chefs and wineries. Rock legend Huey Lewis serves as honorary chair, Insalata’s chef Heidi Krahling is culinary host, and Sid Sall chairs the wine committee. Photos: Drew Altizer Photography

2026 Date TBD MarinHealth Foundation Gala

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The community supporting MarinHealth Foundation will gather in black tie attire to celebrate this year’s fundraiser, Come Sail Away. Benefactors of the hospital dine and dance the night away to support MarinHealth’s Breast Health Program. Photos by Drew Altizer Photography.

2026 Date TBD International Ocean Film Festival

The world’s oceans are acutely experiencing the effects of climate change, and the International Ocean Film Foundation is dedicated to reversing our oceans’ decline. This yearly fundraiser supports marine ecosystems by screening groundbreaking films about ocean-related topics.

2026 Date TBD Marin Charitable Spring Fling

Get swept away to the magical land of Oz at Marin Charitable’s annual fundraiser. The “Wicked” themed event at Marin Country Club promises a magical shopping experience and a delicious lunch. All proceeds benefit Marin Charitable’s grant program for Marin’s at-risk youth.

2026 Date TBD Marin Athletic Foundation Benefit Golf Tournament

Each year, the Marin Athletic Foundation raises funds to support Marin’s high school athletes and ensure they have a safe athletic experience. Community support raised from the tournament help the county’s high schools to provide services such as baseline concussion testing, safety equipment, and athletic trainers; plus it supports scholarships for the foundation’s yearly Outstanding Student-Athlete award winners.

2026 Date TBD SFMOMA’s Art Bash 

Photo by Drew Altizer

SFMOMA’s much anticipated Art Bash, the museum’s signature fundraising event, is a night of dinner, cocktails and dancing from the first floor atrium to the rooftop pavilion. Installation artists transform the iconic museum into an immersive playground of creativity and community.

2026 Date TBD Bridge the Gap’s Vines and Vision Gala

Sausalito’s Bridge the Gap hosts its annual Vines & Vision Gala—2025 marks its 30th year—to support its work on educational justice. The evening features a wine tasting event and live auction to gather financial resources towards the nonprofit’s mission to provide educational, social and emotional resources to underserved students in Marin City and Southern Marin.

2026 Date TBD California Academy of Sciences’ Big Bang Gala

Celebrate the marvels of California’s diverse ecosystems—from majestic coastlines to breathtaking peaks—at the museum’s annual Big Bang Gala. Learn more about the Academy’s Thriving California initiative, which harnesses scientific data and mobilizes communities to fight climate change, stop biodiversity loss, and advocate for nature across the state. The evening includes a sustainably-sourced uniquely California dining experience and a keynote speaker, and wraps up with Party After Dark.

2026 Date TBD Huckleberry Youth’s Hearts in Harmony Benefit

The Hearts in Harmony Benefit in San Francisco brings together hundreds of hearts in support of Huckleberry’s youth programs rooted in safety, health, justice and education which serve communities in Marin and San Francisco. It will feature inspiring guest speakers, delicious food, cocktails, wine and dessert, plus dancing and music.

2026 Date TBD Play Marin’s Player’s Night Fundraiser

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Local nonprofit Play Marin, in partnership with Marin Magazine, brings back its annual ‘adult playdate’ fundraiser in Sausalito with dinner, drinks, music and a whole lotta games, “cuz grownups are players too.” All proceeds go to support Play Marin’s play-based programs, which create solidarity, friendships and skill-building amongst Marin’s youth.

2026 Date TBD Opening Night Party for the San Francisco Decorator Showcase

This annual preview event leading up to the monthlong SF Decorator’s Showcase benefitting San Francisco University High School’s Financial Aid Program lets partygoers sip fine beverages, savor delicious hors d’oeuvres and have the opportunity to be the first to see the transformed and exquisitely detailed estate featured that year.

2026 Date TBD 10,000 Degrees’ One Amazing Community Gala

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10,000 Degrees, a Marin-based nonprofit instrumental in setting up students from low-income backgrounds for college success, welcomes guests to its annual One Amazing Community fundraising gala. The event gathers donations for the organization’s programs and scholarships, benefiting students from the eight Bay Area counties that 10,000 Degrees serves, and celebrates educational equity. Photos by Rachel Clark.

2026 Date TBD Marin Ballet Extravadance Gala & Fundraiser

For over 60 years, Marin Ballet has contributed to the arts and cultural enrichment of Marin County. The organization offers ballet classes for students of all levels and ages, including adults, and their Laurie Klein Scholarship Fund provides students financial assistance to increase accessibility and diversity in ballet. Support the company’s efforts at their annual gala and fundraiser this April.

2026 Date TBD Marin Open Studios Benefit for Art

Shadow of Mt. Tam by Doug Herr

Head over to the chic Sausalito Center for the Arts for an evening fundraising event to support Marin Open Studio’s mission of empowering artists and creating accessible art experiences. Attendees can unlock surprises in the historic vault during the pick-a-treasure game, sip on wines from the wine pull, feast on gourmet fare from Insalata’s and other local restaurants, and bid on incredible vacation stays. Event proceeds also support Drawbridge, which provides free arts programs for underserved Bay Area children.

