TOP PICKS

May's Best Bets & Fêtes

Here are our picks for fab food and fun!

Our Top Picks

Recommendation  #1
Town of San Anselmo

Raise a glass and take a stroll for a great cause! On Saturday, May 9th, Downtown San Anselmo transforms into a lively, wine-filled playground for the 4th Annual Sip & Stroll.

Enjoy a thoughtfully curated lineup of wines from Ludwig’s Fine Wines as you wander along San Anselmo Avenue, popping into charming local shops and boutiques for sips, bites, and special surprises. Prefer to skip the alcohol? No problem—non-alcoholic options will be available, too.

Start your afternoon with check-in at Town Hall, where you’ll pick up a commemorative keepsake glass before setting off on your tasting adventure. Along the way, participating businesses will be pouring, offering exclusive deals, and staying open late. Cap off your experience with a reservation at one of San Anselmo’s restaurants and turn it into a full afternoon (or evening) out.

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Tickets$50 (wine tasting); $25 (non-alcoholic). 

** Proceeds benefit the beautiful hanging flower baskets that keep downtown San Anselmo in bloom.

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HOURS:
Saturday, April 25th: 10:30am-4pm
Recommendation #2
Downtown San Rafael B.I.D.

May Madness is rolling into downtown San Rafael this Saturday!

It all started in 1986 with a small gathering of Greg Borrelli’s Hot Rod friends. Today there are hundreds of classic cars and hot rods from the early 1920s to muscle cars of the early ’70s.

There will be plenty of rockin' eats & drinks for purchase from local restaurants like Pond Farm Brewing Co. There will also be live music at 3 outdoor areas (located at Glazed & Confused, Libation & 4th and A Streets).

The action takes place on 4th Street from Lincoln to D Street. The Parade starts at A Street, goes up 4th to H Street, then back down 4th Street and disperses at Lincoln

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Admission is FREE.

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HOURS:
Saturday, May 9th. The event kicks off at 12pm. The parade starts at 5pm.
Recommendation #3
Mog Asu Wine Bar

Step off the beaten path and taste where wine was born. On Saturday, May 9th, Mog Asu Wine Bar invites you to a one-of-a-kind tasting experience that uncorks the rich history and bold flavors of the world’s oldest wine regions.

This thoughtfully curated afternoon explores ancient winemaking traditions from Georgia, Lebanon, and Armenia—alongside a few unexpected modern gems that continue to push boundaries today.

✨ Discover rare and fascinating varietals like Kisi, Areni, and Mtsvane

 🍷 Sip your way through a lineup you won’t find just anywhere

 🌿 Immerse yourself in the stories, culture, and craft behind every pour

Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just looking for something new, this is your chance to expand your palate and travel through time—one glass at a time.

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Tickets: $60

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HOURS:
Saturday, May 9th: 2pm-5pm
Recommendation #4
Sausalito Center for the Arts

Returning for its 33rd year is the highly anticipated Marin Open Studios

For two weekends, art lovers from across the Bay Area are invited to visit studios all over Marin County for a self-guided tour to meet the artists, discover their spaces, see artwork up close, and support local artists by purchasing work directly. Over 260 artists of every stripe including sculptors, pottery, abstract and figurative painters, photographers, textile, and jewelers to name a few are participating in the 2026 Marin Open Studios, including 62 new artists. 

Visitors can start their art adventure at the Marin Open Studios Showcase Gallery at Sausalito Center for the Arts to see work from each of the 260+ artists in one place, and then visit their favorite artists in their studios. The Showcase Gallery is open April 24 to May 10 from 11am to  5pm, Wednesdays to Sundays

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Free Admission

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HOURS:
Wednesday, May 6th - Sunday, May 10th: 11am-5pm
Recommendation #5

Join Maison D'Evanna on Wednesday, May 13th for an exclusive opportunity to hear legendary dress designer Anne Fontaine share her design philosophy and insights and to enjoy their Spring/Summer Fashion Show.

Sip champagne and explore the latest in beautiful fashion and explore a curated selection of limited-edition Anne Fontaine pieces.

RSVP: evaclaiborne@gmail.com or call at (415) 497-3635

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HOURS:
Wednesday, May 13th: 4pm-7pm
Recommendation #6
Marin Center

The Marin Irish Festival returns to Lagoon Park at the Marin County Fairgrounds on May 16-17, bringing a lively Beltane Celebration of Irish music, dance, and heritage to the Bay Area. 

