PLANT SOCIETY HOSTS ART DISCUSSION
2023-07-06
Join the California Native Plant Society on July 6 at 5:30 p.m. to discover the beauty of California’s native plants. “Native Plants & Art” brings together artists in a variety of media to explore the unique relationship between native plants and artistic expression. Discover how California’s flora has influenced art and learn more about how you can draw inspiration from their beauty and resilience. For more information, visit cnps.org.

MARIN VALENTINE'S BALL
2023-04-29
Save the date for the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Marin Valentine’s Ball. This year’s event will be held April 29 at Peacock Gap Country Club in San Rafael. An evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, fine dining, an auction and dancing to Wonder Bread 5 will benefit North Bay Children’s Center, Side by Side and Godmothers of Catholic Charities St. Vincent School for Boys.
For more information, visit nbcc.ejoinme.org.

CELEBRATE WITH SINGERS MARIN
2023-02-11
Singers Marin is proud to present its Winter Concert titled “43° and Overcast, Alleluia: A Celebration of Winter in Marin” at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Tiburon on Dec. 11. The program includes medieval chants to folk music from the Sami to holiday pop music and a composition by Bay Area composer Mitchell Covington. The performance will begin at 4 p.m. Tickets are available at singersmarin.org.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL - STAGED READING BY THE ROSS VALLEY PLAYERS
2023-02-10
On Dec. 10 from 5-6:30 p.m, the Ross Valley Players will present a staged reading of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, adapted by Billie Cox and Steven Price, directed by Steven Price and featuring talented actors from throughout the Bay Area with props and costumes. Last year’s performance was sold out. Tickets are $15 adult admission; children 17 and under are free, and include festive refreshments. The event will be held at The Studio, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in Ross. For more information, visit rossvalleyplayers.com.

ROSS VALLEY FIRE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
2023-02-10
The annual Breakfast with Santa event takes place on Dec. 10 at 8 a.m at the Ross Valley Fire Station, 777 San Anselmo Avenue in San Anselmo. For a small fee, participants receive a full breakfast of eggs, sausage, & pancakes, a variety of beverages, and get some special one-on-one time with Santa. Each child will also have the opportunity to do some arts & crafts, and will receive a gift from Santa. For more information, visit townofsananselmo.org.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL HAT DAY
2023-01-15
On Jan. 15 join the Sausalito Woman’s Club from 2-4 p.m. for a presentation and round table discussion with local members of the USA Milliners’ Guild, SF Millinery owner Sara Fedaie, and Laurie Berliner, owner of Madge & Me Hats in San Anselmo. The afternoon tea party will offer insight about the artistry of fine millinery. Participants are asked to wear their favorite hat. Tickets are $20. The event takes place at the Sausalito Woman’s Club, 120 Central Ave. in Sausalito. For more information, visit sausalitowomans.club.

COFFEE WITH A RANGER
2023-01-07
Enjoy a coffee break with a Marin County park ranger on Jan. 7 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at McGinnis Park. This is an opportunity to ask questions about parks, preserves and pathways, and to meet a ranger. Illness, adverse weather or poor air quality may cancel; if in doubt, text or call (415) 446-4423 two hours before the event to confirm the status. Contact Audrea Bocchi at abocchi@marincounty.org with any questions.

MEMORY CAFE RETURNS WEEKLY
2023-01-05
Memory Café is a twice-weekly gathering for people experiencing mild to moderate memory loss and their caregivers — spouses, family members and friends. These gatherings and activities are created to benefit the person with dementia as well as those providing care; the activities are designed to engage and support both simultaneously. On the third and fourth Tuesdays of the month, they meet in various locations in San Francisco. Meets are every Thursday from 1-3 p.m. at Marin Bocce Federation. Participation is free. For more information or to RSVP, contact Alana Goldscheid at memorycafe@jfcs.org or 415-449-3849.

NYE COMEDY SHOWCASE RETURNS
2022-12-31
The 12th Annual New Year’s Eve Comedy Showcase will be held on Dec. 31 from 8-10:30 p.m. at Angelico Hall on the Dominican University campus. The event benefits MarinArts and will feature six headliners each doing shorter sets in a variety of styles. Reserved seats are $32.50. For more information, visit marinarts.org.

BOUNCY BALL NEW YEAR
2022-12-31 | Novato
Kids of all ages are invited to Downtown Novato at noon on Dec. 31 to see what happens when 23,000 (celebrating 2023) small bouncy balls are dropped onto the street from a ladder truck 40 feet in the air. The event is free and kids will get a souvenir “hard hat” and can keep as many bouncy balls as their pockets and buckets can hold. For more information, visit visitnovato.com.

ELM HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE
2022-12-11
Enjoy a winter concert on Dec. 11 for the premiere of an original piece written for Enriching Lives through Music, “The Mix of the Culturas,” along with other contemporary and classical pieces. The concert will take place at the Marin Center Showcase Theater in San Rafael at 4:30 p.m. ELM students have been working on a special project titled, “Reflections on Resilience.” By interviewing their elders about their own musical memories, students explored what resilience means to them and their families. Drawing inspiration from these interviews, students collaborated with award-winning composer Giancarlo Castro D’Addona to create an original piece. For tickets and more information, visit elmprogram.org/events.

