By Megan Eileen McDonough

 

Summer may be winding down, but there’s plenty of fun in store this fall. From film festivals and live theatrical performances to flights upon flights of cold brews, autumn is a very special time in Marin County. Whether you’re a movie buff or a sucker for symphonies, there’s a fall festival for you. Get ready, because you’re about to get cultured, Marin style!

 

1. Mill Valley Film Festival

October 6 to 16, 2022

Calling all film buffs! The Mill Valley Film Festival is right around the corner, which means plenty of must-see films from around the world. Now in its 45th year, the 11-day event kicks off this October. From film students to fans of the classics, all are welcome. Films fit into one of five categories: US Cinema, World Cinema, Valley of the Docs, Children's Filmfest and 5@5 Shorts. General admission starts at $15, with various discounts for seniors, students and children.

 

2. Italian Film Fest at Dominican University

October 1 to November 5, 2022 (Saturdays only)

If it's Italian films you crave, then it's Italian films you shall get. On opening night, there's sure to be a packed crowd, so snag your seats early. The Legendary Giulia (Noi e la Giulia) begins at 5:30 p.m., with a repeat showing at 7:45 p.m. Individual tickets will set you back $15, but if you're eager to see them all, opt for the $112 price for all eight films. While all films are in Italian, there are English subtitles so you know when to laugh … or cry. Perfect for dinner-and-a-movie dates.
Originally started as an informal, one-time only presentation of Italian movies in a college lecture hall, the Italian Film Festival of Marin County has grown over its 44 years into a perennial favorite in the San Francisco Bay Area. From the beginning, it has been a labor of love for its longtime director, Lido Cantarutti. Under his direction the program has included appearances from Italian film directors and composers, dignitaries of the Italian and Italian-American communities, and an authentically Italian atmosphere at every presentation. The centerpiece, however, is always top-quality Italian cinema.

Ticket information here.

 

3. Marin Symphony Season

Ongoing 2022-2023

For an elegant evening in Marin, splurge on tickets to the Marin Symphony. The 2022-2023 season calendar is looking pretty impressive, with several must-see shows. Beginning October 15 is Masterworks 1 highlighting Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto and Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5. Tickets for upcoming shows are going fast, so make sure to snag yours soon. The 2022 year concludes with the Holiday Pops Concert on Tuesday, December 13, at 7:00 PM. Come celebrate the season with friends and family, as the magnificent Marin Symphony Orchestra presents a program of holiday-inspired music, with Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz and vocal magic.

 

4. Marin Theatre Company Season

Ongoing 2022/2023

If a night at the symphony isn't enough for you, buy tickets for a play, too. Marin Theatre Company has quite the roster coming up, and, seeing as this is its 56th anniversary season, makes perfect sense. The next show, is Dunsinane, David Greig’s sequel to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, in partnership with Tamalpais High School’s Conservatory Theatre Ensemble from September 22 to October 16. Next, is August Wilson’s Two Trains Running, his seventh play in The American Century Cycle chronicling the African American experience in the 20th century from November 25 to December 18. Ticket prices vary, starting as low as $39.50 and climbing to $43.50 for prime seating.

 

5. Mill Valley Fall Art Festival

September 17 and September 18, 2022

Once a year the community gathers under the redwood trees to celebrate art and the beauty that surrounds us.
Strolling through Old Mill Park among old-growth redwoods we see art forms and visions we have never seen before. Our eyes and ears are open to new art and ideas at every turn of the Festival - from the storytellers and puppeteers to the main stage acts, to face painting, to the fine arts and crafts themselves.
We will have a full lineup of fantastic music on the music stage and in the Children's grove.  The beloved Blue Fairy will stroll through the park making music and magic.  Check back here for entertainment schedule. 

Although the art comes from near and far, the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival offers a warm, local, non-commercial experience and welcomes all ages and people.

 

For all you need to plan your Marin County vacation, visit the Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website or Facebook page.