Love where you live
Live events across Marin & Sonoma
This is a working, local-first guide to the live music, festivals, nightlife, and restaurant events around Petaluma and Novato and the two counties that connect them. It is built from real venues and real annual events, so you can plan a night out without guessing.
Updated October 27, 2026 · Sales Associate · 01702383 · California
Pumpkin patches & Halloween season
Pumpkin patches and Halloween fun through the end of October
Harvest season peaks in October, and the North Bay pumpkin patches are open through Halloween. From the big corn maze on Stony Point Road to Novato's working farm patch on Novato Boulevard, here is where families are picking pumpkins and easing into the spooky season. Each card links to the farm's own page for current hours.
Petaluma Pumpkin Patch & Amazing Corn Maze
550 Stony Point Rd, Petaluma · Open through Nov 1
Petaluma's 34th season of pick-your-own pumpkins: a four-acre corn maze with flashlight nights on Fridays and Saturdays, a giant slide, inflatables, and farm animals. Open Sundays through Thursdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays until 10 p.m.
Pronzini Farms Pumpkin Patch
3795 Adobe Rd, Petaluma · Open through Oct 31
The west-side farm is open with pumpkin picking, a Western Village, pony rides, a haunted trail, and live music on weekends. Sundays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch
5300 Nicasio Valley Rd, Nicasio · Open daily through Oct 31
The Marin County pumpkin patch stays open daily through October 31 with pumpkins, farm animals, hay mazes, weekend hay rides, and family fall food on the Nicasio Valley Road farm.
Grossi Family Farm Pumpkin Patch
Novato Blvd, Novato · Open through Oct 31
Novato's working farm is open for pick-your-own pumpkins with a hay maze, corn pit, hay-bale pyramid, farm animals, and a pumpkin slingshot. Wednesdays through Fridays noon to 5:30 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Goblin Jamboree
Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito · Through Oct 31
The museum's month-long family Halloween festival with costume parades, spooky crafts, and playful frights designed for little ones, on the Marin Headlands waterfront.
Live music on the calendar
The next weeks' live music lineup
Real shows with real dates pulled from the venues' own calendars, running from late October through November. From Petaluma's historic stages to the Mill Valley rooms and Novato's brewpub stage, here is what is actually on. Confirm the details on the venue page before you book.
The Bridge City Sinners
Mystic Theatre, Petaluma · Oct 27, 8:30 p.m.
The Portland folk-punk and bluegrass band brings its raucous live show to Petaluma with opener Liam St. John.
Zoe Fitzgerald Carter Band
Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley · Oct 28, 8 p.m.
The Bay Area songwriter celebrates her new album release with a full band in the intimate Mill Valley room.
Andrew Duhon
Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley · Oct 29, 8 p.m.
The New Orleans singer-songwriter brings his warm, story-driven folk and blues to Sweetwater.
Pride and Joy
HopMonk Tavern, Novato · Oct 31, 8 p.m.
A Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute band closes out Halloween night on the Novato brewpub stage.
The Last Revel
HopMonk Tavern, Novato · Oct 30
The Minnesota string-band collective plays the Novato stage, 8 p.m.
Mdou Moctar (solo)
Mystic Theatre, Petaluma · Oct 30
The Nigerien Tuareg guitar virtuoso plays a rare solo show in Petaluma, 8:30 p.m.
The Addams Family (musical)
142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley · Oct 30 - Nov 15
The kooky, spooky family musical takes over the beloved Mill Valley stage for Halloween weekend and the first half of November as the theater's 2026-27 season production.
YellowWood Junction with Walking Mirrors
Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley · Oct 31
A Halloween Sing & Stomp in the Mill Valley room to close out the month.
Soul Ska Halloween Party with DJ Troubleman
Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley · Oct 31, 8 p.m.
Costumes encouraged for the ska-and-soul Halloween dance party in the Mill Valley room.
Etana with DJ Sep
Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley · Nov 1
The Jamaican reggae singer brings her warm, roots sound to Sweetwater.
Yellowman
Mystic Theatre, Petaluma · Nov 5, 8:30 p.m.
