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 eclectic fundraisers and community events; take your pick of worthy causes to support.
Annual Fairs & Festivals | Arts, Theater & Lectures | Comedy | Community | Film | Food & Drink | Fundraisers & Galas | Museums | Music | Outdoor Fun | Other Events
Get Involved: Community Happenings
College of Marin Centennial Gala, Catholic Charities 28th Annual Awards Celebration, 10,000 Degrees’ ONE Amazing Community Gala, Great Chefs & Wineries, Paths to Possibility 5K, Rising Up Together NGS 2026 Gala, Ritter Center Under the Stars
Fundraisers & Galas
Hot Tickets, Media Partners & Premium Calendar Listings
College of Marin Centennial Gala
April 4
Novato
Bill & Adele Jonas Center
1800 Ignacio Boulevard
415.883.2211
Join us for a “Roaring Twenties” evening as we raise funds that support student scholarships, ensuring every student has the chance to pursue their dreams.
Catholic Charities 28th Annual Awards Celebration
April 17
San Francisco
Merchants Exchange Building
465 California Street
215.597.8787
Purchase your tickets today for the Catholic Charities 28th Annual Loaves and Fishes Awards Celebration.
10,000 Degrees’ ONE Amazing Community Gala
April 25
San Rafael
Marin Civic Center Exhibit Hall
10 Avenue of the Flags
Join us and savor cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, mingle, meet alumni, staff, and hear stories of impact! See what happens when a community chooses action!
Celebration.
Great Chefs & Wineries
April 25
San Francisco
Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason
2 Marina Boulevard #260 Suite
Sip, savor, and celebrate! Join the Bay Area’s premier food and wine event supporting Lifehouse. World-
class chefs, fine wines, and unforgettable moments await.
Paths to Possibility 5K
April 26
San Rafael
Marin Civic Center Lagoon
160 Armory Drive
The Paths to Possibility 5K is a family-friendly event supporting The Helix School, bringing the community together for an inclusive morning of movement and connection.
Rising Up Together NGS 2026 Gala
April 26
San Rafael
Next Gen Scholar House
1018 E. Street
Enjoy an evening of connection & community, all in support of NGS students and their goal to be the first in their families to attend college.
Ritter Center Under the Stars
April 30
San Rafael
The Clubhouse at Peacock Gap
333 Biscayne Drive
Proceeds support Ritter Center’s mission to prevent and resolve homelessness and improve the health, dignity and well-being of people living in poverty in Marin County.
Annual Fairs & Festivals
Twin Cities Easter Egg Hunts
April 3–4
Larkspur & Corte Madera
Piper Park in Larkspur
250 Doherty Drive
415.927.5110
Town Park in Corte Madera
498 Tamalpais Drive
These Twin Cities traditions are always a hit for the family. Friday night’s Flashlight Egg Hunt in Larkspur will thrill the kids, while the next morning’s Corte Madera hunt rewards them.
Sausalito Easter Egg Hunt and Parade
April 4
Sausalito
Caledonia Street and Dunphy Park, Bridgeway at Napa Street
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 $3,000 in prizes from local businesses and restaurants to be found. Word on the street is that the Easter Bunny may make an appearance, too!
Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
April 11–12 & 18–19
San Francisco
Japantown Peace Plaza
1610 Geary Boulevard
Taiko drumming, steaming ramen, and the beautiful flowers of cherry blossoms! Head south to San Francisco’s Japantown for two weekends of events showcasing Japanese and Japanese-American culture.
Butter and Eggs Day Parade and Festival
April 18
Petaluma
Begins at Petaluma Historical Library and Museum
20 Fourth Street
707.762.9348
Petaluma’s agricultural history shines in the 43rd 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.
Record Store Day at Watts Music
April 18
Novato
Watts Music
1211 Grant Avenue
415.897.2892
This annual event is designed to support local, independent record stores. With Gen Z consuming more physical formats for entertainment, it’s no wonder the 20th year is the biggest yet. Visit this beloved Downtown Novato institution — which has been there since 1979 — for special releases or your desert island picks.
Re-Loved and Re-Sourced Market
April 25
Mill Valley
Mill Valley Community Center
180 Camino Alto
415.383.1370
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.
Earth Day Marin 2026
April 26
Mill Valley
Mill Valley Community Center
180 Camino Alto
415.383.1370
Enjoy green exhibits, fun activities, art, music and talks about climate action. Expected to be the largest Earth Day event in Marin, it features over 50 exhibits hosted by green businesses, environmental and community groups building a more just and sustainable world.
Arts, Theater & Lectures
Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill – The Musical at Novato Theater Company
Thru April 12
Novato
Novato Theater Company
5420 Nave Drive
415.883.4498
This powerful and timely musical inspired by Alanis Morissette’s groundbreaking 1995 album follows the Healys, a seemingly-perfect suburban family navigating messy truths beneath the surface. With classic songs like “You Oughta Know” and “Ironic,” this Tony Award-winning show is a celebration of resilience and authenticity.
