2017 ENJOY MILL VALLEY SUMMER/FALL GUIDE – ADVERTISING PROGRAMS
The 2017 Enjoy Mill Valley Summer/Fall Guide, a partnership with Marin Magazine and the Marin Visitors Bureau, is an outstanding opportunity for local businesses and organizations to reach the cherished Marin Magazine demographic at a fraction of the cost. Mailed to 36,000 Mill Valley, Southern Marin and San Francisco Marin Magazine subscribers with its June issue, the Guide is also distributed via local hubs and businesses throughout the 94941. Over the past three years, our twice-annual Guides have grown into vital community resources, chock full of info about events happening around town as well as profiles of local businesses and arts organizations. The Guide serves as a complement to the 36th Annual Wine, Beer & Gourmet Food Tasting on June 4 in the Downtown Plaza.
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Submission Guidelines
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2016 Enjoy Mill Valley Summer/Fall Event Calendar
MAY
Throckmorton Youth Performers’ “Sweet Charity”
Throckmorton Youth Performers program, which provides engaging theatrical experiences for young people, dives into Neil Simon’s “Sweet Charity.” The “comedy in every sense of the word” tells the story of Sweet Charity, a girl who wants to be loved so much that she’s lost sight of who she is. Charity sings, dances, laughs & cries her way through romances in the too-real world of Times Square. Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton. May 20, 27 @ 7:30pm; May 21, 28 @ 1pm; May 22, 29 @ 2pm. MORE INFO. |
Mountain Play’s “West Side Story”
On Sunday, May 22 – and on successive Sundays and one Saturday through June 19 – one of the most unique theaters in the Bay Area becomes a hive of activity as the Mountain Play opens its 103rd season with a production of “West Side Story, the “Romeo & Juliet”-inspired musical that explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks teenage street gangs in 1950s New York City. 2 pm. Cushing Memorial Theatre, East Ridgecrest Blvd. at Pantoll Road. Tix $25-$40. May 22, 29, June 5, 11, 12 and 19. MORE INFO. |
Memorial Day Weekend
Kiddo! Family Carnival – May 27-30
The four-day Kiddo! Family Carnival, the longstanding staple of the Memorial Day weekend, features more than 15 exciting rides and loads of carnival games on the grounds of Mill Valley Middle School. MV Middle School Campus, 425 Sycamore Ave. Tickets for a one-day wristband for unlimited rides are $30 once the carnival begins. May 27 (4pm-10pm), 28, 29 (12pm-10pm) & 30 (12pm-5pm). MORE INFO. 
Memorial Day Parade – May 30
Children of all ages come out for the Mill Valley Memorial Day Parade, which regularly draws more than 6,000 spectators each year and 60+ organizations and businesses as participants. The parade starts at Old Mill Park at 10:30am – preceded by a Lytton Square memorial service to “honor those fallen heroes who served our country” – and winds its way through downtown and Miller Ave. before ending at Tam High School. 10:30am. MORE INFO. |
Pancake Breakfast – May 30
Some two decades ago, several members of the Mill Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association cobbled together a bunch of portable grills, coolers and propane tanks to make a Memorial Day breakfast for a few hundred people. And then 800 people showed up. They’ve been doing it ever since, serving up pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice and coffee to 2,000 people outside City Hall. 7–11am, 26 Corte Madera Avenue. Adults $10, Kids under 13 $5. MORE INFO. 
Community Center 15th Anniversary Celebration – May 30
Let’s mark the 15th Anniversary of the MV Community Center with a blockbuster celebration featuring live music from Pride & Joy, (1:30pm), an animal show from Fur, Scales & Tales (12pm), exciting, family-friendly theatrics from Circus of Smiles (12:45pm), as well as jumpees, games, arts & crafts, great food and much more. Community Center, 180 Camino Alto. Free. MORE INFO. |
JUNE
MV Philharmonic Concerto Competition Soloists - June 1, 3 & 4
With a trio of free concerts at the Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church, the Mill Valley Philharmonic showcases the winning soloists of its Concerto Competition as well as the winning composer. The performances are set for June 1 (7:30pm), June 3 (8pm) and June 4 (4pm). Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church, 410 Sycamore Ave. in Mill Valley. Free. MORE INFO. |
Marin Theatre Co.’s “The Invisible Hand” - June 6-26
The final production of Marin Theatre Company’s 2015-16 season comes from Ayad Akhtar, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Disgraced.” Akhtar spins the take of kidnapped American banker Nick Bright in a provocative drama about how fanatical devotion—whether it’s to the scripture or to the dollar—can often lead to devastating consequences. MTC, 397 Miller Ave. Tix $10-$55. MORE INFO. |
First Friday: Naked Truth – June 3
Talented raconteurs take center stage to tell true, unscripted stories. Sit back, enjoy a glass of wine and watch as the Mill Valley Library is transformed into a venue for real people telling real-life stories, raw and without notes. Naked Truth favorites like Matteson Perry, Doug Cordell and Josh Healey will be back to share some of their favorite, go-to, killer stories. MV Library, 375 Throckmorton Avenue. 7pm. Free. MORE INFO. 
