Best events in
San Rafael

For events and things to do in San Rafael, CA, this North Bay hub balances historic architecture, outdoor gathering spaces, and a lively arts community. The Downtown Fourth Street corridor anchors the cultural scene with independent art galleries, a historic film center, and relaxed dining spots. Further north, civic grounds and open-air theaters bring performance arts and community gatherings under Marin skies.

Wandering the Fourth Street corridor reveals non-profit exhibition spaces at Art Works Downtown alongside cinema screenings at the historic Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center.
Civic Center District gatherings draw residents to the Marin Center and its Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium for theatrical productions, comedy, and cultural arts.
Outdoor theatrical performances flourish at Forest Meadows Amphitheatre on the Dominican University campus, home to the annual Marin Shakespeare Company Summer Season.

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Popular in San Rafael

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October 7 Commemoration

Today • 6:30 PM

Osher Marin JCC

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Pancake Breakfast

Sunday • 8:00 AM

Terra Linda Community Center and Pool

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Linked Local Marin Mid Fall Networking Event 10/13/26 530-730pm

Tue, Oct 13 • 5:30 PM

San Rafael Elks Lodge #1108

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Game On! Mexican Train, Rummikub & Scrabble

Tue, Oct 13 • 1:00 PM

Osher Marin JCC

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Grand Opening of Wise Up N Shine

Sat, Oct 17 • 4:00 PM

Wise Up N Shine

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Singles Mingle @ Pond Farm in San Rafael 21+ FREE ENTRY!

Sun, Oct 25 • 6:00 PM

Pond Farm Brewing Co.

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San Rafael Speed Dating for San Francisco Area Singles ♥ Age 50s/60s

Thu, Oct 29 • 6:15 PM

Mayflower Pub

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Halloween Dance Party - featuring "Pop Fiction"

Sat, Oct 31 • 7:00 PM

San Rafael Elks Lodge

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October 7 Commemoration

Today • 6:30 PM

Osher Marin JCC

Check ticket price on event

Pancake Breakfast

Sunday • 8:00 AM

Terra Linda Community Center and Pool

Check ticket price on event

Linked Local Marin Mid Fall Networking Event 10/13/26 530-730pm

Tue, Oct 13 • 5:30 PM

San Rafael Elks Lodge #1108

Check ticket price on event

Game On! Mexican Train, Rummikub & Scrabble

Tue, Oct 13 • 1:00 PM

Osher Marin JCC

Check ticket price on event

Grand Opening of Wise Up N Shine

Sat, Oct 17 • 4:00 PM

Wise Up N Shine

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Singles Mingle @ Pond Farm in San Rafael 21+ FREE ENTRY!

Sun, Oct 25 • 6:00 PM

Pond Farm Brewing Co.

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San Rafael Speed Dating for San Francisco Area Singles ♥ Age 50s/60s

Thu, Oct 29 • 6:15 PM

Mayflower Pub

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Halloween Dance Party - featuring "Pop Fiction"

Sat, Oct 31 • 7:00 PM

San Rafael Elks Lodge

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Online Events

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Today • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM EDT

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Today • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM EDT

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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This Weekend

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SALSA PARTNER DANCING

Friday • 7:30 PM

4140 Redwood Hwy #8

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Películas en el Parque: Toy Story 5 (en español)

Friday • 6:00 PM

Pickleweed Park

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Reception — Numina: Six Artists Exploring Consciousness • Gallery 1337

Friday • 5:00 PM

Art Works Downtown

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Foodies + New Friends: San Rafael | Benefit for Warrior Afya Network

Saturday • 7:00 PM

Cafe Villa

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Gather for Good: San Rafael | Dinner Benefit for Dream Catchers

Sunday • 7:00 PM

Restaurant of the Week

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Foodies + New Friends San Rafael: Dinner with Strangers

Sunday • 7:00 PM

Restaurant of the Week

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Pancake Breakfast

Sunday • 8:00 AM

Terra Linda Community Center and Pool

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SALSA PARTNER DANCING

Friday • 7:30 PM

4140 Redwood Hwy #8

Check ticket price on event

Películas en el Parque: Toy Story 5 (en español)

