Marin Open Studios is back for its 33rd year, and it’s inviting everyone to take a self-guided tour of artist studios spread all over Marin County. On May 2–3 and May 9–10, more than 260 artists will open their doors to visitors—from Sausalito and Mill Valley to San Rafael, Novato, and plenty of spots in between.
You’ll find sculpture, pottery, painting, photography, textiles, and jewelry. With 62 artists new to the program, there’s a rare chance to meet creators up close, see how they work, and community-focused-format/”>buy art directly from the makers themselves.
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Overview of Marin Open Studios’ 33rd Year
All across Marin—from the bayside charm of Belvedere to the hillside studios in Fairfax, and even the agricultural nooks near Petaluma’s edge—artists are ready to welcome guests during two weekends in May. The studios open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both weekends.
This year, a special Showcase Gallery bridges the gap between studios and city streets, offering a curated slice of the full roster. Marin Open Studios (MOS) keeps working to engage and support Marin County artists and audiences through inclusive programming, aiming to strengthen the creative economy that sustains towns from Sausalito to Corte Madera.
What to Expect Across Marin’s Studios
Expect a colorful tapestry of media and techniques across Marin’s creative landscape. You’ll have plenty of chances to chat directly with artists, learn about their materials, and pick up work on the spot.
The program highlights the region’s diversity and depth, drawing participants from Marin’s lively urban centers as well as its quieter neighborhoods.
- Media variety: sculpture, pottery, painting, photography, textiles, and jewelry, among others.
- New to MOS: 62 artists joining the lineup this year, expanding the range of work you’ll see from Sausalito to Novato.
- Geographic spread: stops across Marin’s towns—from the waterfront streets of Sausalito and Tiburon to the artistic hubs of San Rafael, San Anselmo, and Fairfax.
- Direct-from-artist purchases: a rare chance to collect unique pieces while supporting local creators.
Showcase Gallery Experience in Sausalito
The Showcase Gallery at the Sausalito Center for the Arts (750 Bridgeway) is a real highlight, presenting work from every participating artist. The Showcase runs April 24–May 10, Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving everyone a citywide preview before the studio tours start—and a lingering reminder through the weekend after.
The open studios themselves run 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on those two May weekends. You’re invited to wander through studios in Sausalito, Mill Valley, and all the way across the Golden Gate National Recreation Area into Marin’s north and south counties.
Printed tour guides with studio maps are available at the Showcase, and there’s also an online tour guide with maps if you’re planning a road trip from San Rafael to Novato.
Planning Your Visit
If you want to make the most of a MOS weekend, a little planning goes a long way, especially with Marin’s winding roads and cozy café culture. MOS even shares tips on nearby “Hey Neighbor” cafés and restaurants, so you can turn your art tour into a full day or weekend—start with morning art-viewing and then grab a mid-day bite in downtown Sausalito, Mill Valley, or Larkspur.
- Timing and routes: Plan around the 11 a.m. start. Maybe map a route that covers Sausalito, Tiburon, and Corte Madera, then swing through San Rafael and San Anselmo on day two.
- Tour guides: Printed guides with studio maps are at the Showcase Gallery; you can also use an online map on your phone or tablet.
- Local dining: MOS’s recommendations help you line up art stops with nearby cafés and restaurants—perfect for a mid-tour break in Marin’s towns like Ross, Fairfax, or Novato.
Supporting Marin Artists and Community
Kina Lamblin, MOS’s Executive Director, says the program’s core purpose is to build community around artists and get more people engaged with the arts, while making sure diversity and inclusion stay front and center across Marin County’s towns.
This philosophy shapes MOS’s year-round programs, services, and events, connecting folks in Sausalito and San Rafael with artists in Tamalpais communities and beyond.
Where to Learn More
For more info, maps, and up-to-date schedules, check out the official MOS site at www.marinopenstudios.org.
Whether you’re in Belvedere, Corte Madera, Novato, or just wandering through, this Marin tradition really does celebrate the creative spirit that makes our county—especially those towns along the 101 corridor and near the Larkspur ferry—feel so distinctive.
Here is the source article for this story: 2026 Marin Open Studios
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