Fall arts 2023: Marin gears up for a season of fun
As summer ends, autumn brings a full and diverse arts season to Marin County, with events and performances to suit just about everyone’s desires — from art aficionados to movie and theater buffs to comedy live music fans.
With a fun, jam-packed schedule of fun coming up, grab your calendars and make sure you don’t miss out on what’s ahead.
Art
ÆRENA Galleries
Where: 53 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley
Admission: Free
Information: aerenagalleries.com
• Through Sept. 15: “Lightness of Being,” paintings by Thomas Monaghan
Artiquity Gallery
Where: 2 Inverness Way North, Inverness
Admission: Free
Information: 415-669-4229; artiquitygallery.com
• Sept. 2 to 30: Michael O’Shea’s “Slipstream”; reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 2
Art Works Downtown
Where: 1325-1337 Fourth St., San Rafael
Admission: Free
Information: 415-451-8119; ArtWorksDowntown.org
• Through Sept. 16: “Beyond”; reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 8
• Through Sept. 29: Ram Sundararajan’s “Weaving with Clay,” “River Mumma” by Fairfax resident Sharon Virtue and Irene Bee Kain’s “Light & Dark”; reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 8
• Nov. 18 through Jan. 20: “The Small Works Exhibit”; reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8
Bay Model Visitor Center
Where: 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito
Admission: Free
Information: 415-289-3007
• Through Sept. 10: Golden Gate Marin Artists’ “Interpreting Nature” group show
• Sept. 11 to Nov. 11: Works by fiber/DIMENSIONS artists; artist receptions from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 30 and Oct. 28
Belvedere Tiburon Library
Where: 1501 Tiburon Blvd., Tiburon
Admission: Free
Information: 415-789-2665; beltiblibrary.org
• Through Oct. 22: “By 94920: Celebrating Creativity By Local Artists”
Bolinas Museum
Where: 48 Wharf Road, Bolinas
Admission: Free for exhibits; $150 to $165 for cocktail party
Information: 415-868-0330; bolinasmuseum.org
• Through Sept. 10: 31st annual Benefit Art Auction; last call cocktail party from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Peace Barn in Bolinas
• Through December: “Celebrating 40 Years of Bolinas Museum”
• Nov. 18 to Dec. 31: “Hardly Strictly Mini: A Biennial Benefit Exhibition and Sale”
Civic Center Galleries
Where: First and third floors of the Marin County Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael
Admission: Free
Information: marincounty.org
• Through Oct. 12: “Adapting to Wildfire,” a juried exhibit of artist exploring what it means to adapt to wildfire
College of Marin Fine Arts Gallery
Where: Performing Arts Building, 835 College Ave., Kentfield
Admission: Free
Information: 415-485-9494; gallery.marin.edu
• Through Sept. 8: “Fine Arts Department Faculty Exhibit 2023”
• Oct. 2 to 27: “The Revolutionary Art of Emory Douglas”
Desta Gallery
Where: 100 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley
Admission: Free
Information: 415-384-8762; destagallery.com
• Through Sept. 23: “Rooted in Wonder” group exhibit
Falkirk Cultural Center
Where: 1408 Mission Ave., San Rafael
Admission: Free
Information: 415-485-3328; cityofsanrafael.org/falkirk
• Through Sept. 15: “Mixing it up with Mixed Media Exhibition,” featuring 50 artists
• Oct. 13 to Nov. 17: “Activation,” works by Terra Linda Ceramic Artists; reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 12
Gallery Commonweal
Where: 451 Mesa Road, Bolinas
Admission: Free
Information: 415-868-0970; commonweal.org/gallery
• Sept. 11 to Oct. 20: Waz Thomas’ “Making the Cut”; reception from 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 1
Gallery Route One
Where: 11101 Highway One, Point Reyes Station
Admission: Free
Information: 415-663-1347; galleryrouteone.org
• Through Sept. 9: “The Box Show”; final bidding and auction closing from 3 to 4 p.m. Sept. 9
