Live Music, Long Days & Local Flavor — Summer Starts Now

🎭 Cool Events This Week

🎸 Bill Frisell Trio Cookout Concert

🗓️ Wednesday, June 18, 6:00 pm (doors 4:30 pm)

📍 HopMonk Tavern Beer Garden, Novato

Marin’s most laid-back summer concert series is hosting a living legend this week. Bill Frisell, one of the most influential jazz guitarists of our time, is bringing his trio to the Novato beer garden for a night of rich, genre-blending sound. Think jazz, blues, folk, and cinematic melodies floating through the redwoods while you sip a local brew and eat brisket off a paper plate. This is what summer nights in Marin are made for.

🎟️ Admission $55 advance, $60 day-of. Want the full experience? Grab the $79 option that includes HopMonk’s signature BBQ dinner.

👉 Pro tip Get there early when doors open. Seating is mostly open lawn, so pack a blanket or low chair and stake out a cozy spot. The beer flows, the music swells, and the vibe is all good.

KC Turner Presents Website→ 🎟️ Get tickets

🤘 Rock the Block: Summer Kick-Off

🗓️ Thursday, June 19, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

📍 Grant Avenue (between Machin & Reichert), Novato

Novato is throwing one big backyard dance party — and the whole town’s invited. Rock the Block shuts down Grant Avenue for an open-air summer kickoff packed with live music, good eats, and neighborly vibes. Headliner “You Should Be Dancing” brings all the Bee Gees disco heat, so expect a full-on boogie down as the sun sets. Local breweries, wineries, and food vendors line the street, turning downtown into a walkable tasting tour. It’s got that perfect small-town energy — kids running around with ice cream, adults sipping wine on the curb, and old friends reconnecting between songs.

🎟️ Admission Free! Just bring some cash or a card for food and drinks.

👉 Pro tip Come hungry. This isn’t the night to eat at home — the food trucks and local restaurants bring their A-game. For an easy arrival, ride the SMART train to the Novato Downtown stop or carpool with your crew and beat the parking crunch.

Visit Novato Website→ More Info

☀️ Live on the Avenue Summer Concerts

🗓️ Friday & Saturday, June 20–21, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

📍 San Anselmo Ave. (Creek Park Amphitheater & Town Hall Plaza), San Anselmo

When the weekend hits, San Anselmo turns into a big open-air block party with a serious soundtrack. Live on the Avenue is back, bringing free live music to the heart of town every Friday and Saturday night. Two stages. Two bands. One charming downtown. Creek Park, with its shady redwoods and picnic lawn, hosts one show, while Town Hall Plaza just up the block delivers another. Cars are blocked off, kids twirl to the beat, and couples stroll the avenue with ice cream in hand.

This weekend’s lineup? Walking Mirrors and Black Cat Zydeco take the stage Friday, and Rojai & The Pocket plus Pickled Fish Trio follow on Saturday. You’ll hear everything from soul and funk to Cajun grooves and local rock — all with that warm Marin glow.

🎟️ Admission Totally free. Bring your own picnic or grab dinner from a local spot nearby.

👉 Pro tip Show up early to claim your patch of lawn at Creek Park. A blanket and some takeout from your favorite San Anselmo eatery make for the perfect concert setup. If you’re local, ditch the car and walk or bike — it adds to the vibe and saves you the parking hunt.

Live on the Avenue Website→ More Info

🎧 Slide Ranch Summer Solstice Sunset Silent Disco

🗓️ Friday, June 20, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (sunset at 8:36 pm)

📍 Slide Ranch – 2025 Shoreline Hwy, Muir Beach

This is not your average farm night. Slide Ranch is hosting a summer solstice celebration that blends coastal magic with DJ beats — a silent disco overlooking the Pacific. Guests of all ages will don wireless headphones and dance barefoot on the pasture while the sun melts into the ocean. There’s a welcome circle to kick things off, a bonfire to wind things down, and in between you’ll find golden light, salty air, and that surreal feeling of everyone dancing together in their own world of sound.

Pack a picnic for dinner and save room for complimentary dessert from the ranch crew. Whether you’re grooving under the stars, exploring the farm, or just laying on a blanket soaking it all in, this is a Marin moment you won’t forget.

🎟️ Admission $50 per person (kids under 2 free). Must register by June 19 — no tickets at the door. Fee with Eventbrite is $55.20. Scholarships available by request.

👉 Pro Tip Bring a crew and carpool — parking is $40 per car, but it’s free if you roll in with 4 or more. And don’t forget a jacket and flashlight. Evenings on the coast get cold fast, and you’ll want to see your way back after the party winds down.

