The Marin County Fair is back July 1–5 at the Marin Center in San Rafael. This year’s star-spangled theme, “Stars, Stripes and Stories,” marks the United States’ 250th anniversary.
From headline concerts to Pride Day and Latin Heritage Day, the fair brings music, culture, and family fun to visitors from all over Marin County. Whether you’re coming from Sausalito, Mill Valley, Novato, or Larkspur, you’ll find something to enjoy.
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What to expect at the Marin County Fair
The fairgrounds in San Rafael will light up with a festive lineup that nods to Marin’s diverse communities and the country’s milestone year. You’ll find classic tributes, reggae pioneers, and contemporary voices, all mixed in with the familiar rides, exhibits, and fair food that make Marin summers feel like home.
Tickets run from $20 to $30. Organizers want to keep things accessible for families across Marin—from Fairfax and Tiburon to Greenbrae and Ross.
Let’s break down the headline moments that’ll shape your visit, whether you’re local or just passing through San Rafael.
July 1 — Family Stone opens the celebration
The Family Stone, with members from the legendary Sly and the Family Stone, hits the stage at 7:30 p.m. on July 1. It’s a 60th-anniversary celebration for the early funk-soul group and a pretty compelling reason to make the trip—especially if you’re coming from Mill Valley, Tiburon, or cruising up the 101 through downtown San Rafael.
If you’re a regular from Marin City or Corte Madera, you’ll recognize that same welcoming energy that turns the Marin Center into a summer gathering spot. July 1 also brings free admission for youth 12 and under, seniors 65 and older, and veterans. Not a bad way to kick off a family weekend in Sausalito or Novato without blowing your budget.
July 2 — Reggae roots with Steel Pulse
On Sunday, July 2, reggae pioneers Steel Pulse bring their roots music to the fair at 7:30 p.m. Expect a cross‑generational crowd—from Ross and Fairfax to the Marin Center—soaking up the music and festival atmosphere. It’s got that easy, Father’s Day weekend vibe that fits right in with nearby towns like San Anselmo and San Rafael’s Canal District.
July 3 — Pride Day with Linda Perry
Monday’s lineup shines on Pride Day with Linda Perry, Grammy-nominated songwriter and former lead singer of 4 Non Blondes, performing at 7:30 p.m. Perry’s recent release Let It Die Here, plus a companion documentary, bring a fresh, inclusive energy to the fair. Folks from Kent Field and Kent Woodlands to Downtown San Rafael will find this show a meaningful highlight of the Stars, Stripes and Stories theme.
July 4 — Stars & Stripes Music Fest
Independence Day at the fair starts at 3:30 p.m. with Pete Floyd, a Pink Floyd tribute. Mustache Harbor (yacht rock) follows at 5 p.m., then Super Diamond (Neil Diamond tribute) at 6:30 p.m., and Fleetwood Macramé at 8 p.m.
It’s a salute to classic rock that Marin audiences know inside and out. Turn your 4th of July in Sausalito or Larkspur into a night of familiar favorites under the Marin Center lights.
July 5 — Latin Heritage Day with Lupita Infante
Wrapping up the fair, Lupita Infante—Grammy and Latin Grammy-nominated regional Mexican artist, and granddaughter of Pedro Infante—takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. on July 5. This finale celebrates Marin’s own cultural richness. Whether you’re from Corte Madera, San Rafael, or Marinwood, you’ll want to be there to close out the five‑day run with a little extra regional pride.
Planning your visit: tickets, access and tips
Tickets run from $20 to $30. That gets you general admission to the main concerts—first come, first served—so you can pick between standing or grabbing a seat.
On July 1, youth 12 and under, seniors 65+, and veterans get in free. It’s a good chance for families to save a bit. Kids 3 and under, along with active‑duty military, don’t pay on any day.
Coming from Marin County towns like San Rafael, Novato, San Anselmo, or Fairfax? You’ll want to think ahead about parking and traffic near the Marin Center. Honestly, transit from Tamalpais Valley, Mill Valley, or Sausalito might save you some headaches—summer crowds at the gate can get wild.
- Ticket details and schedules: marinfair.org
- Show up early for concerts if you care about your spot (standing or sitting—your call)
- July 1’s free admission can help families from Corte Madera or Ross stick to a budget
- Pack some patience. Bring your Marin County pride—the locals know how to throw a party
If you’re a North Bay regular or just starting to explore Sausalito’s waterfront, the Marin County Fair packs five days with music, culture, and a real sense of community. It lights up towns all over Marin—from San Rafael out to Fairfax and Novato.
Honestly, if you’re putting together a summer calendar, this fair should be on it. There’s something about the way it brings together all the different voices and that classic festive Marin spirit.
Here is the source article for this story: Marin County Fair announces 2026 music lineup
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