Marin Weekend Family Fun for September 20–22
Explore the Marin Headlands with the family this weekend. Find out more in our article here.
Friday, September 20
- Music Time with Megan
Sports Basement, Novato
Friday, 9:30–10 am
Bring the little ones for live music, singing, dancing and playing instruments with popular children's musician Megan Schoenbohm. Cost is $10 per child, and siblings under 7 months are free. This is an ongoing weekly class, so drop in as often as you can! Event details - Toddler Playdate
Children's Museum of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa
Friday, 10–11 am
Join us every Friday morning for facilitated Toddler programming. Developed specifically for little ones, each week will bring an engaging program like a toddler dance party, sensory explorations, art activities and more! Museum admission applies. Location: . Event details. - Free Shakespeare in the Park: As You Like It
McLaren Park, San Francisco
Friday, 10 am, Saturday & Sunday, 2 pm
The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival is proud to present our 2019 Free Shakespeare in the Park production of As You Like It. Free Shakespeare in the Park will also have an earlier start time of 7:00 pm for its evening performances this year, making it easier for families with younger children to enjoy the entire family-friendly production. Bring your family and friends, a blanket, and a picnic to enjoy professional theater at no charge in a beautiful park setting near you! Location: 50 John F Shelley Dr, San Francisco. Event details. - Friday Night Jazz Concerts
Marin Country Mart, Larkspur
Friday, 5:30–8:30 pmMeet us at the Mart this Friday night to enjoy some jazzy tunes styled by the Tom Bekany & Missing Man Quartet! Grab a drink, grab a snack, and settle in for a musical adventure. Grab a drink, grab a snack, and settle in for a musical adventure. Free. Location: Larkspur Landing. Event details. -
Marin Shakespeare Company: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Forest Meadows Amphitheatre, San Rafael
Friday & Saturday, 8 pm and Sunday, 4 pm
Enjoy the enchantment under the summer stars as mortals and fairies collide with mirth, merriment, mischief and mayhem. Sunday is a special family matinee: youth 18 and under are free. Location: 890 Belle Avenue, San Rafael. Purchase tickets here. - Movies in the Park: Dumbo
Howarth Park, Santa Rosa
Friday, 8 pm
This fun-loving event series is back in Howarth Park for another season! Bring the family, a picnic and a blanket for a lovely evening of film-enjoyment under the stars in our park! Free. Location: 630 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa. Event details
Saturday, September 21
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Smithsonian’s 15th Annual Free Museum Day
Various museums in Bay Area
SaturdayMuseum Day brings together museums, zoos & cultural centers from all 50 states to offer free admission to all Museum Day ticket holders. Museum Day represents a national commitment to access, equality and inclusion. Some of the musuems include: Lawrence Hall of Science, Bay Area Discovery Museum and the San Jose Museum of Art. Register here for your free ticket - Open House: The Dailey Method
Novato
Saturday, 8 am–noon
We will have 30-minute classes showcasing our different class formats, and free childcare all morning. Stay after class for a reception with vendors including (B) Bar B-12 shots by Dr. Gayle Hyde. We will also be debuting our new partnership with Lululemon, and all retail in the studio will be on sale for the day. Reserve your free class and childcare here. Location: Pacheco Plaza Shopping Center, 450 Ignacio Blvd, Novato. Event details. - Creekside Restoration
Hal Brown Park at Creekside
Saturday, 9 am–noon
All ages are welcome; anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a supervising adult.e a part of a community-based effort to install a diverse palette of native plants at a site once dominated by nonnative grasses and weeds. Volunteer work is mildly strenuous and involves bending, pulling, and kneeling and hiking on steep and uneven terrain. RSVP's are appreciated but not required. Event details. - California Coastal Clean-up Day
Various sites in Marin and San Francisco
Saturday, 9 am–noon
It’s that time of the year again! Time to pitch in for California Coastal Cleanup Day and lend a hand throughout the Golden Gate National Parks and greater Bay Area! Mark your calendars and join us on Saturday, September 21. Let's make trash extinct! Registration required; age requirement varies by project. Bring clothes that can get dirty, a water bottle, and sunscreen. Event details - Farmers' Market
Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
Shop for great local food and have fun at Marin Country Mart. Enjoy pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids from 10:30 am–2 pm adjacent to the farmer's market. Arts and crafts and face painting for kids from 9 am–2 pm and kid's entertainment from 9:30–10:30 am. Event details. - Family Farm Day: Ocean Appreciation & Coastal Cleanup
Slide Ranch, Muir Beach
Saturday, 9:30 am
Honor the waterways and ocean by taking part in the 35th annual California Coastal Cleanup Day. Slide Ranch is one of over a thousand sites, both inland and coastal, that are hosting an organized cleanup to steward our environment and resist the scourge of marine pollution. The day will also include ocean-inspired art projects, goat milking, visiting our chickens, ducks and turkeys and an ocean-garden cooking project. Please bring a picnic lunch and work gloves, if you have them. Cost: $35 per person; kids 24 months and under are free. Purchase tickets here. Location: 2025 Shoreline Highway, Muir Beach. Event details. - Good Night, Gorilla
