Events and Outings

I'd driven by McInnis Park off Smith Ranch Road in San Rafael many times before I realized that—hidden amongst the driving range, nine-hole golf course, clubhouse, and batting cages—there was a miniature golf course there too (it was the a little windmill and castle on the hill that tipped me off). Since then, it's been a favorite place for us to go with the kids for a fun day out.

McInnis Park's miniature golf course is a colorful, 18-hole, artist-designed course with fanciful features including an elephant with moving feet, a snail, a castle, a lighthouse, a waterfall, and a much more. The tiered, lushly landscaped course winds its way up a hill as you play and the views from the top are spectacular.

The course also offers two bonus holes at the end. Keep your ball after the 18th hole, then go down below to the bonus course that includes a dinosaur, which is always a favorite with my kids.

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 18 through Sunday, June 22. 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 its 75th anniversary with its theme "Diamonds Are Fairever." There'll be a special anniversary exhibit in the Exhibit Hall, and 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. Of course the fair's famous World's Ugliest Dog Contest, will take place, too!

And what would a fair be without live music? The Sonoma-Marin Fair has numerous musical acts on its schedule, including Eddie Money, country up-and-comer Brett Eldredge, Uncle Kracker, and Creedence Clearwater Revisited. Concerts are free with fair admission.

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 13

• Children's Garden Series: Venezuelan Music Project
  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. Performing in English and Spanish, the Venezuelan Music Project is the perfect introduction to the groove and energy of Latin music! For more info, visit their website.
• Friday Night Jazz: Lorca Hart Trio
  Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
  Friday, 6–9 pm
  Enjoy live music on Fridays in the Marin Country Mart courtyard! This Friday, Lorca Hart, the son of drumming titan Billy Hart, has proven himself to be a fantastic drummer in his own right. His trio features Josh Nelson on piano and Edwin Livingston on bass. For more info, visit their website.
• 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: Terrie Odabi. For more info, call (415) 289-4100 or 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 Friday: Marble Party. Food available for purchase. For more info, call (415) 289-4152 or visit their website.
• Father Son BBQ
  Corte Madera Community Center
  Friday, 6:30–9 pm
  Fun starts at 6:30 pm. Dads and sons will have a blast playing kickball, eating barbeque, Games and activities until 9 pm. $20 per person. To register, visit their website.
• Friday the 13th Not Afraid of the Dark Hike
  Tiburon
  Friday, 7:30–9 pm
  Join Ranger Felicity Hartnett to avoid the black cats, ladders, and other superstitions on this day for a pleasant short hike through Old St Hilary’s preserve. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a flashlight. RSVPs are appreciated but not required. Questions or to RSVP: FHartnett@marincounty.org. Location: Meet at the gate at the end of Lyford Drive in Tiburon. For more info, visit their website.
• Film Night in the Park: Up
  Contrati Ball Field, Fairfax
  Friday, 8 pm
  Kick off the Fairfax Festival with a free outdoor screening of Pixar's Up in Fairfax's Contrati Field. Show time is 8 pm, but arrive an hour early for music, a raffle, and a cartoon. Bring your picnic, blankets, and low-backed lawn chairs. Popcorn, candy, and sodas available for sale. For more information, visit their website.

