TOP PICKS

August's Best Bets + Fêtes

Here are our picks for fab food and fun!

Our Top Picks

Recommendation  #1
Larkspur Chamber of Commerce

Sip, stroll & savor your way through Downtown Larkspur!

The Downtown Larkspur Wine Stroll is back, bringing an evening of great wine, delicious bites, and live music to historic Magnolia Avenue.

Grab your tasting glass and stroll through downtown while sampling an impressive lineup of wines from local wineries, along with tasty bites from Larkspur restaurants and food vendors. Adding to the festivities, Funk Nugget will provide the soundtrack with live music throughout the evening.

It’s the perfect excuse to gather your friends, discover some new favorite wines, and enjoy one of Marin’s most charming downtowns — all while supporting local businesses. Whether you’re a serious wine lover or simply looking for a fun night out, come raise a glass to Downtown Larkspur!

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Drink Tickets: $65 (Entry fee includes a wine glass and all tastings)

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HOURS:
Saturday, August 29th: 4pm-7pm
Recommendation #2

The San Geronimo Valley Community Center is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Valley Games X — one of the Valley’s most beloved summer traditions. Part Olympics, part block party, this family-friendly event brings neighbors of all ages together for a day of friendly competition, laughter, teamwork, and plenty of bragging rights.

On Saturday, August 29, Valley villages including the Lagunitas Lightning, Forest Knolls Trolls, San Geronimo Running Salmon, Woodacre Wild Turkeys, Nicasio Newts, and the Townies will go head-to-head in a wildly fun lineup of competitions including Cornhole, Hacky Sack, Ping Pong, Chess, Baking, Basketball Hot Spot, Obstacle Courses, and more.

And once the competition wraps up, stick around for live music with New Monsoon starting at 3pm.

New to the Games? No problem! Teams are based on the village you live in — or identify with — so simply sign up and join the fun. No athletic ability required, just plenty of Valley spirit.

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HOURS:
Saturday, August 29th: 10am-5pm
Recommendation #3

All aboard for an afternoon of rum, maritime history, and spectacular San Francisco Bay views!

On Sunday, August 30, climb aboard Sausalito’s historic Schooner Freda B for a special “Mutiny on the Bounty” Rum Tasting Sail — a one-of-a-kind adventure combining craft spirits, storytelling, and an afternoon under sail.

As the 80-foot schooner cruises the Bay, Captain Paul will lead a curated rum tasting accompanied by afternoon snacks while sharing the fascinating true story behind the infamous 1789 Mutiny on the Bounty. Hear how Fletcher Christian and his fellow mutineers seized control of the HMS Bounty, setting Captain William Bligh and 18 loyal crewmen adrift — and how Bligh somehow navigated more than 4,000 miles to safety.

Between sips, soak up the scenery and experience the romance of sailing aboard a traditional gaff-rigged schooner departing right from downtown Sausalito.

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Tickets: $161.69

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HOURS:
Sunday, August 30th. Boarding: 2:15pm / Sail: 2:30–5pm
Recommendation #4
Mill Valley Downtown Plaza

Dust off your boots and get ready to kick up your heels at the first ever Mill Valley Western Beer & Wine Festival

Downtown Mill Valley is going a little bit country on Saturday, September 5th, with an afternoon of local beer and wine, country music, line dancing, great food, and plenty of Western-style fun. Grab your friends and sample pours from local breweries and wineries, then hit the dance floor as professional line dancers show you the moves. A DJ will keep the party going with country favorites throughout the afternoon, so cowboy boots are highly encouraged — dancing skills, not so much.

Feeling hungry? Mill Valley Market will also be serving up a Western-style buffet dinner available for purchase.

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Tickets: $45 (includes five beer & wine tastings)Kids are FREE

So throw on your cowboy hat, round up your posse, and mosey on down to Mill Valley for an afternoon of sipping, dancing, and celebrating in the heart of downtown. Yeehaw! 

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HOURS:
Saturday, September 5th: 4pm-7pm
Recommendation #5
Town of San Anselmo

Get ready for a night of big laughs in San Anselmo on Saturday, September 5th!

San Anselmo’s Live on the Avenue and Creekside Pizza & Taproom are teaming up for Comedy in the Park, featuring a hilarious lineup of some of the Bay Area’s top comedians: Sue Alfieri, Larry “Bubbles” Brown, and Don Reed.

