Events and Outings

Where can you spend the day walking under ancient oaks following your nose from food booth to food booth (featuring frying apple fritters or slices of four-inch high apple pie),  taking in terrific acoustic music, and experiencing the sights and sounds of a turn-of-the-century barnyard? At the annual Gravenstein Apple Fair, of course?

Sonoma County's summertime jewel takes place in Sebastopol's Ragle Ranch Park this weekend, August 10 and 11. 2013's event is the 101st Gravenstein Apple Fair, which showcases the best in arts, crafts, food, wines and beers, games, entertainment, and farm life activities.

The Gravenstein Apple Fair is produced by Sonoma County Farm Trails, and celebrates Sebastopol's iconic sweet and tart apple variety. While the fair in days past was a massive agricultural and food processing showcase, the modern version features family friendly fun like arts and crafts booths, chef demonstrations, live music on two stages, a petting zoo, farm animal displays, a hay maze, artisan booths selling handmade goods, and of course apples!

The fair also features apple-related contests in the areas of apple pie baking and eating, applesauce drinking, no-hands caramel apple eating, and even apple juggling! There's truly something here for the entire family, so try to make it this weekend if you can.

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, August 2

• Day Out with Thomas 2013
  Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton
  Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 am–5:30 pm
  This popular family event takes place at Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. You can take a train ride, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and enjoy live music. Tickets to Day Out with Thomas are $19 each, and include all entertainment as well as a 25-minute train ride. Parking is an additional $8 per vehicle. Roaring Camp Railroads is in Felton on Graham Hill Road. For more info, visit their website.
• Toddler Music With Nick
  Jack and Jill's Play Place, San Rafael
  Friday, 10:30–11 am
  Play along (bang, shake, rattle and roll...!) with Nick every Friday 10:30 to 11 am during drop-in play. A fun and informal introduction to sounds, rhythm, and making noise with a variety of percussion instruments! (Included in drop-in play admission). Location: 125 Mitchell Boulevard, San Rafael. For more info, call (415) 472-1120 or visit their website.
• Sonoma County Fair
  Sonoma County Fairgrounds
  Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 11 am–11 pm
  The Sonoma County Fair offers both a classic full-scale carnival with plenty of excitement for thrill-seekers and a separate kiddie carnival area for the little ones, with scaled down thrills and lots of excitement. Fair admission is free every day for children 6 and under; Friday is Kids' Days, with free admission for all children 12 and under. Carnival rides are an additional charge. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and up, $5 for children 7–12, and free for children 6 and under and seniors 60+. For more info, visit www.sonomacountyfair.com.
• Children's Garden Series: Venezuelan Music Project
  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. This Friday, the Venezuelan Music Project. The Venezuelan Music Project combines Indigenous-Venezuelan, West African, and Spanish-European influences, creating a dynamic ensemble full of vibrancy, rhythm, energy and color. For more info, visit their website.
• Jonathan Kathrein Talks About Sharks
  Mill Valley Public Library, Creekside Room
  Friday, 2:30–3:30 pm
  Have you ever met anyone who’s been bitten by a shark? Our guest will tell us how the experience transformed his life and inspired him to teach peace and encourage respect and kindness for all creatures, human and otherwise. For grades Kindergarten and up. Location: 375 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley. For more info, call (415) 389-4292 x4741 or visit their website.
• Parents Night Out
  Marinwood Community Center, San Rafael
  Friday, 5–10 pm
  Drop off the kids and enjoy a day or night out! While you relax, the kids will be having fun with the Marinwood Camp staff. Games, park time, arts and crafts, snacks, and more! Cost: $20 per child; $16 each additional sibling. For ages 2–10. For more info and registration call (415) 479-0775 or visit their website.
• Tam Valley's Creekside Fridays
  Tennessee Valley Cabin, Mill Valley
  Friday, 6:30–8 pm
  Bring the family, pets, chairs, and blankets to the weekly free musical event. This week: Pretending (Pretenders cover band). Food available for purchase. For more info, call (415) 289-4152 or visit their website.