The legendary Jamaican dancehall toaster brings his high-energy set to the Mystic stage.
Henry Diltz: Behind the Lens
Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley · Nov 5, 8 p.m.
The legendary rock photographer shares stories and images from half a century behind the lens.
Corduroy: The Pearl Jam Experience
Mystic Theatre, Petaluma · Nov 6, 8 p.m.
A full Pearl Jam tribute night with Pumpkin Heads, a Smashing Pumpkins tribute, on the Mystic stage.
The Strange Ones
Phoenix Theatre, Petaluma · Nov 6, 8 p.m.
An all-ages night of indie rock at the Phoenix with Randy., Dollwash, and No Captains.
Tainted Love: The Best of the 80s Live!
Mystic Theatre, Petaluma · Nov 7, 9 p.m.
A big live celebration of eighties hits on the historic Petaluma stage.
Elijah Scott
Mystic Theatre, Petaluma · Nov 8, 8 p.m.
The Bay Area singer-songwriter plays an intimate Sunday-night set at the Mystic.
Moonalice Sunday Matinee & Robert Ellis
Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley · Nov 8
The freewheeling Moonalice matinee at 1 p.m. is followed by Texas songwriter Robert Ellis at 8 p.m.
Tyler Hilton
Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley · Nov 10, 8 p.m.
The singer-songwriter and actor brings his warm, roots-leaning set to the Mill Valley room.
Max Gomez
Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley · Nov 12, 8 p.m.
The New Mexico-born singer-songwriter brings his easy, roots-rock songcraft to the Sweetwater stage.
Jeffrey Martin
Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley · Nov 11, 8 p.m.
The Oregon folk poet plays the intimate Sweetwater stage on Veterans Day evening.
Grant Lee Buffalo
HopMonk Tavern, Novato · Nov 6
The 90s alt-rock trio reunites for a night at the Novato brewpub.
Southern Culture on the Skids
Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley · Nov 6
The North Carolina rock-and-roll party band brings its surf, rockabilly, and garage heat to Mill Valley.
Legacy: A Foreigner Tribute with Journey's Edge
HopMonk Tavern, Novato · Nov 7
Two classic-rock tribute acts share the Novato stage.
The Tannahill Weavers
Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley · Nov 7
The legendary Scottish folk band plays an evening of trad and contemporary Celtic music.
Cole Panther & Craig Finn
HopMonk Tavern, Novato · Nov 13, 6 & 8 p.m.
A double bill at the Novato brewpub: Cole Panther at 6 p.m., then the Hold Steady frontman Craig Finn at 8 p.m.
The Smithereens
Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley · Nov 13, 8 p.m.
The New Jersey power-pop band brings its timeless catalog to the Mill Valley room.
Not The Same
Phoenix Theatre, Petaluma · Nov 13, 8 p.m.
An all-ages indie night at the Phoenix with December Pilot, HillBlocksView, and Neverlyn.
Adam Carolla: Fully Seated
Mystic Theatre, Petaluma · Nov 14, 8:30 p.m.
The comedian, podcaster, and former 'Man Show' host brings his stand-up tour to the Mystic.
Cougar Bait
HopMonk Tavern, Novato · Nov 14, 8 p.m.
The high-energy Bay Area rock-and-soul band rocks the Novato stage.
Skitzo
Phoenix Theatre, Petaluma · Nov 14, 6:30 p.m.
The veteran Bay Area rock band headlines an all-ages Saturday show at the Phoenix.
Shakedown Citi
Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley · Nov 15, 8 p.m.
The Grateful Dead-inspired jam band plays the Mill Valley room.
Emily Scott Robinson
Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley · Nov 16, 8 p.m.
The acclaimed songwriter brings her vivid, story-driven folk to Sweetwater.
Jervis Campbell
Mystic Theatre, Petaluma · Nov 15
The singer-songwriter brings his warm, melodic set to Petaluma, 7 p.m.
Jim Lauderdale
HopMonk Tavern, Novato · Nov 15, 3 p.m.
The Grammy-winning Americana songwriter plays a Sunday-afternoon set.
