The Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival is one of Marin County’s standout cultural events. Each year, 135 juried fine artists gather beneath the redwoods in Old Mill Park.
This two-day celebration blends visual arts, live music, activities for kids, and local food. The setting really captures the creative spirit of Northern California.
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Now in its 68th year, the festival keeps up its legacy. Artists showcase original works—ceramics, textiles, painting, sculpture, and jewelry all make an appearance.
A Natural Gallery Among the Redwoods
Old Mill Park basically turns into an outdoor art gallery for the weekend. The natural beauty of the place really makes the artwork pop.
The Setting
Towering redwoods cast dappled light across the grounds, creating pockets of shade and a calm vibe. There’s a creek running alongside the park that adds a gentle soundtrack while you browse.
This environment feels inseparable from the festival itself. There’s just something about the mix of nature and art that sticks with you.
Artist Selection
The organizers take quality seriously and use a juried selection process. All 135 exhibitors bring original, artist-made work—so you’re not going to find mass-produced stuff here.
Styles run the gamut from traditional to contemporary. There’s honestly something for just about every taste.
Beyond Visual Arts
Fine art is at the heart of the festival, but there’s more to explore. Visitors of all ages find something that draws them in.
Live Performances
The main stage features live music both days. Local musicians play everything from folk and jazz to world music.
The redwoods form a kind of natural amphitheater, and the acoustics are surprisingly good. There’s a certain magic to hearing music outdoors like this.
Family Activities
Kids have plenty to do besides looking at art, including:
These activities help make the festival feel welcoming to everyone. Families can really make a day of it together.
Supporting the Community
The festival keeps strong ties to the local community, especially through its food and drink program. Local non-profits run the food booths, so your lunch supports a good cause.
Culinary Offerings
The food options reflect Marin County’s diverse culinary scene. You’ll find everything from artisanal sandwiches to international dishes, with vegetarian and vegan choices in the mix.
Regional Appeal
The festival attracts people from all over the Bay Area, including San Francisco and Marin. September usually brings perfect weather—warm days and mild temps that make outdoor art browsing a pleasure.
Visitor Information
It’s worth planning ahead if you want to get the most out of your visit.
Tickets and Timing
The festival runs from 10:00am to 5:00pm on September 21, 2025. Early bird tickets go for $20.00 each until September 1, 2025, and then jump to $25.00 at the gate.
Seniors get a discount, and kids under 12 get in free. For families, it’s a pretty affordable way to spend a day together.
Getting There
Old Mill Park sits just blocks from downtown Mill Valley. It’s about 14 miles north of San Francisco if you’re coming over the Golden Gate Bridge.
Parking near the venue is pretty limited, so you might want to look into shuttle options or just get there early. Since the festival is so close to downtown Mill Valley, it’s easy to wander through the town’s shops and restaurants before or after you visit.
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