August marks the height of summer in Marin, bringing outdoor concerts, live music, community festivals, local markets, cultural events, and historic tours. From relaxing afternoons exploring the area to lively evenings under the stars, it’s the perfect month to enjoy the season, connect with the community, and experience all that Northern California has to offer. Here are our picks for family-friendly Marin events in August 2026:
Acoustic Weekends at the Village at Corte Madera
Date: August 1, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Location: 1618 Redwood Hwy, Corte Madera, CA 94925
Enjoy live music at The Village every Saturday and Sunday from 12 PM to 2 PM in Center Court. Bring your crew, grab a bite, and relax to the sounds of guitar, steel drums, keyboard, Latin jazz, and more.
KC Turner Presents the Cookout Concert Series with Stu Allen & Mars Hotel at HopMonk Tavern
Date: August 2, 2026
Time: Doors Open at 4:00pm and Show Starts at 6:00pm
Location: HopMonk Tavern Novato, Outdoor Venue 224 Vintage Way, Novato, CA, 94945
Celebrate Jerry Garcia’s music and legacy at the 13th Annual Jerry Garcia Birthday Celebration with Stu Allen & Mars Hotel, part of the HopMonk Novato Cookout Concert Series. Enjoy an all-ages outdoor tribute to the Grateful Dead with live music, food and drinks for purchase, free parking, and lawn seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
3rd Annual Dancing Under the Lights
Date: Friday, August 7, 2026
Location: Fourth Street, from A Street to Lootens Place
Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Spend a summer evening in Downtown San Rafael at Dancing Under the Lights, a free community celebration with live music, dancing, local food, and family-friendly activities. Enjoy salsa lessons, a performance by School of Rock, headliner Neon Velvet, local vendors, kids’ activities, and plenty of summer energy for all ages.
Flamin’ Groovies with Hot Laundry
Date: Friday, August 7, 2026
Location: 19 Corte Madera Avenue Mill Valley, CA 94941
Time: Doors Open at 7:00pm and Show Starts at 8:00pm
Enjoy a night of classic rock ’n’ roll with the Flamin’ Groovies and special guest Hot Laundry at Sweetwater Music Hall. Formed in San Francisco in 1965, the band brings its signature mix of rock, garage, and power pop to the stage, led by founding member Cyril Jordan.
Outdoor French Antique Market at Marin Center
Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026
Location: Marin Civic Center Armory Parking Lot in San Rafael
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Experience the charm of a French market in Marin at the French Antique Market. Browse 140+ booths of vintage and antique finds, enjoy live French café-style music, grab a made-to-order crêpe, and spend a relaxed Sunday discovering one-of-a-kind treasures.
Live on the Avenue Concerts in San Anselmo
Date: Friday, August 21, 2026
Location: BlackCat Zydeco is at Town Hall Stage, and Zydeco Flames is at Creek Park Stage.
Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Enjoy a summer evening in downtown San Anselmo at Live On The Avenue, featuring free live music, local dining, shopping, and community fun. On August 21, catch Zydeco Flames at Creek Park and BlackCat Zydeco at Town Hall Plaza.
Boyd Gate House Tour with Marin History Museum
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Location: Boyd Gate House 1125 B Street, San Rafael CA
Time: 1:00 pm
Take a docent-led tour of the historic Boyd Gate House and discover the stories behind its construction, dedication to San Rafael, and the families who lived there. Tours are offered on the fourth Saturday of each month and include access to unique spaces inside the house, including the preserved upstairs water closet.
KC Turner Presents the Cookout Concert Series with Bob Schneider band & Stroke 9 trio at HopMonk Tavern
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Location: HopMonk Tavern Novato, Outdoor Venue 224 Vintage Way, Novato, CA, 94945
Time: Doors Open at 4:00pm and Show Starts at 6:00pm
Enjoy an evening of genre-blending live music with Bob Schneider Band and Stroke 9 Trio at HopMonk Tavern Novato. Part of the Cookout Concert Series, this all-ages outdoor show features energetic performances, food and drinks for purchase, free parking, and lawn seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