Eventbrite Website→ 🎟️ Get Tickets

⛵️ Summer Solstice Sunset Sail – Schooner Freda B

🗓️ Friday, June 20, 7:15 pm – 9:30 pm (boarding at 7:15)

📍 Schooner Freda B – boards at Sausalito Yacht Harbor, Sausalito

There’s no better way to welcome summer than aboard a schooner at sunset. The Freda B, an 80-foot classic sailing yacht, is cruising out of Sausalito on the longest day of the year for a special Summer Solstice sunset sail. You’ll drift past Alcatraz, Angel Island, the Marin Headlands, and under the Golden Gate Bridge, all while the sky fades from gold to lavender. It’s peaceful, romantic, and totally unforgettable — perfect for date night, solo reflection, or a toast with friends.

Expect sea breezes, unbeatable views, and plenty of moments worth putting your phone down for. The boat has a cash bar and you’re welcome to bring your own snacks, so pack a little picnic and settle in.

🎟️ Admission $99 per person (plus fees). Must book ahead — space is limited to keep the vibe relaxed and uncrowded.

👉 Pro Tip Even in June, it gets chilly on the Bay once the sun dips. Bring layers, a blanket, and maybe even a beanie. Parking in Sausalito can be tough, so get there early or consider hopping on the ferry or using a rideshare.

Eventbrite Website→ More Info

🇿🇦 Marin City’s 9th Annual Juneteenth Festival

🗓️ Saturday, June 21, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

📍 Rocky Graham Park – 800 Drake Ave, Marin City

Marin City’s biggest celebration of the year is back, and it’s full of joy, history, and community love. The 9th annual Juneteenth Community Festival honors the end of slavery and celebrates Black culture with music, food, and local pride. Expect a lively day at Rocky Graham Park — live gospel and R&B, delicious soul food, an African marketplace, kids’ activities, and that warm, welcoming vibe that makes this neighborhood so special.

And yes, Good News Bear will be there giving hugs and high-fives to little ones (and grownups too, if you ask nicely). Whether you’re showing up to support, to learn, or just to join the celebration, this is one of those Marin days that reminds you what community really means.

🎟️ Admission Free. Just show up and enjoy. Want to support? Grab a plate from a local food vendor or donate on-site to Marin City Arts and Culture.

👉 Pro Tip Bring a blanket or folding chair — seating is casual and the performances are worth settling in for. Parking fills up fast, so consider carpooling or hopping on Golden Gate Transit. And don’t forget your sunscreen and a big appetite — the barbecue and sweet potato pie are local legends.

Juneteenth Community Festival Website→ More Info

🌾 Sunday Marin Civic Center Farmers’ Market

🗓️ Sunday, June 22, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

📍 Parking lot at Marin Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Dr, San Rafael

There’s something grounding about starting your Sunday with a stroll through one of the biggest and best farmers’ markets in California. The Marin Civic Center Farmers’ Market brings together over 100 local farms, food makers, and artisans — from heirloom tomatoes and lemonade lemons to small-batch cheeses, fresh bread, and smoked salmon. The air smells like peaches and breakfast burritos, and the vibe is always upbeat with live music, friendly vendors, and kids chasing bubbles near the flower stands.

It’s the perfect spot to fill your tote bags, sip a coffee, and graze your way through brunch while catching up with neighbors.

🎟️ Admission Free, with tons of free parking nearby.

👉 Pro Tip Hit the market right at 8:00 am if you want the best picks — pastries and berries tend to vanish fast. Don’t forget your reusable bags and maybe a picnic blanket so you can stick around for music and people-watching.

City of San Rafael Website→ More Info

🍽️ Underground Eats

🍞 Tartine Bakery & Cholita Linda at Strawberry Village

📍 Mill Valley (Strawberry Village Shopping Center)

Some secrets are just too delicious to stay hidden for long. Coming later this year to Strawberry Village in Mill Valley are two major Bay Area food favorites: Tartine, the iconic bakery known for its flaky croissants and crusty sourdough, and Cholita Linda, the beloved Latin eatery famous for its fish tacos and bright, beachy flavors. These aren’t your typical mall food spots. They’re the kind of places people cross bridges for, now landing in Marin’s own backyard.

• Why locals are excited Tartine’s fresh bread game is unmatched, and Cholita Linda’s tacos bring serious coastal soul.
• Perfect for lazy weekend lunches, impromptu coffee dates, or grabbing something amazing on the go.
• Flavor vibe Think warm bread pulled from the oven, spicy crema on crispy fish, and Latin flair with California ease.

👉 Pro tip Keep an eye out for soft openings or farmers’ market-style popups in the village courtyard. Strawberry Village is quietly becoming Marin’s new foodie magnet, complete with patio seating, public art, and live music nights.