Fred Eaglesmith
HopMonk Tavern, Novato · Nov 19
The Canadian roots songwriter brings his storytelling songs to Novato.
Josh Rouse
Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley · Nov 19
The singer-songwriter behind '1972' plays the intimate Mill Valley room.
Y&T
Mystic Theatre, Petaluma · Nov 20-21
The Bay Area hard-rock veterans play two nights at the Mystic.
Susan Werner
HopMonk Tavern, Novato · Nov 20-21
The singer-songwriter plays two nights in the Novato room.
The Seeds w/ Love (Johnny Echols)
Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley · Nov 20, 8 p.m.
The 60s garage-psych pioneers are joined by Johnny Echols of Love for a psychedelic night in Mill Valley.
Freestone Peaches
Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley · Nov 21
An Allman Brothers Band tribute brings the southern-rock classic sounds to the Mill Valley room.
Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra
Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley · Nov 22
The Bay Area's powerhouse soul and R&B orchestra closes the weekend at Sweetwater.
Johnny Sansone and His All Star Louisiana Band
Mystic Theatre, Petaluma · Nov 22, 7 p.m.
The New Orleans songwriter and accordionist brings his all-star Louisiana band to the Mystic.
Callie Watts & Blood Red Sky
HopMonk Tavern, Novato · Nov 27, 6 & 8 p.m.
Callie Watts opens at 6 p.m. and Blood Red Sky rocks the Novato stage at 8 p.m. on Black Friday.
SCRIBE
Phoenix Theatre, Petaluma · Nov 28, 7 p.m.
The veteran Bay Area rapper headlines the Phoenix for a night of live hip-hop.
Boot Juice
HopMonk Tavern, Novato · Nov 22, 6 p.m.
The bluegrass-gone-rambunctious band closes out the weekend on the Novato stage.
Pete Floyd: A Pink Floyd Tribute
Mystic Theatre, Petaluma · Nov 28
A full Pink Floyd tribute night on the historic Petaluma stage, 9 p.m.
Tuesday Night Comedy
142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley · Weekly Tuesdays
The long-running weekly stand-up series keeps the Mill Valley room laughing, 8 to 10 p.m.
Festivals & community events
Fall festivals across both counties
From the last pumpkin-season street fairs to Veterans Day and the first holiday markets, these are the confirmed dates for the weeks ahead across Marin and Sonoma counties. Check each official page before you plan around it.
Wizards of Elixirs Cocktail Competition
Petaluma · Oct 27, 6:30 p.m.
Bartenders compete with original elixir cocktails in a downtown Petaluma showdown.
Día de los Muertos Exhibition at the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
Petaluma · Through Nov 8
The downtown museum's community ofrendas and Día de los Muertos artwork are on display through November 8, a thoughtful family stop in the historic Carnegie Library.
Museum of Sonoma County Día de los Muertos
Museum of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa · Through Nov 29
The museum's 30th annual Día de los Muertos exhibition fills its galleries with community altars and artwork, running through the end of November.
Novato Classic Meet Weekend
Novato · Nov 7-8
The City of Novato's classic car meet weekend brings vintage automobiles and a community gathering to the North Marin town.
Veterans Day Ceremony
Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium, San Rafael · Nov 11, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Marin County honors veterans with its annual ceremony on the Civic Center campus, one of the county's most moving annual traditions.
Petaluma Holiday Craft and Vendor Faire
Petaluma Elks Lodge · Nov 14-15
More than 80 local crafters and vendors fill the Elks Lodge for a two-day holiday shopping weekend in Petaluma.
Novato Holiday Market & Greek Cuisine
Nativity Greek Orthodox Church, Novato · Nov 14
A holiday market with Greek food and baked goods at the church on Highland Drive, a warm pre-Thanksgiving community stop in Novato.
Petaluma Holiday Vintage Market
Petaluma Fairgrounds · Nov 15
A curated vintage and handmade holiday market at the fairgrounds, a one-day shop-local kickoff for the season.
Petaluma Trick or Treat Trail
Historic downtown Petaluma · Oct 31, 3-5:30 p.m.