Saturday, June 14

• Father's Day Weekend Fishing Derby
  Paradise Beach Park, Tiburon
  Saturday, 9 am–1 pm
  Spend the day with Dad at Paradise Beach Park in Tiburon for the Father's Day Weekend Fishing Derby. Prizes awarded for biggest fish, first fish, and heaviest fish! No fishing license required when fishing from the pier. A limited number of fishing poles and bait will be provided to beginners on a first-come, first-served basis. For more info, visit their website.
• Art in the Park
  Stafford Lake, Novato
  Saturday, 10 am–noon
  Bring the whole family out to scenic Stafford Lake Park to paint the oak studded grasslands of beautiful North Marin. Art supplies, smocks, and healthy snacks will be provided. Questions: Contact Ranger Sarah Burkhart at (415) 897-0618 or SBurkhart@marincounty.org. Meet at the gate house at Stafford Lake Park in Novato (3549 Novato Boulevard). For more info, visit their website.
• Novato Festival of Art, Wine and Music
  Downtown Novato
  Saturday, 10 am–7 pm & Sunday, 10 am–6 pm
  The Novato Festival of Art, Wine, and Music is a perfect blend of unique handcrafted art, regional vintage wines, award-winning micro brews, and gourmet foods, and first-rate live music. Festival goers of all ages love the youth activities, including guided art projects, train rides, climbing wall and petting zoo, bounce houses, jumbo slides and a dunk tank. Select artists specialize in children's books, toys, gifts, clothing and accessories. For more info, visit their website.
• 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 will be complemented with live bluegrass and folk music, beer, and homemade pie from 11 am–2 pm. The farmers’ market features fun kid’s activities, including pony rides, arts and crafts, face painting, and children’s entertainment from 9:30-10:30 am. 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.
• The 37th Annual Fairfax Festival
  Fairfax Pavilion
  Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–6 pm
  Come hear great local music at three stages, shop for crafts and flea market treasures, enjoy fresh, wholesome food, beer, organic wine tasting, entertain the kids in the expanded children’s area, and ponder social and environmental issues at the Ecofest. Free. For more info, visit their website.
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Summer vacation is here, and it's time to start thinking of fun and affordable ways to keep the kids occupied now that they're finally out of school.

Here are a dozen ideas for great affordable summer activities and outings in Marin and the San Francisco Bay Area. From hiking to swimming to movies to farm tours, everything listed here is either free or inexpensive. You don't have to break the bank to have a great time!

• Kids' Summer Movie Clubhouse in Marin offers fun weekly movies for kids starting Tuesday, June 10, at the Century Rowland Plaza in Novato. 10 shows for $5 in advance, or $1 per show if purchased at the box office. For a list of movies, see our article here.
• Join the Summer Reading Program at the Marin County Public Libraries. Participants were awarded prizes based on the number of days spent reading new books for at least 20 minutes a day. This year's program is titled “Paws to Read.” It started Saturday, May 31, but it's never too late to join in. Check with your local library branch for details.
• Cool off at one of Marin's community pools. Most community pools offer public drop-in recreational swim hours for families. Find a pool near you on our list here.
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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 6

• Children's Garden Series: The 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. The Red Panda Acrobats take the ancient art of Chinese acrobatics into the 21st century with awe-inspiring displays of strength, balance, and dexterity. For more info, visit their website.
• McNears Beach Block Party
  McNears Beach County Park, San Rafael
  Friday, 4–7 pm
  Come to McNears Beach Park to launch the weekend off with a “welcome to summer” block party! There will be food available from Andy's Local Market, live music, swimming, paddleboards, and plenty of fun for the whole family. Free parking and pool admission! Location: 201 Cantera Way, San Rafael. For more info, visit their website.
• Concerts Under The Oak: Pride & Joy
  Northgate, Oak Plaza
  Friday, 6–8 pm
  Clear out your calendar, because starting in June Concerts Under the Oak are back! Performances will be the first and third Friday from June 6th- August 15th from 6pm-8pm. We look forward to collaborating with everyone on food, drinks and specials to offer our concert goers- and we hope to see you there! This Friday: Pride & Joy (R&B/Soul). A limited number of seats will be provided, but people are encouraged to bring their own seating. For more info, visit their website.
• KidsFest at the Zoo: Monkey Madness
  San Francisco Zoo
  Friday, 6–8 pm
  KidsFest is the most popular family event at the San Francisco Zoo! Enjoy exclusive wildlife presentations, live music, dancing, face painting, magicians, arts and crafts, and food and drink. Plus, you get private access to the Zoo’s attractions, including the newly renovated Elinor Friend Playground, Dentzel Carousel, Fisher Family Children’s Zoo, and the Little Puffer steam train. KidsFest raises money to support the Zoo’s many community-building and education efforts. Tickets: $100 adults, $50 children. For more info, visit their website.
• 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: Craig Caffall Band. For more info, call (415) 289-4100 or visit their website.
  

