Marin County in the summer feels like your favorite mixtape—unexpected, joyful, and full of good energy. The air buzzes with outdoor concerts, community festivals, and backyard BBQs that turn into live music shows. It’s a season that invites everyone out into the sunshine to dance, connect, and celebrate.

Here’s your guide to the must-see concerts, festivals, and unforgettable moments that make a Marin summer so special!

Marin’s Music Scene: Summer Concerts You Can’t Miss

Battle of the Dad Bands, Larkspur: What began as a fun showdown has grown into a full-fledged festival. The Battle of the Dad Bands at Piper Park brings together 7 incredible bands, 6 local food trucks, 15+ craft breweries, family activities, and a lively, fun-filled kid zone—all in one unforgettable day. It’s music, community, and summer fun rolled into one!

Concerts on the Green, Novato: Settle in on the lawn with picnic blankets and lawn chairs for free live music hosted by Novato Parks & Rec. With acts ranging from blues to Americana, these relaxing Friday evenings offer the perfect kickoff to your summer weekends. Feel free to bring food and drinks too!

Summer Concert, Corte Madera: Every Sunday evening, the Corte Madera Community Foundation is set to continue the long-standing tradition of sponsoring music for the community. Menke Park transforms into a neighborhood concert spot featuring everything from big band and psych-rock to Hawaiian jam sessions. Bring a chair, some blankets, and a few friends, and enjoy these family-friendly shows under the setting sun.

Cookout Concerts, Novato: Celebrate David Nelson’s birthday with a special performance by the David Nelson Band. As a part of KC Turner’s beloved Cookout Series, this evening combines top-tier musicianship with great food and a laid-back outdoor vibe. Every show is a one-of-a-kind adventure that creates a fun experience for the band and the audience alike!

BBQ on the Lawn, Nicasio: Catch one of the best Jerry Garcia Band tribute acts in the country at this outdoor concert-meets-BBQ. Held on the sprawling lawn at Rancho Nicasio, California-based Jerry's Middle Finger (JMF) brings high energy, good food, and die-hard fans together for a memorable Sunday afternoon. Grab your tickets today!

Sound Summit: Set on the scenic slopes of Mt. Tamalpais, Sound Summit offers a one-of-a-kind music experience in a natural stone amphitheater with sweeping views of the Bay. Produced by Roots & Branches Conservancy, this festival supports the park and has raised over $250,000 for preservation efforts. Get ready for an amazing lineup! Past headliners like Bob Weir, Wilco, Grace Potter, Lord Huron, and The War On Drugs set the bar high, and this year is sure to impress!

Hot Amphitheater Nights, Novato: Looking to unwind after a day in the sun? These Saturday evening concerts at Hamilton Amphitheater are perfect for enjoying live music this summer. With genres ranging from pop and soul to jazz and swing, get ready to experience some good music!

Live on the Avenue, San Anselmo: Downtown San Anselmo transforms into a vibrant pedestrian-only zone for Live on the Avenue, a beloved summer tradition that brings free live music, food, and community spirit to the heart of town. With two stages offering different genres each night—ranging from local indie acts to lively dance bands—there’s always something new to discover.
Restaurants spill out into the streets, families gather with lawn chairs, and the town truly comes alive with a small-town vibe that feels straight out of a summer movie.

Summer Concert Series, Ross: Kick back and enjoy warm summer evenings at the Marin Art & Garden Center filled with great music, delicious food, and community vibes at the Summer Concert Series. Whether you’re lounging on the Gazebo Lawn or nestled into the rustic charm of the Redwood Amphitheater, each Thursday brings a new sound and a reason to dance—or just relax under the trees.

 

Music, Art & Community Festivals: Season Highlights

Make the most of Marin’s vibrant outdoor festival season with a lineup of events that blend music, art, wine, and community spirit. From the hills of Mount Tam to the heart of Fairfax, these festivals are packed with live performances, local flavor, and something for all ages.

2025 Marin County Fair: This year’s Marin County Fair celebrates the tiny wonders of the natural world—bugs! Expect all things flittery, fluttery, and buzzy with themed exhibits, art, rides, concerts, and hands-on fun for the whole family. Don’t miss this colorful, community-driven event packed with creativity, food, and nostalgia.

Annual Fairfax Festival & Ecofest: Celebrating its 46th year, the Fairfax Festival remains a cherished tradition highlighting music, art, and sustainable living. Enjoy the small-town charm and community spirit that make Fairfax special. It’s a free event!

Novato Festival of Art, Wine & Music: Hosted by the Novato Chamber, this two-day celebration is one of the North Bay’s biggest events, featuring multiple music stages, art and craft vendors, a children’s play area, gourmet food trucks, and beer and wine booths. Admission is free, making it the perfect weekend outing for families, art lovers, and music fans alike.

Western Weekend returns to Point Reyes Station in June this year, celebrating West Marin’s agricultural heritage with the theme “Honoring Those Who Labor on the Land.” Saturday features the “Wild West” Farmers Market, art exhibits, and a lively barn dance at the Dance Palace, while Sunday brings the beloved Main Street parade at noon, followed by local food favorites like BBQ chicken, oysters, and chili at the Food Corral. The weekend kicks off Friday night, June 6, with a performance by country band Ruff Stock at the Old Western Saloon.

 

Fourth of July Festivities Across Marin

Marin County knows how to throw a Fourth of July celebration—with parades full of hometown pride, local food, music, and family-friendly entertainment. These time-honored events bring the community together to mark Independence Day in classic, colorful style.

Corte Madera–Larkspur 4th of July Parade & Festival

• Date: July 4th, 2025
• Time: Parade starts at 10:30 am (Street closures begin at 10:00 am)
• Parade Route: Begins at Redwood High School (Larkspur) and ends at Corte Madera Town Center
• Entertainment: 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

The celebration kicks off with a lively parade followed by an afternoon of festivities. Stroll through a vibrant artisan marketplace featuring fine art, crafts, and photography. Enjoy local bites from favorites like Pig in a Pickle, World Wrapps, and Stefano’s. Kids can dive into fun with arts and crafts booths, face painting, tattoos, and classic carnival games.

2025 Novato 4th of July Parade

• Date: July 4th, 2025
• Parade Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
• Venue: Grant Avenue (from Reichert Ave. to 7th St.)

Novato’s annual 4th of July Parade returns with hometown flair and a theme that celebrates community spirit at its best. Grab a spot along Grant Avenue and enjoy two hours of creative floats, marching bands, and joyful performances. Be sure to bring your chairs, but please keep them on the sidewalk. To ensure safety, animals are not allowed, except for official support animals.

• Pre-Parade Entertainment: Enjoy free performances from 9:00–10:00 am to get into the festive spirit—fun for all ages!
• Buckaroo Breakfast: Fuel up before the festivities at the Buckaroo Breakfast, from 7:00 –10:00 am, hosted by the Presbyterian Church of Novato. Volunteers will be serving pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice, coffee, and milk—all to benefit Homeward Bound, a local nonprofit.

Start your Fourth with breakfast, music, and celebration—Novato style!

 

From comedy nights to patriotic parades, Marin’s summer calendar is packed with can’t-miss moments. For the best places to stay in Marin, visit the Marin CVB at visitmarin.org/hotels.