Downtown businesses hand out treats along the Trick or Treat Trail on Halloween afternoon, with the town in costume.
Night of the Chicken Dead Halloween Party
Hall of the Above, Petaluma · Oct 31, 7-11 p.m.
A Halloween party in the historic Sonoma County National Bank building downtown, with costumes and live entertainment.
Safe Trick or Treat
Downtown Novato · Oct 31, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Downtown Novato businesses open their doors for the annual early-afternoon Safe Trick or Treat on Grant Avenue, free and stroller-friendly.
Fairfax Halloween Parade
Downtown Fairfax · Oct 31
Fairfax's downtown Halloween parade, a beloved Marin tradition with the whole town in costume.
Day of the Dead Celebration
San Rafael · Nov 7, 3-9 p.m.
San Rafael's 36th annual Dia de los Muertos community celebration at the Albert J. Boro Community Center and Pickleweed Park, with a car procession, downtown altars, ofrendas, music, and traditional food.
Marin Arts & Crafts Show
Marin Center Exhibit Hall, San Rafael · Nov 6-8
A free three-day show with more than 200 artisan exhibits of fine art and handcrafted work at the Marin Center.
Santa Rosa Harvest Festival
Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa · Nov 6-8
The Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show: fine art and handmade craft vendors over a three-day weekend.
Grand Bazaar of Petaluma
Petaluma Fairgrounds · Nov 8-9
An indoor arts-and-crafts fair at the fairgrounds, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free admission.
Petaluma Veterans Day Parade
Downtown Petaluma · Nov 11, noon
Petaluma honors veterans with its annual parade through the downtown corridor on Veterans Day.
Petaluma Vintage Market
Historic downtown Petaluma · Sundays through Nov 15
Vintage and handmade shopping on the downtown streets each market date through mid-November, opening at 9 a.m.
Sausalito Art & Harbor Days
Sausalito waterfront · Nov 28
The monthly waterfront street fair returns on fourth Saturdays, with artisan vendors and live music by the bay. The next market date is Saturday, November 28.
SCA Open 2026
Sausalito Center for the Arts · Oct 30 - Dec 6
The center's annual juried open exhibition, with an opening reception on November 1.
Novato Hamilton Landing Farmers' Market
Hamilton Landing, Novato · Tuesdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Nov 26
The market by the hangars at Hamilton Landing runs Tuesdays through late November, with local produce and food vendors as the season winds down.
Stinson Beach Documentary Film Festival
Stinson Beach, Marin · Nov 21-23
Three days of documentary films on the Marin coast at the Stinson Beach Community Center, a small-town film weekend with a coastal backdrop.
10th Annual Holiday Food Fair
Barber Lee Spirits, Petaluma · Nov 23, 3 p.m.
Petaluma's annual holiday food fair brings local specialty foods and holiday shopping to Barber Lee Spirits, an early taste of the season.
Gingerbread House Showcase & Competition
Petaluma · Nov 27-29, 10 a.m.
The 10th annual gingerbread house showcase and competition kicks off the holiday weekend in Petaluma.
Santa's Riverboat Arrival & Small Business Saturday
Downtown Petaluma · Nov 28
Santa arrives by riverboat and downtown Petaluma celebrates Small Business Saturday, the town's holiday kickoff.
Wine & restaurant events
Tastings with a soundtrack, dinners with a view
The season's best evenings often start at the tasting room: harvest festivals in the Petaluma Gap, big one-night wine galas, and pairing weekends across Sonoma. These are the current confirmed dates for the weeks ahead.
Fall Collectors Lunch Pairing at Lynmar Estate
Lynmar Estate, Sebastopol · Oct 8 through Nov 15
A multi-course harvest pairing lunch at the Sebastopol winery, with estate wines matched to a seasonal menu through mid-November.
Quivira Vineyards Garden Harvest Cooking Series
Healdsburg · Sundays through Nov 15
Guests harvest in Quivira's organic estate garden and cook with the estate chef in a hands-on culinary series that runs into November.