ODC Dance Jam 2026 Presents: Reminiscence
April 4-5
San Francisco
ODC Theater
3153 17th Street
415-549-8534
Established in 1996, the Jam offers a rigorous program of cross training in contemporary, ballet, Pilates, composition, and rehearsals. Reminiscence celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Dance Jam, reflecting the remarkable journey of passionate young dancers throughout the recent decades.
San Francisco Art Fair
April 16–19
San Francisco
Fort Mason Festival Pavilion
2 Marina Boulevard
212.518.6912
Formerly Art Market SF, this fair invites thousands of visitors to view and buy an impressive selection of contemporary and modern pieces from more than 85 contemporary and modern art galleries.
La Comedia of Errors at Marin Shakespeare Company
April 18, 19, 25 & 26
San Rafael
Marin Shakespeare Company
514 Fourth Street
415.499.4488
Don’t miss this bilingual, joyful adaptation brimming with music, physical comedy, and cultural collision. This unique, vibrant reimagining of Shakespeare’s tale of mistaken identity as a telenovela, creating a fast, funny, multilingual celebration for all ages.
Javier Zamora in conversation with Albert Flynn DeSilver
April 25
San Geronimo
San Geronimo Valley Community Center
6350 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
415.927.0960
Javier Zamora is widely celebrated for his powerful, intimate writing that explores migration, identity, and belonging. Born in El Salvador, Zamora came to the United States by himself at the age of nine and later lived in the Canal District of San Rafael—an experience that profoundly shapes his work. His bestselling memoir, Solito, and his poetry have resonated with readers nationwide for their lyrical language and deeply human storytelling.
Comedy
Mo Amer
April 3–4
San Francisco
Cobbs Comedy Club
915 Columbus Avenue
415.928.4320
Best of SF Comedy Competition
April 4
San Rafael
Marin Center Showcase Theater
20 Avenue of the Flags
415.473.5062
Approaching its 50th anniversary, the competition enjoys a unique talent pool of over 1,000 participants. Many acts don’t end up in Hollywood or New York due to day job and/or family situations (such as headliner Mike Baldwin, who returned to Wichita when his grandmother needed him). Don’t miss the best under-the-radar comedic talent around.
Steve Barkley and Larry “Bubbles” Brown at Trek Winery
April 25
Novato
Trek Winery
1026 Machin Avenue
415.899.9883
Enjoy a delicious selection of award-winning wines, while enjoying two of the best comedic veterans around. Steve Barkley was a winner on ABC’s America’s Funniest People, while Larry “Bubbles” Brown still draws crowds for the comedic skills showcased on Last Comic Standing and the Late Show with David Letterman.
Film
23rd Annual International Ocean Film Festival
April 2, 10, 11 & 12
San Rafael & San Francisco
Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael
1118 4th Street
Cowell Theater in San Francisco
Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture
2 Marina Boulevard
415.561.6251
Explore the deep ocean with groundbreaking films about seas and underwater ecosystems at this singular film fest. A first look happens at San Rafael’s Smith Rafael Film Center on Fourth Street, while the opening night and three-day festival occurs across the bridge.
San Francisco International Film Festival
April 24–May 4
Multiple cities throughout the Bay Area
Various venues
415.561.5000
The longest running film festival in the Americas, the 69th annual SFFilm Festival attracts top filmmakers nationally as well as locally for a packed 10 days of premieres, parties and filmmaker chats. Don’t miss the premiere of I Love Boosters from Oakland auteur Boots Riley.
Food & Drink
Bay Area Brew Fest
April 18
San Francisco
Presidio Main Lawn
95 Anza Avenue
415.561.4323
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 properly nourished.
UC Marin Master Gardeners “Annual Tomato Market”
April 18
Greenbrae & Novato
Bon Air Shopping Center – Greenbrae
50 Bon Air Center
Pini Ace Hardware – Novato
191 San Marin Drive
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.
Stags Leap District “Vineyard to Vintner”
April 24–26
Throughout Yountville and Napa Valley
Various host wineries and vineyards
707.255.1720
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.
Museums
Dino Days at the California Academy of Sciences
Throughout April
San Francisco
Golden Gate Park
55 Music Concourse Drive
415.379.8000
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.
Set Up Situations at Marin MOCA
Thru April 26
San Rafael
Marin Museum of Contemporary Art
1210 Fifth Avenue
415.506.0137
Curated by Julio Cesar Morales, this collection invites viewers to consider the emotional and psychological textures embedded within images. The title draws inspiration from a strategy coined by Japanese visual artist Koki Tanaka.
Call of the Sea Tall Ship Celebration – Family Fun on the Waterfront
April 25
Sausalito
Bay Model Visitor Center
2100 Bridgeway
415.331.3214
This free, all-ages event is a local crowd pleaser. Bring the family to enjoy free tours of the brigantine MATTHEW TURNER and the Bay Model, then see a traditional rope-making demo. Highlights include educational activities by the Sailing Science Center.
