Whew! It feels like Marin Monsoon Season is almost behind us and that can only mean one thing as we approach summer: It’s Festival Season!

Summer in Marin is one of the most beautiful seasons on earth with our warm days and cool nights, and the protection our hills provide from that cold fog that San Francisco receives. It’s a great time to get outside and enjoy the great weather and beautiful surroundings that Marin has to offer.

Some of my favorite local festivals include the Caledonia Street Spring Faire in Sausalito on May 27. It’s just fun to stroll around artsy Sausalito and check out all the street vendors. There will be over 120 vendors this year, so aside from people watching, there should be something for everyone.

I’ve always enjoyed the Larkspur Flower and Food Festival, May 30. Maybe it’s because they block off Magnolia Avenue and set up tables to enjoy the downtown area of “Mayberry USA” like an old-fashioned picnic. They also have very good jazz, blues, and swing sounds for dancing, and if you get bored with that, you can always check out the Silver Peso for more entertaining ideas.

The Fairfax Festival, June 11-13, is always a fun psychedelic sort of time. When you want to know where all the hippies from the 60s went, look no further than Fairfax. They have two great stages with local music, arts, crafts and a flea market, so bring a blanket to spread on the ground and enjoy the sounds.

For art lovers and children alike, the Italian Street Painting Festival, June 12-13, is always a great time. For 17 years running, they have been painting the streets of San Rafael, and you will see some of the best street art in the country all benefiting Youth in Arts. Grab your hat and come on down.

The highlight of the entire summer is the Marin County Fair. For five fabulous days, July 1-5, you’ll not only be able to view great exhibits, shows and enjoy the rides on the midway, but you’ll be entertained this year by Wilson Phillips, The Wailers, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Four Tops and The Temptations. All for one low admission price, a good time is had by all, and you get fireworks every night for a grand finale!

San Anselmo always puts on a great festival, the San Anselmo Art & Wine Festival, July 17-18, right on San Anselmo Avenue. Besides the 225 artisans, they always have two Rockin’ stages from light classics to rock n’ roll…and check out the barbecue, it’s some of the best I’ve tasted in Marin.

My favorite festival that sort of says farewell to summer is the Sausalito Art Festival, held over Labor Day Weekend, September 3-6. This festival began in 1952 and always offers the best art and sculptures for sale for the serious art lover. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate a three-day weekend, with fine food, wine, and great entertainment.

These are just a few of my favorites, but there is much, much more to choose from, no matter your taste in art and entertainment.

The summer festivals are just another great reason for living in this awesome, beautiful county of ours, and that’s why I always call it Magical Marin!

Posted by:  Rick Smith