Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival
Old Mill Park, Mill Valley · Art / Outdoor
Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival - One of California's Oldest Juried Art Festivals, Under the Redwoods Since 1957
There are art festivals staged in parking lots, convention centers, and fairgrounds. And then there is the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival, held beneath a cathedral canopy of redwoods in Old Mill Park, where the filtered September light gives every booth and every painting a sense of place no indoor venue can match. As one of California's oldest art festivals, the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival has spent decades presenting curated, handmade art in one of the most beautiful festival settings in the Bay Area.
Born in a Downtown Parking Lot, Grown Into a Community Institution
The festival began in 1957 as a longer harvest celebration in downtown Mill Valley. In its early years, local artists displayed work in shop windows and temporary setups around town, with live music and community programming rounding out the weekend. In 1962, the festival became a nonprofit and moved to its long-term home in historic Old Mill Park, where it has remained for more than six decades.
135 Juried Artists, Two Days, One Unforgettable Setting
Today, the festival features 135 juried fine art and fine craft artists across painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, mixed media, and more. The jury process keeps quality consistently high while preserving the range and discovery that make the event so rewarding. Well attended by locals and visitors from across the Bay Area, the festival draws thousands of people over its two-day run and remains one of Marin County's signature fall cultural events.
Live Music, Food, and a Children's Grove
The Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival is a full-day experience, not just an art market. Live music runs throughout the weekend, with performances on both main and family-focused stages. Local food and beverage offerings add to the atmosphere, and the Children's Grove provides puppet shows, storytelling, and hands-on creative experiences that make the festival deeply welcoming for families.
A Festival That Invests in the Future of Art
What sets the festival apart is its commitment to artistic development and community impact. The organization supports emerging artists with free exhibition opportunities and mentorship, and it also funds scholarships for local high school arts students in Marin County. In recent years, it has expanded access by hosting special presentation spaces for artists and organizations whose voices deserve broader visibility.
The Soul of Mill Valley, Still Going Strong
For over 60 years, the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival has been one of the town's defining annual traditions. It is where generations of locals return each September to reconnect with artists, discover new work, and spend a weekend in one of the most uniquely beautiful cultural settings in California.
Old Mill Park, 320 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941 mvfaf.org
Held annually the third weekend of September. Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Admission typically ranges from $5-$25. Children's activities, live music, food, and beverages included.
Pro Tip: Arrive close to opening on Saturday for the best browsing experience and first look at top pieces. Do one full loop before buying, then return to your favorites. Great work moves quickly.