Friday • 6:00 PM

Pickleweed Park

Check ticket price on event

Reception — Numina: Six Artists Exploring Consciousness • Gallery 1337

Friday • 5:00 PM

Art Works Downtown

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Foodies + New Friends: San Rafael | Benefit for Warrior Afya Network

Saturday • 7:00 PM

Cafe Villa

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Gather for Good: San Rafael | Dinner Benefit for Dream Catchers

Sunday • 7:00 PM

Restaurant of the Week

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Foodies + New Friends San Rafael: Dinner with Strangers

Sunday • 7:00 PM

Restaurant of the Week

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Pancake Breakfast

Sunday • 8:00 AM

Terra Linda Community Center and Pool

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Music events

Adrian West Band at Osher Marin JCC

Sun, Oct 25 • 3:00 PM

Osher Marin JCC

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Harp Songs From The Mystic Ocean

Sun, Oct 25 • 3:00 PM

Sound Temple Healing Arts

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4-Week Intermediate Cumbia with Mireille: OCTOBER 27 – NOVEMBER 17

Tue, Oct 27 • 7:30 PM

Salsa Dance Marin

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Christmas with Crooner Ed in San Rafael

Sat, Dec 5 • 7:30 PM

The Belrose

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Adrian West Band at Osher Marin JCC

Sun, Oct 25 • 3:00 PM

Osher Marin JCC

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Harp Songs From The Mystic Ocean

Sun, Oct 25 • 3:00 PM

Sound Temple Healing Arts

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4-Week Intermediate Cumbia with Mireille: OCTOBER 27 – NOVEMBER 17

Tue, Oct 27 • 7:30 PM

Salsa Dance Marin

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Christmas with Crooner Ed in San Rafael

Sat, Dec 5 • 7:30 PM

The Belrose

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Frequently asked questions about San Rafael

Where are the best spots for free art events in San Rafael, CA?

Art Works Downtown along Fourth Street offers open gallery spaces and coordinates the monthly 2nd Friday Art Walk featuring local artists and studio displays. Visitors can browse artist studios and street music setups, while nearby storefronts across Downtown showcase regional artwork throughout the year.

Which venues host live music events in San Rafael, CA?

The Marin Center features touring musical artists inside the Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium alongside intimate acoustic sets at local taprooms. Pond Farm Brewing Co. in the West End hosts community social gatherings and casual acoustic sessions, while outdoor amphitheaters host classic summer concert performances.

What are popular family-friendly events in San Rafael, CA?

The Sunday Marin Farmers Market hosts family-friendly events weekly year-round at the Marin Civic Center grounds, offering fresh produce and food artisans. Families also gather for the annual Marin County Fair in early July at the Marin Center grounds, featuring fairground rides, agricultural displays, and fireworks.

Where can couples go for date night events in San Rafael, CA?

Downtown San Rafael provides an ideal date night setting with indie film screenings at the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center. Couples can pair a movie with craft cocktails along Fourth Street, or attend live concerts and community events at the Osher Marin JCC Hoytt Theater.

What outdoor events happen near the Civic Center District?

The Marin Civic Center grounds host outdoor events including the weekly Sunday Marin Farmers Market alongside large-scale annual community gatherings like the Marin County Fair. Nearby, Forest Meadows Amphitheatre presents outdoor classic theatrical productions during the annual Marin Shakespeare Company Summer Season under open skies.

Where's a good neighbourhood for food and drink gatherings in San Rafael, CA?

West End Village is a top destination for casual craft beer taprooms, artisan bakeries, and seasonal neighborhood block parties. Pond Farm Brewing Co. anchors the local food and drink scene with food pop-ups, while Fourth Street hosts the seasonal West End Friday Block Party late in summer.

How can visitors find theater and comedy shows in San Rafael, CA?

The Marin Center hosts touring theatrical productions and stand-up comedy inside the Showcase Theater and Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium. In addition, the Osher Marin JCC Hoytt Theater presents live theatrical performances, lectures, and comedy events throughout the cultural season.

What makes the Fourth Street Corridor a hub for local happenings?

Fourth Street bridges Downtown and West End Village, creating a walkable stretch filled with craft taprooms, galleries, and historic cinema. The corridor comes alive with the San Rafael Summer Market on select Friday evenings, bringing local food vendors, craft beer gardens, and live music.