Classic Rock, Hands-On Weekends, and Winter Rituals in Marin

🎭 Events This Week

🎙 Marin History Museum Talk: The Many Lives of Olompali (San Rafael)

🗓️ Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026 | 7:00 pm

📍 First Presbyterian Church, 1510 Fifth Ave, San Rafael

🎟️ General Admission $20 (donations welcome)

Why go: Discover Marin’s layered history at this speaker event featuring California State Park Interpreter Ryan Forbes. Olompali has worn many identities over time: a Coast Miwok village, a Spanish and Mexican rancho, a Victorian estate, a hippie commune and more. Forbes brings each era to life with vivid stories and deep local insight. This is the kind of community-focused history talk that feels personal and meaningful, especially if you’ve hiked the trails or wondered about one of Marin’s oldest historic sites. Expect an engaged Marin crowd and plenty of interesting conversation.

👉 Pro tip Arrive a little early to find good seating and connect with fellow locals. Street parking near the church is usually available on Wednesday evenings. If this talk inspires you, plan to check out the Marin History Museum’s Rancho Roots exhibit opening that weekend for a deeper dive.

Zeffy Website→ 🎟️ Get Tickets

🎤 Fleetwood Macramé – Fleetwood Mac Tribute at Rancho Nicasio

🗓️ Friday & Saturday, Jan 23–24, 2026 | Doors 6:00 pm, Music 7:30 pm

📍 Rancho Nicasio, 1 Old Rancheria Rd (Town Square), Nicasio

🎟️ Admission $40 (Dinner sold separately; all ages)

Why go: Experience the magic of Fleetwood Mac’s music under the cozy lights of a Marin roadhouse. Fleetwood Macramé isn’t just any tribute band – they’ve earned a reputation as one of the Bay Area’s most exciting tribute acts, so spot-on that if you close your eyes you might swear it’s the real thing. From the haunting harmonies of “Dreams” to the guitar fire of “Go Your Own Way,” they deliver the band’s greatest hits with passion and precision. The atmosphere at Rancho Nicasio will be warm and familial: longtime fans, couples on date night, even a few families with kids dancing by the stage. It’s the kind of upbeat, communal show where singing along at the top of your lungs is not just allowed – it’s encouraged. Marin’s love for Fleetwood Mac runs deep, and this is a chance to revel in those classic songs live without trekking to a stadium.

👉 Pro tip Make a whole evening of it. Rancho Nicasio offers dinner service before the show – reserve a table for the 6–8 pm seating so you can enjoy a hearty meal (and maybe a glass of wine) before the music starts. The $40 ticket is for the show only, so dinner is extra, but worth it for the full experience. The venue is all-ages and has a friendly, laid-back vibe; kids who know the tunes are welcome, and there’s space to dance in front. Parking is free and easy in Nicasio’s tiny town square, but bundle up for the drive – West Marin nights get chilly and misty. Finally, don’t be shy about singing along or even twirling like Stevie Nicks during “Rhiannon” – in the Marin bubble, enthusiasm is always welcome when a great tribute band takes us back in time.

Rancho Nicasio Website→ 🎟️ Get Tickets

🫙 Fermentation Workshop at Slide Ranch (Muir Beach)

🗓️ Saturday, Jan 24, 2026 | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm

📍 Slide Ranch, 2025 Shoreline Hwy, Muir Beach

🎟️ Admission $80 (Ages 14+ workshop)

Why go: Trade your Saturday morning farmers’ market run for a hands-on culinary adventure by the sea. Slide Ranch’s fermentation workshop offers a chance to learn the age-old art of pickling and fermenting in a gorgeous farm setting. In this 2.5-hour class you’ll roll up your sleeves in a professional teaching kitchen to make your own kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled veggies – the holy trinity of gut-healthy foods. It’s educational, yes, but it’s also just fun: you’ll chop, mix and jar alongside fellow foodies and nature-lovers, guided by instructors who make food science approachable (and tasty). The smell of salt and spices, the satisfaction of filling your jars, and the ocean views just outside – it’s a uniquely Marin blend of DIY cooking and outdoor beauty. You’ll leave not only with your “flight” of fermented goodies in hand, but with the know-how to keep fermenting at home, which means this is the workshop that keeps on giving (to your pantry and your health).