Wine & Food Affair (28th Annual)
Wine Road, Northern Sonoma · Nov 7-8, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wine Road's signature autumn pairing weekend: more than 50 wineries along the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River valleys serving food pairings, with tickets on sale now.
Wine Country Bingo
Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building · Nov 12
A food-and-drink bingo night at the Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Rosa.
Rhônes By The Bay
Petaluma · Nov 14
A Rhône-varietal tasting event in Petaluma, a focused one-day pour through the grape varieties that thrive in California's Mediterranean valleys.
Trivia nights at Lagunitas & HenHouse taprooms
Petaluma & Novato · Weekly
Lagunitas runs Pub Quiz Wednesdays and Music Bingo Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., and HenHouse hosts North Bay Trivia Thursdays in Petaluma and Wednesdays in Novato, 6 to 8 p.m.
Live music & concerts
Where the music plays
From a century-old historic theater to a redwood-shaded music hall, Petaluma, Novato, and the towns around them pack a serious live music scene into a small area. Shows and dates change every week, so tap through to each venue's own calendar for what is on right now.
Mystic Theatre
Petaluma · Sonoma County
A historic 1913 vaudeville-era theater on the National Register, reborn as the area's go-to room for touring bands, tribute acts, and comedy. Its sister venue across the street, McNear's Saloon, books live music downstairs nearly every night.
Phoenix Theatre
Petaluma · Sonoma County
Petaluma's iconic all-ages club and bar. For decades the Phoenix has hosted nationally touring rock, punk, and indie acts in an intimate warehouse room on Washington Street.
Sweetwater Music Hall
Mill Valley · Marin County
A legendary intimate venue in a century-old building, reborn in 2012 with a restaurant upstairs. It still pulls serious names into a small, warm room just off the Mill Valley plaza.
142 Throckmorton Theatre
Mill Valley · Marin County
A beloved 1926 movie palace turned performing arts center, hosting music, comedy, film, and family shows in the heart of downtown Mill Valley.
HopMonk Tavern Novato
Novato · Marin County
A lively brewpub with its own stage, booking local and touring bands, plus trivia, comedy, and tasting events. The roomy patio makes it a neighborhood favorite.
Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium
San Rafael · Marin County
Marin Center's largest room, a 2,000-plus-seat county venue on the Civic Center campus that hosts big national touring concerts, orchestras, and Broadway-scale shows.
Petaluma Music Festival
Petaluma · Sonoma County
An all-ages summer festival at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds featuring multiple stages of live music, with proceeds supporting music education in Petaluma schools.
Festivals & community events
Mark these on the calendar
Both counties are defined by their town festivals: food, craft beer, artisan vendors, and live music spilling onto downtown streets. Dates shift a little each year, so confirm the current year's schedule on each event's official page before you plan around it.
Butter & Egg Days Parade & Festival
Petaluma · Sonoma County
Petaluma's signature spring celebration, held each April in historic downtown. A big parade of floats and marching bands, then four blocks of food, craft beer, live music, kids' activities, and the famous Cow Chip Throwing Contest.
Novato Festival of Art, Wine & Music
Novato · Marin County
The Novato Chamber's free summer weekend on Grant Avenue each June: more than 100 artisan vendors, wine tasting, gourmet food, and live music on two stages.
Marin County Fair
San Rafael · Marin County
The county's big summer fair at the Marin County Fairgrounds over the July 4 holiday: carnival rides, fireworks, live music, agriculture and competitive exhibits, and family activities with a fresh theme each year.
Sausalito Art & Harbor Days
Sausalito · Marin County
The long-running Sausalito Art Festival remains on hiatus, but the Sausalito Art & Harbor Days street fair keeps the waterfront tradition alive on fourth Saturdays, with artisan vendors, food, and live music by the bay.
Mill Valley Film Festival
Mill Valley & San Rafael · Marin County
A ten-day celebration of independent and world cinema every October, presented by the California Film Institute, with screenings in Mill Valley and at San Rafael's Rafael Film Center.
Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival
Mill Valley · Marin County
A long-running autumn weekend at Old Mill Park under the redwoods, gathering more than a hundred juried fine artists, live music, and a children's grove each September.
