Believe it or not, 2025 is nearly behind us. And while the start of the year probably feels like a distant memory to most, a review of all that happened in Marin reveals a year jam-packed with events, milestones, community efforts and more. To show our readers just how much has taken place over the last 12 months, we’ve pulled together a recap of 2025. We also asked the local chambers and our community partners to reflect on the last year.
What you’ll find is a community that played host to everything from a record breaking burger event and a fair dedicated to fungi, to several No Kings protests and an amazing county-wide effort to help residents who lost their SNAP benefits. We came out, had fun and supported one another — further proof of how vibrant and engaged our county truly is.
WINTER 2025
Fungus Among Us
January 5
Educational programming by way of Alice in Wonderland was the spore of honor at fungus festival Wild in Marin. Marking its fifth year of festivities, the Mycological Society of Marin ensured its affair tripped the light fantastic by way of a day filled with science, food, music and guest speakers all devoted to the fascinating topic of mushrooms.
OMGaGa
Mill Valley’s Sophia Jewelers made national news by creating Lady Gaga’s stunning 8 carat engagement ring.
At Capacity
February 11
To honor Black History Month, Marin Magazine collaborated with Felecia Gaston, PhD candidate David Duncan and Community Schools Director at Sausalito Marin City School District Phil Logan to host a screening of a 1965 BBC documentary on desegregation in Marin City.
Carrying Community Forward
For Vikki Garrod, Marin Community Foundation’s Chief of Staff & Communications, this year was about one word: community.
“What we’ve seen over the past year is that when things start to feel too overwhelming, too much to process, and that our actions and voices don’t matter, we turn to our own community to get us through,” Garrod says.
“And what a community we have! This year Marin has danced together from the Sausalito Jazz and Blues Fest to Parachute Days at Toby’s Feed Barn. Marin has marched the main streets of every town. It’s raised money for hardworking nonprofits that support students, pets, older folks, immigrants and more. It’s turned out for parades, car shows, art fairs, town concerts and wine strolls. This community has virtually eliminated veteran homelessness, upgraded Carnegie libraries, and advanced a plan to establish a permanent home for our world-class farmers market. And we’ve done it all together. We show up. And we need to keep showing up. Because showing up makes a community.”
2025 Marin Restaurant Scene in review: New Stars, Farewell Favorites, and What’s Coming Next
By Marin Dish
No doubt about it — the restaurant world is one of the toughest leagues around. This year, Marin’s dining scene delivered a full season of drama: promising rookies charging onto the field, beloved veterans retiring their jerseys, and a few familiar names staging bold comebacks.
Rookies of the Year
Fresh talent made a striking debut, infusing the local dining scene with inventive flavors and bold ideas. The Burren House Irish Pub & Kitchen and Tam Tavern hit the ground running, delighting guests with hearty comfort fare and lively pours. Suvai and Troya brought adventurous global flavors and warm, welcoming atmospheres, while MJ Sushi and Hot Italian pizza bar showcased that precision and passion can still captivate a crowd. Rounding out the impressive lineup were Mog Asu Wine Bar, Marujun, Everest Curry and Momo House, and Humble Cheeseburger, each adding a spark to the city’s culinary landscape.
Final Whistle
Every season has its heartbreaks, with some local favorites unable to make a comeback after the tough post-Covid seasons. Gravity Tavern, Moylan’s Brewery & Restaurant, and Sweet Ginger all closed, while newcomers like Mijo struggled to find its footing. These closures leave behind countless loyal fans and fond memories.
Scouting the 2026 Lineup
The upcoming season looks strong, with some exciting additions waiting in the wings. Tartine Bakery and Cholita Linda are set to join the team at Strawberry Village, while Lighthouse Bar & Grill will light up the old Seafood Peddler spot. Newcomers Hokkaido Omakase and Cultivar are gearing up to add some more sparkle to Sausalito, and Feerma Mediterranean Grill & Bar is suiting up in downtown Larkspur.
A few familiar faces will also return to the field. Tony Tutto’s is making a welcome return to Ross under new ownership, and Marin Joe’s is getting a well-deserved refresh. Hilda’s in San Anselmo will also reopen soon, while Pat Townsley (Creekside Pizza) is taking it over with a secret investor.
