Rock the Block in Novato – June 19, 2025

# Rock the Block in Novato – June 19, 2025

Rock the Block turns downtown Novato into a lively street party, kicking off summer in Marin County in style. This free event shuts down Grant Avenue between Machin and Reichert, filling the street with music, food, and plenty of local flavor.

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The highlight? “You Should Be Dancing,” a Bee Gees cover band, takes the stage and draws a crowd of locals and out-of-towners. People come for the music, but they end up staying for the small-town charm and sense of community.

What to Expect

The fun runs from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. It’s a great way to unwind after work, and families don’t have to worry about a late night.

The main stage sits right in the center of the action, and the music has a broad appeal. You’ll see kids, parents, and maybe even a few grandparents dancing along.

Musical Entertainment

“You Should Be Dancing” nails those Bee Gees classics. Their disco covers always pack the dance floor in front of the stage.

The band usually does two sets with a quick break in between. Expect crowd-pleasers like “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever”—they never get old, honestly.

Food and Drinks

Restaurants set up on the street with special menus for the night. Food options usually include:

  • Street food spins from local spots
  • Food trucks with all kinds of eats
  • Fresh treats from nearby bakeries
  • There’s a marked area for drinks, where you’ll find craft beers, wines from Sonoma and Napa, and some non-alcoholic picks too. Note: Bring your ID if you want a drink, and keep your cup inside the designated zones.

    Getting There

    Downtown Novato gets pretty packed for this event. If you plan ahead, you’ll avoid the headache and actually catch the start of the show.

    Parking Options

    Street parking disappears fast. Your best bets are:

  • City Hall lot (about three blocks away)
  • Vintage Oaks Shopping Center (roughly a 10-minute walk)
  • Side streets west of Redwood Boulevard
  • If you’re planning to drink, rideshare is the way to go. Dropoff points sit at both ends of the event zone.

    Public Transportation

    Marin Transit routes 49 and 251 both stop nearby. Last buses leave around 10:00pm, so there’s no rush to get out right at nine.

    Local Tips

    I’ve been to Rock the Block more than a few times, so here’s what’s worked for me over the years.

    Timing Your Visit

    Get there around 5:30pm if you want easy parking and a good spot for the show. The dance area fills up by 6:30pm, so don’t wait if you’re hoping to snag a place up front.

    The biggest crowds show up between 7:00pm and 8:30pm. If you’re not a fan of packed spaces, you might want to plan around that.

    What to Bring

    June nights in Novato can get chilly after dark. I’d suggest bringing:

  • A light jacket or sweater—seriously, you’ll need it
  • Comfortable shoes, especially if you’ll be dancing
  • Cash for vendors who don’t take cards
  • A portable chair if you’d rather not stand the whole time
  • Heads up: Large backpacks might get checked at the entrance.

    Nearby Activities

    Why not make a night of it? Rock the Block wraps up early, so you’ve got time to grab dinner at a local spot that’s not part of the street fair.

    Before the Event

    If you get to Novato early, you’ve got some fun options to check out:

  • The Space Station Museum (closes at 5:00pm)
  • Marin Museum of Contemporary Art (closes at 4:00pm)
  • Stafford Lake Park for afternoon hiking (closes at sunset)
  • Each spot highlights a different side of Novato—culture, art, or the outdoors. It’s a nice way to get a feel for the place before your evening plans.

    Rock the Block really captures Novato’s community vibe. The event’s free, super relaxed, and honestly, it’s open to everyone—kids, adults, whoever’s along for the ride.

    Marin County 2025 Deals!
    Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:

    Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs

     
    Joe Hughes
    Joe Hawtin is the founder of MarinCountyVisitor.com, a comprehensive online resource inspired by his passion for Marin County's natural beauty, diverse communities, and rich cultural offerings. Combining his love for exploration with his intimate local knowledge, Joe curates an authentic guide to the area featuring guides on Marin County Cities, Things to Do, and Places to Stay. Follow Joe on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
     

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