Events and Outings

Summertime is fair time, and the first fair of the season is Petaluma's Sonoma-Marin Fair, which takes place at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds from Wednesday June 19 through Sunday, June 23. The Sonoma-Marin Fair is not quite but almost a county fair, and offers a wide range of fun and exciting attractions, competitions, events, and activities for the entire family.

This year the Sonoma-Marin Fair celebrates all things canine with its theme "The Dog Days of Summer." There'll be dog-related demonstrations and activities, performances by the K9 Kings Flying Dog Show, and of course the fair's famous World's Ugliest Dog Contest, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

You'll also see livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, chef demonstrations, a destruction derby, and more. Of course there are also traditional carnival rides, including a kiddie carnival for younger children.

And what would a fair be without live music? The Sonoma-Marin Fair has numerous musical acts on its schedule, including country acts the Marshall Tucker Band, Kellie Pickler, Kix Brooks, and '80s rockers Loverboy.

Soon it will be time again for the Marin County Fair at the County Fairgrounds in San Rafael, near the Marin Civic Center. This year's Marin County Fair theme is "Schools Rule", celebrating all things education and Marin's public schools.

In keeping with this year's theme, the 68th Marin County Fair features Marinovators, a 6,000-square-foot exhibit that showcases Marin's award-winning schools and features interactive learning spaces and a Maker Shed with hands-on maker projects, 3D printing, video games, and more.

Of course there are also the more traditional fair offerings like farm animal exhibits and demonstrations and Hambone Express pig racing in the barnyard, free (with fair admission) rides and carnival games—including the 10-story Giant Wheel and the PG&E solar-powered carousel, appearances by the ever-popular Imperial Storm Troopers of the 501st Legion Golden Gate Garrison (from noon–7 pm daily at the Marin Galactic Outpost in the Exhibit Hall), concerts, short films and videos, over 12,000 exhibits, and the Fair's biggest and most elaborate fireworks display ever, presented nightly over the lagoon at 9:30 pm.

Celebrate Independence Day the Marin County way! Communities across the Marin observe the 4th of July in their own unique ways. Here’s what’s going on in your community on the 4th of July. We will be updating the list as we learn of new events, so please check back.

You can also add your local Independence Day event to our Family Events Calendar.

Bolinas

• The annual Bolinas parade starts downtown at 11 am at 40 Wharf Road at and ends at Brighton Avenue. Festivities also include the annual Bolinas–Stinson Beach tug-of-war.

Corte Madera and Larkspur

• The Corte Madera-Larkspur festivities start off with at the 61st Annual Independence Day Pancake Breakfast—with pancakes, sausages, fruit, OJ and milk—at Larkspur's American Legion Twin Cities Post 313 at 500 Magnolia Avenue (corner of Ward) Larkspur. The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, with gin fizzes for $3 (from the Legion's famous 1928 recipe); proceeds benefit local Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Little League. There will be a flag raising ceremony at 8 am. Info: call (415) 924-6283 or  www.americanlegion313.org
• Don’t miss this year’s 48th Annual Corte Madera-Larkspur Chambers of Commerce 4th of July Parade! One of the biggest 4th of July events in Marin, the parade boasts the elaborate floats, precision drill teams, classic cars, and the Corte Madera Town Band. Parade starts at 10:30 am. Accompanying festivities at Corte Madera's Town Park all day include arts and crafts, food and drink, carnival games, children's activities, bounce houses, and stage shows.  The parade will leave Redwood High School at 10:30 am and wind through downtown Larkspur from Magnolia Street and into Corte Madera by way of Tamalpais Street until it reaches Corte Madera Town Center. The streets will close at 10 am. Info: (415) 924-0441 or www.cortemadera.org.

Inverness

• The Inverness 4th of July Party takes place from 9 am–1 pm and features its 106th annual foot races for the whole family, from toddlers to adults. Festivities happen on Inverness Way near the fire station.
  

