Best of the County 2024 Readers’ Choice Arts & Entertainment

Arts & Entertainment

From museums, art galleries, music and film festivals, theater and more, here are the Best of the County Readers’ choice for Arts and Entertainment.

Our 2024 Arts & Entertainment category sponsor is Gene Hiller.

Art Works Downtown, San Rafael

Best Art Galleries in Marin County, Art Works Downtown
Photo courtesy of Art Works Downtown.

Expenses are rising in Marin and artists are at increasing risk of being priced out, but Art Works Downtown, a nonprofit art center, is committed to staying put with a mission to make art visible and accessible for the betterment of all. Drawing from the community as well as from the breadth of creators in the area, Art Works Downtown showcases art in all mediums to inspire the public and encourage aspiring artists to pursue their dreams. After a quarter of a century in business, it is as dedicated as ever to fostering unity and opportunity through the arts in a time where being an artist is getting harder and harder. Hours are 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Best Children’s Museum

Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito

Best Children’s Museum in Marin County, Bay Area Discovery Museum
Photo courtesy of Bay Area Discovery Museum.

A staple for school field trips, family weekends and summer camp excursions, the Bay Area Discovery Museum has been teaching and entertaining children since 1988. Perfect for kids 6 months to 10 years old, it’s filled with plenty of places for kids to explore and run around while learning about the Bay Area. Bring jackets as it can get chilly so close to the bay. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Best Comedy Venue

142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley

142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley, Best Comedy Venue Marin
Photo Courtesy of 142 Throckmorton Theatre.

Art and community are at the heart of everything the Throckmorton Theatre does. Take in the historical atmosphere and the gorgeous wall-to-ceiling murals as you find your seat in what they proudly call “a people’s theatre.” They offer more than just shows, however, also hosting workshops, dance classes, chorus and after-school programs for those who want to get two kinds of education at the same time. Check the website for show details. Tickets are available online, or on a first-come, first-serve basis one hour before the show

Best Community Event

Marin County Fair, San Rafael

ferris wheel at marin county fair
Photo courtesy of Marin County Fair.

Few events say “Marin County” quite like the county fair. For many, it’s a summer extravaganza that inspires nostalgia. For others, it’s their first time at the kind of classic fair that screams Americana in a way nothing else does. Between the colorful rides, mouth-watering fried food and prize-winning games, this is the perfect way to pass idyllic days of summertime.

Best Community Theater Marin

The Mountain Play

Mountain Play, June Summer Guide
Photo courtesy of Mountain Play.

The Mountain Play isn’t just a show — it’s an experience. Nowhere else makes a performance more immersive than here, where audiences can sit on steps of carven stone or enjoy private dining in the intimacy of a shaded grove. This outdoor theater is perfect for bringing a picnic or grabbing a refreshing snow cone from the cafe, allowing you to enjoy your food at the same time as you take in the gorgeous views and the pre-show entertainment. The Mountain Play also has accommodations for those with disabilities. Check the website for show details.

Best Film Festival

Mill Valley Film Festival, Mill Valley

San Rafael Film Center
Photo by Drew Altizer Photography.

What started out as a three-day event has sprawled into an 11-day extravaganza of film from around the world. Many filmmakers have been launched from this festival, being showcased with the best of American independent films and foreign films. But it’s not just up-and-comers that are on display. There’s always a number of high-profile contenders in the mix.

Best Live Music Venue

Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley

Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley, Best Live Music Venue Marin
Photo courtesy of Sweetwater Music Hall.

Sweetwater Music Hall’s mission statement is to feed the soul of Mill Valley and has been displaying this passion since the original Sweetwater opened in 1972. Bringing back the old days of roots & rock music, Sweetwater’s food, community and music have earned their way into the hearts of Mill Valley residents. Hours are Tuesday 5 p.m.9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Best Museum

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art (MarinMOCA), Novato

Photo courtesy of MarinMOCA.

With its constantly changing exhibits and displays, it’s no wonder that Marin MOCA is always drawing in a crowd. It boasts multiple galleries that host everything from student exhibits to educational programs to big names in the art world. Additionally, many artists have made their homes in one of the dozens of studios available to rent. Hours are Wednesday through Friday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Best Music Festival

Mill Valley Music Fest, Mill Valley

A crowd of people raise their arms toward the stage of Mill Valley Music Festival
Photo by Jon Bauer.

Conveniently located next to the Mill Valley Community Center, nestled below the verdant Mount Tamalpais, this two-day festival is a multi-genre mix of sound, lights and acts both local and national. That said, its focus is certainly on spreading the culture of Mill Valley through the Bay Area and beyond, drawing eyes to what this section of the county has to offer.

Best Outdoor Adventure

Seaplane Adventures

Team of Seaplane Adventures stands in front of orange seaplane and the San Francisco bay
Photo by Aaron Singer.

Craving to see San Francisco from a new point of view? Look no further than Seaplane Adventures Air Tours. See major San Francisco sites, like the Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz to name a few, from an aerial perspective. Whether you are interested in a tour at sunset with a glass of champagne, views of the Northern California coast or exclusive views of the Golden Gate Bridge, a Seaplane Adventure can be your next adventure.

Best of the County Arts & Entertainment Sponsor

Gene Hiller


Gene Hiller Logo

Gene Hiller Menswear has been providing American gentlemen with the very best clothing from brands like Canali and Brioni since 1953. Gene Hiller is also its own menswear brand designed in house and manufactured in Montreal, Italy and Spain. Owners Tom Gangitano and Wayne Kaleck share more about their storied business.