The Marin County Fair is back this summer, running July 3-7, 2025, at the scenic 80-acre Fairgrounds right by the Marin Civic Center in San Rafael. From 11am to 11pm every day, you’ll find classic carnival rides, a bustling global marketplace, tasty fair food, live music, and—of course—fireworks over the lagoon each night. For many, it’s a Fourth of July tradition that just feels like summer.
Getting to the fair isn’t much of a headache thanks to a few solid transportation choices. Hop on free Marin Transit buses that drop you right at the fairgrounds, grab a late SMART train back after the fireworks, or, if you’re feeling active, take advantage of the bike valet. These options save you from the usual parking scramble and help keep traffic down.
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The fairgrounds’ 14-acre lagoon sets a gorgeous stage for the nightly fireworks. If you want to soak up all the fun without rushing, try to arrive early. With five full days of festivities, there’s plenty of time to hit the rides, shop the Global Marketplace, and maybe just wander a bit.
Essential Information for Visiting Marin County Fair
If you’re heading to the Marin County Fair, it helps to know the basics—when to go, how to get there, and what to expect. Here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind.
Location, Hours, and Ticketing
The fair takes place at the Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael. Frank Lloyd Wright designed this iconic building, and its unique look gives the fair a special vibe.
Open daily from 11am to 11pm, the fair gets busy fast—especially the parking lot. If you’re driving, arrive early or consider these transportation alternatives:
- Free Marin Transit buses go straight to the fair (routes and times are at marintransit.org/fair)
- SMART trains run late for fairgoers
- Bicycle valet service for those on two wheels
You’ll usually find ticket info on the official Marin County Fair website. Buying online ahead of time is often faster and can sometimes save you a few bucks.
Key Dates and Special Events
The 2025 Marin County Fair runs July 2 through July 6, and every day is packed with things to do, no matter your age.
Daily highlights include:
- Carnival rides (the classics)
- Global Marketplace vendors
- Concerts with local and national acts
- Agricultural exhibits—think local farming and food
The fireworks show over the lagoon starts after dark and you can see it from just about anywhere on the fairgrounds.
Unlike a lot of county fairs, Marin’s leans into arts, culture, and community pride. It’s a reflection of the Bay Area’s mix of cultures and Marin’s love for creativity.
Accessibility and Amenities
The Marin County Fair makes accessibility a priority. Wide, wheelchair-friendly paths wind throughout the grounds, and service animals are welcome.
You’ll find:
- Restrooms all over the place
- ATMs near the entrance and food areas
- First aid staffed the whole time
- Food options from fair classics to lighter choices
If you’ve got kids, look for family rest areas to take a breather. There are water fountains, but bringing your own bottle is smart—especially if it’s hot.
The fair also offers sensory-friendly hours on certain days for guests with special needs. Check the official site for details.
Main Attractions and Signature Experiences
There’s a little bit of everything at the Marin County Fair, and it’s not just for kids. Live music, fireworks, art, rides, and a real sense of community make it stand out.
Festival Entertainment and Live Performances
You’ll spot roaming entertainers everywhere. Stilt Circus performers tower above the crowds in wild costumes, and Jeremiah the Juggler roams the grounds with his bag of tricks.
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If you need a break from walking, hop on the Rawhide Express Train for a quick tour. Balloonacy’s balloon creations always draw a crowd—kids and adults both.
Music is front and center here. Multiple stages host bands all day and night, from local up-and-comers to regional favorites. Acts usually play right up until closing.
Entertainment Tip: Grab a daily schedule when you arrive so you don’t miss your favorites.
Fireworks and Nighttime Shows
Fireworks over the lagoon cap off every night at 11pm. It’s a can’t-miss moment—watching the colors reflect off the water is something special.
For the best view:
- Stake out a spot on the grass by the lagoon
- Bring a blanket and maybe a light jacket (it cools off fast)
- Get there early if you want a prime spot
As the sun sets, the fair lights up—rides glow, the energy shifts, and it’s got a totally different feel after dark.
Carnival Rides and Games
The rides are classic fair fun. There’s something for everyone, from gentle rides for little ones to wild spinners for the adventurous.
Favorites include:
- The Ferris wheel (killer views)
- A hand-painted carousel
- Spinning rides for thrill-seekers
- Bumper cars for a little friendly rivalry
Games line the midway. They cost extra, but sometimes you just have to try to win that giant stuffed animal.
Budget Tip: If you’re planning to go all-in on rides, look for wristbands—they’re usually a better deal than buying single tickets.
Fine Arts, Crafts, and Agricultural Exhibits
Marin’s creative side is on full display. The fine arts building is packed with paintings, sculptures, and photos from artists of all ages.
You’ll find handcrafted jewelry, too—unique pieces in all kinds of styles and materials.