Marinwood

• Join the Marinwood firefighters on the 4th of July for pancakes from 8:30–11:30 am at the Marinwood Community Center, 775 Miller Creek Road, San Rafael. Adults $7, children under 11 $5, and seniors (over 65) $5. For more info call (415) 479-0122 or visit www.marinwood.org.

Here are our picks for great events and activities for children and families for this Father's Day weekend. Find more events for the whole week in Marin and beyond in our Family Events Calendar.

Friday, June 14

• Children's Garden Series: PI Clowns
  Children's Garden at Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
  Friday, 11–11:30 am & 12:15–12:45 pm
  This free event is part of the Children's Garden Series at Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco. Pi Clowns create hilarious theater using acrobatics, juggling, mime, dance, beat boxing, improv and feats of incredible strength and stupidity. For more info, visit their website.
• Terwilliger Trail Family Hike
  Stafford Lake Park, Novato
  Friday, 11 am-1 pm
  Join a Park Ranger for a mildly strenuous hike on the beautiful Terwilliger Trail at Stafford Lake Park. We will enjoy stunning views of the Stafford Lake watershed from the upper sections of the trail and discuss the flora and fauna that inhabit the various habitats along the way. Meet at the gate house at Stafford Lake Park in Novato. Park entrance is free. For more info, call Ranger Christin Lopez at (415) 897-0618 or visit their website.
• Kenn Adam's Adventure Theater
  Larkspur Library
  Friday, 4-5 pm
  Bring the kids for an afternoon of hilarious improv comedy as audience members become part of the show! You'll help make all of the sound effects, create the plot, and even play the main characters if you volunteer! Best for kids 4 and up. Space is limited. Please RSVP to (415) 927-5005 or library@cityoflarkspur.org. Location: 400 Magnolia Avenue in Larkspur. For more info, visit their website.
• Friday Night Jazz: Prio Patton Trio
  Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
  Friday, 6–9 pm
  Enjoy live music on Fridays in the Marin Country Mart courtyard! This Friday, Prio Patton Trio. For more info, visit their website.
• Jazz & Blues by the Bay:  Stephanie Keys
  Gabrielson Park, Sausalito
  Friday, 6:30–8:30 pm
  Bring the family to the free Jazz & Blues by the Bay at Gabrielson Park in Sausalito. Lawn seating available (first-come- first-serve). This Friday: Stephanie Keys. Sponsored by Sausalito Chamber of Commerce. For more info, visit their website.
• Opening Night: Creekside Fridays Music Series
  Tennessee Valley Cabin, Mill Valley
  Friday, 6:30–8 pm
  Bring the family, pets, chairs, and blankets to the weekly free musical event. Creekside Friday is a series of music events for the whole family to enjoy. Each week features local musicians playing great music, a kids area with face painting, jumpee, cotton candy, and more. This week: The Unauthorized Rolling Stones. Food available for purchase. For more info, call (415) 289-4152 or visit their website.
• Father Son BBQ & Camp Over
  Corte Madera Town Park
  Friday, 6:30 pm–Saturday, 10 am
  Fun starts at 6:30 pm. Dads and sons will have a blast playing kickball, eating BBQ, setting up tents, and sleeping under the stars. Games and activities until 10 pm. Breakfast served at 7:30 am, and then more fun and games until 10 am. $25 per person; $11 per person for BBQ and games only (no sleepover). For more info and to register, call (415) 927-5072 or visit their website.