Tartine Bakery Website→ More Info

Cholita Linda Website→ More Info

📢 Local Buzz

🌊 Stinson Beach’s Battle with Rising Tides

If you love Stinson, you’ve probably seen the signs — literally and figuratively. Rising seas, washed-out roads, flooded parking lots. But now, Marin County is finally rolling out a game plan to help Stinson Beach stand its ground. The newly unveiled adaptation plan is no small thing. It’s been three years in the making and includes some bold ideas: new sand dunes, cobble berms, raised roads, a full wastewater overhaul (goodbye septic tanks), and even talks of lifting parts of the town. The coolest twist? A virtual reality simulation that lets you step into the future and see how floodwaters might reshape Stinson and how we might stop it. The VR setup made its debut at a public meeting, and yes, it left people both wowed and a little worried. Locals from Bolinas to Tam Valley are already talking about it. And after last winter, when the Stinson parking lot basically became a tidepool for weeks, most agree it’s time. The final proposal heads to the Board of Supervisors in August, but the conversation is already buzzing like a beach day in July.

👉 Pro Tip Wanna peek into Stinson’s future? You can check out the County’s free VR simulation on their official site. Fair warning — it’s a trip. And a much-needed wake-up call.

Marin Local News Website → More Info

🚧 Novato Narrows Woes – Marin Drivers at Wit’s End

If your morning commute feels like a never-ending crawl down 101, you’re not alone. Marin locals on Reddit are venting about the Marin-Sonoma “Novato Narrows” road project that seems eternal. One frustrated driver joked they’ve been “stuck in bumper-to-bumper from Petaluma” every morning and wonders if the contractor (Ghilotti) is milking the project for all it’s worth. The gripe? After years of construction, all we get is one new carpool lane, leaving solo drivers still stuck with two lanes – ugh! As another local quipped, “It’s been under construction my entire life – absolute BS”. The good news (fingers crossed): Caltrans says the final stretch should wrap up by late summer 2025. Until then, expect the grumbling (and the traffic jams) to continue in true Marin fashion.

👉 Insider Tip If you have to face the Narrows each day, plan ahead. Leave early, crank up a favorite podcast, and maybe consider carpooling to take advantage of that new lane when it finally opens. Patience, like gas, is a precious commodity on this stretch of 101!

Reddit Website → Read the Post

🐟 Fresh Catch: Anna’s Seafood Docks at Loch Lomond

Something yummy just washed into Loch Lomond! Reddit’s r/Marin lit up last week when Anna’s Seafood set up a full counter at Andy’s Market. Enthusiasts are already drooling over poke, smoked salmon, and chowder—one fan raved, “Tried the scallop and lobster chowders. Both very tasty.” But keep it real—some locals scoff at Andy’s upscale prices, calling it “grocery store for the wealthy.” Still, if you’re ready to splurge on waterfront chowder, this spot’s where the locals are lining up.

👉 Pro Tip Swing by on the weekend, grab chowder to-go, and enjoy the marina view right across the street—no fuss, max flavor.

Reddit Website → Read the Post

💎 Hidden Gem

🖼️ MarinMOCA’s Immersive Climate Exhibit

📍 San Rafael (1210 Fifth Avenue)

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art’s new “Future Flows” exhibit is a climate-themed art immersion sparking curiosity this week. MarinMOCA, now in downtown San Rafael, is hosting Future Flows (through July 6) – a captivating exhibition that turns environmental science into hands-on art. This group show connects local and international artists via immersive installations and eerie soundscapes that confront water and climate challenges head-on. It’s eye-opening but inviting: you might wander through a room of swirling kelp sculptures or stand inside a light display simulating rising seas. Far from a stuffy gallery, MarinMOCA feels like a creative community hub where people swap ideas and leave seeing the world a bit differently. Open Wednesday–Sunday, it’s the perfect off-the-beaten-path spot to get inspired and escape the summer heat for an hour.

👉 Pro tip The museum is open Wed–Fri (11 am–4 pm) and weekends (11 am–5 pm) – ideal for a lunchtime art break or Sunday outing. Marin County residents can even snag a free MarinMOCA membership for special events and perks.

MarinMOCA’s Website → More Info

⛺️ Marin Summer Camps 2025

⚽ Marin Summer Camps 2025 Guide is Here!

Just in time for the final week of school—your go-to list of 40+ Marin summer camps is now live! From art to science to outdoor adventure, it’s organized by age, category, and location. Whether you’re still scrambling for a few weeks of coverage or mapping out the full summer, we’ve got you.

Rank Marin Website → View the Guide

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