As the next dining season kicks off, one thing is for certain: Marin’s culinary lineup remains as dynamic and resilient as ever. Whether you’re scouting new talent or revisiting old favorites, there’s always something to cheer for at the table.
Sausalito Showed Up!
Hundreds for Sausalito, Marin City and others from Marin showed up to a packed house at the Bay Model to learn, listen and contribute to a discussion on climate change solutions. The event was held by the City of Sausalito.
Hurray for Health
March 1
By the Bay Health celebrated 50 years in grand style at its Black & Gold Gala at Peacock Gap in San Rafael. The black-tie event was a dazzling evening of elegance and purpose, and brought together supporters, healthcare leaders and community members to honor the organization’s five decades of compassionate care.
SPRING 2025
20 Years, 240(ish) Issues
April 6
To mark two decades of being on the local scene, Marin Magazine celebrated in style at Marin Art and Garden Center .[which also celebrated its 80th year] Co-founders Jim and Nikki Wood were joined by former co-founding partner, Lisa Shanower, as well as many former staffers, longtime partners and the community. Dan Derkin oversaw the music, catering was done by Stacey Scott, and Stacey Dillon of North Design ensured the afternoon fit the bill as “the ultimate garden party.”
Feather Fiends
April 25-27
Local bird enthusiasts flocked together for the 16th annual Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival. The event took advantage of Pt. Reyes National Seashore’s bragging rights as the national park with the highest level of avian diversity anywhere in the US. “What’s even more dramatic is that all this is within a two-hour drive of over six million people,”says David Wimpfheimer, festival co-founder, guide, and EAC Board Director. “The Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival is one of the best ways to meet new friends, learn about the incredible biodiversity, and experience over 170+ species of birds, a plethora of wildlife in one weekend, all while giving back to an organization that has been making waves and protecting the coast since 1971.” This year’s keynotes were author Amy Tan, bird and illustrator, Keith Hansen, mountain lion expert, Dr. Quinton Martins, and the California White Shark Project.
Two in the Hand
Spring
Fourteen years after opening their original boutique store in SF’s Noe Valley, the esteemed Two Birds brand opened a second location with a new shop on Larkspur’s Magnolia Avenue.
Velella Here, Velella There – Velella Velella Everywhere:
Remember when thousands of these blue hydrozoans covered our shores last April?
And then they were gone. Just another super cool flex by mother nature.
Sounds Far-Out
May 10-11
Why let film lovers have all the fun? Tunes were the only topic at the 2025 Mill Valley Music Festival. This year’s edition, which took place at Mill Valley’s aptly named Friends Field, was headlined by Grammy-winning guitar prodigy Gary Clark Jr. and funk and soul legends Nile Rogers & Chic.
Top Tunes
Speaking of Music in Mill Valley, over on Miller Avenue, Gary Scheuenstuhl has been keeping his hometown (and greater Marin) in music for a couple decades selling rare and collectable vinyl records. Sales figures for this year suggest folks were deep into their nostalgia when it came to their purchases reporting their top-selling albums of 2025 as Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors (#1) and Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon (#2) occupying the top two spots.
A Benefit with Bark
May 4
Hippies missing the glory of Woodstock and happily paired with a beloved pooch found plenty to howl over at pet-friendly benefit concert Woofstock, with proceeds going to the Marin Humane Society.
SUMMER 2025
Marin City Legacy Banners are Up!
A public art installation on Donahue Street, Drake Avenue, and Cole Drive that honors the Black shipyard workers and their families who were instrumental in founding the community during World War II.
Novato Art Wine & Music Festival 2025
June 7-8
The Novato Chamber hosted the beloved Novato Art Wine and Music Festival. Featuring live music all day for two days, one of a kind artisan booths, delicious food and of course regional wines and micro brews. The kids got to enjoy the fun, games, and even bunnies!
The Novato Festival is an annual tradition for many Novato and Marin County natives. Mark your calendars for next year’s event, June 13-14.