Saturday, June 15

• Happy Father's Day BBQ
  Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  In celebration of Father's Day, take dad to an old fashioned BBQ at the Marin Country Mart Farmers’ Market. The BBQ starts at 11 am and will go through 2 pm. Live music by Hand Me Down, 11:30 am to 2 pm. The farmers’ market features fun kid’s activities from 9 am to 2 pm, including pony rides, arts and crafts, face painting, and children’s storytelling. And don’t forget to shop for organic produce, meats, seafood, stone fruit and berries, flowers, pastured eggs, and bread! For more info, visit their website.
• Bubble Day
  Bay Area Discovery Museum
  Saturday, 9 am–5 pm
  Fill the museum with bubbles on Bubble Day! Experiment with a special bubble concoction and a variety of wands to create cascades of large and small bubbles. See which way the wind blows as the bubbles float away. For more information, visit their website.
• The 17th Annual Marin Art Festival
  Lagoon Park at Civic Center San Rafael
  Saturday and Sunday, 10 am–6 pm
  The Marin Art Festival is our county’s lawn party for the arts and one of the most beautiful out door art festivals in the nation. The festival is full of color and surprise and offers a unique line up of entertainment including whimsical stilt walkers, hands-on art projects for children, and live music featuring some of the best Bay Area bands. Admission: adults $10, kids free. No charge for parking. For more info, visit their website.
• Northern California Pirate Festival
  Vallejo Waterfront
  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–6 pm
  Avast, mateys! The Northern California Pirate Festival takes place at the Vallejo waterfront this Saturday and Sunday from 10 am–6 pm. The festival features piratical music and entertainment, sword fighting, vendors, food, and more. Free admission! For more info, visit their website.

This summer San Francisco's Ghirardelli Square transforms itself into the Bay Area's largest playground for kids and families for its fourth annual KidsBash, taking place on Saturday, June 15 from 11 am to 3 pm. Hosted by Ghirardelli Square and presented by Plum Organics, KidsBash will present activities for all ages, with events expanding onto Beach Street adjacent to the Square and Aquatic Park, guaranteeing even more fun by the Bay!

KidsBash proceeds supports Plum Organics' social impact program The Full Effect, which donates organic baby food meals to children in need across the US, so you and your family can have a blast and know you're making a difference, too.

At this street festival for kids, families are invited to explore historic Ghirardelli Square, discover unique boutiques and restaurants, and enjoy family-friendly activities that are sure to bring out the kid in everyone. KidsBash attractions and activities include a pirate ship ride, a climbing wall, face painting, bounce house, games with prizes, a Flax art booth, science experiments, temporary and henna tattoos, a special visit from the San Francisco Fire Department and much more, including a few new surprises for 2013. KidsBash is geared for children 10 years old and younger.

Here are our picks for great events and activities for children and families this weekend. Find more events for the whole week in Marin and beyond in our Family Events Calendar.

Friday, June 7

• Children's Garden Series: The Unique Derique
  Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
  Friday, 11–11:30 am & 12:15–12:45 pm
  This free event is part of the Children's Garden Series at Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco. The Unique Derique delights all ages by clowning, dancing, and turning his agile limbs into a drum set or a harpsichord keyboard. His interactive performance is percussive, syncopated and dynamic. For more info, visit their website.
• Magician Michael Stroud
  Larkspur Library
  Friday, 4 pm
  The Summer Reading Program gets off to a great start with Magician Michael Stroud. Award-winning magician and author of the best-selling Klutz Book of Magic, Michael Stroud blends comedy, audience participation, circus skills, and many surprises with amazing special effects. Prepare for a magical afternoon! This show is recommended for children ages 4 and up. Space is limited. Please RSVP to (415) 927-5005 or library@cityoflarkspur.org. For more info, visit their website.
  
• Concerts Under The Oak: San Francisco Music Club
  Northgate, Oak Plaza
  Friday, 6–8 pm
  Northgate’s 4th annual summer concert series, Concerts Under the Oak, is held in the Oak Plaza next to Kohl’s. This week: San Francisco Music Club. In addition, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse will have one of their signature beers available for $5 a glass for those 21 and over. A limited number of seats will be provided, but people are encouraged to bring their own seating. For more info, visit their website.
• Pajama Night at Doodlebug Marin
  Doodlebug Marin, San Anselmo
  Friday, 6–9 pm
  Kids put on their pajamas and enjoy pizza, crafts, stories, face painting and more. Cost: $30 per child and $25 each additional family member. Reserve your spot by calling (415) 456-5989 or online here.
• Jazz & Blues by the Bay
  Gabrielson Park, Sausalito
  Friday, 6:30–8 pm
  Jazz & Blues by the Bay at Gabrielson Park in Sausalito is a free event. Lawn seating available (first-come first-served). This Friday: Rex Allen Swing Express. For more info, call (415) 289-4100 or visit their website.
  