2026 Date TBD Children 4 Change Challenge

The annual Children for Change Challenge brings families together with community leaders and nonprofit partners for a day of youth-led advocacy and volunteer activities. Families enjoy food, music and community alongside partner organizations like Multicultural Center of MarinLove is the Answer, Cedars and others.

Events

Through April Marin Wildflower Walks 

Photo by Jessica Weinberg McClosky / Parks Conservancy

April means spring flowers, and Marin’s open space promises them in abundance. Marin County Parks hosts multiple guided wildflower hikes throughout April, including trails on Ring Mountain, Mount Burdell/Olompais, Rock Spring and Baltimore Canyon. 

Through April Cal Parks Earth Day Cleanups 

California State Parks holds a variety of Earth Day stewardship and cleanup events in Bay Area locations, such as Angel Island and China Camp. 

Through April Dino Days at the California Academy of Sciences 

Courtesy of the California Academy of Sciences

This spring, sink your teeth into prehistoric fun as animatronic dinosaurs come to life in the California Academy of Sciences’ outdoor gardens. Marvel at 11 different ancient dinosaurs that ruled the Earth millions of years ago, including the massive and mighty Tyrannosaurus rex.

2026 Date TBD Hamlet

Tony Award-nominated Eddie Izzard brings her acclaimed solo performance of Hamlet to San Francisco’s ACT. Infused with her signature wit and storytelling, Izzard brings to life 23 characters in a dynamic new staging of Williams Shakespeare’s iconic play.

2026 Date TBD Jorma Kaukonen with Special Guest John Hurlbut

Photo by Bob Minkin Photography

The progenitor of psychedelic rock and a founding member of Jefferson Airplane, Kaukonen is considered by many a music legend. Don’t miss the chance to see this Rock & Rock Hall of Famer at Sweetwater Music Hall.

2026 Date TBD Ruth Asawa: Retrospective

This new exhibit at SFMOMA presents the full range of San Francisco artist Asawa, offering an in-depth look at her expansive output and inspirations through more than 300 artworks.

2026 Date TBD Sausalito Woman’s Club Scholarship Fundraiser

Join Sausalito Woman’s Club for “Starlight Lounge,” a night to remember, with food, cocktails, music and more. This fundraising event benefits the club’s scholarship fund for students located in the Sausalito Marin City School District who are or plan to attend college, vocational school or art school. All in all, you can have fun while supporting local scholars.

2026 Date TBD A Prayer for Peace, presented by New Century Chamber Orchestra

San Francisco-based composer Jungyoon Wie’s latest work, A Prayer for Peace, makes its West Coast debut at this intimate setting performance in Belvedere. Also featured: Adolphus Hailstork’s opulent Sonata da Chiesa, and Richard Strauss’s late-in-life string masterpiece, Metamorphosen.

2026 Dates TBD Broken Love

Fans of Frida Kahlo’s surrealist art will appreciate this duo of short performances by the San Francisco Ballet: Broken Wings explores the life of the celebrated Mexican painter; followed by Marguerite and Armand, a story of fervent love, heartbreak, sacrifice, and forgiveness.

2026 Dates TBD SIX The Musical

Photo by Joan Marcus 

The electrifying, Tony Award-winning musical is back by popular demand at San Francisco’s Curran Theatre—as the six wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st century girl power.

2026 Dates TBD ODC Dance Downtown

Photo courtesy of ODC/Dance

A weekend of exhilarating movement takes over the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts with the presentation of ODC/Dance’s Dance Downtown. The thought-provoking works invite audiences into the reflective, uplifting and provocative power of dance.

2026 Date TBD Cesar Chavez & Dolores Huerta Holiday Parade and Festival 

Honor labor activists and United Farm Workers co-founders Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta in this yearly parade through San Francisco’s Mission District. A festival finishes out the afternoon with food, dancing and lots of union and Hispanic pride. 

2026 Date TBD The Great Tomato Market 

Gardener holds a box of tomato starts at the UC Marin Annual Tomato Market.
Photo by Buzzed Media for Bon Air Center

At this popular Spring event for home gardeners (pro tip: come early!), UC Marin’s Master Gardeners sell tomato starts designed specially for growing in Marin gardens. This yearly fundraiser supports educational programming and community gardens organized by this extension of the University of California, which aims to sustain Marin’s environment and agriculture. Simultaneous events are happening day-of at the Bon Air Center in Greenbrae and at Pini Ace Hardware in Novato.

2026 Dates TBD Churchill

In this one-man show, British actor Daniel Payne brings to life Winston Churchill, who poignantly (and amusingly) talks about his constant battles with fellow politicians in Britain, his special relationship with America and two special women in his life — his wife Clementine and Queen Elizabeth II.