See Pop Shred
June 7
The fathers were in full force for the first annual Battle of the Dad Bands at Larkspur’s Piper Park. Ultimately, it was The Velvet Fog who proved triumphant, winning a gig at Novato’s Hopmonk Tavern in reward for the rock group’s mighty feat.
“It was such an amazing experience to share the stage with so many great local acts,” says Gabe Bryant, lead singer of The Velvet Fog. “When we were crowned the winners we all let out a victory howl and the beer started flowing in abundance. We were given a championship belt as the victors, it is hung with pride in our rehearsal space. Events like this make living in Marin such a magical experience. There’s no place like home!”
A Historic Lap
June 28
Nonprofit, volunteer-run organization Marin Swim League celebrated its 50th anniversary with a championship meet at College of Marin Indian Valley.
Welcome Home
August
Aegis Senior Living opened a new facility in downtown San Rafael, located in a Mission-style building. The new, 101-resident living space offers assisted living and advanced memory care, along with 24/7 onsite certified care managers and nurses, a packed activity schedule for residents, and wellness options like red-light therapy and gentle percussive massage therapy.
Revealed!
August 30
Turns out the mysterious author of Marin Lately, the hot new newsletter parodying life in the county has deep roots here and comes from publishing royalty – locals might remember his mom Adair Lara (raised in Lagunitas), and her popular column in the San Francisco Chronicle. His parents also published definitive histories of Petaluma and Mt. Tam, which are still in libraries today. Even Patrick’s stepdad was the cookbook editor at Chronicle Books.
“My career as a writer reflects a more insidious form of nepotism where you simply emulate your parents,” Patrick says. “Without them, I might never have entered this insanely lucrative industry.” Patrick has also written for the New York Times, the New Yorker and was part of the Emmy-winning newsroom at HBO’s Vice News Tonight. He may have an article about Belvedere in an upcoming issue of Town & Country.
Here Heij (pronounced like high) is captured exploring the Marin Headlands in 1992 (pre helmet laws) and “working on a manifesto of sorts” in 2006. This is him today.
30 Years of Aloha
August 23
Located at the base of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Tamalpais Outrigger Canoe Club honored “the tradition and culture of outrigger canoe paddling” by extending the Spirit of Aloha to everyone who chooses to paddle with them. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Club’s signature Kula Anela race, the group added a new, 16-mile course for the 2025 installment. Row on!
Big Change for Our Little Minds
August 25
Hooray for growing brains! They have plenty to look forward to learning following the groundbreaking of a new campus in Novato for North Bay Children’s Center (NBCC). After 39 years of serving North Bay youth, the new multimillion-dollar, 20,000-square-foot facility helmed by Susan Gilmore and her team now provides early childhood education and training for teachers, all while prioritizing sustainability and accessibility. Over 76% of children served by NBCC receive tuition assistance through the scholarships made possible through grants, State contracts, vouchers and donors.
Best of the County
August 29
In August over 300 marinites gathered to celebrate over 900 local businesses that make Marin the BEST place to live. Added bonus, 5th generation Marinite, Heidi Kuhn, brought white roses for each guest to launch her new World Peace Foundation, pointing out this that just over 80 years ago, the United Nations first met in Muir Woods – Now that’s true Flower Power!
FALL 2025
Doorbell Jingles
September 21
Local rock took center stage with a convenient twist during San Rafael PorchFest, featuring live bands playing throughout the Gerstle Park area. Per a public post from festival organizers following the 2025 edition, spirits were clearly soaring throughout the day. “We danced and sang in the streets! We hugged our friends and neighbors! We patted cute dogs! We ate delicious food! We had a blast,” says the organizer’s page.
A Home for Local Food & Agriculture
September 22
The non-profit Agriculture Institute of Marin (AIM) has a permanent home. This fall, AIM finalized a historic deal by agreeing to a new, 40-year lease that will also establish the Center for Food and Agriculture (CFA).
“This moment is the foundation of what we have all envisioned: a permanent, outdoor home for the Marin Farmers Market and a Food Innovation Hub that will serve farmers, chefs and the community for decades to come,” says AIM Chief Executive Officer Andy Naja-Riese.
