Looking for a place to kick back and listen to some of the best live music in Marin County? Your search may be over. Check out the most beloved music venues around and find your next weekend hangout.
The 2026 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Sweetwater Music Hall (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Live Music Venue picks see below.
Our 2026 Arts & Entertainment category sponsor is MarinArts. View the rest of the Arts & Entertainment category here.
Photo: Bob Minkin Photography
Southern
Mill Valley – Sausalito – Tiburon
Central
Corte Madera – Fairfax – Greenbrae – Kentfield – Larkspur – Ross – San Anselmo – San Rafael
Northern
Novato
West
Bolinas – Forest Knolls – Inverness – Lagunitas – Marshall – Nicasio – Point Reyes – Stinson Beach – Tamales – Woodacre
Southern Marin
No Name Bar
Sausalito
The No Name Bar is a Sausalito classic. This unique hangout has been a spot for all manner of dive bar visitors since 1959. More often than not, the No Name is a hub for live music and old school classics, with a calendar stacked with local talent throughout the year. Located right on Bridgeway, the No Name is a can’t miss dive.
757 Bridgeway Sausalito, CA, 415.332.1392
Sweetwater Music Hall
Mill Valley
Sweetwater Music Hall has been an integral part of the Mill Valley live music scene since doors opened in 1972, rockin’ the community and beyond with show-stopping performances. It’s easy to see why Sweetwater is no stranger to the Readers’ Choice recognition.
19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley, 415.388.3850
Central Marin
Peri’s Tavern
Fairfax
With great cocktails and even greater sound, Peri’s custom venue experiences are the perfect place to host your birthday party, wedding-after bash or school fundraiser (leave the kids at home to let the adults blow off some steam). Book your favorite band and bring snacks for a night of fun.
29 Broadway, Fairfax, 415.717.5224
Northern Marin
HopMonk Tavern
Novato
Delicious restaurant by day, live music venue by night. Open mic nights, line dances and bands all happen while you munch on some bar snacks. HopMonk also occasionally partners with the local high school for the arts, so if you’re looking to see the next big name from Novato, go check out the freshest of fresh talent.
224 Vintage Way, Novato, 415.892.6200
West Marin
Rancho Nicasio
Nicasio
Dining, dancing and BBQ on the lawn — you’ll find more than just music at Rancho Nicasio. Many music genres are performed at this venue, with something brand new every week mixed in with fan favorite classics that brings customers back time and again. It also hosts weddings and other events.
1 Old Rancheria Rd, Nicasio, 415.662.2219
Discover the best of Marin’s vibrant creative scene through Marin Magazine’s Best of the County. This annual, reader-driven guide highlights standout venues, performers, and cultural experiences that make Marin County a hub for arts and entertainment.
From live music and theater to galleries and comedy venues, each listing reflects the voices of local readers who vote for their favorites each year. Businesses that receive at least ten votes are considered, with top vote-getters earning the coveted Readers’ Choice designation.
Explore more across all categories in our full Best of the County guide, featuring top businesses across dining, wellness, services, shopping, and more, and discover why Marin continues to be one of the most culturally rich communities in Northern California.
Know a business that should be included? Submit a suggestion to our editorial team and look out for nominations in early 2027.
Are you a BOC business but want to change your photo, or did we miss including it? Submit your new photo here.
Arts & Entertainment Sponsor
MarinArts
MarinArts is a nonprofit organization that has been proudly promoting the arts and cultural events in Marin County for over ten years. They provide a FREE platform for arts organizations, artists, and venues to share their events through our online calendar.
Fun Fact: Their website is accessible in 11 languages—including Spanish, French, and Vietnamese — helping you connect with a wide and diverse audience.
Pictured above: Susan Searway-Fertig, Sandra Grimshaw, Mary O’Mara
MarinArts | San Rafael, CA | 415.578.3856 | marinarts.org