Nicole Atkins – June 8
Internationally acclaimed American musician Nicole Atkins is a rare artist whose timeless songwriting and raw, emotional voice spans the ages. Dubbed one of Rolling Stone’s “Top 10 Artists To Watch” with praise for her “voice full of longing and Loretta Lynn elegance,” Atkins has toured with the likes of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Primal Scream and the Avett Brothers. Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Ave. 8pm. Tix $14-$17. MORE INFO. |
First Tuesday Artwalk – June 7
The Arts Commission’s monthly celebration of local art includes a host of venues, including Diana Liu Benet’s gorgeous paintings (above) at the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, as well as talented artists at venues like the O’Hanlon Center for the Arts, Seager Gray Gallery, the Library, Zener Schon, Julie Tuton, the Depot, City Hall, the Community Center and Throckmorton Theatre. Tuesday, 6–8pm. Free. MORE INFO. 
12th Annual Djangofest – June 10-12
Inspired by the late gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, this three-day Throckmorton Theatre event attracts legions of fans of the “hot” jazz sound Reinhardt pioneered as well as guitarists from all over the Bay Area. This year’s edition features Gonzalo Bergara with an all-star four-string quartet, the Stochelo Rosenberg Quartet, Rhythm Future Quartet, and a variety of workshops, informal “djams” and parties. 142 Throckmorton Ave. MORE INFO. |
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106th Annual Dipsea Race – June 12
The inimitable Dipsea Race – America’s oldest cross-country foot race – holds its 106th edition on June 12. The scenic 7.4 mile-course from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach is considered one of the most beautiful courses in the world, and the stairs and steep trails make it a grueling and treacherous race. 8:30am, downtown Mill Valley. Free. MORE INFO. |
Comedy in the Plaza – June 15
The Arts Commission’s annual night of hilarity on the Plaza draws some of the best stand-up comedians around, and the 13th edition features Greg Behrendt, co-writer of the star-studded 2009 film “He’s Just Not That Into You,” as well as Conan writer and Last Coming Standing Season 7 finalist Laurie Kilmartin and San Francisco comic Natasha Muse. Depot Plaza. 6:30pm. Free. MORE INFO. |
12th Annual Flea and Maker’s Market – June 18
Treasures, recycled relics and bargains abound – with special “Made in Mill Valley” and “Made in Marin” sections this year to give local entrepreneurs a platform and showcase artisans and creators– at this venerable Mill Valley Recreation and Mill Valley Seniors’ Club event. 9am–3pm, Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto. Free. MORE INFO. |
Italian Street Painting Marin’s Ciao Bella Roma – June 25-26
Founded by Mill Valley residents Sue & Joe Carlomagno in 1994, Italian Street Painting Marin celebrates the Eternal City of Rome with Ciao Bella Roma in downtown San Rafael. The event showcases 100 master street painters who turn the streets into an amazing gallery. 5th Ave. & A St. San Rafael. Sat. 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm. Tix $10-$15. Children free. MORE INFO. |
JULY
First Tuesday Artwalk – July 5
The Arts Commission’s monthly celebration of local art features a host of great venues, including the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, O’Hanlon Center, the Library, Zener Schon Contemporary Art, Terrestra, the Depot, City Hall, Famous4, Terrestra, Throckmorton Theatre and Seager Gray Gallery’s “This is not a Book: Chapter” exhibit (pictured above). Tuesday, 6–8pm. Free. MORE INFO. |
Mill Valley Campout – July 16-17
For the third straight year, the Mill Valley Campout on Friends Field promises a fun family overnight that includes camping out, magic, entertainment, arts & crafts, s’mores, emergency preparedness activities, campfire songs, relay races and more. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind night with your neighbors on Friends Field at the Community Center, 180 Camino Alto. $25 per person, children 3 and under free. MORE INFO. |
Albert Lee with Kate Taylor – July 31
Once dubbed “the greatest guitarist in the world” by Eric Clapton, two-time Grammy winner Albert Lee has recorded more than 30 albums and has played with a host of greats, including Tom Petty, Paul McCartney and Joe Cocker. Lee will be joined by Kate Taylor, sister of the legendary James Taylor. Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Avenue. 8pm. Tix $25-30. MORE INFO. |
Bay Area Women Artists Exhibit – July 28–Aug. 25
Discover what local female artists are currently creating! One of the O'Hanlon Center's most popular annual exhibits, Bay Area Women Artists draws record number of applicants and is juried by Seager Gray Gallery owners Donna Seager and Suzanne Gray. Gallery is open to the public Tuesday-Friday 11-3 and Saturday 10-2. 616 Throckmorton Avenue. Free. MORE INFO. |