👉 Pro tip Pre-register online – spots are limited (Slide Ranch noted only a few spaces left, a testament to its popularity). Dress in layers and wear comfortable closed-toe shoes; mornings on the coast can be crisp, and you might wander the garden to snip a cabbage or two. The ranch is about a 15-minute winding drive past Muir Beach, so allow extra time for the scenic route and watch for the small Slide Ranch sign on Highway 1. Bringing a friend or teen (14 and up) can make it a fun shared experience – and you can divide the bounty of jars you’ll create. After the workshop, consider hiking down to Muir Beach or up the nearby coastal trail with your picnic-ready jar of kraut. In true Marin fashion, you’ll have combined wellness, sustainability, and stunning nature all before lunch on a Saturday.

Slide Ranch Website→ 🎟️ Get Tickets

🎸 John 5 – Guitar Shred Session at HopMonk Tavern (Novato)

🗓️ Saturday, Jan 24, 2026 | Doors 7:00 pm, Show 8:00 pm

📍 HopMonk Tavern (Session Room), 224 Vintage Way, Novato

🎟️ Admission ~$53 (21+ only)

Why go: Why go: Here’s a rare treat for Marin’s rock fans: John 5, one of the planet’s most jaw-dropping guitar virtuosos, up close and personal in a local tavern. For nearly 30 years he’s been the go-to “axe-man” for rock legends – sharing stages with Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, even Rob Halford of Judas Priest – and he’s renowned for playing literally anything on six strings. One minute he’s unleashing lightning-fast metal riffs, the next he’s channeling blues, country picking, or an Eddie Van Halen homage. Seeing him in the intimate Session Room at HopMonk is like watching a guitar clinic with a dash of circus. The energy will be through the roof: expect a crowd of hardcore guitar geeks, local rockers in black T-shirts, and curious music lovers ready to have their faces melted by instrumental pyrotechnics. In a county better known for folk and jazz, a little head-banging on a Saturday night is a welcome change of pace.

👉 Pro tip This show is 21+ – don’t forget your ID. Get there early to grab a craft beer and dinner in the HopMonk Tavern garden before moving into the Session Room; once the show starts it’s mostly standing room and first-come seating. Earplugs are wise for this one (it’s going to get loud in the best way). The venue is tucked in Vintage Oaks Shopping Center, so parking is plentiful and free – just find the entrance around back by the HopMonk sign. If you want to be right at John 5’s feet to watch his fingerwork, line up before doors open. He’s known to hang out after the set or at least acknowledge fans, so bring that old Rob Zombie CD or a piece of gear for a potential autograph. Above all, come ready for a masterclass in guitar showmanship – Marin might not know what hit it when John 5 ignites those fretboards.

Hopmonk Website→ 🎟️ Get Tickets

🎩 Fine Estate, Inc. Deco, Diamonds & Decadence Fine Auction (San Rafael)

🗓️ Sunday, Jan 25, 2026 | Preview Fri Jan 23 11am–5pm & Sat Jan 24 11am–4pm | Auction Sun Jan 25 11am–3pm

📍 121 Jordan St, San Rafael, CA 94901 (auction gallery)

🎟️ Free to attend | registration required if you plan to bid

Why go: Why go: Take a dive into the glamorous world of Art Deco and collectible treasures right here in Marin. This auction showcases curated fine art, decorative objects, jewelry, silver, and design pieces with strong 1920s and 1930s flair, all under one roof and ready for bidding. The preview days on Friday and Saturday let you wander the gallery, examine standout lots (from platinum rings to antique furniture), and plan your bids before the live Sunday sale. If you’re into vintage style, unique home pieces, heirlooms, or just enjoy browsing unexpected finds, this event feels like a stylish local treasure hunt.

👉 Pro tip Come during one of the preview slots to take your time with the pieces and ask questions of the staff. Register for bidding early if you see something you love since this auction attracts seasoned collectors and curious locals alike. Street parking around Jordan Street is usually available, and there are plenty of nearby cafes for a post-auction coffee or lunch in downtown San Rafael.

