Get ready for a bug-filled adventure at the Marin County Fair! From July 2-6, 2025, the fairgrounds near the Marin Civic Center in San Rafael turn into “BUG-TASTIC!”, a wild celebration of everything that crawls, flies, and buzzes. The fair goes from 11am to 11pm each day, with classic carnival rides, global marketplace shopping, tasty fair food, live music, and fireworks lighting up the lagoon every night.
On Wednesday, July 2, kids 12 and under get in free, so it’s a great family day. For five days, you’ll spot competitive exhibits from local talents, hands-on art, and bug-themed activities that keep the whole family busy and curious.
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The 80-acre fairgrounds have plenty of room to wander through this ultimate bug fest. You’ll run into everything flittery, fluttery, buzzy, creepy, crawly, sticky, prickly, and wiggly. Whether you’re here for the exhibits, the music, or just the classic fair vibes, the Marin County Fair really does have something for everyone.
Essential Visitor Information
If you’re planning a visit to the Marin County Fair, a few details can help your day run smoother. Here’s the scoop on when to go, snagging tickets, and how to actually get there without losing your mind.
Dates, Location, and Hours
The Marin County Fair runs July 2-6, 2025. It’s all happening at the Marin County Fairgrounds in San Rafael, right by the iconic Marin Civic Center.
Doors open at 11:00 am and close at 11:00 pm, so you get a full 12 hours of festivities each day. This year’s theme is “BUG-TASTIC!”—if you like insects and all things creepy-crawly, you’re in luck.
Wednesday, July 2 is the day to bring the kids—12 and under get in totally free. That’s a solid deal for families watching their budget.
The fairgrounds stretch across 80 scenic acres, with the lagoon making a gorgeous backdrop for the nightly fireworks. You’ll find all the rides, exhibits, and vendors packed into this space, so you won’t be hiking for miles.
Tickets and Admission
You can grab tickets for the 2025 Marin County Fair online at the Marin Center website. Seriously, buy them ahead—it saves you from standing in line at the entrance.
Ticket Options:
- Adult admission (ages 13-64)
- Children’s admission (ages 4-12)
- Senior admission (ages 65+)
- Children under 4: Free
Don’t forget: Kids 12 and under get in free on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
If you’re planning to come more than once, season passes are worth it. They’ll save you a chunk of change over buying single-day tickets.
Got a big group (20 or more)? Group rates kick in if you reserve in advance. Military and veterans score discounted admission with a valid ID.
Every ticket covers entertainment, exhibits, and the nightly fireworks. Carnival rides aren’t included, though—you’ll need to buy separate tickets or wristbands for those once you’re inside.
Transportation and Parking
The fairgrounds have on-site parking for a daily fee, but those spots fill up fast, especially at night or on weekends. Try these options for less hassle:
Public Transit Options:
- Marin Transit buses run extra service to the fair during event days
- SMART Train connects to shuttle buses that drop you right at the fairgrounds
- Golden Gate Transit buses from San Francisco stop near the venue
There’s a free bike valet at the main entrance, so biking in is actually a great option. They keep your bike safe all day.
If you’re using Uber or Lyft, look for the designated drop-off and pick-up area near the entrance. It’s especially handy if you plan to stay late.
If you do drive, bring friends and carpool. Electronic signs will guide you based on traffic—sometimes the route changes if things get crowded.
Entertainment Highlights
The Marin County Fair packs in a ton of entertainment over its five-day run. Live music, fireworks, and quirky performances keep the energy high and the crowds happy.
Main Stage Concert Lineup
This year’s BUG-TASTIC! fair brings some serious talent to the main stage. Ska legends The Skatalites kick things off on opening night. On July 3rd, R&B icons TLC will belt out their classics.
Country fans get their fix with Brooke Eden and Chris Housman on July 4th. On July 5th, Elvis Crespo brings his lively merengue vibes to the stage.
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The “Bee So Fly Music Fest” wraps it up on July 6th, spotlighting local youth musicians and bands. Main stage concerts come with your fair admission, but if you want premium seats, you’ll pay extra. Most shows start around 7:30 PM.
Tribute Bands and Featured Acts
If you’re into tribute bands, you’ll have a blast. “New Moon on Monday” nails Duran Duran’s sound, and “Zepparella,” the all-female Led Zeppelin tribute, rocks the Garden Stage daily at 4:00 PM.
