Family Weekend Events for September 28, 29 & 30

Fall is here and most pumpkin patches in Marin and Sonoma counties are celebrating their season openings this weekend. You can find plenty of special opening-weekend acitivites and special events listed below, and you can find the perfect pumpkin patch in which to find your Halloween pumpkins in our 2012 Pumpkin Patch Guide.

Here are our other 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, September 28

• Opening Weekend—Petaluma Pumpkin Patch
  550 Stony Point Road
  Friday and Saturday, 10 am–10 pm and Sunday, 10 am–6pm
  This is the one you see off of 101 on your way out of Petaluma. Over 50 varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, as well as a 4-acre "a-maze-ing" corn maze (admission $5, 5 and under free; $9 on Friday and Saturday nights 6–10 pm), farm animals, a zip line, weekend pony rides, face painting, jumpy houses and inflatables, food vendors, covered snack area, school tours. Special events include a firemen's day and raffle, 4H bake sales and animal demonstrations, and more. For more info, visit their website.
  
• The Book Place Fall Book Clearance
  Grant Avenue, Novato
  Friday, 10 am–7 pm and Saturday 10 am–4 pm
  Visit the Friends of the Marin County Free Libraries used bookstore for the fall clearance sale. Almost everything in the store will be half-price! Location: The Book Place, 1608 Grant Avenue, Novato. For more info, visit their website.
• Parents Night Out
  Marinwood Community Center, San Rafael
  Friday, 5–9 pm
  Drop off the kids and enjoy a night out! While you relax, the kids will be having fun with the Marinwood Camp staff this Saturday evening. This event often sells out—register early! For ages 3–10. Cost: $18; $5 sibling discount. For more info and registration call (415) 479-0775 or visit their website.

Saturday, September 29

• 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, and face painting and arts and crafts from 9 am–2 pm. Scott the Storyteller, 9:30–10:30 am. Live music in the courtyard by Anthony Bello and Boys & Girls from 11 am–2:30 pm. For more info, visit their website.
• Fee-Free Day at Muir Woods
  Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley
  Saturday, 9 am–7 pm
  Bring the family to visit Muir Woods on a Fee-Free all day. Come and volunteer if you'd like from 9 am–noon and then enjoy the park. Activities include sweeping, weeding and mulching, or covering up social trails. RSVP required; call (415) 388-2596. For more info, visit their website.
• Opening Weekend—Peter Pumpkin Patch
  Spring Hill Jersey Farm, Petaluma
  Saturday & Sunday, 9 am–6 pm
  Another one of our all-time favorite pumpkin patches. Pick your own pumpkin, dig for potatoes, take a tractor ride, visit farm animals, taste homemade ice cream and Spring Hill cheese, milk a cow, and get lost in the hay maze. Peter Pumpkin Patch also ofers fresh fruits and vegetables and picnic baskets. Free parking. This is a wonderful and fun pumpkin patch on a real working farm. Don't miss the homemade pumpkin ice cream! Read our review of the 2011 Peter Pumpkin Patch. Location: 4235 Spring Hill Road (off Bodega Ave.). For more info, call (707) 762-3446 or visit their website.
• Opening Weekend—Adobe Pumpkin Farm
  Petaluma
  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–6 pm
  They offer a gift shop, six-acre corn maze, pumpkin picking, farm animals, haunted houses, food, coffee, flowers, vegetables, a Halloween barn with tons of Halloween decorations, a Christmas shop, and more. 2478 East Washington Street, Petaluma. For more info, call (707) 763-6416 or visit their website.
  
