The Novato Festival of Art, Wine & Music turns downtown Novato into Marin County’s biggest public celebration every summer. This free weekend event brings together local artisans, regional wineries, craft breweries, and nonstop live music across several stages.
The Novato Chamber of Commerce hosts the festival. Over the years, it’s become a cornerstone for the community and draws folks from all over the Bay Area.
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Festival Highlights
The two-day celebration has something for everyone, no matter your age. Organizers set up several blocks of downtown with different zones to explore.
You can wander between experiences at your own pace. Honestly, it’s a great way to see what catches your eye.
Art Experiences
Artists from Marin and beyond set up throughout the festival, showing off all kinds of handmade work. You’ll see:
- Paintings and photography
- Handmade jewelry
- Ceramics and pottery
- Woodworking and sculpture
- Textile arts and clothing
Most vendors take credit cards, but cash is handy for smaller buys. Many artists chat about their process or even demo techniques, which adds a personal touch you don’t get everywhere.
Music Lineup
Music plays on multiple stages from 11:00am until closing each day. Expect a mix of:
- Local Marin County bands
- Regional touring groups
- Genres like rock, jazz, blues, and folk
The Novato Chamber will post performance schedules closer to the event. If you want to camp out for a set, bring a portable chair—trust me, your feet will thank you.
Food and Drink
The food scene at the festival is a highlight, with plenty of booths representing Marin’s culinary variety. Wine and beer stations pour local picks, showing off what Northern California does best.
Food choices usually include:
- Wood-fired pizza
- BBQ and grilled specialties
- Global cuisine options
- Sweet treats and desserts
Note: You’ll need to be 21+ with valid ID for alcohol. Festival staff set up beverage areas where you can sample and enjoy wine or beer on the grounds.
Practical Information
Planning ahead makes the festival a lot smoother. Downtown Novato is convenient, but it can get crowded fast.
Getting There
You’ll find downtown Novato just east of Highway 101, so it’s easy to reach from all over the Bay Area.
- By car: Follow signs for festival parking
- Free shuttles usually run from designated lots
- Rideshare is a good call if you want to skip parking headaches
Traffic gets heavy during peak hours (12pm-4pm). If you can, arrive early for better parking and a more relaxed vibe.
Family Attractions
The festival has a dedicated kids’ area that’s genuinely fun for families. Activities often include:
- Arts and crafts stations
- Face painting
- Interactive games
- Child-focused entertainment
It’s a good spot to take a breather if you’re with little ones. Water stations are scattered around so you can stay hydrated, which is honestly a lifesaver in June.
Weather Considerations
June usually brings sunny, warm weather—think 75-85°F. Sometimes there’s morning fog, but it burns off by lunchtime.
What should you bring?
- Sunscreen and hats
- Light layers for shifting temps
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Refillable water bottles
Just a heads up: Novato tends to run 5-10 degrees warmer than coastal Marin towns in summer.
Local Tips
I’ve been to this festival more times than I can count, so here are a few tips from experience.
Best Times to Visit
Saturday morning is your best bet for fresh vendor selections and smaller crowds. If you want a more laid-back scene, Sunday late afternoon works, though some vendors might be out of the most popular stuff.
If music’s your main thing, check the chamber website for the schedule and pick your favorite acts. Between 11:00am and 1:00pm, crowds are usually lighter, so you can chat with artists or just enjoy the music without elbowing your way through.
Beyond the Festival
While you’re in Novato, you might want to check out a few nearby spots. Here are some ideas:
- Downtown Novato shops and restaurants
- Stafford Lake Park (just 10 minutes north)
- Olompali State Historic Park (about 5 minutes north)
- Hamilton Field wetlands and trails
Lots of downtown restaurants roll out special deals for the festival weekend. Honestly, it’s smart to grab a reservation since things get busy fast.
Got questions about the 2025 Novato Festival of Art, Wine & Music? You can call the Novato Chamber of Commerce at 415-897-1164 or just head over to www.novatochamber.com/2025-art-wine-music/.
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