AUGUST
reCYCLE Art Exhibit Reception – August 2
With their 2nd Annual reCYCLE Outdoor Public Art Contest as part of the First Tuesday Artwalk, MV Recreation and the MV Arts Commission celebrate three of Mill Valley’s favorite things: bicycling, art and recycling. At this event, the City unveils the winning bike wheel-centric kinetic artwork, laid out along the Friends Field fence next to the Multi-Use Path. 180 Camino Alto, 6-8pm. Free. MORE INFO. |
Rhett Miller – Aug. 10
Miller, the frontman for alt-country pioneers The Old 97’s, has a just-released solo album, “The Traveler.” It’s a collaboration with Black Prairie, a band based in Portland that plays everything from bluegrass to klezmer to country and shares members with the Decemberists. The album also features guitar from R.E.M.'s Peter Buck and Scott McCaughey. Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Avenue, 8pm. Tix $22-$27. MORE INFO. |
CONCERTS ON THE PLAZA
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Now in its 4th decade, the Arts Commission’s free live music series in the Depot Plaza continues with six great bands:
Sunday, August 7 3pm – Second Street Band is a blues-rock group from wine country whose members have shared the stage with legends Muddy Waters and Elvin Bishop. 4pm – Ridgway, a Novato quintet of Marin School of the Arts alums, plays a blend of reggae, rock and hip hop, mixing originals with covers of Sublime, Red Hot Chili Peppers and 311. Wednesday, Aug. 17 6:30pm – Tom Rigney & Flambeau transports the Depot Plaza to Louisiana with a mix of Cajun fiddling, boogie-woogie piano and an all-star rhythm section. |
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Wednesday, Aug. 24
6:30 – “Master slide guitarist” Dennis Johnson & the Mississippi Ramblers deliver scorching live shows that run from roots and blues to rock and Americana. Sunday, August 28 3pm – Singer-songwriter Jerry Hannan has been called a Marin treasure, mixing shades of Bob Dylan and John Prine into his own style of Americana with a faint Irish lilt. Hannan’s song “Society” was featured in Sean Penn’s film “Into the Wild.” 4pm – Led by singer/guitarist Allegra Broughton and singer/bassist/slide guitarist Sam Page, North Bay band Solid Air deliver folk-rock and Americana, from top-notch original songs and eclectic covers from jug band to cajun to classic rock ‘n’ roll. MORE INFO. |
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The Curtain Theatre: Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors” – August 20, 21, 27, 28 & 9/3, 4, 5
With a love for great drama, the nonprofit Curtain Theatre has been producing free theater at the Old Mill Park amphitheatre since 2000. Its 2016 edition tackles Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors,” a mixture of mistaken identity, glorious romance, and families reunited. Old Mill Park amphitheatre. 2pm. Free. MORE INFO. |
Movies in the Park: “Stars Wars: The Force Awakens” – Aug. 26
The fantastic series of free outdoor films from MV Recreation, MV Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center and the California Film Institute continues in the beautiful redwood grove of Old Mill Park with the spectacular revival of the “Star Wars” saga. Bring your blanket and/or low beach chairs to enjoy a movie under the stars. Old Mill Park. Film begins at dusk. Free. |
SEPTEMBER
“August: Osage County” – Sept. 8-Oct. 2
Dubbed a “fiercely funny, turbo-charged tragicomedy” by The New York Times, Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play, made into a star-studded feature film in 2013, tells the story of the Weston sisters, who reluctantly return home after the death of their father to care for their mother, “cancer stricken, drug-addled, and a bigger piece of work than ever.” Marin Theatre Company, 397 Miller Avenue. Tix $20-$58. MORE INFO. |
“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” – Sept. 23
The free outdoor Movies in the Park series from MV Recreation, the MV Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center and the California Film Institute continues in Old Mill Park’s beautiful redwood grove with “Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” Mel Stuart’s adaptation of the classic 1964 Roald Dahl novel. Bring a blanket and/or low beach chairs. Old Mill Park. Film begins at dusk. Free. |
MILL VALLEY FALL ARTS FESTIVAL
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Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival draws thousands to Old Mill Park for some fantastic art from more than 140 artists, great live music from an array of local bands, live music and puppet shows for children and, on those oft-hot early fall days, some much-needed precious shade in the park’s gorgeous redwood grove.