“Petty Theft” covers Tom Petty’s greatest hits with impressive accuracy on the Lagoon Stage—catch them July 3rd and 5th at 6:00 PM.
The dance crew “Big Bang Beat” puts on high-energy shows every day, mixing hip-hop moves with bug-themed costumes. You’ll also bump into stilt-walking butterflies and goofy ant colonies wandering the fairgrounds, interacting with folks.
Nightly Fireworks Shows
Every night at 9:30 PM, fireworks explode over the lagoon in a 20-minute show set to music inspired by insects—think “Flight of the Bumblebee” and “Butterfly” by Crazy Town.
The lagoon’s edge gives you the best view, but honestly, you can see the show from almost anywhere. Bring a blanket if you want to camp out on the grass.
For 2025, they’re adding “firefly” drones to the usual fireworks, making swirling light patterns like real insects. Friday and Saturday’s shows go even bigger, with extra effects.
If you want a prime spot, show up early—those fill up fast.
Film Festival and Special Performances
The Marin County Fair Film Festival is back with daily screenings of bug-themed documentaries and family movies at the Exhibit Hall Theater. Expect a mix of award-winning nature films and animated crowd-pleasers.
Screenings run through the day, with the last one starting at 8:00 PM. The theater is air-conditioned, which is a nice break if you need to cool off.
Special performances include the “Insect Circus,” where acrobats and aerialists mimic butterfly and dragonfly moves. They run three shows a day at the Pavilion Stage.
The “Beehive Science Show” mixes education and fun, showing off pollination with hands-on demos. Kids can join the “Caterpillar to Butterfly” puppet workshops, making their own bug puppets and then parading around the fairgrounds.
Bug-tastic Themed Attractions
The 2025 theme celebrates the wild world of bugs with interactive exhibits and family-friendly activities. You can get up close with butterflies, beetles, and more through hands-on experiences for all ages.
Bug Fest and Educational Exhibits
The Bay Area Discovery Museum’s Try-It Truck rolls in with live insects, spiders, scorpions, and other creepy crawlies. You’ll see them in custom habitats, doing their thing up close.
Entomologists give daily talks about why bugs matter, covering pollination, decomposition, and pest control. These 30-minute sessions work for curious kids and adults alike.
Step inside the Butterfly Pavilion to walk among hundreds of butterflies. The exhibit highlights native California species and lays out their life cycles with interactive displays.
At the “Mighty Millipedes” exhibit, you can watch these unique critters in a habitat designed to mimic their natural world.
Interactive Activities for Families
Make bug-themed crafts at stations all over the fairgrounds. Butterfly masks, spider web dreamcatchers, and colorful insect sculptures are just a few projects you can take home.
The Balloonacy crew puts on daily shows with wild bug-shaped balloon creations, and they’ll even teach you how to twist your own bug balloons.
Stilt Circus performers, dressed as enormous insects, parade through the fair and stop to play with visitors. Their costumes are a hit with everyone.
Sign up for a guided “Bug Hunt” and search for hidden model insects scattered across the fairgrounds. If you fill out your hunt card, you can claim a bug-themed prize at the info booth.
Hands-on learning stations let you check out bug specimens under microscopes and feel different exoskeletons to see how insects defend themselves.
Carnival Rides and Games
The Marin County Fair brings a big collection of carnival rides and games for all ages. Butler Amusements sets up over 28 free rides, from gentle ones for little kids to thrilling attractions for the brave.
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Thrilling Rides and Attractions
If you’re chasing adrenaline, the fair has you covered. The Giant Wheel, towering 10 stories, gives you killer views of the fairgrounds and beyond—perfect for snapping photos or just soaking it all in.
Want more intensity? Try Inversion and Rock Star, which cost $5 each. These rides take thrills up a notch compared to the free options.
The Wacky Worm Coaster is ideal for families who want some excitement without going overboard. This one also requires a $5 ticket.
Rides suit a range of ages, and Butler Amusements keeps everything safe and fun.
Fun Games and Prizes
Besides rides, you’ll find plenty of carnival games to test your luck and skill—ring toss, balloon darts, ball-toss challenges, and more.
The games area is lively, with colorful booths and staff cheering you on. Prizes range from small toys to giant stuffed animals if you’re up for the challenge.
Most games cost $3-5 per play, with some offering deals for multiple tries.
The games are set up near food vendors, so you can grab a snack while you play. This spot turns into a popular hangout for families.