Entertainment & nightlife
After-hours in both counties
Beer gardens, cocktail lounges, taprooms, and wine bars within a short drive of one another. Each has its own personality, so pick the vibe that fits the night.
Brewsters Beer Garden
Petaluma · Sonoma County
A downtown Petaluma beer garden with a big patio on the Petaluma River, a rotating tap list, and a calendar of live music, comedy, and events.
The Big Easy
Petaluma · Sonoma County
A New Orleans-inspired spot tucked into American Alley with live music, a lively bar scene, and a menu to match, in one of downtown's most storied corners.
Lagunitas Brewing Company Taproom
Petaluma · Sonoma County
The flagship taproom of one of America's best-known craft brewers, pouring a deep lineup on site with a relaxed, music-friendly atmosphere.
La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge
Petaluma · Sonoma County
A cozy wine lounge on the south end of Petaluma Boulevard with a curated list, small plates, and live music, ideal for a relaxed evening out.
Finnegan's Marin Restaurant & Bar
Novato · Marin County
A long-running Novato mainstay on Grant Avenue with a full bar, comfort menu, and regular live music and entertainment.
HenHouse Brewing Record Room
Novato · Marin County
HenHouse's Novato taproom with a vinyl-record-and-beer room, local craft pours, and a warm, social atmosphere.
Peri's Tavern
Fairfax · Marin County
A long-beloved Fairfax dive with a great back patio and a steady calendar of live bands, a cornerstone of the town's famously musical scene.
Pub Republic
Petaluma · Sonoma County
A friendly gastropub and sports bar off Lakeville Highway with a big bar, a solid tap list, and trivia and entertainment nights.
Restaurant events & specials
Dinners with a show, tastings with a view
Some of the best evenings out are the ones with the table: live-music dinners, wine and beer tastings, and chef-driven specials. Here is where the two counties combine a good plate with a good time.
McNear's Saloon & Dining House
Petaluma · Sonoma County
Petaluma's landmark saloon and dining house pairs a full menu and whiskey bar with live music on its downstairs stage, one of the oldest continuously operating saloons in California.
Wild Goat Bistro
Petaluma · Sonoma County
A polished, New American bistro in downtown Petaluma known for seasonal small plates, craft cocktails, and regular live music and special-event evenings.
Speakeasy
Petaluma · Sonoma County
An elegant, hidden-feeling spot on Petaluma Boulevard North serving refined cocktails and a seasonal menu, with special tasting and event nights through the year.
Risibisi
Petaluma · Sonoma County
A Sonoma-Italian restaurant and bar downtown pairing wood-fired pizza and pastas with an extensive Italian wine list and a lively bar scene.
Adobe Road Winery Tasting Room
Petaluma · Sonoma County
A sleek downtown Petaluma tasting room on the riverfront pouring small-production Sonoma wines, a great base for an afternoon tasting walk through town.
Brooks Note Winery & Tasting Room
Petaluma · Sonoma County
An estate-focused Sonoma winery with a welcoming downtown Petaluma tasting room, pouring focused, terroir-driven reds and whites.
Black Knight Cellars Tasting Room
Petaluma · Sonoma County
A warm downtown tasting room pouring the winery's own Petaluma Gap fruit, with a calendar of tasting and small-batch-release events.
Golden Gate Bistro & Blazers Smokehouse
Novato · Marin County
Novato's smokehouse-and-beer-garden duo on Redwood Boulevard pairs barbecue with craft pours and a rotating lineup of live music and specials.
Dates move, so check before you go.
Specific show dates and festival schedules change from week to week and year to year, so every card above links straight to the venue's or event's own calendar for what is on right now. The recurring festivals listed here (Butter & Egg Days each April, the Novato Festival of Art in June, the Marin County Fair in July, and the fall art and film festivals) run annually, but confirm the current year's exact dates before you build a plan around them.
A town's nightlife tells you a lot about it.
When I show a buyer around, I always point out the live music, the festivals, and the places neighbors gather on a Friday night. If you are weighing Petaluma against Novato, or one side of town against the other, this is part of the equation.