Record Breakers
September 25
The dads of Marin Burger Club broke the world record for the biggest burger evaluation in history. The group of participants — 54 to be exact — gathered at Dillon Beach’s Coastal Kitchen to measure every component of their individual meals. Assisting their quest were a series of what the members of the group call “trademark precision instruments” (these included an app to score every burger, a bottle opener and a tool that includes rulers), and a lust for perfect patties and crispy fries that seemingly will never be quenched.
“For 12 years, a group of dads in Marin County has met once a month to rate burgers in our ongoing quest for the best in the world, starting right here in Marin.” says Marin Burger Club founder, Jason van den Brand. “The Marin Burger Club gives dads a space to navigate life’s ups and downs, support each other through work and fatherhood, talk openly about men’s health and remind ourselves that real connection still happens over something as simple as a burger.”
Big Birthday for Mill Valley
August 30 – September 1
2025 was a milestone year for Mill Valley, marking the 125th Anniversary of the city’s incorporation.
“It was an unbelievable achievement, driven by a ton of dedicated volunteers, many of whom spent years in the making of it all,” says Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce member Jim Welte. “It is incredibly important to celebrate all of the amazing people who made it happen — the list is just about endless, and it included members of our Mill Valley Chamber team, as well as a massive turnout by Chamber businesses.”
Sermon on the Mount
September 13
Mt. Tam Sound Summit celebrated its 10th anniversary with a festival atop the peak of Marin’s most iconic landmark. The lineup featured performances from Cake, Alvvays and Real Estate, along with a tribute to the late Sly Stone lead (who passed away in June) by Taj Mahal.
“Sound Summit 2025 was graced with blue summer skies by the weather gods, fantastic performances by all the artists, and joyful community vibes all around,” says event producer Michael Nash. “The annual event also helped fund the long-envisioned expansion of the Easy Grade Trail to provide cyclists a safe, car-free route from Pan Toll to the Mountain Theater.. The trail also bridges a long-standing gap in the [more than] 550-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail.”
Love your Job?
September
While we all know Marin is the best place to live, in September the Northbay Business Journal cited these Marin businesses as the best places to work (according to employee surveys) Marin Humane, Canal Alliance, Bank of Marin, Ghilotti Bros. Inc., Ghirardo CPA, Hennessy Advisors, Kiosk, Mike’s Bikes, North Marin Community Services,Visions Management, W. Bradley Electric LLC, WRA Inc., WX Brands, Vivalon.
10,000 Degrees Strikes Gold
October 8
San Rafael education nonprofit 10,000 Degrees received a seismic lifeline in the form of a record-breaking $45 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
“When I got the call that our team had been selected by Yield Giving, I was elated and surprised,” recalled Kim Mazzuca, President and CEO of 10,000 Degrees. “This $42 million gift from MacKenzie Scott is a game changer for us.”
Giving a Hoot
October
Happy Birthday to who? Happy Birthday to who! Congrats to Sequoia, we simply adore you! October saw Sequoia the Northern Spotted Owl mark her 20th anniversary in service as a top wildlife ambassador for San Rafael’s WildCare.
Lights, Camera, Marin
October 2-12
The Mill Valley Film Festival turned 48 in style with special appearances from A-list talent like actress Rose Byrne, director Spike Lee and Metallica co-founder Lars Ulrich.
Raise a Glass
October 18
The annual A Toast to Sausalito returned to Caledonia Street with record attendance, expanded family-friendly activities and a pop-up tiki bar provided by Sausalito’s Chamber of Commerce.
Taking It to the Streets
October 18
Protests took place across Marin County as part of the “No Kings” movement. At San Rafael’s Civic Center, a crowd of thousands gathered to hear speakers like San Rafael Rep. Jared Huffman, San Rafael Assemblymember Damon Connolly and Rev. Floyd Thompkins of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Marin City.
“Pick up for Uncle Tony”
November
Several local businesses showed up for Marin residents who lost their SNAP benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown by offering free meals. Local businesses like Mill Valley Past Co. and Fire Swamp Provisions created the code phrase “I’m picking up for Uncle Tony” as a way for a person to flag at the register that they needed additional help accessing food.
