Marin Weekend Family Fun for August 9–11

Enjoy a family day at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa

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 9

• Sonoma County Fair
  Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa
  Friday–Sunday, 11 am–11 pm
  The Sonoma County Fair runs through Sunday, August 11. This year's theme is "Get Back to Our Roots in Cowboy Boots". Experience farm animals, hands-on activities, a flower show, and five acres of carnival rides. Admission is $15 for ages 13 and up, $7 for children 7–12, and free for children 6 and under. Event details.
• Meet Your Community Helpers & Car Rally Family Program
  Novato Library
  Friday, 11 am–noon
  Come and meet your Novato Firefighters, Novato Police, Novato Postal Carrier, Recology Garbage Collector, Marin Animal Control, State Park Rangers, Marin Water District Ranger and explore the One Tam Mobile Classroom. Tour a fire engine, police car, garbage truck! Bring your questions about what jobs people do. Thank your Community service providers. All ages welcome. Free. Location: 1720 Novato Blvd., Novato. Event details.
• Moms Group & Baby Movement Circle
  Pomegranate, San Anselmo
  Friday, 12:30–2 pm
  Come get the support of community, listening, and guidance on how to move forward as a new mom! This is a 90 minute group intended for pre-crawling babes. Cost: $15/class or $50/5pack. Drop in or register online here. Location: 25 Tamalpais Drive, San Anselmo. Event details
• Bubble and Face Paint Party
  Creek Park, San Anselmo
  Friday, 2–4 pm
  Celebrate all your reading accomplishments with face painting by Tatyana’s Magic Brush followed by an hour of bubble fun by the San Francisco Bubble Man Mike Ashe. Free. Location: 249 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. Event details
• Picnics on the Plaza
  Town Hall Lawn, San Anselmo
  Friday, 5–8 pm
  Grab dinner-to-go at a local restaurant, purchase snacks at the event, or bring your own picnic (BYOP) and dine with old and new friends at the plaza tables on Tunstead and the Town Hall lawn. This Friday, Josh McIntosh - Americana, Roots. It's a fun, family-friendly way to spend your summer evenings. Location: 525 San Anselmo Avenue, Town Hall Lawn, San Anselmo. Event details
• Broadway Under the Stars: Those Dancin' Feet
  Jack London State Park, Glen Ellen
  Friday–Sunday, 5 pm
  Take our hand as we lead you through and evening of spectacular dance featuring beautiful songs orchestrated especially for this show. Lose yourself in the sways and spins that are highlighted with familiar songs from Broadway alongside your favorite popular songs. Bring a picnic before the performance. The show begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $45–$149. Location: 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen. Event details
• Tam Valley's Creekside Fridays
  Tennessee Valley Cabin, Mill Valley
  Friday, 6–9 pm
  Bring the family, pets, chairs, and blankets to the weekly free musical event. This week: Dead Again. Food available for purchase. Location: 60 Tennessee Valley Road, Mill Valley. Event details.
• Music in the Park Series
  Marinwood Park, San Rafael
  Fridays, 6–8 pm
  Marinwood's most popular event returns this summer! Enjoy delicious BBQ by Marinwood Market and a bar for the grownups. This Friday, The Sons of the Soul Revivers. Concerts are free. Location: 775 Miller Creek Road. For more information, 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: Gator Nation (zydeco) Location: Humboldt Ave & Anchor Street, Sausalito. Event details.
• Teen Science Night
  California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
  Friday, 6:30–9 pm
  Teen Science Night is the nation's largest teen-only museum event. Attendees have the chance to freely explore the exhibits and engage with over a dozen local teen organizations about science, technology, art, and music. Teen Science Night is a free-choice learning event without scheduled programs. Every Teen Science Night features a local teen DJ and interactive programs designed by youth leaders from across the Bay Area. The evening wraps up with a dance party and raffle. Registration required. Event details
• Movies in the Park: Spider-man Into the Spider-verse
  Old Mill Park, Mill Valley
  Friday, dusk
  Enjoy a free outdoor movie screening in Mill Valley's Old Mill Park. Please bring your blankets, low beach chairs, flashlights and picnics. Location: 300 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley. Event details
• Throckmorton Youth Performers: The Lion King Jr
  Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley
  Friday & Saturday, 7 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 2 pm
  Disney’s The Lion King has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world and now, the award-winning musical bursts onto the Throckmorton Theatre stage! The inspiring, coming-of-age tale is presented by Throckmorton Youth Performers. Suitable for all ages. Tickets: $15–$35. Purchase tickets here. Location: 142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. Event details.
• Marin Shakespeare Company presents: Spamalot 2019
  Forest Meadows Amphitheatre, San Rafael
  Friday & Saturday, 8 pm and Sunday, 4 pm
  Why on earth would you miss a rollicking good time with friends, laughing away the evening under the summer stars at SPAMALOT, a musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture, Monty Python and the Holy Grail?  Tickets: $12 and up. Purchase tickets here. Location: 890 Belle Ave, San Rafael. Event details.
• Movie in the Park: Sandlot
  Corte Madera Community Center
  Friday, 8:15 pm
  Pack up the family, blank and low back lawn chairs and enjoy the movie Sandlot. This is a free event. Location: Corte Madera Community Center. Location: 498 Tamalpais Dr, Corte Madera. Event details.