• Blackie's Hay Day
  Blackie's Pasture, Tiburon
  Saturday, 10 am–3 pm
  Blackie's Hay Day has become a community tradition that our children look forward to every year. Designed for children of all ages, Blackie's Hay Day is reminiscent of an old fashioned country fair with pony rides, relay races, toy tractors, jumpies, a climbing wall, live entertainment and more. General admission $10. Children under two are free. For more info, visit their website.
• 115th Annual Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival
  Sonoma Plaza on the Square
  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–6 pm
  The Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival is Sonoma Valley’s annual tradition of celebrating the harvest of wine grapes and the yearly crush.California’s oldest festival, this Sonoma tradition is held on the historic town square and is fun for all ages. Festivities include Opening Night Gala, blessing of the grapes, reenactment of the Bear Flag Revolt, firefighters' water fight, grape stomp, parade, tiny tacks race and 5k run-walk. For more info, visit their website.
• Nature for Kids: Mount Burdell
  Mount Burdell, Novato
  Saturday, 10 am–1 pm
  As autumn begins we will pay special attention to the ways that the plants and animals around us survive during the hot dry months, and how they get ready for the cold wet season ahead. We’ll talk about the importance of tasty things like berries and acorns, and learn why the animals don’t eat them until fall and winter. This walk is free of charge, no registration is necessary. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. David Herlocker will lead. Questions: Contact David at (415) 893-9508 or DHerlocker@marincounty.org. Meet at the San Andreas Trailhead. For more info, visit their website.
• Wildcare Family Adventures: Beach Family Day
  Rodeo Beach
  Saturday, 10 am
  Enjoy a day at the beach and look for shells, beach hoppers and egrets. We’ll also explore the area around Rodeo Lagoon and look for killdeer, brown pelicans and elusive river otters. Directions: Meet at the Rodeo Beach parking lot at the end of Bunker Road. This event is free. For more info, call (415) 453-1000 x17 or visit their website.
  
• San Francisco Bay Area Birth & Baby Fair
  Fort Mason Herbst Pavilion, 99 Marina Blvd.
  Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
  The San Francisco Birth & Baby Fair is the premier event for new and expecting parents and young families in the SF Bay Area. Enjoy a full day of free educational seminars, demonstrations and specialty shopping. Meet representatives from the local birthing and early parenting community. Watch demonstrations or participate in workshops on cloth diapering, baby sign language, breasfeeding, cord banking, and more! Shop for unique maternity and baby wear, accessories from local designers at one-day-only sale prices. Also enjoy refreshments, a spa lounge with complimentary services for moms and a special play area for kids. General Admission is $8 if purchased online, $10 at the door. Children 18 and under are free. For more info, visit their website.
• Electronics Recycling Fundraiser
  Pleasant Valley Elementary School, Novato
  Saturday, 10 am–2 pm
  Gather your old electronics—TVs, computers, laptops, monitors, stereo equipment, cords, cellular phones, iPods, game consoles, digital cameras, and more—and even collect discards from the workplace, friends, and family. Bring these items to the Pleasant Valley School's parking lot on Saturday between 10 am and 2 pm. They will be recycled or reused in an eco-friendly manner, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Pleasant Valley School. No batteries, light bulbs, exercise equipment, or appliances are permitted. Location: 755 Sutro Avenue, Novato. For more info call (415) 897-5104.
• HeadsUp Summerfest Carnival
  San Rafael High School
  Saturday, 11 am-5 pm
  It's Summerfest time! Come have fun and help save critical school programs for San Rafael City Schools at the HeadsUp Summerfest Carnival on Saturday. This fun and free event takes place at San Rafael High School and features game booths, a giant slide, bounce houses, a petting zoo, face painting, henna body art, photo booth, kiss-a-pig, a dunk tank, wheel of fortune, art displays, performances by school music groups, BBQ treats, local band GWood Gents, and more. Also on hand will be the celebrated Summerfest Cake Walk—show off your baking skills or join the fun and win a cake.San Rafael High School is located at 185 Mission Avenue in San Rafael. Get more information about Summerfest at headsupsr.org
• Family Fun Fair 2012
  St. Isabella School, San Rafael
  Saturday, 11 am–6 pm
  Bring the family to the St. Isabella's Family Fun Fair. Enjoy a day of music, rides, carnival games, delicious food, and special prizes. An annual fundraiser to support St. Isabella School. For more info, visit their website.
  
• Olive School's 2nd Annual Fall Carnival
  Novato
  Saturday, 3–6 pm
  The Olive PTA will be holding a fall carnival for the entire family. There will be face painting, games, music, food, sports, crafts, prizes and more. Everyone is welcome, bring a friend or a neighbor. All proceeds go directly to the school. Location: 629 Plum Street in Novato. For more info call (415) 897-2131 or visit their website.
  

