Chili Pots, Beer Steins & Porch Lines

🎭 Cool Events This Week

🛍️ Consignment Store Sale at Fine Estate Inc. (San Rafael)

🗓️ Friday–Sunday, Sept 19–21 | 10:00 am ‒ 5:00 pm

📍 502 Irwin St., San Rafael

Treasure hunters rejoice. Fine Estate Inc. is hosting a giant consignment sale in their 6,000 sq ft estate showroom. You’ll find everything from mid-century furniture, vintage and antique décor, collectibles, fashion accessories, toys & games, even coins. Unique pieces are added daily leading up to the event. It’s the kind of sale where patience pays off discovering something special tucked in a corner.

🎟️ Admission Free to browse. Purchases priced by item.

👉 Pro tip Check out their online photos and descriptions (they’ll be posted by Wednesday, Sept 17) so you can make a wishlist and not wander aimlessly. Bring a vehicle or plan how to transport anything large. And if you’re buying anything fragile, pack a blanket or something for cushioning.

Fine Estate Inc. Website→ More Info

🎸 Live on the Avenue (San Anselmo)

🗓️ Friday, Sept 19 & Saturday, Sept 20 | 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

📍 Creek Park Amphitheatre & Town Hall Plaza, San Anselmo

Downtown San Anselmo keeps the summer vibes rolling with two nights of free outdoor shows. On Friday, Sept 19, local rock favorites Tom Finch Group bring their guitar-driven sound to Creek Park, while Migrant Pickers set up shop at Town Hall Plaza with rootsy folk and Americana.

The fun continues on Saturday, Sept 20 with a mix of laughs and blues. Creek Park turns into a stage for Comedy Night, featuring stand-up acts under the redwoods, while Howell Devine fills Town Hall Plaza with their gritty Delta blues.

With San Anselmo Avenue closed to cars, the whole downtown becomes a block party – stroll between stages, grab a bite at a local restaurant, and join your neighbors for two evenings of music and fun under the open sky.

🎟️ Admission Free (no tickets needed).

👉 Pro tip Bring a low-back chair or blanket if you plan to post up at Creek Park, but keep it light and portable so you can move between both stages. Arrive early to find parking nearby, or better yet, walk or bike in. Evenings cool off quickly – a jacket will make the night much more comfortable.

Live on the Avenue Website→ More Info

🍿 Friday Movie Night: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Larkspur)

🗓️ Friday, Sept 19 | 6:00 pm (movie at dusk)

📍 Marin Country Mart, Larkspur

Marin Country Mart’s outdoor movie series continues with the beloved Winnie the Pooh and friends lighting up the big tent. Families sprawl on the grass as kids giggle through whimsical pre-show crafts – this week little ones can sculpt Pooh, Piglet, and buzzing bees out of clay to create their own Hundred Acre Wood scene. Parents can pick up picnic dinners, snacks, and local wine (courtesy of new tenant Kermit Lynch) to enjoy under the twilight sky. As dusk deepens, everyone bundles up and the projector flickers to life – Pooh’s honey-filled adventures bring out nostalgic smiles and happy chuckles from all ages. Bonus: Souvla is dishing up $3 mini sour-cherry froyo cups for movie night again, a perfect sweet treat to end the week.

🎟️ Admission Free. All ages welcome.

👉 Pro tip Get there by 5:00 pm for the crafts and to stake out a good blanket spot on the lawn. It can get chilly once the sun sets, so pack sweaters or blankets to stay cozy. Outside food is welcome, but save room for that mini frozen yogurt treat!

Marin Country Mart Website→ More Info

🌶️ Sausalito’s 46th Annual Chili Cook-Off (Sausalito)

🗓️ Saturday, Sept 20 | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

📍 Dunphy Park, Sausalito

Get ready for a spicy afternoon by the Sausalito waterfront. The 46th annual Chili Cook-Off brings dozens of cooks ladling out their secret-recipe chilis – from meaty con carne to tangy veggie verde – and you get to taste them all and vote for your favorite. Your admission is a wristband that grants unlimited chili tastings, so come hungry! The friendly competition heats up with a hot pepper eating contest at 1 pm for those daring enough to swallow progressively spicier peppers (always a crowd spectacle). Live bands keep the mood festive while you stroll from booth to booth, and this year teams are even decking out their chili stations in a fun Hollywood theme. By day’s end, bragging rights (and trophies) go to the Best Chili as decided by judges and the people. It’s a family-friendly foodie party with bold flavors and community fun in equal measure.

🎟️ Admission $25 for an all-you-can-taste wristband in advance ($30 at the gate). Kids under 5 free; spectators who aren’t tasting can enter free.

👉 Pro tip Buy your tasting wristband online ahead of time to save a few bucks and skip the purchase line. Midday sun + spicy chili = be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen (there’s not much shade in Dunphy Park). Parking in Sausalito can be tough during events, so consider carpooling or biking – or use the free shuttle if coming from downtown. And if you plan to brave the hot pepper contest, have a water bottle handy… you’ll need it!