Saturday, August 3

• Museums on Us Free Day
  Various Museums
  Saturday & Sunday
  Bank of America cardholders can visit the following Bay Area museums for free! Enjoy the Contemporary Jewish Museum, de Young Museum, and the Legion of Honor. Photo ID and a valid Bank of America/Merrill Lynch credit or debit card must be presented. For more information, visit their website.
• Nor-Cal Juniors Splash & Dash Aquathon
  Marinwood Community Center, San Rafael
  Saturday, 9–11 am
  The Nor-Cal Juniors Splash and Dash Aquathlon Series is open to athletes ages 4–15. This event is part of USA Triathlon's Splash & Dash series designed to introduce youth to multisport and enjoy being active while participating in a noncompetitive event. This race will not be timed and every finisher receives a finishers medal. The focus is on participation rather than competition. Cost: $20 ages 7–15 and $10 ages 4–6. For more info about the event, please visit their website.
• Marin Country Mart Farmers Market
  Larkspur Landing
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  This weekend, learn the art of jam making from the founder of the premier artisanal jam and marmalade company, Blue Chair Fruit Company from 10:30–11:30 am. Enjoy pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids from 10 am–2 pm, face kids' crafts from 9 am–2 pm, children's music or storytelling from 9:30–10:30 am, and more live music from 11 am–12:30 pm, as well as fresh produce, prepared foods, and great local restaurants. For more info, visit their website.

One of the Bay Area's favorite family summer outings is a visit to the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. The Cal Academy re-opened in 2008 in a state-of-the-art sustainable building that features amazing attractions like a natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium, two-acre living roof, a four-story rain forest, and even a 3D theater. It's definitely a must-visit family destination!

Currently on view this summer is Built for Speed. This special exhibit, on view through September 29, showcases the sea's fastest denizens, from mako sharks and humboldt squid to a sailboat designed by America's Cup defender Oracle Team USA.

Also on the don't-miss list is the incredible new movie The Last Reef 3D: Cities Beneath the Sea. Put on your 3D glasses and find yourself underwater in some of the earth's most spectacular underwater settings. You'll not only be amazed, but learn how these environments are as vital to the earth as the rainforests. We all kept finding ourselves reaching out towards the screen to touch fish and other sea creatures—it was that real! The Last Reef 3D plays every hour from 11 am to 4 pm, and is included in your Cal Academy admission.

It's been a while since we've been to TrainTown, the fun and fantastic miniature railroad located in the town of Sonoma, so we decided recently that it was time for a return trip. It's been around since before I was a kid, and it's the kind of place that takes you back to a simpler time.

Sonoma TrainTown offers train-related activities that are fun for everyone from toddlers to grade school kids (and adults, too), as well as a selection of carnival-style rides. It's also a short drive from pretty much anywhere in Marin, which makes TrainTown a must-visit attraction for North Bay families.

A Sonoma Valley landmark since the early 1950s, TrainTown has that old-fashioned roadside-attraction kind of charm associated with a bygone era. It's right on Broadway as you head into town, and it's impossible to miss. My kids were so excited when we arrived at Train Town—they could hardly wait to get on for a ride. Buy your tickets, and hop on when the train arrives at the station.

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, July 26

• Day Out with Thomas 2013
  Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton
  Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 am–5:30 pm
  This popular family event takes place at Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. You can take a train ride, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and enjoy live music. Tickets to Day Out with Thomas are $19 each, and include all entertainment as well as a 25-minute train ride. Parking is an additional $8 per vehicle. Roaring Camp Railroads is in Felton on Graham Hill Road. For more info, visit their website.
• Sonoma County Fair
  Sonoma County Fairgrounds
  Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 11 am–11 pm
  The Sonoma County Fair offers both a classic full-scale carnival with plenty of excitement for thrill-seekers and a separate kiddie carnival area for the little ones, with scaled down thrills and lots of excitement. Fair admission is free every day for children 6 and under; Friday is Kids' Days, with free admission for all children 12 and under. Carnival rides are an additional charge. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and up, $5 for children 7–12, and free for children 6 and under and seniors 60+. For more info, visit www.sonomacountyfair.com.
• Gilroy Garlic Festival
  Christmas Hill Park, Gilroy
  Friday–Sunday, 10 am–7 pm
  The 35th annual “Ultimate Summer Food Fair” features three days of incredible food, beverages, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. The Children’s Area includes spectacular rides, fun activities, and more. Tickets: Adults $ 17, children 6–12 and seniors 60+ $8, children under 6 free. For more info, visit their website.
• Children's Garden Series: Red Panda Acrobats
  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. This Friday, the Red Panda Acrobats. Wayne Huey of the Red Panda Acrobats performs traditional Chinese acrobatics. Chinese acrobatics has a history of over 2,500 years. For more info, visit their website.
• Friday Nights on Main
  Tiburon
  Friday, 6–9 pm
  Bring the family to some outdoor dining, live music and dancing on Main Street in downtown Tiburon. This Friday, “Youth America's Cup"—Tiburon is the official home of the Youth America's Cup Team USA 45 Racing. Celebrate the team with a special tribute and the music of the Kyle Martin Band.. For more info, visit their website.
  