Rancho Roots: The Californio Legacy of Marin
Thru June 6
San Rafael
Marin History Museum – Boyd Gate House
1125 B Street
415.382.1182
This bilingual exhibit highlights the history of and life on ranchos through artifacts, family stories and interactive displays. It also connects the past to the present, showcasing how the ranchos’ legacy is still reflected today in Marin’s farms — and location names.
Music
Keb’ Mo’ at SFJAZZ
April 2–5
San Francisco
Miner Auditorium
201 Franklin Street
866.920.5299
L.A.’s Keb’ Mo’ is an iconic artist who helped re-introduce electric blues into the pop music mainstream. The Grammy-winning guitarist, singer/songwriter gained worldwide fame by embracing the country-blues style of Robert Johnson and combining it with modern blues, R&B, and soul. Don’t miss this residency promoting his album Room on the Porch.
The Strokes
April 6
San Francisco
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
99 Grove Street
510.548.3010
For an entire generation of music fans, New York quintet the Strokes spearheaded what many consider the last great age of rock back in the early 2000s. To whet the Bay Area’s appetite for its Outside Lands appearance later this year, the group plays a beloved old haunt that happens to be one of the best mid-sized venues around.
Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket
April 8
Novato
HopMonk Novato
224 Vintage Way
415.892.6200
For 40+ years as lead singer/songwriter of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Glen Phillips has created elegant folk-tinged alt-rock with introspective lyrics that gained legions of fans. He’s also released acclaimed solo albums and worked with Mutual Admiration Society (featuring members of Nickel Creek). Don’t miss this ’90s icon in this cozy venue.
Marshall Crenshaw with James Mastro
April 9
Mill Valley
Sweetwater Music Hall
19 Corte Madera Avenue
415.892.6200
Over the course of a career that’s spanned three decades, 13 albums, Grammy and Golden Globe nominations, film and TV appearances (Buddy Holly in La Bamba) and thousands of performances, Marshall Crenshaw’s musical output has reflected quality and passion that’s free of trends and time.
Masterworks 3: Bartok & de Falla at the Marin Symphony
April 11–12
Kentfield
College of Marin, James Dunn Theatre
835 College Avenue
415.479.8100
Marin Symphony Concertmaster Ani Bukujian returns as soloist in two great pieces for violin, Bartok’s first Violin Concerto and Chausson’s lovely Poeme. The rest of the program centers on works by Mason Bates, Ginastera, and de Falla.
Candlelight Concerts in Sonoma County
April 18
Sonoma
Sebastiani Theatre
476 1st Street East
707.996.2020
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to the North Bay. Surrounded by gorgeous candles, a local string quartet performs both classical and pop music standards to make for unforgettable evenings. “From Classical to Pop” explores Bach and the Beatles, while the tribute to Fleetwood Mac provides a new take on a beloved rock catalogue.
Outdoor Fun
Cal Parks Earth Day Cleanups
Throughout April
Various locations throughout the Bay Area
415.262.4400
California State Parks holds a variety of Earth Day stewardship and cleanup events in Bay Area locations, such as Angel Island and China Camp. While Earth Day is on April 22nd, a cleanup event can be done anytime!
Marin Wildflower Walks
Throughout April
Various towns in Marin County
415.473.6387
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.
Free Day to Visit a National Park
April 19–27
Parks throughout the Bay Area
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 start on 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.
San Rafael Clean & Green Day
April 22
San Rafael
Downtown San Rafael, City Plaza
1000 4th Street
415.849.1874
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. All volunteers will be give FREE gelato donated by Hot Italian!
Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival
April 24–26
Point Reyes Station
Various locations throughout town
415.663.9312
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 18th year of this West Marin nature extravaganza. You might even spot an owl or two.
Other Events
New Living Expo
April 17–19
San Rafael
Marin Center Exhibit Hall
20 Avenue of the Flags
415.473.6800
The Bay Area’s premier event for exploring conscious living, holistic health, spirituality and personal transformation has been around for over 20 years. Experience dynamic workshops, panel discussions and lectures from renowned speakers covering everything from ancient wisdom to cutting-edge science and wellness.
Painted Bins’ Trash Bash
April 23
Mill Valley
Mill Valley Community Center
180 Camino Alto
415.847.7126
Painted Bins closes the loop on the recycling of food and helps cities lead by example in the fight against food waste. This event spotlights Marin elementary and middle school students as climate leaders, featuring student speakers, interactive stations with student artwork and the presentation of Painted Bins’ Climate Educator Award, honoring an outstanding teacher.
“Bears in Marin” with the North Bay Bear Collaborative
April 28
Tiburon
Belvedere Tiburon Library
1501 Tiburon Boulevard
415.789-2661
Did you know we have black bears in Marin County? Step into the hidden world of North Bay black bears with naturalist and educator Meghan Walla-Murphy, founder of the North Bay Bear Collaborative (NBBC). Hear how scientists and local communities are studying these remarkable animals and learning to coexist, as black bears return to the North Bay. Plus, learn simple steps we can each take to share the landscape safely.
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.