• Film Night in the Park: Chasing Ice
  Contratti Field, Fairfax
  Friday, 8 pm
  Film Night in the Park kicks off June 7 at Fairfax EcoFest. Arrive by 8 pm—films begin at dusk. This documentary by environmental photographer James Balog deploys time-lapse cameras to capture a record of the world's changing glaciers. Popcorn, candy and sodas will be sold. Bring blankets, pillows, backrest and low chairs. Donations are appreciated. Film takes place at Contratti Field at Broadway and Bank Street. For more information visit www.filmnight.org.

Saturday, June 8

• Marin Parents of Multiples Club Garage Sale
  Marin Catholic High School
  Saturday, 8 am–2 pm (closed from noon–1 pm)
  Marin's largest garage sale for babies and kids has clothes for pregnant moms, babies and children up to age six. Other items include toys, baby equipment, and furniture.This sale has the reputation for providing clean, high quality items at excellent prices. Designer clothes racks too. Closed noon to 1 pm. Admission $1. Closed from noon to 1 pm for lunch and then there's a half price sale from 1–2 pm. Marin Catholic High School is located at 675 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in Kentfield. For more info, visit their website.
  
• Marin Country Mart Farmers Market
  Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  Enjoy the best local and organic produce, flowers, pastured meats, seafood, organic cheeses, yogurt and milk, breads, baked goods, pasta, confections, olive oil, and brunch and lunch offerings! Kids can take a pony ride and visit the petting zoo (10 am–2 pm), try out some arts and crafts (9 am–2 pm) and listen to family music (9:30–10:30 am). For more info, visit their website.
• Nature for Kids at Mount Burdell
  Mount Burdell Preserve, Novato
  Saturday, 10 am–1 pm
  Come and join WildCare Family Adventures for a day of nature exploration and education. Explore insects, birds, flowers, reptiles and more. We will be joined by Juan Carlos Solis, director of education at WildCare and David Herlocker. Meet at the gate on San Andreas Drive. For more info, visit their website.
• The 36th Annual Fairfax Festival and EcoFest
  Downtown Fairfax
  Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–6 pm
  Celebrate all things Fairfax this weekend! The Fairfax Festival and Ecofest take place concurrently in downtown Fairfax, Peri Park, Bolinas Park, and the Fairfax Pavillion. Don't miss the parade on Saturday from 10 am–noon. Tim cain will be performing Saturday at 2 pm on Sunday at the kid's area on the baseball field. Enjoy live music, activities for kids, food and wine tastings, arts and crafts, a flea market, and lots of community spirit. For more info, visit their website.
• Novato Festival of Art, Wine & Music
  Grant Avenue, Novato
  Saturday, 10 am–7 pm & Sunday, 10 am–6 pm
  This free annual festival will feature 200 arts and crafts booths, food, live music and a children’s area. It take place along Grant Avenue in downtown Novato. Some of the musical acts this year include the Tubes, Lara Johnson, and Matt Jaffe & the Distractions. For more info, visit their website.

Here is a the 2013 summer movie schedule for Film Night in the Park, which presents free outdoor movies on a giant screen in various parks throughout Marin and San Francisco. Show time for all the movies is 8 pm, but arrive a little early for music, a raffle, and a cartoon. Reminiscent of the drive-in movies of yesteryear, Film Night in the Park is noted for its audience participation, with cheers for heroes, boos and hisses for villains, sing-a-longs, and hearty applause.