Saturday, August 10

• Basics of Freshwater Fishing
  McInnis Park, San Rafael
  Saturday, 9–11 am
  Join us at McInnis Park where rangers will teach tips and tricks of the trade of freshwater fishing at the park’s pond. This event requires a short walk up and down a large a hill to reach the park’s pond. This event is ideal for all ages. All skill levels are welcome, and no experience is necessary. Wear comfortable athletic clothing and sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to bring a fishing pole. A fishing license is required for participants 16 and over. Location: 310 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael. Event details
• Kids Obstacle Challenge
  
  Coyote Point Recreation Area
  Saturday, 9 am–1 pm

  Kids Obstacle Challenge is an adventure and obstacle course race series for kids ages 5-16, with 13-15 fun and challenging obstacles and mud! Our mission is to inspire and challenge kids, and forge family bonds, through obstacles and adventure. We are committed to helping foster a more active, adventurous, and perseverant younger generation. Tickets: $56–$63. Purchase tickets here. Location: 1701 Coyote Point Dr., San Mateo. Event details.

• 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 as well as kids' crafts, a petting zoo, pony rides, and live entertainment. Event details.
• Lion Appreciation Day
  Oakland Zoo
  Saturday, 10 am–3 pm
  Bring the family for lots of fun activities: lion enrichment at 10 am, lion keeper talk at 1:15 pm, lion-themed facepainting, a lion biofact education station and more. You can even buy crafts made by people living near lions in Uganda. Free with zoo admission. Location: 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland. Event details.
• Concert for Kids & Tot Art in the Park
  Robin Sweeny Park, Sausaltio
  Saturday, 10:30 am
  Sausalito Parks and Recreation is pleased to bring back Concert for Kids & Art in the Park. Sponsored by the Sausalito Lions Club, this annual children's entertainment series takes place on Saturday mornings once a month from July through October at Robin Sweeny Park. These summer and fall performances feature music, art, fun and laughs for children of all ages. Bring your family, a blanket and enjoy these free concerts. Location: 420 Litho Street, Sausalito. Event details.
• Llama Llama Live!
  Creativity Museum, San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 10:30 am, 1:30 pm & 4 pm
  It's been a big first day of school, and Llama's happy to be home and wearing his favorite red pajamas. After his bedtime story, Mama Llama tucks him in and pops downstairs. Llama’s toys try to help him relax, but he’s too wiggly. He needs a drink of water. But where did Mama Llama go? Why isn't she coming? Our original, world-premiere musical will have everyone doing the Bedtime Dance! For ages 3 and up. Running time: 1 hour, no intermission. Tickets: $30 adults, $26 child (2–14). Purchase tickets here. Location: 221 Fourth Street, San Francisco. Event details.
• Sonoma County Fair
  Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa
  Saturday–Sunday, 11 am–11 pm
  The Sonoma County Fair runs through Sunday, August 11. This year's theme is "Get Back to Our Roots in Cowboy Boots". Experience farm animals, hands-on activities, a flower show, and five acres of carnival rides. Admission is $15 for ages 13 and up, $7 for children 7–12, and free for children 6 and under. Event details.
• Free Guided Farm Tours
  Tara Firma Farm, Petaluma
  Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–noon