Staff are around to explain the rules and offer tips if you’re new to the games.
Food and Beverage Experiences
The Marin County Fair serves up a tasty mix of food and drink, from local favorites to international eats. Whether you crave classic fair snacks or want to try something new, you’ll find plenty to munch on.
Local and International Cuisine
The fair’s food scene goes way beyond the usual carnival snacks. All over the fairgrounds, you’ll spot food booths showing off Marin County’s best—think dishes packed with fresh, local ingredients. Local restaurants and food vendors jump in, serving everything from farm-to-table meals to small-batch ice cream. You’ll probably catch the smell of something delicious no matter where you wander.
If you’re in the mood for something global, the marketplace area brings together vendors with authentic eats from all over. You might grab Mexican street tacos, Thai noodles, Mediterranean platters, or a plate of Italian pasta—there’s a lot to choose from.
Of course, it wouldn’t feel like a fair without the classics:
- Corn dogs and funnel cakes
- BBQ ribs and pulled pork
- Fresh-baked pretzels
- Hand-dipped ice cream
- Cotton candy and caramel apples
Beverage and Refreshment Options
When you’re ready for a drink, the Marin County Fair’s got you covered. Local craft breweries set up beer gardens, so you can sip on unique brews and soak in the fair vibe. These spots are perfect if you want to take a break and just relax with your drink.
Wine lovers will find a nice selection of Marin and Sonoma County wines at different beverage stands. A lot of vendors offer wine flights, so you can try a few styles and maybe find a new favorite.
If you’re not drinking alcohol, don’t worry—you’ll see plenty of:
- Fresh-squeezed lemonade stands
- Fruit smoothies and juice bars
- Artisanal coffee and tea
- Specialty sodas and kombucha
They’ve placed water refill stations all around the grounds, so bring a reusable bottle and stay hydrated while you explore.
Competitive and Creative Exhibits
The Marin County Fair packs in a seriously impressive lineup of competitive exhibits and local talent really gets to shine. You’ll wander through displays of fine arts, photography, and some fascinating educational setups scattered across the fairgrounds.
Art, Crafts, and Educational Displays
The 2025 Marin County Fair brings out juried fine arts and photography exhibits, and local artists compete for those blue ribbons. You can enter your own work now—the registration is open online if you’re feeling creative.
This year’s fair has a quirky bug theme, so you’ll spot special categories for anything flittery, fluttery, buzzy, or just plain wiggly. It’s a fun twist that keeps things fresh.
The Bay Area Discovery Museum’s Try-It Truck rolls in with hands-on activities for curious folks of all ages. These interactive exhibits give everyone a chance to get creative and learn something new—honestly, it’s hard not to get drawn in.
There are categories for crafts, artwork, and all sorts of educational projects. If you’re interested in entering, the Competitive Exhibits Guidebook online has all the details and deadlines you need.
Fairground Décor and Flags
Colorful flags and themed decorations pop up everywhere, turning the fairgrounds into a bright, lively space. The 2025 bug-inspired theme shows up in all sorts of creative ways, from banners to art installations.
Keep an eye out for cool displays between exhibit halls and along the walkways. Local artists and community members design many of these decorations, and some even compete for prizes.
As the sun sets, the fairgrounds light up with glowing displays—perfect for snapping a few photos. And if you’re still around at 9:30 pm, the nightly fireworks add a burst of color to the sky and wrap up the day with a bang.
Pet-Friendly Fair Experience
The Marin County Fair welcomes responsible pet owners and sets up special accommodations and activities for your furry friends. The organizers get that pets are part of the family and want them to have a good time too.
Bringing Pets and Animal Activities
You can bring your dog to designated areas of the Marin County Fair, as long as you keep them on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Don’t forget to pack waste bags and clean up after your pup. You’ll find water stations for dogs scattered throughout the pet-friendly zones.
The fair has this cool “Paws Zone” where you and your pet can chill out together, away from the crowds and all that noise. There’s shade and some comfy spots to rest—honestly, it’s a relief on a hot day.
Every day at 2 PM, you can join the pet parade near the West Entrance. It’s a blast seeing everyone’s pets dressed up or showing off their skills. They give out prizes for things like “Most Creative Costume” and “Best Trick,” which always gets a few laughs.
If you love animals, check out the 4-H animal exhibits. Local kids bring their farm animals and set up displays about animal care—it’s actually pretty interesting if you’re curious about that stuff.
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