Quite simply, there isn’t a more dazzling, relaxing place to check out the wares of artists from all over the Bay Area and beyond. |
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There’s also plenty of great food and drink at booths supporting the likes of the Dipsea Race and Kiddo.
And don’t miss the Art Lovers Save discount program, a collaboration with the MV Chamber that gives attendees a chance to save at merchants and restaurants all over town. September 17-18. Old Mill Park. 10am-5pm. Tickets $10, $5 for students and seniors, free for children under 12. MORE INFO. |
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MV Community Block Party - Sept. 25
The last Sunday in September brings a quintessential local event in the form of the Annual Mill Valley Community Block Party to benefit Kiddo, which provides music, art, physical education and other support services to Mill Valley public schools. Throckmorton Avenue is blocked off between Bernard Street and Corte Madera Avenue, allowing families to safely enjoy live music, kids games, jumpees, great food from local restaurants, a fashion show featuring clothing from some of Mill Valley’s best boutiques and more. Block Party organizer Larry “the Hat” Lautzker created the Community Block Party in 1998 as a grand opening celebration for his Famous4 clothing store at 96 Throckmorton Avenue and has kept the party going ever since on the block in front of his store. Throckmorton Ave. 1:30-5pm. Free – donations encouraged.
OCTOBER
Dipsea Hike for Zero Breast Cancer – Oct. 8
Founded in 2002, this six-mile, family-friendly fundraiser and hike supports Zero Breast Cancer’s vast outreach and education efforts aimed at preventing breast cancer in the next generation. It also encourages physical activity, which studies have shown plays an important role in breast cancer risk reduction, recovery after breast cancer and recurrence prevention. Old Mill Park. 9am. MORE INFO. |
Quartetto di Roma – Oct. 16
The Mill Valley Chamber Music Society kicks off its 43rd season of presenting exceptional classical musicians in Mill Valley at affordable ticket prices with a performance by Italy’s Quartetto di Roma, featuring violinists Marco Fiorini and Biancamaria Rapaccini, Carmelo Giallombardo on viola and Alessandra Montani on cello. Concerts are at 5 pm on Sundays at the Mt. Tam United Methodist Church, 410 Sycamore Avenue. MORE INFO. |
39TH MILL VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL
MVFF39 – Oct. 6-16
The Mill Valley Film Festival has long made its place in the global festival landscape, with a consistent slate of Oscar contenders, star-studded events featuring both Hollywood legends and emerging talents, nine nights of live music at the Sweetwater and a laser-like focus on putting independent films – and the town that bears its name – on the map. Oct. 6-16. Mill Valley & venues across Marin. MORE INFO. |
“Inside Out” – Oct. 14
The free outdoor Movies in the Park series from MV Recreation, the MV Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center and the California Film Institute continues with Pixar’s Oscar-winning “Inside Out,” which takes place inside the mind of a young girl whose five personified emotions lead her through life. Bring a blanket and/or low beach chairs to. Old Mill Park. Film begins at dusk. Free. |
YEAR-ROUND SIDEWALK SALES
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The Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center’s annual series of Sidewalk Sales gives shops & boutiques all over town the opportunity to spread their wings onto the sidewalk and offer discounts to shoppers on some of the busiest days of the year. The sales run at least monthly through the end of the year:
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A number of Mill Valley arts and culture businesses and organizations host events throughout the summer, including concerts, exhibits, workshops and classes. Here are a few (click logos for more info):
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