Marin & Bay Area Weekend Family Fun for September 18–20
Mickelson Pumpkin Patch (pictured) and Petaluma Pumpkin Patch open for the season this weekend.
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.
All Weekend
- The outdoor music of Flower Piano returns to the San Francisco Botanical Garden, Friday–Sunday, 7:30 am–6 pm.
- Gather under the redwoods in Old Mill Park for the annual Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival, Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–5 pm.
- Mickelson Pumpkin Patch in Petaluma opens this weekend, Saturday, 9 am–10 pm, Sunday, 9 am–8 pm.
- Take a ride on an historic streetcar, bus, or cable car at Muni Heritage Weekend in San Francisco, Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–4 pm.
- Chinatown's Autumn Moon Festival features lion dancers, entertainment, kids' activities, food vendors, mooncakes, and more! Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–5 pm.
Friday, September 18
- Bring the little ones to Pop-Up Storytime at Boyle Park in Mill Valley, 10:15–10:45 am.
- Sing and dance with In Harmony Music at Robin Sweeny Park in Sausalito, Friday, 11:30 am–noon.
- Celebrate Oktoberfest at a free block party on Front Street in San Francisco, Friday, 2–10 pm.
- Bring the kiddos to Family Movie Day featuring Hoppers and free popcorn, Mill Valley Library, 3–4:30 pm.
- Bring the kiddos to see Pixar's Toy Story 2 for free in the big tent at Larkspur Landing, Friday, 6 pm.
- The West End Block Party in Downtown San Rafael returns with music and community spirit, Friday, 6–9 pm.
- Take an evening nature hike at General Vallejo's Home in Sonoma, Saturday, 6:30 pm.
- Dee Coco & Companyperform at the Jazz & Blues by the Bay in Sausalito, Friday, 6:30–8:30 pm.
Gather under the redwoods in Old Mill Park for the annual Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival, Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–5 pm.
Saturday, September 19
- Participate in Coastal Cleanup Day at many sites in Marin and the Bay Area, Saturday, times vary.
- See classic cars alongside historic aircraft at the Pacific Coast Air Museum's Wheels and Wings Car Show, Saturday, 8 am–2 pm.
- Bring the family to the Marin Country Mart Farmers’ Market and enjoy complimentary children's programming and live music while you shop, Saturday, 9 am–2 pm.
- Find free gently used kids' gear and clothing at the Give and Take event at Christ Presbyterian Church in San Rafael, Saturday, 10 am–12 pm.
- Sample rare apple varieties and tour the orchard on a trolley at Gold Ridge Organic Farms' Heirloom Apple Festival in Sebastopol, Saturday, 10 am–3 pm.
- Celebrate kid lit at the Children's Book Festival at Children's Fairyland in Oakland, Saturday, 10 am–4 pm.
- Young entrepreneurs showcase their creations at the Marin Children’s Business Fair at Town Center in Corte Madera, Saturday, 11 am–2 pm.
- Join the Western Railway Museum in Suisuin City for Oktoberfest, with train rides, German food, beer, and enterainment, Saturday, 11 am–4:30 pm.
- Set sail for a full day of music, maritime fun, and waterfront festivities at the 2026 San Francisco Festival of the Sea, Saturday, 11 am–5 pm.
- Come down to enjoy beautiful views and delicious chili at the 47th Annual Chili Cook-Off in Sausalito! Saturday, noon–4 pm.
- Pick your own project at Goodie's Kid's Club at Goodman Building Supply in Mill Valley, Saturday, 12:30–2 pm
- Celebrate the fall season at Tam Valley's family friendly Oktoberfest, Saturday, 3–8 pm.
- Learn Cumbia dancing in a free event at the historic Sonoma Barracks, Saturday, 5 pm.
Sunday, September 20
- Shop for fresh produce and locally made foods and enjoy live entertainment at the Marin Civic Center farmer's market in San Rafael, Sunday, 8 am–1 pm.
- Enjoy free yoga at Outpost Meadow in the San Francisco Presidio, Sunday, 10–11 am.
- Celebrate the harvest season with tours, a grape stomp, music, food, and barrel tastings at Larson Family Winery, Sunday 11 am–2 pm.
- Head to San Rafael's Gerstle Park neighborhood for great live music and community fun at PorchFest, Sunday, noon–5 pm.
- Kinderfest celebrates German Culture with music, food, and dancing at the Tourist Club in Mill Valley, Sunday 1–6 pm