Saturday, June 7

• Museums on Us
  Various Locations
  Saturday & Sunday
  Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card holders get free general admission on the first full weekend of every month. Present your card and a photo ID for admission (one free general admission per cardholder). Get full details here. Participating museums include the de Young Museum, the Legion of Honor, Contemporary Jewish Museum and the Chabot Space & Science Center.
  
• 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.
  
• National Trails Day Pancake Breakfast
  Tennessee Valley
  Saturday, 9 am–noon
  Come to Tennessee Valley on Saturday for a family-friendly morning of fun on National Trails Day. There will be a hearty pancake breakfast in the Tennessee Valley picnic area followed by a ranger-led hike to the beach. $10 adults, $5 children; includes pancakes, sausage or vegan sausage, and coffee or orange juice. Location: 591 Tennessee Valley Road, Mill Valley. 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 Deer Island
  Deer Island Open Space Preserve, Novato
  Saturday, 10 am–1 pm
  This is a Healthy Parks Healthy People Event. Follow the 2.3-mile loop trail around this “island” and look for all of the wildlife and late blooming flowers that thrive here. There should be plenty of butterflies and other interesting insects to see as well as lizards, birds, and gorgeous trees to shade. Don’t forget to bring your lunch! High fire danger may cancel: Call (415) 893-9527 after 7 am on the morning of the event to hear a recorded message if cancelled. Naturalist David Herlocker will lead. For more info, visit their website.
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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 30

• 50th Anniversary Party for the Town of Tiburon
  Shoreline Park and Main Street, Tiburon
  Friday, 6–9 pm
  Celebrate Tiburon's 50th Anniversary in conjunction with the first Friday Nights on Main event! A huge party is planned for Shoreline Park and Main Street on the evening of Friday, May 30. Paradise Drive will be closed to allow for food trucks, live music, activities for kids of all ages and a big fireworks display off-shore. Bands will include Overbite, Wonder Bread 5, and the Redwood High School Band. Please walk, carpool, or cycle to the event. The Marin Bicycle Coalition will provide a secure bike corral. Please leave your pets at home.For more information, visit their website.
• Jazz & Blues by the Bay
  Gabrielson Park, Sausalito
  Fridays, 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). Performing this Friday, Maria Muldaur and Her Bluesiana Band. Food available to purchase. For more information, visit their website.
• Family Movie Night: Mary Poppins (1964)
  Stafford Lake, Novato
  Friday, 8–11 pm
  Come enjoy a spring evening on the lawn at Stafford Lake for Family Movie Night, featuring a family movie, popcorn, and more! Feel free to picnic and BBQ as well. Movie begins 15 minutes after sunset. No animals (except service animals) are allowed at this park. Park entrance is free. For more info, call Ranger Kevin O’Donoghue at (415) 897-0618 or visit their website.

Saturday, May 31

• 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.
• Explore Mt. Burdell
  Mt. Burdell Open Space Preserve, Novato
  Saturday, 10 am–1 pm
  Join Ranger Mike Warner for a moderate 3 mile hike through the preserve. We’ll learn about the area’s unique natural resources and features through some fun, interactive activities. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks. For more info, call (415) 473-2816 or visit their website.
  
• Marin Home & Garden Expo
  Marin Center Fairgrounds and Exhibit Hall, San Rafael
  Saturday, 10 am–7 pm Sunday, 10 am–6 pm
  The Marin Home & Garden Expo presents the newest trends and favorite traditions in the home and garden Industry. Bring the kids! Hands on building projects will take place in the kid's zone, and there will be live performances throughout the weekend. Marin community music groups will entertain on the Home Grown Marin Music Stage. Admission is free. For more info, visit their website.
• Coleman Carnival & International Festival
  Coleman Elementary School, San Rafael
  Saturday from 11 am–4 pm
  Come and experience some old fashioned family fun with entertainment from around the world, giant bounce houses, games, a raffle and more. The International Festival honors the diversity of the world and is Coleman’s largest annual community fundraiser. Food such as snow cones, crepes, Swedish waffles, cotton candy, pulled pork, BBQ, pizza ,and taqueria specialties availablAdmission is free and tickets can be purchased for food and games.. Location: 800 Belle Avenue, San Rafael. For more info, visit their website.
• Novato Library's Summer Reading Kickoff Party!
  Novato Library
  Saturday, 11 am–2 pm
  Join us as to kick off the library's Summer Reading Program with a wild party! Balloons, face painting, and music with Tim Cain (1 pm) are just some of the events at this celebration! For all ages. Location: 1720 Novato Boulevard, Novato. For more info, visit their website.
  
• May Madness Car Parade & Rockin' Street Dance
  Downtown San Rafael
  Saturday, noon–6 pm
  May Madness is the longest running car show and parade in Northern California. Parade begins at 5 pm. For the first time, the 27th annual event will showcase all cool vehicles! Chevrolet will have a special focus as this year’s featured marque. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic Corvette. Location: Fourth Street between Lincoln Avenue and C Street. For more info, visit their website.
  
• SingersMarin: Youth Spring Concert
  Community Congregational Church, Tiburon
  Saturday, 2 pm
  SingersMarin will perform their annual spring concert, "Why We Sing." Tickets: $20 general admission; $10 kids and seniors; $40 families. Location: 145 Rock Hill Drive, Tiburon. For more info, visit their website.
• Novato Theater KIDS Film Club Movie Event: The Wizard of Oz
  Super Fresh Food Art Gallery, Novato
  Saturday, 3-6 pm
  Join Toto on the Yellow Brick Road with a screening of the classic film, and learn how dogs become actors and models with four furry stars from the Reel Dogs Agency. Also enjoy trivia, crafts, and prizes. Admission: $5 members, $10 non-members, $15 for event admission and annual KIDS Film Club membership. Location: 906 Grant Avenue, Downtown Novato. For more information, visit their website.
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When we're in the Wine Country, we always make sure we visit TrainTown, the fun and fantastic miniature railroad located in the town of Sonoma. It's a place that I used to visit back when I was a kid, and it's the kind of destination that takes you and your family back to a simpler, less hectic 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, so it's impossible to miss. Park your car, buy your tickets at the admission booth, and hop on when the train arrives at the station. Train rides last approximately 20 minutes, and are drawn by a variety of engines, both diesel and steam.

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

Friday, May 23

• American Crown Circus/Circus Osorio
  St. Vincent's, Marinwood
  Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday, various times
  This family run bilingual circus, presented by Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise, is centered around acrobats, performers, and clowns, with no exotic animals. Performances are on Friday, May 23 at 6:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25 at 1:30, 4, and 6:30 pm; and Monday, May 26 at 1:30 and 4 pm. Advance tickets are $12 and are good for any performance; two children under 12 admitted free per paid advance adult ticket. Tickets at the gate $18. Advance tickets available until 6:30 pm on Sunday, May 25. Parking fee $5. For more info or to order tickets, vist their website.
• Kiddo Family Carnival
  Mill Valley Community Center
  Friday, 4–10 pm, Saturday & Sunday, noon–10 pm & Monday, noon–5 pm
  Bring the family for a four-day real old-fashioned carnival. There will be rides for all ages, plus food and games. The littlest ones in your family will love the Berry-Go-Round and the Tune Train, while your teenagers will be thrilled with the Sizzler, Zipper, Century Wheel, and the Typhoon. Advance discounted ticket books will be available in the Kiddo! office and Mill Valley Community Center while they last. Books are $20 advance, $30 once the carnival begins. Books may be turned in for a one-day wrist band for unlimited rides. Food and games extra. Location: 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley. For more info, visit their website.