  You will learn about our farm and CSA, learn what pasture raised means and how farms like Tara Firma Farms are on the front lines to fight climate change, reduce water usage, and build better soil through the latest methods in Carbon Farming!  Perfect for families, kids and school groups! *No RSVP required. Show up 15 minutes before! If no guests arrive before tour time, we do not hold the tour.* Location: 3796 I Street Ext., Petaluma. For more info, call (707) 765–1202 or visit their website.
• Craft-n-Create Family Maker Workshops
  South Novato Library
  Saturday, 11 am–1 pm
  Fun for the whole family! Become an inventor, scientist, artist & engineer as we explore new concepts each week through art and engineering in our Makerspace. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Location: 931 C Street., Novato. Event details.
• Family Art Making
  de Young Museum, San Francisco
  Saturday, 11 am–4 pm
  Family Art Making offers a free, drop-in art project led by professional teaching artists.  Projects change every 3-4 weeks and connect to our permanent collections or highlight our special exhibiton.  Make sure to pick up a Discovery Guide to explore the galleries. Artists of all ages are welcome to join. Free; museum admission required for gallery activities. Event details
• 5th Annual Presidio Kite Festival
  Main Parade Ground, San Francisco Presidio
  Saturday, 11 am–5 pm
  Let your imagination soar at this colorful, family-friendly festival featuring all things kite. The event features a free “build your​ own kite” booth, hands-on learning from kite experts, a kite art exhibition, giant kites, mega team flying, Taiko drummers, and food trucks. Offered in partnership with Highline Kites. Event details
• Pistahan Parade & Festival
  Downtown San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–5 pm
  Experience the best of Filipino art, dance, music and food at the Pistahan Parade and Festival. Billed as the largest celebration of Filipino Americans in the U.S., the two-day event organized by the Filipino American Arts Exposition is expected to draw over 80,000 people over the weekend. Admission is free and fun for the entire family! The parade will be held on Saturday at 11 am from the SF Civic Center, along Market towards 4th Street. The festival takes place at SF Yerba Buena Gardens. Free admission.
• Indoor Power Play
  Cal Star Gymnastics, Novato
  Saturday, 6–9 pm
  Drop the kiddos ( K-8 th grade) for some indoor fun. They can run, jump and play in an open gymnastics environment. Bring the kids in on a rainy day or any day to burn some energy. Cost: $30 per child. Location: 70 Digital Drive, Suite #3 in Novato. Event details.
• Spring Lake Campfire Program
  Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa
  Saturday, 7–8 pm
  Registered campers are invited to a campfire program that explores the diverse ecosystems of Spring Lake. Through interpretive and hands-on activities, you will discover the wonders of local flora and fauna. Every Saturday beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Free. Parking $7 or free for Regional Parks members.  Location: 5585 Newanga Avenue, Santa Rosa. Event details
• Movies in Creek Park: Transformers
  Creek Park, San Anselmo
  Saturday, 7 pm
  Enjoy free movies outdoors in San Anselmo's Creek Park. This Friday: Transformers (PG-13). Seating generally begins around 7 pm, with pre-movie slide show, announcements, trivia and nightly raffle. Movies begin when dark enough and generally run two hours. Event details
• Movie on the Green: Incredibles 2
  Novato Civic Green
  Saturday, 8 pm
  Gather your friends and family, low-back lawn chairs and comfy blankets to enjoy the Disney/Pixar movie Incredibles 2 outside on the Civic Green. Kona Ice, beverages, and popcorn will be available for purchase. Free. Movie will begin approximately 8:15 pm. Location: 901 Sherman Avenue, Downtown Novato. Event details

