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.

autocomplete

Popular in San Rafael

Explore more events

CLASE - "Back to School" Business Meets Educators Networking Mixer 2026

Tomorrow • 4:30 PM

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael Marin County

Check ticket price on event

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

Tomorrow • 6:15 PM

Mayflower Pub

Check ticket price on event

San Rafael 3rd Annual Treat Walk

Tomorrow • 4:00 PM

San Rafael Community Center

Check ticket price on event

San Rafael Halloween Dance Party - featuring "Pop Fiction"

Saturday • 7:00 PM

San Rafael Elks Lodge

Check ticket price on event

On the Roof Presents: Hallo-Wildin'

Saturday • 5:00 PM

AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

Check ticket price on event

A Peek Behind the Iron Curtain: An Evening with Author Danny Grossman

Wed, Nov 4 • 6:30 PM

Osher Marin JCC

Check ticket price on event

November Thanks to LLM 11/10/26 5:30-730pm

Tue, Nov 10 • 5:30 PM

Elks Lodge #1108 San Rafael

Check ticket price on event

Midweek Musical Matinee: "Jazz On The Silver Screen"

Tue, Nov 10 • 1:00 PM

Osher Marin JCC

Check ticket price on event

CLASE - "Back to School" Business Meets Educators Networking Mixer 2026

Tomorrow • 4:30 PM

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael Marin County

Check ticket price on event

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

Tomorrow • 6:15 PM

Mayflower Pub

Check ticket price on event

San Rafael 3rd Annual Treat Walk

Tomorrow • 4:00 PM

San Rafael Community Center

Check ticket price on event

San Rafael Halloween Dance Party - featuring "Pop Fiction"

Saturday • 7:00 PM

San Rafael Elks Lodge

Check ticket price on event

On the Roof Presents: Hallo-Wildin'

Saturday • 5:00 PM

AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

Check ticket price on event

A Peek Behind the Iron Curtain: An Evening with Author Danny Grossman

Wed, Nov 4 • 6:30 PM

Osher Marin JCC

Check ticket price on event

November Thanks to LLM 11/10/26 5:30-730pm

Tue, Nov 10 • 5:30 PM

Elks Lodge #1108 San Rafael

Check ticket price on event

Midweek Musical Matinee: "Jazz On The Silver Screen"

Tue, Nov 10 • 1:00 PM

Osher Marin JCC

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Online Events

Explore more events

MENTORSHOP: Using Claude AI to Build a SaaS Site in about a Week

Today • 12:00 PM PDT

Check ticket price on event

ATL’S BIGGEST HALLOWEEN TAKEOVER

Friday • 10:00 PM EDT

Check ticket price on event

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

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

But That’s What They Said! Conceptual Accuracy Beyond the Words

Sat, Dec 19 • 10:00 AM PST

Check ticket price on event

MENTORSHOP: Using Claude AI to Build a SaaS Site in about a Week

Today • 12:00 PM PDT

Check ticket price on event

ATL’S BIGGEST HALLOWEEN TAKEOVER

Friday • 10:00 PM EDT

Check ticket price on event

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

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

But That’s What They Said! Conceptual Accuracy Beyond the Words

Sat, Dec 19 • 10:00 AM PST

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

This Weekend

Explore more events

Pixels Presents the 3rd Annual Monster Bash: FRIDAY PARTY ONLY

Friday • 9:00 PM

Pixels Arcade & Taproom

Check ticket price on event

San Rafael Halloween Dance Party - featuring "Pop Fiction"

Saturday • 7:00 PM

San Rafael Elks Lodge

Check ticket price on event

On the Roof Presents: Hallo-Wildin'

Saturday • 5:00 PM

AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

Check ticket price on event

Halloween Pilates

Saturday • 10:30 AM

615 B St

Check ticket price on event

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

Sunday • 7:00 PM

Restaurant of the Week

Check ticket price on event

Body Sculpt with Abigail

Sunday • 10:00 AM

Salsa Dance Marin

Check ticket price on event

Pixels Presents the 3rd Annual Monster Bash: FRIDAY PARTY ONLY

Friday • 9:00 PM

Pixels Arcade & Taproom

Check ticket price on event

San Rafael Halloween Dance Party - featuring "Pop Fiction"

Saturday • 7:00 PM

San Rafael Elks Lodge

Check ticket price on event

On the Roof Presents: Hallo-Wildin'

Saturday • 5:00 PM

AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

Check ticket price on event

Halloween Pilates

Saturday • 10:30 AM

615 B St

Check ticket price on event

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

Sunday • 7:00 PM

Restaurant of the Week

Check ticket price on event

Body Sculpt with Abigail

Sunday • 10:00 AM

Salsa Dance Marin

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Food & Drink events

Foodies + New Friends: San Rafael | 2026 Dinner Club

Today • 7:00 PM + 17 more

Restaurant of the Week

Check ticket price on event

Foodies + New Friends: San Rafael | 30’s edition

Monday • 7:00 PM + 1 more

Restaurant of the Week

Check ticket price on event

Espresso & Milk 101

Sat, Nov 14 • 10:00 AM

Equator Coffees Roastery

Check ticket price on event

Thanks for Cookies!

Wed, Nov 18 • 5:30 PM

1545 4th St suite c

Check ticket price on event

Foodies + New Friends: San Rafael | 2026 Dinner Club

Today • 7:00 PM + 17 more

Restaurant of the Week

Check ticket price on event

Foodies + New Friends: San Rafael | 30’s edition

Monday • 7:00 PM + 1 more

Restaurant of the Week

Check ticket price on event

Espresso & Milk 101

Sat, Nov 14 • 10:00 AM

Equator Coffees Roastery

Check ticket price on event

Thanks for Cookies!

Wed, Nov 18 • 5:30 PM

1545 4th St suite c

Check ticket price on event

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.