• Sept. 16 to Oct. 22: Works by Forest Knolls artist Xander Weaver-Scull, Charles Anselmo and West Marin artist Laurie Sawyer
• Oct. 28 to Dec. 3: Works by Steven Hurwitz, Dale Eastman and Austin Buckingham
The Image Flow
Where: 328 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo
Admission: Free
Information: 415-388-3569; theimageflow.com
• Through Sept. 29: Edward S. Curtis’ “Shadow Catcher”
• Oct. 9 to Dec. 22: Seventh annual “Alternative Process Photography Exhibition”; opening reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14
Marin Art and Garden Center
Where: The Studio, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross
Admission: Free
Information: magc.org
• “State Park Splendor: Paintings to Benefit Parks California,” benefit show by BayWood Artists, 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 8; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 9 and 10
• Sept. 16 to Nov. 26: “26th Annual International Exhibition of Botanical Art”; opening reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 17
MarinMOCA Open Studios
Where: 500 and 501 Palm Drive, 781 and 789 Hamilton Parkway, Novato
Admission: Free
Information: marinmoca.org
• Meet and mingle with more than 40 artists in a variety of mediums, 2 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 10
Marin Museum of Contemporary Art
Where: 500 Palm Drive, Novato
Admission: Free
Information: 415-506-0137; marinmoca.org
• Through Oct. 8: Marion Faymonville’s “Black River”
• Through Dec. 23: Barbara Stauffacher Solomon’s “Land(e)scape”
• Sept. 9 to 30: “ART FWD Annual Benefit Art Auction”
• Oct. 21 to Dec. 23: “There is Magic Here”; reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 21
Marin Society of Artists
Where: 1515 Third St., San Rafael
Admission: Free
Information: 415-454-9561; marinsocietyofartists.org
• Through Sept. 3: “Hearing the Music”
Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival
When: Sept. 23 and 24
Where: Old Mill Park, 64 Cascade Drive, Mill Valley
Admission: $15 to $25
Information: mvfaf.org
• The annual festival features more than 130 local and national artists, live music, children’s entertainment and food and drinks
O’Hanlon Center for the Arts
Where: 616 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley
Admission: Free
Information: 415-388-4331; ohanloncenter.org
• Through Oct. 3: “Women Artists Making Their Mark” online show
• Sept. 5 to Oct. 12: “Wabi-sabi Exhibit”; opening reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5
• Sept. 1 to 26: Vickisa’s “The Muse of Music”; opening reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5
• Oct. 17 to Dec. 15: “Autumn’s Palette” online show
• Nov. 1 to Dec. 9: “Off the Shelf!” altered book show and auction; opening reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7; closing party with live auction from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9
Robert Allen Fine Art
Where: 301 Caledonia St., Sausalito
Admission: Free
Information: 415-331-2800; robertallenfineart.com
• Through Oct. 27: “Abstracts on Canvas,” group show featuring Beatrice Findlay, Carol Lefkowitz, Richard Saba and Geoffrey Williams
• Nov. 2 to Feb. 29: “Abstracted Landscapes on Canvas,” works by Nick Coley, John Maxon and Nance Miller
Robert Green Fine Arts
Where: 154 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley
Admission: Free
Information: 415-381-8776; robertgreenfinearts.com
• Sept. 1 through Oct. 29: Works by Ed Moses and Anne Labovitz
Sarah Shepard Gallery
Where: 1007 Larkspur Landing Circle, suite 5, Larkspur
Admission: Free
Information: 415-295-7791; sarahshepardgallery.com
• Sept. 14 to Oct. 28: Rachel Kaye’s “Green Flash”; reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 14
Sausalito Center for the Arts
Where: 750 Bridgeway, Sausalito
Admission: Free
Information: sausalitocenterforthearts.org
• Through Sept. 10: “Paint Sausalito: The First Annual Plein Air Show and Paint Out”
