TOP PICKS

August's Best Bets + Fêtes

Here are our picks for fab food and fun!

Our Top Picks

Recommendation  #1
Downtown San Rafael B.I.D.

Friday nights are heating up in downtown San Rafael!  

San Rafael Summer Market is back this Friday, bringing an evening of live music, delicious food, cold beer, shopping, and family-friendly fun.

Grab a bite from local food vendors, browse handcrafted goods from local makers, then kick back in the Pond Farm beer garden while DJ Little L provides the soundtrack for the evening. Bring a picnic blanket, find a spot to lounge, and soak up the summer vibes with friends and family.

There’s plenty for the little ones, too, with interactive art activities and games for kids. And because this Friday’s market coincides with San Rafael’s 2nd Friday Art Walk, you can wander downtown galleries, check out local art, and make a full night of it.

***

Free Admission

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HOURS:
Friday, August 14th: 5pm-9pm
Recommendation #2
Marin Center

Roller Disco Daze is a free community roller-skating experience held on Lagoon Island at the Marin County Fairgrounds through August 16th. 

Open Wednesdays through Sundays, the event welcomes skaters of all ages and skill levels. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday feature DJs and themed skate nights inspired by different decades, neon parties, superheroes, outer space, and more. Guests can also enjoy lawn games, local art installations, food from Manny’s Tacos and a giant inflatable skate photo opportunity. 

Admission is free. Skate rentals are available for $5. 

** All skaters must sign a waiver, with a parent or guardian’s signature required for participants under 18.

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HOURS:
Wednesdays - Sundays: 12pm-10pm (last week)
Recommendation #3

Something sweet is coming to downtown San Rafael...

Belly Deli is growing the family, and you're invited to celebrate the grand opening of Violet's Ice Cream Parlor & Candy Shoppe!

Join them for an old-fashioned neighborhood block party filled with everything that makes summer unforgettable:

 🎸 Live music

 🍦 Signature soft serve

 🍬 A candy shop packed with sweet treats

 🎉 Family-friendly fun & activities

 ❤️ Great neighbors and great vibes

Whether you're stopping by for a swirl of soft serve, satisfying your sweet tooth, or simply looking for a fun night out with family and friends, this is one grand opening you won't want to miss.

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HOURS:
Saturday, August 15th: 5pm-8pm
Recommendation #4

Get ready to hit the court for a great cause at the Paddles for Purpose Pickleball Fundraiser on Saturday, August 15, hosted by Netting Miracles at Flyte Racquet Club! Proceeds from this fun community pickleball event will benefit the Melissa Prandi Children Foundation.

Players of all skill levels are welcome. Morning sessions are geared toward experienced players looking for more competitive matches, while afternoon sessions are perfect for beginners, families, and anyone who wants to learn the game, have fun, and support a meaningful cause. Grab a paddle, hit the courts, and help create a lasting impact through sport.

The Melissa Prandi Children Foundation supports children and families in Uganda through educational sponsorships, essential resources, hygiene kits for girls, respect and responsibility programs for boys, village sponsorships, and microloans that empower single mothers to build and grow their businesses.

***

Registration is Free

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HOURS:
Saturday, August 15th: 9am-3pm
Recommendation #5
Mill Valley Downtown Plaza

Long evenings, great food, live music, and a little hometown magic — that's what Miller Nights is all about.

On August 21, Depot Plaza and a portion of Miller Avenue will transform into a lively community gathering space where locals can eat, sip, shop, and celebrate summer together. Stroll through a curated pop-up market featuring Mill Valley merchants, grab dinner or drinks from local restaurants, and enjoy live DJ sets that keep the energy flowing all evening long. Families can take advantage of kid-friendly activities including crafts and a bounce house, while parents relax and soak up the festive atmosphere. 

Think of it as the perfect Mill Valley summer evening: neighbors catching up, kids playing in the plaza, music drifting through downtown, and plenty of opportunities to support local businesses.

​***

Admission is Free

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HOURS:
Friday, August 21st: 5pm-8pm
Recommendation #6

The Nicasio Country Fair is coming to town on Saturday, August 22nd. Get ready to celebrate all things Nicasio!

This fun community event, organized by the Nicasio Ladies Auxiliary, will feature live music from the Long Tom Bluegrass Band, a BBQ, a dunk tank, baby goats, face painting, a fire truck to climb on, a cake and pie stand, children’s games with prizes, a fabulous silent auction, local vendors and non-profits. Come and enjoy the fun!

​***

Free Admission

** Proceeds will benefit the Nicasio Volunteer Fire Department.

This event has been generously sponsored by: MALT, Blue Dot Farm, Jerry & Don’s Yager Pump and Well, McPhail Fuel Co., Good Earth, Onward Internet and Fairfax Market. 

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HOURS:
Saturday, August 22nd: 11am-3pm
Recommendation #7
Via Piccola Trattoria

Turn an ordinary lunch into an Italian escape at one of Marin's favorite trattorias. With the purchase of two lunch entrées, you'll enjoy 50% OFF any bottle of wine at Via Piccola.

Whether you're craving handmade pasta, fresh seafood, wood-fired pizza, or one of the restaurant's signature Italian specialties, it's the perfect excuse to slow down, savor the afternoon, and enjoy a little dolce vita.

Great food. Exceptional wine. Half the price. Sounds like the perfect summer lunch to us. Mangia, sip, and salute!

** Dine-in Only

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HOURS:
Monday - Friday: 11am-3pm (all summer long)
Recommendation #8
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!

***

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

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HOURS:
Saturday, August 29th: 4pm-7pm
Recommendation #9

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, and 100% Valley spirit, 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.

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.

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

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

GET MORE INFO
HOURS:
Check restaurant websites for hours.