• Music in the Park: Elliot Randall and the Deadmen
  Marinwood Community Center, San Rafael
  Friday, 6–8 pm
  Enjoy Friday evenings in the park, featuring live music, delicious food by Marinwood Market, wine, and beer. Location: 775 Miller Creek Road, San Rafael. For more info, visit their website.
• Tam Valley's Creekside Fridays
  Tennessee Valley Cabin, Mill Valley
  Friday, 6:30–8 pm
  Bring the family, pets, chairs, and blankets to the weekly free musical event. This week: Rick Torres. Food available for purchase. For more info, call (415) 289-4152 or visit their website.
  
• Film Night in the Park: Moonrise Kingdom
  Creek Park, San Anselmo
  Friday, 8:30 pm
  Film Night in the Park presents a large-screen outdoor presentation of Moonrise Kingdom at Creek Park in San Anselmo. Popcorn, candy and sodas will be sold. Bring blankets, pillows, backrest and low chairs. Film Night suggests leaving pets at home. Free. Donations greatly appreciated. Location: 451 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo. For more info, visit their website.

Saturday, July 27

• March of the Penguins
  San Francisco Zoo
  Saturday, 9 am–5 pm
  It’s a prince! A “penguin prince” that is. Come see him and his four female fellow classmates graduate Fish School this Saturday at 9 am, at the San Francisco Zoo. These little chicks have been off exhibit for several weeks learning how to eat fish, swim and acclimate to their keepers. It’s sure to be a fun morning. San Francisco Zoo members get in early, and will have the chance to name the tiny royal as he and the group waddle their way home to Penguin Island. Zoo admission applies. For more info, visit their website.
• Marin Country Mart Farmers Market
  Larkspur Landing
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  This weekend, the babes (Lenore and Anna) from Three Babes Bakeshop will be teaching peach pie essentials and conducting a tasting at the Farmers' Market from 10:30–11:30 am. Enjoy pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids from 10 am–2 pm, face kids' crafts from 9 am–2 pm, children's music or storytelling from 9:30–10:30 am, and more live music from 11 am–12:30 pm, as well as fresh produce, prepared foods, and great local restaurants. For more info, visit their website.
  
• Northgate Kids’ Sing ‘n' Play!
  San Rafael
  Saturday, 11 am–noon
  Kids of all ages are invtied to come play, sing and dance in an interactive musical playgroup that will be led by talented local Marin music teachers. This free summer series of musical playgroups will offer a different music-focused program (provided by Kidzter) every other Saturday morning at Northgate. Kids will get a free musical instrument to help keep to the rhythm all summer long. Every other Saturday from 11 am–noon in the Macy’s wing. For more info, visit their website.
• The 28th Annual Berkeley Kite Festival
  Cesar E. Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina
  Saturday and Sunday, 10 am–6 pm
  The Berkeley Kite Festival is an amazing free family event with fun for all! From the terrific food and arts and crafts booths to the Kids' Zone, free kite making and candy drop, the Berkeley Kite Festival has something for everyone. Parking is $15 per day at Golden Gate Fields, which includes a free shuttle to event. For more info and directions, visit their website.
• 8th Annual Far West Fest
  Love Field, Pt. Reyes
  Saturday, 11 am–7 pm
  Voted Best Music Festival in Marin County, the Fart West Fest is family friendly with top-notch musical entertainment. The Kidz Zone features interactive activities, healthful snacks, and kid-centric live music and storytellers. Clowns, jugglers, and other circus acts dot the landscape throughout the day. Location: 11191 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard at HIghway 1. For more info, visit their website.