Children's Creativity Museum Annex, San Francisco
Saturday & Sunday, 10 & 11:15 am
You’re not dreaming! Our mischievous gorilla and his zoo pals are tiptoeing out of their cages once again to follow the zookeeper home for the night. This wildly popular, interactive theatre experience for the very young returns by popular demand. Don your pajamas and come along! Recommended for ages 6 months to 3 years. Tickets: Adults $18 and child $15. Purchase tickets here. Location: 221 4th Street, San Francisco. Event details. - The Wheels on the Bus
BACT Berkeley Center, Berkeley
Saturday and Sunday, 10 & 11:15 am
Inspired by the ever-popular book and song. Toddler “bus drivers in training” will drive through town, stopping to meet a baker, a teacher, a veterinarian, a librarian and other community members, making music all along the way. Recommended for ages 6 months to 3 years. Tickets: Adults $18 and Child $15. Purchase tickets here. Location: 2055 Center Street, Berkeley. Event details. - Free Community Day
Exploratorium, San Francisco
Saturday, 10 am–5 pm
This Saturday the Exploratorium opens its doors to the public for free. Entry subject to capacity and not guaranteed. Location: Pier 15 on the Embarcardero, San Francisco. Event details. - 41st Annual Chili Cook-Off
Dunphy Park, Sausalito
Saturday, 11:30 am–3:30 pm
The air at Dunphy Park will be thick with the aroma of tomatoes, beans, peppers and spices. Come experience booth after booth of delicious park-made chili. Tasting will begin at high noon. Purchase a $15 unlimited chili tasting wrist band and visit each booth to try unique and original chili. Tasters will help decide the winners by casting their bean vote. Location: 1600 Bridgeway, Sausalito. Event details - Marin Comic Fest: Workshop with Cartoonist Lex Fajardo
Point Reyes Library
Saturday, 12–1 pm
Bring the kids to the Point Reyes Library for a Graphic Novel Workshop with Alexis E. Fajardo, an Eisner-award winning editor and cartoonist. A student of the classics, Lex has created a unique blend of comedy, literature, and high adventure in his graphic novel series, Kid Beowulf. Free. Location: 11431 State Route 1, Point Reyes Station. Event details - Fandango!
Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, Petaluma
Saturday, noon–4 pm
Welcome autumn's arrival by experiencing dances and music of the 1840s with a "Fandango.” Dances of the 1840s will be performed and taught by dancers from Baile de California and Yesteryears Dancers, accompanied by traditional folk musicians Flor y Canto Duo and Los Californios. Light refreshments will be served. Admission: $3 adults, $2 children ages 6–17, free for 5 and under. Location: 3325 Adobe Rd, Petaluma. Event details. - San Francisco Greek Food Festival
Annunciation Cathedral, San Francisco
Saturday, noon–10 pm & Sunday, noon–8 pm
Get a taste of Greece at Annunciation Cathedral’s own A Taste of Greece, the only Greek festival in San Francisco this weekend. Location: 245 Valencia Street, San Francisco. Event details. - Book Passage presents: Raina TelgemeierPalace of Fine Arts Theatre, San Francisco
Saurday, 2 pm
Raina Telgemeier has been captivating readers young and old for years, and once again she brings us a thoughtful, charming, and funny true story about growing up and gathering the courage to face -- and conquer -- your fears. Telgemeier will give a dynamic presentation and answer audience questions, and ticketholders will then have the opportunity to meet her and take a photo together. Each ticket includes a copy of Guts as well as a special signed book plate. Tickets: $22 – $45. Purchase tickets here. - Marin Comics Fest: Andy Warner
Mill Valley Library, Creekside Room
Saturday, 2–3 pm
If you enjoy offbeat facts and colorful true stories then don't miss writer/cartoonist Andy Warner, author of 'Brief Histories of Everyday Objects'—everything from paperclips to roller skates—and the recently released 'This Land is My Land: A Graphic History of Big Dreams, Micronations, and Other Self-Made States' (with illustrator Sofie Louise Dam). Free. Location: 375 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley. Event details. - Tam Valley Oktoberfest
Tam Valley Community Center, Mill Valley
Saturday, 3–9 pm
TCSD's 8th year hosting our authentically German Oktoberfest! As in past years, there will be bratwurst, beer from Germany, family style games and a kid's jumpee area with 5 awesome jumpee houses. Our Community Apple press will be there again, pressing apples from Tam Valley. Ticket price is $20 per adult and $10 for kids 2–12 years old. Ticket price includes entry to the event, and free entry to the fun house and all the jumpee houses. Purchase your tickets by calling the TCSD office at 415-388-6393, or stopping by the office at 305 Bell Lane. Event details. - Evening 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. - Twilight Nature Hike
Sonoma State Historic Park, Sonoma
Saturday, 6:30 pm
Our Twilight Nature Hike is an early fall evening adventure! The starting point for the walk on the Montini Trail is at the parking lot of the Vallejo Home at 363 3rd Street West in Sonoma. This is a one-mile, slow-paced hike with minor elevation change. Sturdy shoes and water recommended. All ages, free of charge. No reservation needed. Event details - Movies in Creek Park: Willow
Creek Park, San Anselmo
Saturday, 6:30 pm
Enjoy free movies outdoors in San Anselmo's Creek Park. Note earlier start time of 6:30 pm, with pre-movie slide show, announcements, trivia and nightly raffle. Movies begin when dark enough and generally run two hours. Event details.