MAYFLOWER WINTER SHOW
2022-12-09 - 2022-12-10
Mayflower Chorus presents its winter show, “Shine On!” Dec. 9-10 at Marin Center Showcase Theater in San Rafael. Within the illuminating traditions of the holiday season, enjoy songs that celebrate the glitz, glitter and fun of Christmas and Hanukkah. Listen for holiday favorites in creative arrangements and raise your own voice for the sing-along segment. The full chorus plus solos and ensembles engage the audience with choralography, costumes and narration along with accompaniment and music by the Mayflower Band. General admission tickets are $29; seniors (60-plus) and students (13-18) $23; children 12 and under, $12. For more information, visit MayflowerChorus.org or call 415-491-9110.

23 ELEPHANTS PLANS FALL PRODUCTION
2022-11-12
This fall 23 Elephants is excited to offer “The Descendants: The Musical!” Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, “Disney’s Descendants: The Musical” is a new musical packed with comedy, adventure and hit songs from the films. The final performance will be at San Anselmo’s Creek Park on Nov. 12. A Friday production class will be offered for children ages 5-6 and a Saturday production class will host kids 8-11. For more information, visit 23elephants.org.

LEARN ABOUT GHOST SHIPS OF THE BAY
2022-10-05
The Mill Valley Historical Society First Wednesday Virtual Event will host “Ghost Ships of the San Francisco Bay,” presented by Pat Broderick. This virtual event will be held Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. Few of us are aware of these relics from San Francisco’s maritime past, many forgotten for a century or more. Yet, every day Bay Area residents travel over long-buried ships. The discussion will highlight some of the steam schooners, Gold Rush ships, Golden Gate wrecks and U.S. Navy ships that forever remain “ghosts” in our waters. The event is free, but registration is required at millvalleylibrary.libcal.com. For more information, call 415-389-4292 or visit millvalleylibrary.org

MARIN CASA HOSTS HIKING FUNDRAISER
2022-10-02 | Stafford Lake Park, Novato
Trails of Hope is Marin CASA’s first ever community hike, picnic and fundraiser on Oct. 2 at Stafford Lake in Novato from 10:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m. Celebrate and support Marin CASA’s advocacy for children in foster care in Marin and come together in community, surrounded by the beauty of Marin County. Tickets include a taco lunch, dessert and games. Discounted tickets for families and children are available. Visit marincasa.org/hike for more information.

NOVATO CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT SCHEDULED
2022-09-29 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
The 2022 Novato Chamber Golf Classic will be held on Sept. 29 at Indian Valley Golf Course. Bring your coworkers and business partners out for some friendly competition or treat your friends and prospective clients to a great day. Registration includes lunch, dinner gift certificate and wine. A raffle, auction and mulligans will also be available. For more information, visit novatochamber.com/golf-tournament.

ROTARY OF IGNACIO PLANS FUNDRAISER
2022-09-24 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Jonas Center, 1800 Ignacio Blvd, Novato, CA, 94949, United States
The Rotary Club of Ignacio presents Burgers, Brews and Comedy Night. The fundraiser and barbecue will be held at the Jonas Center at the Indian Valley Campus in Novato from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 24. Early bird tickets are $100 per person through Sept. 10; $110 thereafter. Corporate sponsorship tables for eight are available and include VIP seating and special event recognition. For more information, visit ignaciorotary.org.

CELEBRATE LABOR DAY, MARIN CITY
2022-09-05 | MARIN CITY
Spend Labor Day celebrating Marin City at the Blues ’n’ Soul Party in the Park on Monday, Sept. 5 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The official celebration of MarinCity80 will include blues, jazz, gospel, zydeco and soul featuring Bay Area artists. The event will also include a car show, local vendors, activities for kids, food stations, and visits by local, county and state officials and stakeholders. The culmination will be the announcement of the establishment of The Marin City Historical and Preservation Society, and the release of the MarinCity80 commemorative book. For more information, visit marincity80.com.

FRIENDS OF CHINA CAMP HERITAGE DAY RETURNS
2022-08-27 | Miwok Meadows, China Camp State Park, San Rafael
This year’s Heritage Day festival will be held on Aug. 27 at the historic China Camp Village. See the vibrantly-colored costumes of rhythmic lion dancers and listen to the harmonious strumming of the guzheng. You can also try your hand at mahjong, join a Chinese brush-painting lesson, learn a new tai chi technique and experience a life-size replica of a shrimp-fishing junk. Hosted at the park’s historic waterfront village, this signature event brings traditional cultural and musical performances, food, and games, crafts and activities for all ages. For more information, visit friendsofchinacamp.org.

MARIN TEEN GIRLS CONFERENCE SEEKS AMBASSADORS
2022-08-25 - 2022-09-30
The Marin Women’s Commission seeks Marin girls, grades eight to 12, to be Marin teen girl ambassadors. The ambassadors take ownership of the annual Marin Teen Girl Conference by helping develop content. Each ambassador will have a leadership role in different areas of the conference, including community partnerships, marketing and outreach, social media, sponsorships and speakers. Participants earn community service hours. The 2023 conference will be held on March 26, 2023. Meetings happen every other Sunday evening from October until the conference date. For more information, visit Marinteengirls.org.