Hosted by Red Barn Productions, producers of The Great Dickens Christmas Fair and the original Renaissance Pleasure Faire, the festival promises a weekend of traditional entertainment, hands-on cultural experiences, and family-friendly fun.

Beltane, an ancient Celtic festival marking the arrival of summer, sets the tone for a weekend filled with Maypoles, music, and revelry. Festival-goers can expect performances across four lively stages, featuring top Irish musicians, dynamic dance performances, and immersive storytelling. More than 40 craft vendors will showcase handcrafted and rare goods, while food trucks and tents will serve up traditional Irish fare, including corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie, and of course, pints of Guinness, as well as locally brewed hard ciders & ales.

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Tickets: $30 (Adults); $15 (Kids 5-11), Children 4 & under are FREE

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HOURS:
Saturday & Sunday, May 16th-17th: 10am-6pm
Recommendation #7
Tiburon Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

Celebrate culture, community, and connection at Tiburon’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Festival.

Join friends and neighbors on Saturday, May 16th at Zelinsky Park for an afternoon filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage.

✨ Live cultural performances showcasing dance, music, and martial arts

 🍜 Delicious eats including Chinese cuisine, boba, and Kona Ice

 🎨 Arts, crafts, and exhibits for all ages

 🦁 Lion dancers, drummers, and more bringing the energy all day long

This free, family-friendly event is all about celebrating diversity, honoring traditions, and coming together as a community.

Don’t miss AIISF (Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation) sharing powerful stories and history from the island.

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 Free Admission

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HOURS:
Saturday, May 16th: 1pm-4pm
Recommendation #8

The Marin Greek Festival celebrates 50+ years this Memorial Day weekend at Novato's Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church (aka the Greek Village on the Hill).

Enjoy Greek wines and authentic Greek delicacies (Gyros, Loukamades, pastries, beverages, and more). Dance to the music of the Kymata Band on Saturday & Sunday. Learn about Greek history, music, dance and faith. 

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Friday, May 22nd: 5pm-9pm (free admission)

Saturday, May 23rd: 11am-9pm 

Sunday, May 24th: 11am-8pm

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Tickets: $5 (general), $4 (age 55+ ), Kids 16 & under are FREE.

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HOURS:
Friday, May 22nd: 5pm-9pm; Saturday, May 23rd: 11am-9pm; Sunday, May 24th: 11am-8pm
Recommendation #9

Back by popular demand for the second year in a row, businesses across Marin County will showcase exciting special vegan menu items for an entire month (May 1 - May 31), giving everyone the opportunity to explore creative plant-based dishes crafted by talented local chefs.

How It Works:

1- Visit participating restaurants across Marin County.

2- Try their exclusive vegan offerings.

3- Share your experience: Rate and review the dishes you try, comment, post photos of your favorite meals, and tag @veganchefchallengeWest.

This event is open to everyone, not just vegans! It’s about bringing our community together to celebrate incredible food and support our area's chefs.

Join us in making Marin County an even more inclusive, vibrant, and compassionate community. For details on participating businesses, menus, partners, and more, visit our website. 

The Marin County Vegan Chef Challenge is hosted by Vegan Outreach in collaboration with Vegan Marin and Vegan Distribution.

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HOURS:
May 1st - 31st. Check website for participating restaurants + hours of operation.
Recommendation #10
Nick's Cove

Ready to sweat, plunge, and repeat? A one-of-a-kind waterfront sauna experience has landed at Nick’s Cove.

Sundrop Sauna is now open daily through the end of May, bringing a beautifully crafted seaside sauna right to the edge of Tomales Bay. Think steamy sessions with sweeping coastal views, followed by a brisk plunge straight into the bay. Yes, it’s as invigorating as it sounds. 

What You Get:

  • Private sauna session for you + up to 5 guests
  • A cozy private lounge with a fire pit
  • Direct bay access for cold plunging
  • Outdoor rinse shower
  • 50 minutes of sauna time

Cost$145 (Monday–Thursday); $185 (Friday–Sunday)

Whether you’re chasing that post-sauna glow or looking for a unique group hang, this is your excuse to unplug and lean into the elements.

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HOURS:
Available Daily (May 1-31)