Sunday, September 30

• Civic Center Farmers' Market
  Marin Civic Center, San Rafael
  Sunday, 8 am–1 pm
  There's lots of organically grown produce, breads, eggs, and fresh cut flowers, as well as live music, bounce houses, and more. This farmers' market is a great one to take the kids to. It’s located in the main Civic Center parking lot. For more info, visit their website.
  
• NatureBridge: Family Explorers Bay Sail
  Bay Model, Sausalito
  Sunday, 9:30 am–noon
  Set sail for family adventure on the schooner Seaward. Navigate the bay, hoist sails, and learn a bit about bay ecology during this 2.5-hour experience filled with breathtaking views and one-of-a-kind memories. Cost: $30 per person. Life jacket provided. This program meets at the Bay Model in Sausalito. Children 3 and under free. Pre-registration required here. For more info, visit their website.
• Country Fair Day & Parade 2012
  Downtown San Anselmo
  Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
  Bring the family to San Anselmo's annual Country Fair Day & Parade. Schedule: pancake breakfast, 7–11 am at downtown fire station; kids entertainment, 10 am–3 pm on San Anselmo Avenue between Pine and Tamalpais; parade down San Anselmo Avenue, 11 am, beginning at Ross Avenue and continuing down San Anselmo Avenue to Tamalpais Avenue; and a barbecue and music in Creek Park, noon–4 pm. Tim Cain will be perfroming at 12:30 pm. For more info, visit their website.
• U-Pick Apples at Chileno Valley Ranch
  Chileno Valley Ranch
  Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
  Pick your own organic apples at this family farm located in West Marin. Grass fed beef, pork, and eggs are also for sale. $2 per pound for apples, $6 per car parking fee. Call first to RSVP. More information: (707) 765-6664 or visit their website.
• U-Pick Sunday at Bloomfield Farms
  Petaluma
  Sunday, 10 am–3 pm
  On Sundays through the end of October, families can come to Bloomfield Farms and pick their own kale, broccoli, zucchini, green beans, Swiss chard, and more on this certified organic family farm. The cost is $25 to fill a box. Read our article about it here. Bloomfield Farms is located west of Petaluma on 12250 Valley Ford Road. An RSVP to upick@bloomfieldfarmsorganics.com or on the farm's Facebook page is appreciated, but not essential.
  
• Storytime with Christopher Smith
  Book Passage, Corte Madera
  Sunday, 11 am
  Acoustic multi-instrumentalist Smith crafts story songs that aim for the heart. He is especially popular with toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners. However, all ages (including adults) love him. The Book Passage is located at 51 Tamal Vista Blvd. in Corte Madera. For more info, call (415) 927-0960 or visit their website.
• 34th Annual Chili Cook-Off
  Dunphy Park, Sausalito
  Sunday, 11 am–4 pm
  The air at Dunphy Park will be thick with the delicious and wonderful aroma of tomatoes, beans, peppers, and spices. Come join us and experience booth after booth of delicious park-made chili. Tasting will begin at high noon. Purchase a $10 unlimited chili tasting band and visit each booth to try its unique and original chili. You will help decide the winners by casting your “bean vote.” Voting beans will be given to the first 1,000 people who purchase a tasting band so don’t bean late! Location: 1600 Bridgeway, Sausalito. For more info, visit their website.
  
• Sukkot Harvest Festival
  Marin JCC, San Rafael
  Sunday, 11:30 am-2:30 pm
  Dance, swim, explore, decorate, learn and celebrate the joyful holiday of Sukkot. There’s plenty for adults and kids, Jewish and non-Jewish—a Zumba Dance Party, adult workshops, arts & crafts, tot activities, a farm stand, food to purchase, compost and bee exhibits, and so much more! Plus, bring your friends and family—and experience the Osher Marin JCC center and pool for free all day! For more info and festival times, please visit their website.
• 14th Annual Mill Valley Community Block Party
  Downtown Mill Valley
  Sunday, 1–5 pm
  Proceeds benefit Kiddo! Bring the family for some food, music, kids' games, a fashion show, and beer garden. Musical talent features Tim Hockenberry, Bonnie Hayes, the Treble Makers with Lloyd Meadows, and more. For more info, call (415) 389-7789 or visit their website.