City of Sausalito Website→ More Info

🌊 California Coastal Cleanup Day & Trashure Hunt

🗓️ Saturday, Sept 20 | 9:00 am ‒ Noon

📍 Various Marin County cleanup sites (click link below for map of cleanup locations)

Roll up your sleeves and help make Marin’s coastline sparkle. On California Coastal Cleanup Day, local participants join a Trashure Hunt. That means while folks are cleaning up beaches and shorelines, special “trash” items are hidden around selected sites. If you find one you can redeem it for prizes. It’s part scavenger hunt part community care. And hey it’s a beautiful way to spend a morning with ocean views and good company. Free gloves and supplies often provided at sites.

🎟️ Admission Free.

👉 Pro tip Pick a site that’s near a beach you love so you can stay for a picnic or walk afterward. Dress for sticky or sandy work ‒ long pants, closed shoes, and bring sunscreen and water. If you can, arrive right at 9:00 am to get the best pick of cleanup gear and those treasure spots.

California Coastal Commission Website→ More Info

🍻 Tam Valley Oktoberfest (Mill Valley)

🗓️ Saturday, Sept 20 | 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm

📍 Tam Valley Community Center, Mill Valley

Break out the lederhosen – Oktoberfest season kicks off in southern Marin! Tam Valley Community Center is throwing an all-ages Oktoberfest celebration filled with old-world gemütlichkeit (friendliness and good cheer). The afternoon offers plenty to do: kids bounce happily in inflatable houses and play carnival games (all included with entry) while adults sample classic German bratwurst, pretzels, and cold beer on tap. A live oom-pah band provides the soundtrack, from polka beats to sing-along favorites, so you might find yourself swaying on the dance floor with a stein in hand. Expect friendly community vibes – local families, longtime residents, and fun-loving folks coming together to celebrate fall, Bavarian-style. From the hearty food to the festive music, this Oktoberfest brings a little slice of Munich to Marin for an evening of food, beer and family fun.

🎟️ Admission $25 adults, $15 seniors (65+), $10 kids 3–18 (includes games & bounce house). Kids under 3 free.

👉 Pro tip No one will blink if you show up in dirndl or lederhosen – in fact, there may be an informal costume contest for the most spirited outfits, so go for it! If you’re coming with a group, arrive early to grab a picnic table – they tend to fill up fast once the pretzels and beer start flowing. There will be plenty of food and drink for sale, but bring a bit of cash to speed things up at the vendors. And remember, this is a family-friendly party: the kids can enjoy root beer while the grown-ups raise a pint of the real stuff. Prost! (Cheers!)

Tam CSD Website→ 🎟️ Get Tickets

🎨 Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival (Mill Valley)

🗓️ Saturday & Sunday, Sept 20–21 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

📍 Old Mill Park, Mill Valley

Art in the redwoods – a Marin tradition 68 years strong. This weekend, Mill Valley’s idyllic Old Mill Park transforms into an open-air gallery beneath towering redwood trees for the Fall Arts Festival. Stroll through dappled forest light as you discover over 130 juried artists from Marin and beyond, each showcasing unique works ranging from handcrafted ceramics and jewelry to fine art paintings and sculpture. The atmosphere is creative and family-friendly: you’ll hear live music wafting through the trees from the small stage, and kids can enjoy storytelling, puppet shows, face painting and hands-on art activities under the redwood canopy. It’s a delightful mix – part art show, part community picnic – with local food vendors and nonprofit-run refreshment stands to keep you fueled (coffee under the redwoods, anyone?). Whether you’re shopping for a one-of-a-kind piece or just soaking up the scene, this beloved festival captures Marin’s artistic spirit in a truly magical setting.

🎟️ Admission $25 at the gate (cheaper $20 tickets available online in advance). Kids 12 and under free; seniors discount at gate. Tickets are good for both days.

👉 Pro tip Parking is very limited near Old Mill Park – if possible, bike or walk from downtown Mill Valley, or take a rideshare to avoid the parking hunt. If you must drive, arriving by 10am when gates open will give you the best shot at nearby street parking and a more leisurely art stroll before crowds pick up. The redwoods keep things cool, so dress in layers (morning fog can make it chilly, even if it’s warm later). Finally, if you have kids, check the schedule when you arrive – you won’t want to miss the puppet show and other kids’ performances that happen throughout the day.

Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival Website→ 🎟️ Get Tickets

🎵 San Rafael PorchFest (San Rafael)

🗓️ Sunday, Sept 21 | 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

📍 Gerstle Park Neighborhood, San Rafael

San Rafael’s Gerstle Park neighborhood turns into the happiest musical maze on Sunday afternoon with PorchFest, a free grassroots music festival that literally takes over the front porches and lawns of the community. More than 65 bands and solo artists will be performing on 22 different porches around the charming tree-lined blocks – wander down the street and you might encounter a jazz trio jamming on a Victorian porch, then turn the corner to find an indie rock band or even a folk duet serenading a lawn full of dancing listeners. It’s the ultimate neighborhood block party meets music extravaganza: streets are closed to traffic, kids are playing, neighbors and visitors mingle freely, and there’s a new sound around every corner. The vibe is super friendly and laid-back; you’re encouraged to stroll, relax on the grass, sing along, and enjoy a sunny afternoon of live music everywhere you go. With food trucks parked near the park and residents out on their stoops, PorchFest feels like one big community backyard concert – Marin style.

🎟️ Admission Free. No tickets required (donations or musician tips encouraged).

👉 Pro tip Comfortable walking shoes are a must – you’ll be on your feet exploring for hours. Consider bringing a small folding chair or blanket so you can post up in front of your favorite porch performances. Parking close to Gerstle Park will be tough; take advantage of the free shuttle from downtown San Rafael parking garages to the festival area. Pack a picnic or snacks (no alcohol allowed, since it’s a family event – stick to lemonade or iced tea in your cooler), and definitely bring some cash to tip the musicians or buy a treat from a local lemonade stand or food truck. This is a neighbors-open-to-all event, so smile, say hello, and soak in the good vibes and great tunes around you!

San Rafael PorchFest Website→ More Info

❤️ Local Favorite

🍜 Burmatown – Corte Madera

🗓️ Local Favorite Since 2014

📍 60 Corte Madera Ave, Corte Madera

Burmatown is the kind of spot you almost want to keep secret. This tiny neighborhood restaurant serves bold Burmese-inspired flavors with a California twist, and the line out front tells you just how beloved it is. Inside, the vibe is cozy and lively, with plates of tea leaf salad, curry noodles, pork bao, and crispy garlic noodles flying out of the kitchen. The flavors are layered and comforting, the portions generous, and the energy buzzing with locals who know they’ve found a gem.

Owner and chef Janelle Gelfand has created a menu that balances authenticity with playful invention, making Burmatown one of those places you crave after just one visit. Pair your meal with a cold local beer or a refreshing house drink, and you’ll quickly see why it’s earned such a loyal following in Marin.

📞 Walk-ins only (no reservations).

👉 Pro Tip Show up a little before opening if you don’t want to wait too long. The dining room is small, but takeout is also popular if you’d rather enjoy your curry noodles on the couch. If you’re new, start with the tea leaf salad and bao – both are must-tries.

Burmatown Website→ More Info

🥾 Take a Hike

🌳 Rush Creek Open Space Preserve – Novato

🗓️ Open Year-Round, Sunrise to Sunset

📍 Entry at Atherton Ave & Palm Dr, Novato, CA 94945

Rush Creek is where Novato quietly shows off its wild side. This 500-acre preserve wraps around tidal wetlands and oak-studded hills, giving you a mix of shaded trails, open grasslands, and bird-watching hot spots. The main loop is mellow enough for a family walk yet long enough (about 5 miles) to feel like a real escape. In the spring you’ll spot wildflowers, and by fall the preserve glows golden with dried grasses and oak leaves. Egrets, herons, and hawks are regular sightings, and if you go in the early morning or late afternoon the light across the marshes is stunning.

Locals love it as a peaceful place to stretch the legs, whether that’s with a dog, on a bike, or just solo time in nature. With wide trails and gentle grades, it’s accessible without being boring, making it a perfect “reset” hike when you don’t want to drive far or tackle something strenuous.

👉 Pro Tip Head out in the cooler hours, especially during late summer, since much of the loop is exposed. Bring binoculars if you’re into birding. Parking fills at the small lot on Atherton Ave, but there’s usually room along the road. And if you’re up for it, pair your hike with a meal in downtown Novato just a few minutes away.

Marin County Parks Website→ Reddit.com

💎 Hidden Gem

🎨 Marin Museum of Contemporary Art (MarinMOCA) – Novato

🗓️ Open: Wed–Sun, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (check website for special hours or events)

📍 500 Palm Drive, Novato (Historic Hamilton Field)

If you want to get off the usual paths, MarinMOCA is a quiet powerhouse of contemporary expression tucked into Hamilton Field. It feels less like a formal museum and more like stepping into the studios of artists you might bump into — there are over 50 working artists onsite plus rotating exhibitions that push boundaries in painting, sculpture, media, photography, mixed media, and installations. The energy is creative without pretension. Whether you come with curiosity, inspiration, or just a need to see something new, MarinMOCA delivers.

One of the best parts is that admission is free so it’s easy to drop by, linger, or revisit. The galleries shift often so there’s always something new to discover.

👩‍💻 Check their website ahead of time for special show openings or artist meet-ups.

👉 Pro Tip Time your visit during a weekday if you can to avoid weekend foot traffic. Walk around the studios as well as the galleries ‒ seeing artists at work adds a rich layer. And if you’re inspired, there may be workshops or events you can join.

Marin MOCA Website→ More Info

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