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.
Speaking of the outdoors, what better way to celebrate spring than attending a garden party? There’s a big one coming up on April 6, and you already know the celebrant: Marin Magazine! Held at the Marin Art & Garden Center, we’re gathering to celebrate our 20th anniversary, and to toast the people, places and things that make our community the best place to live. There will be live music, catered bites, hand-crafted cocktails and more. Buy your tickets at 270media.com/events. See you there!
Partner Events
On the Scene: Community Events
April 5 Lifehouse Great Chefs and Wineries
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
April 11 MarinHealth Foundation Gala
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.
April 11-13 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.
April 15 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.
April 22 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.
April 23 SFMOMA’s Art Bash
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.
April 24 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.
April 24 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.
April 25 Play Marin’s Player’s Night Fundraiser
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.
April 25 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.
April 26 10,000 Degrees’ One Amazing Community Gala
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.
April 26 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. Photos by Sara Abushaban and Sandy Lee.
April 27 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 Marin, Love is the Answer, Cedars and others.
Events
Through April Marin Wildflower Walks
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
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.
April 1–13 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.
Opens April 5 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.
April 4–5 Jorma Kaukonen with Special Guest John Hurlbut
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.
April 5 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.
April 6 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.
April 8-18 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.
April 10-13 ODC Dance Downtown
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.
April 12 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.
April 12 The Great Tomato Market
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.
April 12–13 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.
April 12-13 and 19-20 58th Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
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.
April 15 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.
April 17-27 San Francisco International Film Festival
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.
April 19 Butter and Eggs Day Parade and Festival
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.
April 19 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!
April 19 Free Day to Visit a National Park
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.
April 19 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.
April 22 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.
April 25-27 Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival
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.
April 26 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.
April 26 SF Scottish Fiddlers’ Stravaig Spring Concert
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.
April 27 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.
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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.