In case you missed or just didn't get enough of the Marin County Fair, you'll be happy to know that the 2013 Sonoma County Fair starts Thursday, July 25 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, and runs through Sunday, August 11. It's worth checking out if you've never been: it's bigger and a lot different than Marin's smaller, more intimate fair, and has more of an agricultural focus, which is natural for a more rural county like Sonoma. The Sonoma County Fair also features the largest themed flower show in the country, which is usually pretty stunning—this year's theme is "Backyard Blossoms."

The fair includes a kids' area and playground with appropriate entertainment and activities, including craft projects, dress-up, and a parents' rest station with changing tables and chairs for nursing. Other kids' activities include the Corny Crow ventriloquism show, s LEGO building contest, sidewalk art, and a bubblegum blowing competition. You can see the full roster of family events and activities here.

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, July 19

• Sean's Shadow Puppets
  San Anselmo Library
  Friday, 11 am–noon
  Musician and puppet artist Sean Powers performs beautifully crafted shadow puppet plays adapted from folklore. For preschool and up. Free. Location: Chamber Council, 110 Tunstead Ave, San Anselmo. For more info, call (415) 258-4656 or visit their website.
  
• Children's Garden Series: Crosspulse Percussion Ensemble
  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. This Friday: Crosspulse Percussion Ensemble. Weaving the oldest musical instrument, the human body, with instrumental webs of hand drums, bells, claves, gongs, trap set, banjo, voice, and more, Crosspulse embodies a virtual world tour. For more info, visit their website.
  
• Pacheco Plaza Summer Music Series
  Pacheco Plaza, Novato
  Friday, 6–9 pm
  Enjoy Fab Four tunes by Beatles Flashback and an al fresco dinner from Boca Pizzeria, Taki Japanese Restaurant or Paradise Foods under the stars! Free shows start at 6 pm and are free of charge. Arrive early for best parking. Location: 366 Ignacio Boulevard, Novato. For more information, visit their website.
• Jazz & Blues by the Bay
  Gabrielson Park, Sausalito
  Friday, 6:30–8:30 pm
  Jazz & Blues by the Bay at Gabrielson Park in Sausalito is a free event. Lawn seating available, first-come first-served. This Friday: Dalt Williams Quintet, sponsored by Sausalito Lions Club. For more info, visit their website.
• Tam Valley's Creekside Fridays
  Tennessee Valley Cabin, Mill Valley
  Friday, 6:30–8 pm
  Bring the family, pets, chairs, and blankets to the weekly free musical event.This Friday: Beatles tribute band Revolver. Food available for purchase. For more info, call (415) 289-4152 or visit their website.
  
• Marin Shakespeare Company: The Comedy of Errors
  Forest Meadows Amphitheater, San Rafael
  Friday and Sunday, 8 pm
  Marin Shakespeare Company presents The Comedy of Errors. Performances take place at Forest Meadows Amphitheatre at Dominican University of California in San Rafael, 1475 Acacia Avenue (at Grand Avenue). Friday's performance is a "pay what you will" preview. For more info, visit their website.
• San Rafael Young Performers Theatre: The King and I
  San Rafael Community Center
  Friday, 7:30 pm, Saturday, 2 pm & Sunday, 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm
  Enjoy the musical and dancing talents of over 60 young people.The summer 2013 performance is The King and I. All performances are held at the San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael. General admission $15. For more info, visit their website.
• Film Night in the Park: School of Rock
  Creek Park, San Anselmo
  Friday, 8:30 pm
  Film Night in the Park presents a large-screen outdoor presentation of School of Rock at Creek Park in San Anselmo. Popcorn, candy and sodas will be sold. Bring blankets, pillows, backrest and low chairs. Film Night suggests leaving pets at home. Free. Donations greatly appreciated. Location: 451 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo. For more info, visit their website.
• Broadway Under the Stars: Fantastical Family Night
  Jack London State Historic Park, Glen Ellen
  Friday and Saturday, 5 pm
  TTC’s Fantastical Family Night is fun for the entire family! Showcasing Broadway and Hollywood performers straight from New York and LA, this night of interactive entertainment is saturated with classic Broadway and Disney songs alike. Featuring a special and exclusive performance by TTC’s Broadway Kids Camp, these concerts have been applauded in the past for bringing laughter, joy and inspiration to kids (and adults) of all ages!. Pre-show picnicking starts at 5 pm; show begins at 7:30 pm. $42 general admission, $29 for ages under 21 and $25 ages 4–12. For more information, visit their website.