This season's offerings are a fun mix of recent hits like Pixar's Brave, Lincoln, and Moonrise Kingdom and classics including The Princess Bride, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Hitchcock's The Birds. There's definitely something for everyone.

Grab your blanket, pillow and pack the picnic basket—because Film Night in the Park is coming soon to a park near you. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Popcorn, candy, and sodas will be available for sale. For more information call (415) 272-2756 or visit www.filmnight.org.

Here are our picks for great events and activities for children and families this weekend. Find more events for the whole week in Marin and beyond in our Family Events Calendar.

Friday, May 17

• Celebrate International Museum Day
  de Young Museum, San Francisco
  Friday, 9:30 am–8:45 pm
  Come celebrate International Museum Day at the de Young Museum with free general admission all day. See Girl with a Pearl Earring: Dutch Paintings from the Mauritsuis for only the $15 special exhibition fee! (It's $5 for youth 6–17 and free for kids 5 and under.) Stick around for the fun with Friday Nights at the de Young, with live music, hands-on art making, and more. For more information, visit their website.
• Hamilton Community Pool Opening Day
  Novato
  Friday, 11 am–6:30 pm
  The recently renovated Hamilton Pool offers a kiddie pool with slide and play equipment, as well as a BBQ and picnic area. Daily drop in admission is $4 for Novato resident children (ages 12 months to 15 years) and $5 for Novato resident adults (16 and older) with photo ID; non-residents pay is $7 (ages 12 months to 15 years) for children and $9 for adults. Location: 203 El Bonito Road. For more info, call (415) 883-7126 or visit their website.
• Pajama Night at Doodlebug Marin
  Doodlebug Marin, San Anselmo
  Friday, 6–9 pm
  Kids put on their pajamas and enjoy pizza, crafts, stories, face painting and more. Cost: $30 per child and $25 each additional family member. Reserve your spot by calling (415) 456-5989 or online here.
• Kids Musical Theatre presents Seussical, the Musical
  Dance Palace Community Center, Point Reyes Station
  Friday & Saturday, 7:30 pm, Sunday, 3 pm
  In this fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza, favorite Dr. Seuss characters are lovingly brought to life. The colorful characters transport viewers from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. This musical romp through the joys and sorrows of being a child is hilarious. Tickets: $9 general, $7 seniors, $5 youth at the door. For more info, visit their website.

Saturday, May 18

• Pixie Park Spring Fair
  Marin Art and Garden Center, Ross
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  Bring the whole family to the 55th Annual Pixie Park Spring Fair Fundraiser. Children will enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo, obstacle courses and prize games. Plus family entertainment, delicious food, tasty drinks, and much, much more! The MAGC is located at 30 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Ross. More info: www.pixiepark.org
• Marin Country Mart Farmers Market
  Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  Pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids from 10 am–2 pm adjacent to the farmer's market. The farmer's market takes place on the south site of the shopping center closest to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. For more info, visit their website.
• The 119th Luther Burbank Rose Parade and Festival
  Downtown Santa Rosa
  Saturday, 10 am
  This is one of Sonoma County's most honored traditions and one of the oldest and largest events of its kind in Northern California. There will be marching bands, award winning floats, roses, horse drawn carriages, clowns, roses, roses and more roses. Festival of family fun from 11 am–3 pm: Festival at Juilliard Park. The parade will start at Sonoma Avenue and E Street and proceed north on E Street, turning left onto 4th Street and proceed west on 4th Street then south onto Mendocino Avenue. For more info, visit their website.

It's not every day that the circus comes to town, but it'll be here in Marin this Memorial Day weekend! American Crown Circus sets up its big top on the grounds of St. Vincent's School for Boys in Marinwood, just south of Novato, on May 24, 25, 26 and 27. American Crown Circus is a family run, bilingual circus that features acrobats, high wire acts, and clowns (but no exotic animals). Read about our visit to the circus last year here.

The circus is the major fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise, which has brought a professional traveling tent circus to Marin every year since 1997. Profits from the circus support local community projects.