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
One of the county’s largest annual gatherings, the Marin County Fair blends live music, carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, and fireworks into a multi‑day summer celebration. Families return year after year for headline concerts, creative installations, and a classic county‑fair atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and uniquely Marin.
Sausalito Art Festival
Set against sweeping Bay views, the Sausalito Art Festival is one of the most iconic cultural gatherings in Marin. Featuring fine artists, live music, wine, and coastal energy.
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.
Grant Avenue closes, stages hum, and the whole town leans into a long summer weekend.
Downtown street festival with live music, wine tasting, and local vendors.
Arrive early for parking and shade; late afternoon is when the stages and gardens peak.
Redwood High to Town Center—brass on Magnolia, lawn chairs in the shade, and a whole afternoon at the park.
One of Marin’s largest July 4 gatherings—parade through Larkspur and Old Corte Madera, then food, music, and a marketplace at Town Park.
Magnolia by 9:30 AM for shaded parade seats—then Town Park right after; don't skip Lappert's.
Channel tug-of-war at dawn, Lions smoke on the grill, then Wharf Road turns into a parade only Bolinas could invent.
West Marin’s most singular July 4—cross-channel tug-of-war, Lions BBQ, Wharf Road parade, then sand, music, and neighbor energy.
Catch the tug-of-war, dress for fog, bring cash, keep a light footprint—and treat schedules as flexible.
Mission San Rafael looms in white above A Street—where chalk rivers run under your shoes for one weekend only.
Roughly 100 madonnari turn Fifth & A into a floor-level museum—live painting, music, STEAM, and a rare-disease mission behind the color.
Saturday AM for paint-in-progress; Sunday PM for finished streets. Cash only at the gate.
Lights on the water, breath visible in the cold, and fireworks sketching the skyline.
Holiday boat parade lighting up the harbor with decorated vessels.
Before sunset: parking and a clear waterfront spot. Layer up; stay for fireworks.
Dunphy Park turns into a smoke ring of tents—beans in your pocket, bay breeze, and twenty chilis calling your name.
47 years of waterfront tradition—unlimited tastings, Judges' and People's Choice awards, live music, and serious Bay Area chili pride.
Wristbands from 11:30 AM; noon tasting—pace yourself, save beans, bring cash.
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 Festival 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 Festival Includes:
- ✓ Premium placement
- ✓ Large image
- ✓ Extended editorial description
- ✓ Social promotion
- ✓ Newsletter inclusion
- ✓ Featured badge
Limited featured placements available each season.