THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO
MARIN COUNTY FESTIVALS
2026 EDITION
Discover the parades, art fairs, coastal gatherings, and community celebrations that define Marin.
Every place has events. Marin has traditions.
From waterfront art festivals to small‑town parades and outdoor celebrations woven into the hills, these gatherings shape the rhythm of life here. Some draw thousands. Others feel like extended neighborhood block parties. Together, they tell the story of Marin.
⭐ Featured Festivals of 2026
These festivals have partnered with Best of Marin for expanded visibility and seasonal promotion.
Marin County Fair
Five days at the fairgrounds, rides, exhibits, nightly fireworks, and headline concerts included with admission. July 1–5, 2026.
Sausalito Art Festival
Since 1952, one of America’s premier waterfront fine-art festivals. Not scheduled for Labor Day Weekend 2026. On hiatus since 2021 while Marinship Park remains closed. Follow SAFF for return news.
Dipsea Race
Established in 1905, the Dipsea Race is one of the oldest trail races in the country. Runners traverse steep trails from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach.
Point Reyes Western Weekend
Western Weekend transforms Point Reyes Station into a small‑town celebration of ranching heritage and local pride. With parades, live music, food vendors, and community events.
Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival
Held beneath redwoods in Old Mill Park, this juried art festival blends fine art with an outdoor woodland setting. It’s a longtime community favorite.
More Marin County Festivals
Street fairs, waterfront nights, and small-town parades, each with its own feel on the county calendar.
Not scheduled for Labor Day Weekend 2026. On hiatus since 2021. Check sausalitoartfestival.org before planning a Labor Day trip.
Arrive early for parking and shade. Late afternoon is when the stages and gardens peak.
Magnolia by 9:30 AM for shaded parade seats, then Town Park right after, don't skip Lappert's.
Catch the tug-of-war, dress for fog, bring cash, keep a light footprint, and treat schedules as flexible.
Saturday AM for paint-in-progress. Sunday PM for finished streets. Cash only at the gate.
Claim Gabrielson Park by early afternoon. Parade 6 pm, fireworks 7:15. Layer up.
Wristbands from 11:30 AM. Noon tasting. Pace yourself, save beans, and bring cash.
Arrive early at Vina del Mar Park to view community altars before the procession begins.
Ideal for rare, locally crafted sustainable gifts. Browse MAGC before the holiday rush.
Winter Wonderland is a family essential. Tree lighting is the day’s peak moment.
Dress in layers for this outdoor night. Drive the illuminated Civic Center arches first.
Bring cash for artisans. Santa photos are Saturday morning only.
Old Town is pedestrian-only 4–7:30 pm. Santa arrives by fire truck for the lighting.
Electric train at Lytton Square. Tree lighting with the Mayor at 4:45 pm.
Daily skating under falling snow Dec 6–15. Don’t miss Ross Auxiliary Winterfest on Dec 7.
Summer in Marin: Fairs, Music & Waterfront Events
Each seasonal guide highlights what defines that time of year.
Explore by Town
Explore Marin’s Annual Traditions by Town
Want your event included?
Fog-soft air and lagoon teal, the same West Marin waterfront mood as our Bolinas July cards, here tuned for organizers who want a clean listing or a full Best of Marin spotlight.
Free Listing Includes:
- ✓ Name
- ✓ Date
- ✓ Town
- ✓ Website link
Featured event includes:
- ✓ Premium placement
- ✓ Large image
- ✓ Extended editorial description
- ✓ Social promotion
- ✓ Newsletter inclusion
- ✓ Featured badge
Limited featured placements available each season.