The ag exhibits celebrate Marin’s farming roots:
- Fresh produce and flowers
- Award-winning jams and baked goods
- Stunning succulent gardens
This year’s “bug fest” theme adds interactive displays about insects and spiders. It’s surprisingly fascinating (and not just for kids).
Dining, Shopping, and Local Activities
The food at the Marin County Fair is almost reason enough to go. Add in cool shopping and some social fun, and you’ve got a full day (or more).
Food Vendors and Culinary Highlights
There’s no shortage of food. Funnel cakes, corn dogs, and cotton candy are everywhere.
Local vendors bring Marin’s farm-to-table culture to the fair, with fresh produce and berries that taste like summer.
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For something more filling, the international food court has everything from Mexican to Mediterranean. It’s a step up from your average fair food.
Don’t skip the cooking demos—local chefs whip up dishes with regional ingredients, and you might even get a sample or two.
Artisan Booths and Unique Finds
The Global Marketplace is packed with artisan vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry (sea glass, recycled metals, you name it) to pottery, clothing, and home décor.
Many artists actually work at their booths, so you can see their process up close. The Marin Artists’ Gallery is a great place to pick up original art straight from local creators.
There’s also a section for eco-friendly goods—recycled, upcycled, and all about sustainability. It fits the Marin vibe perfectly.
Happy Hour Offerings and Social Gatherings
Happy hour at the fair? Yep. Usually from 4-6 PM, you can grab discounted drinks—local craft beer, Sonoma and Napa wines, and some pretty creative cocktails.
The Pavilion Stage turns into a hangout spot during happy hour, with live music and a chill vibe.
If you’re not drinking, check out the mocktail stations—fresh fruit, local ingredients, and zero alcohol. They’re a hit with families and anyone looking for something different.
Evening wine tastings feature local vineyards, and sometimes the winemakers themselves drop by. Just a heads up: these tastings usually need a separate ticket and can sell out.
Exploring Marin County and Nearby Destinations
The fair is just the start. Marin County is packed with cool towns, stunning nature, and a few surprises if you’re willing to explore.
Guided Tours and Architectural Highlights
The Marin Civic Center—where the fair happens—was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. If you’re into architecture, don’t miss the guided tours (Thursday and Friday mornings at 10:30 AM, $15 per person).
The building almost melts into the hills, with its blue roof and gold spire. It’s a real treat for design fans.
You can also swing by the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art in Novato for rotating exhibits. The museum itself is part of the old Hamilton Field complex, which is worth a look.
Day Trips to Nearby Towns and Attractions
Sausalito is only about 15 minutes away and offers waterfront dining and art galleries. The houseboats on Richardson Bay are a quirky, must-see sight.
Mill Valley sits among redwoods and is home to the Mill Valley Film Festival every October. The downtown is small but packed with good coffee and boutiques.
Fairfax has a laid-back, bohemian feel—think organic restaurants and live music. It’s great for a mellow afternoon.
If you want to get outdoors, Point Reyes National Seashore is about a half-hour west. There are hiking trails, wildlife, and the lighthouse view is pretty epic.
And, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge is just 20 minutes south. Cross it for those classic San Francisco views—it never gets old.
Comparison with Other Local Fairs
The Marin County Fair really stands out among nearby events, mostly thanks to its emphasis on sustainability and the arts. While the Lake County Fair leans hard into agriculture, Marin puts environmental innovation at the forefront.
The Nevada County Fair? That one’s got a classic rural vibe—think livestock competitions and rodeos. Marin, though, is more about modern art installations and live music.
If you look at the smaller Sierra County Fair, Marin just draws bigger music acts and has a wider range of food. No contest there, honestly.
Here’s a quick breakdown if you’re comparing:
| Fair | Best Known For | When | Distance from Marin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marin County Fair | Art, sustainability, rides | July 3-7, 2024 | – |
| Sonoma County Fair | Horse racing, agriculture | August | 30 miles north |
| Lake County Fair | Rodeo, farming exhibits | September | 90 miles north |
| Nevada County Fair | Mining history, livestock | August | 140 miles northeast |
Every fair really has its own personality, shaped by the local community. If you’re up for exploring what Northern California has to offer, each one brings something different to the table.
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Angelico Concert Hall
Art Works Downtown San Rafael
Bear Valley Visitor Center
Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre
Downtown San Rafael Art District
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Ember Stomp
Italian Film Festival
Marin Art and Garden Center
Marin County Fair
Marin County International Festival of Short Film & Video
Marin Shakespeare Company
Marin Symphony
Marin Theatre Company
Mill Valley Film Festival
Mill Valley Music Festival
Mountain Play
Point Reyes Lighthouse
Ross Valley Players
Sausalito Center For The Arts
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The California Film Institute
The Playhouse in San Anselmo
Throckmorton Theatre
Tiburon International Film Festival
Tule Elk Reserve
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