• Sept. 15 to Oct. 8: “Finding Form”; artist reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 16
• Oct. 13 to Nov. 5: “Milagros and Memories”
Seager Gray Gallery
Where: 108 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley
Admission: Free
Information: 415-384-8288; seagergray.com
• Sept. 1 to Oct. 1: Joe Brubaker’s “Being There”; Reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9
Upstart Modern
Where: 4000 Bridgeway, suite 100, Sausalito
Admission: Free
Information: 415-559-0020; upstartmodern.com
• Sept. 13 to Oct. 30: “Among the Trees,” works that reflects on the intertwined relationships between ourselves, trees and the planet; opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 13
Fairs and festivals
Biketoberfest
When: Oct. 14
Where: Marin Museum of Bicycling, 1966 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax
Admission: $35 to $50
Information: marinbike.org/biketoberfest-fairfax-ca
• Enjoy brews from 18 brewers, an array of bike exhibitors, live music and much more
Corte Madera Lions EV and Classic Car Show
When: Sept. 9
Where: Overflow lot next to Nordstrom, Village at Corte Madera
Admission: Free
Information: cortemaderalions.com
• The Corte Madera Lions’ fundraiser will feature 15 EV dealers, 100 pre-1975 classic cars, food and drinks, a DJ, green technology vendors and more
Festival Independencia Salvadoreña
When: Sept. 17
Where: Lagoon Park, San Rafael
Admission: $35 to $42
Information: tickets.marincenter.org
• A festival that celebrates the traditions and customs of El Salvador with food and drinks, cultural arts and crafts, live music and exhibitors
Peace Fest
When: Sept. 23
Where: San Geronimo Valley Community Presbyterian Church, 6001 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Geronimo
Admission: Free
Information: sgvcc.org/event/the-9th-annual-peace-fest
• In conjunction with the United Nations International Day of Peace, the festival features art exhibits, virtual reality, film screenings, yoga meditation and more
Tomales Festival
When: Sept. 3
Where: Tomales Community Park, Tomales
Admission: Free
Information: 707-879-8030
• The fest, which celebrates the area’s “Old California” heritage and way of life, will feature live music, crafts and food and drinks
Film
Bolinas Film Festival
When: Sept. 21 to 24
Where: The Starlight/Calvary Theater, Bolinas
Admission: Free to $125 for opening night gala
Information: bolinasfilmfestival.com
• This inaugural film festival will feature feature, documentary and short films, panel discussions and more.
Italian Film Festival
When: Sept. 30 to Nov. 4
Where: Angelico Concert Hall, 20 Olive Ave., San Rafael
Admission: $21 per show to $120 package
Information: dominican.edu/boxoffice
• Six different films highlight Italian film
Mill Valley Film Festival
When: Oct. 5 through 15
Where: Various locations in Marin and beyond, as well as online
Admission: $70 to $160 early bird tickets and passes, available through Sept. 7
Information: mvff.com
• The annual renowned film festival showcases feature, documentary and short films from all over the world, talks, special events and more
Music
Chamber Music Marin
Where: Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church, 410 Sycamore Ave., Mill Valley
Admission: $48 $190 for season subscription
Information: chambermusicmillvalley.org
• Ilya Yakushev, Oct. 8
• Alexander String Quartet, Nov. 12
Concerts in the Plaza
When: Sept. 9 and 10
Where: Mill Valley Depot Plaza
Admission: Free
Information: millvalleyrecreation.org
• The Mill Valley Arts Commission’s shows include performances by the Starduster Orchestra, the Carolyn Sills Combo, the Jenny Kerr Band, Mitch Woods & his Rocket 88s, Los Mendoza y Friends and more
Dominican Chorale
Where: Dominican University’s Angelico Concert Hall, 50 Acacia Ave., and the San Anselmo Presbyterian Church, 72 Kensington Road
Admission: Tickets available at dominican.edu/boxoffice soon, as well at the door