Saturday, May 24

• 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 music (9:30–10:30 am). For more info, visit their website.
• New Exhibit: Broken? Fix It!
  Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
  Saturday & Sunday, 9 am–5 pm
  Broken? Fix it! invites visitors to embrace the broken as they discover the joy and satisfaction in making things whole or usable again. The exhibit encourages children and adults to learn together to diagnose problems, then roll up their sleeves and get inside the repair process. Visitors try their hand at a variety of fix-it activities, including figuring out why the car thumps and clangs, getting a bike rolling again, repairing a shoe, and fixing a toy train track. General admission $11; free for infants under 6 months and members. Location: 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. For more info, visit their website.
• Forever Family Spring Walk at Muir Woods
  Muir Woods, Mill Valley
  Saturday, 9:30 am–12:30 pm
  Bring your family on this slow and moderate walk through the redwood forest on the Fern Creek Trail to Camp Alice Eastwood and back. Discover wild and endangered coho salmon, banana slug trails, the Native American uses of plants, ghost redwoods, and more. Appropriate for ages 6 and above. Stroller and wheelchairs not advised. Backpack baby carriers ok. Dress in layers, bring water and a light snack, wear sturdy shoes with good treads. Reservations required; please phone (415) 388-2596. For more info, visit their website.
• The 36th Annual San Francisco Carnaval
  Harrison Street, San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–6 pm
  As one of the Bay Area’s most beloved events, the free family-friendly San Francisco Carnaval Festival is a 2-day event that showcases a diverse array of food, live music and activities for all. Enjoy a variety of dancing: Salsa, Samba, Reggae, Tango, Hip- Hop, Merengue, Calypso, Cha Cha Cha, Cumbia, and Mambo into the evening. The Grand Parade takes place on Sunday and starts at 9:30 am at the corner of 24th and Bryant Streets, where it will proceed west to Mission Street. From there, the parade heads north on Mission down to 17th Street, where it will turn East and flow into the Festival area. For more info, visit their website.
• Washed Ashore
  San Francisco Zoo
  Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, 10 am–4 pm
  Through spectacular, giant sea life sculptures made with debris that has “washed ashore,” this new exhibit creates awareness about marine debris and plastic pollution and gives new meaning to the common man-made items we throw in the garbage every day. These amazing works of art have been created from thousands of pounds of debris removed from local beaches. A sea lion pup, a whale bones rib cage, and an ocean gyre—all made from ocean and beach garbage—are a few of the gigantic sculptures that will be on display throughout the summer. Tickets: $17 adults, $14 seniors 65+, $11 children 4–14, free for children 3 and under. Parking $8 weekdays, $10 weekends. For more information, visit their website.
• Marin Greek Festival
  Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church, Novato
  Saturday and Sunday, 11 am–10 pm
  Come celebrate the culture of Greece with fabulous authentic Greek cuisine, live Greek music and dance, children's activities, cooking demonstrations, and more. Adults $6, seniors 55+ $4, children 16 and under free. The Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church is at 1110 Dickson Drive in Novato. For more info, call (415) 883-1998 or visit their website.
• Kids Patchwork Series: Octopretzel
  Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse, Berkeley
  Saturday, 11 am
  In a show as exuberant as their whimsical name, Octopretzel returns to the Freight stage to share exciting new material! The band creates engaging music, inspiring curiosity, wonder, and appreciation for the world we live in. Their skilled musicianship and magical way with children guarantees a dance-able, sing-able and fun experience for the whole family. For all ages. Doors open at 10:Cost: $8 advance, $10 at the door. Location: 2020 Addison Street, Berkeley. For more info, call (510) 644-2020 or visit their website.
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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 23, 24, 25, and 26. 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 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.

Performances are on Friday, May 23 at 6:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25 at 1:30, 4, and 6:30 pm; and on Monday, May 26 at 1:30 and 4 pm. Advance tickets are $12; $18 at the gate; two children under 12 admitted free per paid advance adult ticket. Advance tickets available until noon on Sunday, May 25. Parking fee $5. Order advance tickets online.