GOLF TOURNEY FOR SIDE BY SIDE
2022-06-27
Bank of Marin will host its annual golf tournament fundraiser on June 27 at Marin Country Club in Novato. It will raise critically needed funds for Side by Side’s behavioral and mental health services throughout the Bay Area. For more information, visit sidebysideyouth.org.

MARIN MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
2022-06-18 - 2022-08-28
Lush paintings, meticulous drawings and collages will be on view in “Jean Conner: Inner Garden,” an exhibition that runs from June 18 to Aug. 28 at Marin Museum of Contemporary Art. The exhibition will chronicle the artist’s career and showcase her work across a range of media. The 60 works included, many exhibited here for the first time, will depict Conner’s interests in nature and spirituality. Influenced by the legendary Bay Area botanist Ida Geary and 19th century French symbolists Gustave Moreau and Odilon Redon, Conner’s works display her animated imagination through the use of religious symbolism, dream-like imagery, flora and fauna. For more information, visit marinmoca.org

NOVATO ART, WINE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS
2022-06-18 - 2022-06-19 | Downtown Novato
The Novato Chamber of Commerce will present its annual Art, Wine and Music Festival June 18 and 19 on Grant Avenue between Redwood and 7th streets. Enjoy local art, activities and music by Petty Theft, Mustache Harbor and more. Food, beer and wine will be available for purchase. Admission is free. For more information and the full musical lineup, visit novatochamber.com.

YWCA ENTREPRENEURIAL PROGRAM
2022-06-16
Join a free virtual workshop on June 16 about the advantages and challenges of working for yourself, important steps to plan your self-employment journey and how to connect with local and expert resources. “WorkforYourself@50+” is designed to help older adults learn the ins and outs of successful self-employment. To register, visit yourywca.org.

CELEBRATION BENEFITS YOUTH IN ARTS
2022-06-06
Youth In Arts presents the C Street Celebration, a community festival of creativity Saturday, June 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on C Street between 3rd and 4th in downtown San Rafael. The free arts-focused festival will feature student performances, hands-on family workshops, Children’s Avenue (chalk mural), an outdoor art gallery, music and more. An evening fundraising program from 5 to 9 p.m. will include food, dancing and music by Big Blu Soul Review. Tickets go on sale April 26. For more information, visit youthinarts.org/event/c-street-celebration.

VOLUNTEER FIREMEN'S BARBEQUE RETURNS
2022-05-29 12:00 - 17:00 UTC
After a two-year hiatus, the 48th Annual Muir Beach Volunteer Firemen’s Barbecue will return on Sunday, May 29 from 12-5 p.m. at Santos Meadows in Muir Beach. Enjoy food, live music, craft beers and wine while supporting the Muir Beach Volunteer Fire Department. The day’s activities will include a raffle of more than 100 prizes including gift certificates from Bay Area restaurants and attractions. Parking is $30 per vehicle; carpooling is encouraged. There is a suggested donation of $10 for walk-in and bike-in attendees. For further details, call (415) 381-8793 or visit muirbeachfire.com/bbq.

FIRE SAFE MARIN HOSTS FESTIVAL
2022-05-28
Fire Safe Marin will present “Ember Stomp,” a wildfire prevention festival in Marin County. This free event will be held on May 28 at the Marin Center Fairgrounds Island and will celebrate Marin County’s community effort to reduce the risk of a catastrophic wildfire. The festival will feature live music, hands-on activities, awards, entertainment and food. For more information, visit firesafemarin.org.

CAMPOUT TO END HOMELESSNESS
2022-05-21 17:00 - 23:30 UTC
Ritter Center will host “Under the Stars: A Sleepout to End Homeless” Saturday, May 21. Give up your warm bed for one night and set up tents or sleeping bags inside or outside and “sleepout” to help raise funds for Ritter Center’s housing support and healthcare services. A live, virtual program will feature Dr. Sam Tsemberis, founder of Pathways to Housing, public officials, team awards, a silent auction, guided meditation, kids’ activities and a bedtime story. For more information, visit Sleepout.RitterCenter.org.

COUNTY FAIR ENTRIES OPEN
2022-05-18 - 2022-05-31
The Marin County Fair will be accepting entries until May 31. Art competitions will remain online but the plein air painting competition will take place. Agriculture competitions will also take place outdoors and will include poultry, rabbits, sheep dog trials, pocket pets, dog care and training, small animal round robin showmanship and more. For complete information, including contest and local rules, division and class numbers, entry timeline, judging systems, submission dates, entry fees, category specific information and awards, visit fair.marincounty.org.

PARTY A LA HEART
2022-05-18 - 2022-05-22
Love Is The Answer will host its Party A La Heart on Sunday, May 22 on the outdoor patio at Perry’s On Magnolia, Larkspur. An online auction will also be available in support of LITA’s programs May 18-22. Vaccination is required to attend the event and tickets are limited. Tickets are available at litamarin.org