Information: dominican.edu/directory/dominican-chorale
• A performance featuring works by composers Ola Gjeilo, Kirke Mechem and Franz Biebl, Nov. 16 and 19
Hamilton Amphitheater
Where: 500 to 598 Hamilton Parkway, Novato
Admission: Free
Information: savehamiltontheater.org/opera
• Opera in the Amphitheater, featuring music, opera education, face painting and more, Sept. 9
Marin Center
Where: 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael
Admission: Prices vary
Information: tickets.marincenter.org
• Gran Festival Chapin, Oct. 1
• Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival National Finals, Oct. 7
Marin Symphony Chamber Chorus
Where: Church of Saint Raphael, 1104 Fifth Ave., San Rafael
Admission: $20 to $37
Information: marinsymphony.org
• “Holiday Choral by Candlelight,” featuring the Marin Symphony Chamber Chorus, Marin Girls’ Chorus and Marin Symphony Brass and Percussion, Dec. 2 and 3
Marin Symphony
Where: Locations vary
Admission: Prices vary
Information: marinsymphony.org
• “Set 1: Farrenc, Mozart and Poulenc,” Oct. 14 and 15
• “Set 2: Stravinsky, Mozart and Beethoven,” Nov. 11 and 12
Old St. Hilary’s Landmark
Where: 201 Esperanza St., Tiburon
Admission: $20 to $30
Information: landmarkssociety.com
• Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band, Sept. 10
• The Stinson Family Band, Oct. 29
• William Feasley, Nov. 19
• Musae, Dec. 10
San Rafael PorchFest
When: Sept. 17
Where: Gerstle Park neighborhood, San Rafael
Admission: Free
Information: sanrafaelporchfest.com
• The event features music by Matt Jaffe, Fawson, Third Coyote, Minus Mary, Danny Click and the Hell Yeahs! and much more
Sound Summit
When: Sept. 9
Where: Mountain Theater in Mount Tamalpais State Park
Admission: $60 to $120
Information: SoundSummit.net
• The popular musical gathering features Lord Huron, Sierra Ferrell, Kevin Morby, Brokedown in Bakersfield and Marin County’s beloved funkmasters Vinyl
Throckmorton Theatre
Where: 142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley
Admission: Tickets to be available soon
Information: 415-383-9600; throckmortontheatre.org
• DjangoFest, Sept. 29 through Oct. 1
Theater/comedy
College of Marin drama department
Where: College of Marin, 835 College Ave., Kentfield
Admission: Prices vary
Information: pa.marin.edu
• Sept. 29 to Oct. 15: “Peter and the Starcatcher”
• Nov. 24 to Dec. 10: “A Doll’s House”
Curtain Theatre
Where: Old Mill Park, Mill Valley
Admission: Free, donations accepted
Information: curtaintheatre.org
• Through Sept. 4: “Romeo and Juliet”
Fairfax Theatre Company
Where: Fairfax Pavilion, 142 Bolinas Road, Fairfax
Admission: Free
Information: fairfaxtheatrecompany.com
• Through Sept. 10: Sam M. Parry’s “A Play On Words — A Bawdy Comedy On Shakespeare’s Life & Times!”
Marin Center
Where: 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael
Admission: Prices vary
Information: tickets.marincenter.org
• San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy Competition, Sept. 2 and 9
• “Late Nite Catechism,” Sept. 10
Marin Shakespeare Company
Where: Forest Meadows Amphitheatre, Dominican University, 890 Belle Ave., San Rafael
Admission: $15 to $40
Information: 415-499-4488, marinshakespeare.org
• “Twelfth Night,” through Sept. 3
Marin Theatre Company
Where: 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley
Admission: Prices vary
Information: 415-388-5200; marintheatre.org
• Through Sept. 24: “Odyssey”
• Nov. 24 to Dec. 17: “Dragon Lady”
Novato Theater Company
Where: 5420 Nave Drive, Novato
Admission: Prices vary
Information: novatotheatercompany.org
• Sept. 14 to Oct. 8: “The Addams Family”
Ross Valley Players
Where: The Barn Theater, Marin Art and Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross
Admission: Prices vary
Information: 415-456-9555, extension 1; rossvalleyplayers.com
• Sept. 15 to Oct. 14: “The Glass Menagerie”
• Nov. 17 to Dec. 17: “It’s a Wonderful Life”