Auctions Fine SF Website→ More Info

❤️ Local Favorite

🍰 Creekside Bakery (Novato)

🕒 Open Wed–Fri, 7am–3pm, and Sat–Sun, 9am–3pm. Closed Mon & Tues

📍 1719 Grant Ave, Novato, CA 94945

Creekside Bakery has built its reputation on a few things it does very well, not on trying to be everything. This is a scratch bakery first, cafe second, and it shows in the cases and on the plates.

They’re especially known for their croissants and laminated pastries, which come out buttery, crisp, and consistently well-executed. The almond croissant and chocolate croissant are the standouts and often sell out before noon. Their scones lean rich and crumbly rather than dry, and the seasonal fruit galettes are a quiet favorite when available. On the savory side, locals swear by the breakfast sandwiches and ham and cheese croissant, which are filling and built on their house-baked bread.

It’s also true that Creekside runs a little pricey for Novato. You’re paying for quality ingredients, in-house baking, and consistency rather than big portions or trendy extras. Most regulars know exactly what’s worth it and stick to those items. When you order right, it feels justified. When you don’t, it can feel steep.

The crowd is loyal and local. Retirees, parents after drop-off, contractors grabbing coffee, and long-time regulars who don’t need the menu. The space is calm, functional, and familiar. Not a linger-all-day cafe, but a reliable stop that does what it does well.

💡 Insider tip Go before noon if you want the best pastry selection. Ask what came out of the oven most recently and skip the impulse buys if prices catch you off guard. Parking is easy in the lot, which is part of the appeal. If you’re new, start with an almond croissant or a breakfast sandwich. Those are the items locals come back for.

Creekside Bakery Website→ More Info

📢 Local Buzz

🕊️ Marin City Community Wants a Seat at the Table

Marin City’s MLK Day celebration was more than speeches and music this year. Local Black community members called for expanded roles in decision-making around community priorities, especially engagement and outreach. The event drew a packed gymnasium and made clear that equity conversations are front of mind here in Marin.

Local News Matters Website→ Read the article

👮 Local Law Enforcement Steps Up on Trafficking Awareness

With major Bay Area events on the horizon in 2026, the Marin County District Attorney joined a coalition of regional officials to boost human trafficking awareness, prevention, and reporting. This includes partnerships between law enforcement and nonprofits aimed at protecting vulnerable residents and visitors alike.

Marin County Website→ Read the article

📻 Marin Radio Show Spotlight on County News

Listen in Marin, the local weekly radio roundup on Radio Sausalito, continues to be a go-to source for hyper-local stories affecting Marin residents. The show pulls in county-level news, interviews, and rapid-fire updates that many locals rely on for a digestible snapshot of what’s happening right now.

Local News Matters Website→ Read the article

💎 Hidden Gem

🦭 Elephant Seals at Drakes Beach (Point Reyes)

🕒 Drakes Beach Rd. & parking lot are open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00

📍 Drakes Beach Road, Inverness, CA 94937 (Point Reyes National Seashore)

Winter is peak season for elephant seals at Drakes Beach, and it’s one of the most quietly incredible things you can witness in Marin. From December through March, hundreds of seals haul themselves onto the sand for breeding season, turning the far end of the beach into a living, snorting, sand-covered colony.

You don’t need binoculars or a hike to see them. The National Park Service sets up viewing areas right from the beach access, with rangers often on hand to answer questions and keep visitors at a safe distance. You’ll see massive males sprawled out like boulders, younger seals jockeying for space, and pups learning how to navigate their first days on land.

It’s raw, loud, and oddly peaceful all at once. Windy coastal air, crashing waves, and wildlife doing exactly what it’s done for thousands of years. No ticket, no schedule, just show up and observe.

💡 Insider tip Go mid-morning when the fog often lifts and the seals are most visible. Dress warm and expect strong winds. Stay behind posted barriers and follow ranger guidance. The seals may look slow, but they move fast when they want to. Pair it with a short beach walk or a stop at the Point Reyes Shipwreck for a full West Marin winter outing.

NPS Website→ More Info

🎯 Rank Higher on Google Maps

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