Saturday, July 20

• Paradise Fishing Derby
  Paradise Beach Park, Tiburon
  Saturday, 8:30–10:30 am
  Join rangers for Marin County Parks' annual fishing contest! Prizes awarded for the first fish, the biggest fish, and the heaviest fish! A limited number of fishing poles and bait will be provided first-come, first-served to beginners thanks to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Fishing license is required when fishing from the shore, not from the pier. Questions: Contact Ranger Mike Maraccini at (415) 435-9212. Meet at the fishing pier in Paradise Beach Park in Tiburon (3450 Paradise Dr). Park entrance fee is $10. For more info, visit their website.
• Civil War Days
  Casini Ranch Family Campground, Duncan Mills
  Satuday and Sunday, 9 am–5 pm
  Come and experience Civil War living history in the Sonoma County town of Duncans Mills. Interact with soldiers and civilans and see battles, period demonstrations, and even a speech by President Lincoln. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for juniors 6–12, and free for kids 5 and under. Parking is $5 per car. For more info, visit their website.
• Marin Country Mart Farmers Market
  Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  Enjoy pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids from 10 am–2 pm, face kids' crafts from 9 am–2 pm, children's music or storytelling from 9:30–10:30 am, and more live music from 11 am–12:30 pm, as well as fresh produce, prepared foods, and great local restaurants. For more info, visit their website.
• Come to Your Senses at Crissy Field
  Crissy Field, Beach Hut café
  Saturday, 11 am–12:30 pm
  Come experience the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors of Crissy Field on a one-mile easy walk at the Crissy Marsh. We'll look for crabs, taste strawberry treats, listen to some cultural legends, and smell and touch the interesting flowers that grow around the marsh. Bring walking shoes, layered clothing, and your love of nature. For families with children 5 and up. Meet Ranger Fatima Colindres in front of Beach Hut café on Crissy Field East Beach. Reservations required; call (415) 561-4323. For more info, visit their website.
• Petaluma Rivertown Revival
  Steamer Landing, Petaluma
  Saturday, 11 am–8 pm
  This is a unique, arts-based thematic festival that sustainably highlights and celebrates the Petaluma River, benefitting the David Yearsley River Heritage Center. This community festival includes over 100 musicians, an art boat flotilla, art boat drag races, aerial acts on the river, artisan merchants, $5 weddings, local food vendors, theatrical performances, and children's activities. Cost: $5. For more info, visit their website.

Down in the Monterey Peninsula town of Pacific Grove, it's almost time for the annual Feast of Lanterns festival. Family-friendly Pacific Grove (or "PG", if you're a local) is one of our favorite places to go for a road trip, and the Feast of Lanterns is an especially magical time to visit this small seaside community billed as "America's Last Hometown" and "Butterfly Town USA." We try to make it there for the Feast of Lanterns at least every other summer.

Taking place on from Saturday, July 20 to Sunday, July 28, the Feast of Lanterns is kind of like a combination of the 4th of July, Miss America, Halloween, and New Year's Eve all wrapped into one festive package. It's a big deal down there, and something that's delighted locals and tourists alike in this small coastal town for 108 years. Pacific Grove is one of our favorite places for a family getaway, so why not consider heading down there for a visit this summer?

During the weeks leading up to the Feast of Lanterns, the whole town of Pacific Grove takes on a festive air, with colorful Chinese paper lanterns decorating the streets and many of the houses in town. This year's festivities kick off Saturday, July 20 with a family fun day at Pacific Grove's cool Museum of Natural History. Opening ceremonies mark the official start of the Feast of Lanterms on Wednesday, July 24.

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, July 12

• Children's Garden Series: Chelle! & Friends
  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. Children's show of New Orleans jazz music. No tickets needed. For more info, visit their website.
• Puppet Art Theater Presents The Three Billy Goats Gruff
  Larkspur Library
  Friday, 4–5 pm
  As part of its Summer Reading Program, Larkspur Library hosts the Puppet Art Theater with The Three Billy Goats Gruff. This production starts with the classic race of the Tortoise and the Hare. Space is limited; please RSVP to (415) 927-5005 or library@cityoflarkspur.org. Location: 400 Magnolia Ave. First Floor, City Hall building, Downtown Larkspur. For more info, visit their website.
  
