Novato Art, Wine & Music Festival
Downtown Novato (Grant Avenue) · Art / Music / Food
Novato Art, Wine & Music Festival - North Marin's Premier Free Outdoor Festival, Four Decades Strong on Grant Avenue
Every second weekend of June, downtown Novato transforms. Grant Avenue closes to traffic, live music spills out from two stages, and one of the Bay Area's most enjoyable free community festivals takes over the heart of North Marin's largest city. The Novato Art, Wine & Music Festival has been a local mainstay for roughly four decades and remains one of Marin County's defining summer traditions.
Four Decades of Downtown Community Celebration
Presented by the Novato Chamber of Commerce and produced by Eckerstrom Productions, the festival brings together live music, artist and vendor booths, local food, craft beer, and premium wines in an all-ages format that stays welcoming and accessible. Free admission is central to its identity and a big reason families return year after year.
Two Days of Live Music Across Two Stages
Music is the heartbeat of the festival. Over the years, performers have included beloved regional acts, touring bands, and crowd-favorite tribute groups. With two active stages, there is always something happening and always a reason to stay another hour.
A hallmark tradition is the youth Battle of the Bands, where Novato teen musicians perform on the main stage and winners advance to larger regional showcases. It is one of the event's most meaningful features and a real investment in the next generation of local artists.
Art, Wine, Craft Beer, and Local Food
The festival blends visual arts with strong local flavor: artisan booths line the avenue, local food vendors keep the atmosphere lively, and wine and craft beer gardens add a social, celebratory vibe throughout the weekend. Whether you're there for music, shopping, food, or simply to spend a summer day downtown, the event consistently delivers.
Downtown Novato, Grant Avenue, Novato, CA 94945 novatochamber.com
Held annually the second weekend of June. Two-day outdoor festival with free admission, all ages welcome.
Pro Tip: Arrive early for easier parking and shaded daytime browsing, then stay into late afternoon when the music stages and beverage gardens hit their peak energy.