2026 Dates TBD 58th Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival 

A dancer in traditional Japanese dance performing in the Parade for the April event, San Francisco's Cherry Blossom Festival.
Photo by Mark Shigenaga

Taiko drumming, steaming ramen and the beautiful flowers of cherry blossoms — head to San Francisco’s Japantown for two weekends of events showcasing Japanese and Japanese American culture. 

2026 Date TBD History of Point Reyes and Tomales Bay with Dewey Livingston

Presented by the Marin History Museum, historian and author Livingston discusses the highlights of his new book about the intriguing history of Point Reyes and Tomales Bay.

2026 Dates TBD San Francisco International Film Festival 

A row of movie watchers in a dark theater at the San Francisco International Film Festival April event
Photo by Tommy Lau, courtesy of SFFilm

The longest running film festival in the Americas, the 68th annual SFFilm Festival attracts top filmmakers nationally as well as locally for a packed 10 days of premieres, parties and filmmaker chats. If anyone sees Greta Gerwig, please get me an autograph. 

2026 Date TBD Butter and Eggs Day Parade and Festival

A man waves from a green vintage car, with a sign saying "Butter and Eggs" for Petaluma's annual Butter and Eggs Day Parade
Photo by Jim Johnson

Petaluma’s agricultural history shines in the 42nd annual parade celebrating the community and local business. Keep an eye out for local celebrity Clover the Cow, who always makes an appearance. There’s also a Cutest Chick Contest for the little ones, and a full day of festival events including music, food, give-aways and more.

2026 Date TBD Sausalito Easter Egg Hunt and Parade

For many, Sausalito is ground-zero for candy-filled egg treasure hunters at the city’s annual Easter egg hunt. Even grownups can get in on the action during the 21-and-over adult egg hunt, with more than $3000 in prizes from local businesses and restaurants to be found. Word on the street is that the Easter Bunny may make an appearance, too!

2026 Date TBD Free Day to Visit a National Park

Photo courtesy of National Park Service

Every year, the National Park Service grants a handful of free days for national parks around the country including the first day of National Parks Week in the Spring—which happens to be April 19 this year. Check out some of our great nationally parks nearby, like Muir Woods or Pinnacles or seize the opportunity to escape to far-flung places like Yosemite, Sequoia or even Death Valley.

2026 Date TBD Bay Area Brew Fest 

Empty pint glass sits in front of a view of the Golden Gate Bridge for Bay Area Brew Fest in San Francisco
Photo courtesy of Bay Area Brew Fest

For one day only, 70+ breweries set up shop on the Presidio Main Lawn. Admission includes unlimited samples from participating breweries, plus access to food trucks to keep you sane.

2026 Date TBD San Rafael Clean & Green Day

Help spruce up downtown San Rafael and the West End Village for Earth Day! Volunteers will be removing graffiti, polishing up parking meters and sidewalk fixtures, pulling spring weeds and removing litter—all to beautify the area.

2026 Dates TBD Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival 

A burrowing owl seen in Point Reyes National Seashore, representing the annual Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival
Photo by Carlos Porrata

Did you know that Pt. Reyes National Seashore boasts the most avian diversity of any U.S. national park? Unplug for the weekend and enjoy the 16th year of this West Marin nature extravaganza. You might even spot an owl or two.

2026 Dates TBD Stags Leap District Vineyard to Vintner

A green field with lawn chairs in front of a stone-brick winery, with people drinking wine in the chairs
Photo by Bob McClenahan.

This annual weekend of exceptional wine celebrates the Stags Leap AVA in style. Attendees can connect with winemakers in intimate tastings and events, like Saturday’s “Taste of the Neighborhood” walk-around tasting and luncheon, or the “Savor Sunday” private experiences, which take place at your choice of four member wineries.

2026 Date TBD WildCare’s Family Nature Day

WildCare‘s annual Family Nature Day at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary always draws in animal lovers of all ages. Along with fostering a love and appreciation of nature and wildlife, the event features “Mrs. T’s Nature Scavenger Hunt,” a game to learn more about birds and how they fly. WildCare’s live Wildlife Ambassador animals will also make an appearance; past animals include Milo the opossum and Mohave the desert tortoise.

2026 Date TBD SF Scottish Fiddlers’ Stravaig Spring Concert

An ensemble of fiddlers and cellists in Scottish garb perform on a stage
Photo by Amy Luper.

A Celtic musical adventure at Dominican University’s Angelico Hall in San Rafael, this performance will transport you to Scotland with the sound of 65+ musicians playing fiddle, cello, guitar, percussion and more. Renowned fiddler Alasdair Fraser leads the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers ensemble in a program of soul-stirring, family-friendly tunes. 

2026 Date TBD Re-Loved and Re-Sourced Market

Time to clean out your closet and find some new gems for your wardrobe! The Mill Valley Community Center is hosting a day dedicated to sustainable fashion and creativity, bringing together a community of fashion enthusiasts and eco-conscious shoppers.

Interested in getting your event posted? Click here for more info.


Give Back When You Go Out: Volunteer

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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.