• Pajama Night at 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; $25 each additional family member. Location: 641 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo. For more info or to reserve a spot, call (415) 456-5989 or visit their website.
• For Whom the Bell Rings
  Hayes Theater at San Rafael High School
  Friday, 6 pm
  Even if school is the last thing you want to think about over the summer, you'll love this fast-paced musical comedy, with songs about everything from standardized tests to the lost and found. Presented by Katia & Company kids' summer camp. Free! For more info, visit their website.
• Jazz & Blues by the Bay
  Gabrielson Park, Sausalito
  Friday, 6:30–8:30 pm
  Jazz & Blues by the Bay at Gabrielson Park in Sausalito is a free event. Lawn seating available (first-come first-served). This Friday: Madison Band Blues, sponsored by Friends of the Sausalito Dog Park. For more info, visit their website.
• Tam Valley's Creekside Fridays
  Tennessee Valley Cabin, Mill Valley
  Friday, 6:30–8 pm
  Bring the family, pets, chairs, and blankets to the weekly free musical event.This Friday: Rusty Evans (Johnny Cash). Food available for purchase. For more info, call (415) 289-4152 or visit their website.
  
• Marin Shakespeare Company: Spanish Tragedy
  Forest Meadows Amphitheater, San Rafael
  Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 8 pm
  Marin Shakespeare Company presents Thomas Kyd's Spanish Tragedy, one of Elizabethan England's most popular plays and an inspiration for Shakespeare's Hamlet and Titus Andronicus. Celebrate the opening on Friday with complimentary cake, champagne, and festivities. Performances take place at Forest Meadows Amphitheatre at Dominican University of California in San Rafael, 1475 Acacia Avenue (at Grand Avenue). For more info, visit their website.
• Film Night In The Park: Footloose
  Creek Park, San Anselmo
  Friday, 8:30 pm
  Grab the family, blanket, pillows, low back chairs and some popcorn and enjoy an outdoor family-friendly movie at San Anselmo's Creek Park. Arrive at 8 pm, movie begins at dusk. Donations appreciated. For more info, visit their website.

Saturday, July 13

• Marin Country Mart Farmers Market
  Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  Enjoy pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids from 10 am–2 pm, face kids' crafts from 9 am–2 pm, children's music or storytelling from 9:30–10:30 am, and live music from 11 am–12:30 pm. For more info, visit their website.
• Wildcare Adventures: Journey to the City of Egrets
  Audubon Canyon Ranch, Stinson Beach
  Saturday, 10 am
  Visit Audubon Canyon Ranch and see an egret heronry in action. Each spring egrets converge on this spot to build nests and raise their young. Hike to a viewing area to look down into the nests to see egrets feeding their young and witness how fledglings prepare for their first flight. Location: 4900 Highway 1, Stinson Beach. For more info, call (415) 453-1000 x17 or visit their website.
• Lyford House Open to Visitors
  Tiburon
  Saturday, 10 am–1 pm
  Lyford House, the yellow Victorian on the shores of Richardson Bay at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary, will be open for visitors one Saturday per month for five months beginning June. It was deeded to the Audubon Society in 1961 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. Location: 376 Greenwood Beach Road, Tiburon. For more info, call (415) 388-2524 or visit their website.
• Family Fun on the Farm and Adventures in the Wild
  Green Gulch Farm, Mill Valley
  Saturday, 10 am–2 pm
  Bring the family for this experiential, nature-based day designed to help us remember our deep connections and learn how to apply them to our modern communities. This workshop is designed for parents, uncles, aunts and grandparents to explore and have fun with children in nature and on the farm. This day includes strategic mentoring practices, community gleaning and potluck, small group discussions, storytelling and music...all while having a great family day on a local, organic farm! $20 for Marin Organic Members, $25 non-members, $5 for children. Location: 1601 Shoreline Hwy., Mill Valley. For more info, visit their website.
• Teddy Bear Festival
  San Francisco Zoo
  Saturday and Sunday, 11 am–3 pm
  Come celebrate teddy bear magic during this two-day event. Children of all ages are invited to enjoy live music by the Raytones, special book readings of I Am NOT a Bear, create take-home crafts, and have a special meet-and-greet with the Pete the Polar Bear and Baxter the Brown Bear. All activities are FREE with paid zoo admission. For more info, visit their website.