Sunday, August 11

• 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. Event details
• Pancake Breakfast at West Point Inn
  Mt. Tamalpais
  Sunday, 9 am–1 pm
  Bring the family for a delicious Sunday morning breakfast and breathtaking mountaintop view of San Francisco and the bay area. Come enjoy flufffy pancakes, tasty sausage, and hot coffee for only $10 (kids are $5). Orange juice and cantaloupe are available for $1 extra. Scenic views and live music are included with your breakfast. Event details
• The French Market
  Marin Civic Center, San Rafael
  Sunday 9 am–3 pm
  Come shop at this French-style street market for antiques, books, clothes, toys, and much more. Enjoy crepes, live music, and more! Free admission and parking. Event details
• Marine Science Sunday
  Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito
  Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
  This Sunday's program is "Under the Bridge: Marine Mammals of SF Bay." Our own backyard in the bay is full of amazing marine mammals!  Free classroom programs will highlight our local sea lions, harbor porpoises, dolphins, and even the occasional whale that wanders under the bridge! Augment the free classroom program with a docent-led tour at 11 am, 1 pm,  or 3 pm for a truly immersive marine mammal experience. Free. Event details
• 5th Annual City Horse Kids' Carnival
  Golden Gate Fields, Berkeley
  Sunday, 10:30 am–4 pm
  City Horse hosts its 5th annual carnival for little children and their families. Meet Chip, the Bay Bridge Chicken, enjoy magic performances, pony rides, a donkey grooming station, carnival games, a meet the animals fair, super slide, face painting, food, and more. Admission: $2 plus additional for activity tickets. Location: 1100 Eastshore Highway, Berkeley. Event details
• Presidio Picnic
  San Francisco Presidio
  Sunday, 11 am–4 pm
  Presidio Picnic is a great family event that takes place Sundays on the Presidio’s beautiful Main Parade Ground, a seven-acre lawn with views of the park, the city, and the San Francisco Bay. Presidio Picnic features a rotating lineup of 25 international mobile food creators, ​free yoga class, free Presidio Y Bike learn to ride lessons for kids on the first Sunday of the month, a cultural dance program every 4th Sunday, and more. Event details
• Stern Grove Festival
  Sigmund Stern Grove, San Francisco
  Sunday, 2 pm
  This Sunday, Pink Martinin with vocalist China Forbes; local band Barrio Manouche opens. Programs and activities for children on the Kid Stage from noon to 1 pm before every concert. Free admission. Location: 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco. Event details
• Summer Music Series
  Corte Madera Town Center
  Sunday, 2–4 pm
  Enjoy live music every Sunday all summer long. Free. Event details.
• Free Concerts in the Plaza
  Downtown Mill Valley
  Sunday, 2–5:30 pm
  Bring the family, a lawn chair and your dancing shoes to the annual concert series in the downtown plaza. This Sunday, The King Street Giants. The King Street Giants are infamous for radiating an infectious energy while playing the music of their heroes (Louis Armstrong, The All Stars, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Theloniois Monk and Jackson 5, as well as their own special version of New Orleans music. Event details.
• Summer Sunday Concerts at Piccolo Pavilion
  Old Corte Madera Square
  Sundays, 5–6:30 pm
  Bring the family to the free outdoor summer concerts at the Old Corte Madera Square. This Sunday: Bubba's Taxi. Bring lawn chairs, a blanket and a picnic. Event details