Sunday, September 22
- 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. -
U-pick Organic Apples
Chileno Valley Ranch, Petaluma
Sunday, 9 am–2 pm
Visit Chileno Valley Ranch to pick crunchy, delicious, organic apples and tour the farm. Other farm products for sale including grass-fed beef and lamb, cheese, and olive oil. RSVP here. $8 per family with advance reservations; $12 drop-in. Apples cost $2 per pound. Location: 5105 Chileno Valley Road, Petaluma. Event details. - USTA Kids' Play Day
Tiburon Peninsula Club
Sunday, 10 am–noon
USTA Kids' Play Day at the Tiburon Challenger, a Pro Circuit men's professional event, is a special opportunity for children 6–12 to see a special exhibition performance, take part in fun activities and games on the court, and enjoy ice cream. USTA NorCal will have gifts for all participants, and kids and their families can stay to see qualifying matches. Participation in Kids' Play Day is free, but registration is required here. Location: Tiburon Peninsula Club, 1600 Mar West St., Tiburon Event details - Hike the Headlands
Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito
Sunday, 10 am–2 pm
Bring your friends and family and join us for NatureBridge’s sixth annual Hike the Headlands: an exciting day of exploration in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Discover the Headlands with a NatureBridge educator and engage in hands-on science activities in the learning labs! $25 adults, $15 children 4–17, free for children under 4. Location: 1033 Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito. Event details - Marine Science Sundays
Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito
Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
The size, strength and skills of the ocean's top predators are simply one of a kind. This month we celebrate National Wildlife Day with those animals that rule the ocean in Top Predators: Orcas and Sharks! Team the free classroom programs at noon and 2 pm with a Docent-led tour at 11 am, 1 pm or 3 pm for a truly immersive marine mammal experience. Location: 2000 Bunker Road, Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito. Event details. - Storytime with Christopher Smith
Book Passage, Corte Madera
Sunday, 10:30–11 am
After four years of living overses, children's story reader Christopher Smith returns to Book Passage! Christopher was the Sunday story time reader at Book Passage for more than 20 years, introducing new picture books, poetry, and song to countless young children in Marin. A local school teacher, Christopher's song The Golden Gate is a Parent's Choice Award winner and a beloved favorite throughout the Bay Area. Join us as this tradition continues on. Free. Event details - Oktoberfest by the Bay
Pier 48, San Francisco
Sunday, 11 am–5 pm
The 18th annual Oktoberfest by the Bay brings the spirit of Munich, Germany to the City by the Bay! Enjoy the finest German cuisine, world’s best beer, and authentic German music that the whole family will love. Cost: $25 adults, $5 youth 13–18, free for children 12 and under. 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. Location: Presidio’s Main Parade Ground, San Francisco. Event details - Free Fallin' Featuring the Music of Tom Petty for Kids
Sweetwater, Mill Valley
Sunday, 11 am
The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a family concert series hosted at historic music venues across the country, allows kids to “move, play and sing while listening to works from the classic-rock canon” (NY Times). Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers its core audience of families with children age ten and under games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out in an effort to educate children and explore their creativity. Tickets: $15 advance, $17 day of show; children under 1 free. Location: 19 Corte Madera Avenue, Downtown Mill Valley. Event details - Porch Fest
Gerstle Park, San Rafael
Sunday, noon–5 pm
Bring the family, a chair, ride a bike, and join the roving audience in and around San Rafael's beautiful Gerstle Park neighborhood for an afternoon of live music, fun and community. No alcohol please. Perfect for all ages. Location: -San Rafael Avenue, Clark Street, and Ross Street, and then up Marin Street and Clorinda Avenue. Event details. - Presidio Theatre Open House
San Francisco
Sunday, noon–5 pm
For the first time in 24 years, the newly transformed Presidio Theatre will open its doors to the public! Come explore the beautifully renovated theatre – a home for dance, theatre, music, cinema and performing arts of all kinds. For the first time in 24 years, the newly transformed Presidio Theatre will open its doors to the public! Come explore the beautifully renovated theatre – a home for dance, theatre, music, cinema and performing arts of all kinds. All ages are welcome! Free and open to the public. RSVP for free .. Location: 99 Moraga Avenue, San Francisco. Event details. - Family Concert with Charity and Laurie
Park Chalet Coastal Beer Garden, San Francisco
Sunday, 3–5 pm
Join Charity and Laurie for the third show in our annual JAMband Family Festival (in its 16th year!) -- free weekend concerts for families at The Park Chalet. Our theme for this show is Earth Care! Free, but need to RSVP here. Location: 1000 Great Highway, San Francisco. Event details.