Johnny Steele returns as emcee for this year’s show. A winner of the prestigious San Francisco Comedy Competition, Johnny has hosted the LIVE 105 morning show and KRON/BayTV’s daily talk show, and has written for some of comedy’s biggest names.

Pack a picnic, grab a blanket or low-back chair, and settle in for an evening of laughs under the stars. Please note: The show is PG-13+ and may include adult content and language. 

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Admission is FREE

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HOURS:
Saturday, September 5th. Lawn seating begins at 5:30pm. Music: 6:15pm-7pm. Showtime: 7pm-8:30pm
Recommendation #6

The Tomales Festival, the beloved community celebratio, returns on Sunday, September 6 at High Noon in Tomales Community Park for an afternoon filled with live music, fresh oysters, local food, beer, wine, arts & crafts, and plenty of hometown fun.

The Blues Defenders will provide the soundtrack while festival-goers feast on fresh oysters, grab a cold beer or glass of wine, browse locally made arts & crafts, and connect with community organizations.

And this isn’t just another festival — it’s a tradition that dates all the way back to 1888. Originally founded as a Swiss-Italian celebration, the gathering later became Founder’s Day and eventually the Tomales Festival. Over the past 138 years, generations have come together for parades, picnics, parties, music, food, and community.

Best of all, the festival is still organized and run by local volunteers, with proceeds benefiting the Tomales Town Hall, the town’s nonprofit community center. Come hungry, bring your friends and neighbors, and raise a glass to 138 years of Tomales tradition!

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Free Admission

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HOURS:
Sunday, September 6th: 12pm-6pm
Recommendation #7

The Rotary Club of Ignacio’s BBQ, Brews & Comedy Night returns to Novato on Saturday, September 12, bringing together delicious food, cold drinks, live comedy, and plenty of fun — all while raising money for a good cause.

The evening kicks off at 5:30pm at the Jonas Center at College of Marin’s Indian Valley Campus, with BBQ and brews followed by a comedy show featuring Clara Bijl, Samson Koletkar, and Shawn Felipe, with Laine Hendricks keeping the evening rolling as emcee.

Between laughs, guests can bid on live and silent auction packages featuring memorable California experiences and other goodies.

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Tickets: $125

** Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Ignacio Foundation, supporting charitable programs and projects both here at home and globally.

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HOURS:
Saturday, September 12th: 5:30pm-9pm
Recommendation #8
Mountain Theater

Sound Summit returns to Mount Tam's historic Mountain Theater on Saturday, September 12, for an unforgettable day of live music, breathtaking views, and community spirit. For more than a decade, this beloved mountaintop festival has brought world-class artists to Marin while raising funds to support Mount Tamalpais and the local community.

Headlining this year's festival is folk-rock troubadour Father John Misty, performing with his full band. Also taking the stage are harmony-driven indie favorites GusterTalking Heads co-founder Jerry Harrison and his 50 Years of Talking Heads project, dreamy surf-noir psych-rockers La Luz, and funk powerhouse Angeline Saris & The Snack Machine.

Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering Sound Summit for the first time, it's one of the most spectacular Bay Area concert experiences.

***

Tickets: $149.50 (Adults) | $74.75 (Kids 12 & Under)

Reserved Parking: $75 / Round-Trip Shuttle from Mill Valley: $35

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HOURS:
Saturday, September 12th: 11:30am-7pm
Recommendation #9
The City of Sausalito

The Sausalito International Whiskey Trail is a one-of-a-kind self-guided adventure that blends world-class whiskey, local history, and Sausalito's most iconic restaurants and bars. This two-mile trail features 14 legendary venues, 14 fascinating chapters of Sausalito history, and 14 hand-selected whiskeys from around the globe. Along the way, you'll discover how generations of immigrants—from Portuguese boatbuilders and Irish laborers to Italian merchants, Japanese entrepreneurs, and Scandinavian seafarers—helped shape the town we know today.

Participating stops include: Poggio, Sushi Ran, Copita, Scoma's, The Spinnaker, No Name Bar, Barrel House Tavern, Farley Bar, and more.

Download the free Sausalito Whiskey Trail app to access:

• Interactive maps and GPS navigation

• Historical stories at every stop

• Featured whiskey and cocktail pairings

• A digital passport that automatically stamps your visit

• Exclusive rewards from Sausalito Liquor Company

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HOURS:
Check restaurant websites for hours.
Recommendation #10
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HOURS: