The Mill Valley Film Festival turns Marin County into a movie lover’s paradise every year. About 200 filmmakers from more than 50 countries show up on this stretch of the California coast. Screenings and events happen at several venues, like the Sequoia Cinema in Mill Valley and the Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael, so you’ll get a chance to wander different corners of Marin while you’re here.
If you’re planning to go, it’s worth checking the online schedule for films, panels, and special events before you get here. You’ll find plenty of places to stay nearby—Bay Club Marin and Best Western Plus Corte Madera Inn are solid options if you’re hanging around overnight.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Just north of San Francisco, the festival gives you a great excuse to soak up both world-class movies and Marin County’s scenery. Between screenings, maybe pop into Book Passage bookstore or hit some hiking trails and take in those coastal views that make this part of the Bay Area so easy to love.
Mill Valley Film Festival Overview
The Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF) lands in Marin County every October, turning the area into a magnet for filmmakers and film buffs. This internationally known festival shows off a huge variety of films and brings together hundreds of filmmakers from all over.
History and Cultural Significance
Kicking off in the late 1970s, the Mill Valley Film Festival started small but now ranks as one of the most respected film festivals in the country. It’s known for championing independent films and documentaries that sometimes go on to win big awards.
Unlike the glitzier, more competitive festivals, MVFF keeps things relaxed and puts the spotlight on cinema as art, not just prizes. Filmmakers seem to appreciate that vibe—there’s more room for real conversations with the audience.
James Redford, who made documentaries and cared deeply about the environment, was a regular fixture at the festival before he passed away. His involvement really showed how the festival leans into meaningful storytelling and reflects Marin’s creative, progressive spirit.
Festival Venues and Locations
You’ll find the festival spread across Marin County, with main hubs in Mill Valley and San Rafael. The Smith Rafael Film Center, with its art deco style and multiple screens, is a centerpiece in San Rafael.
Over in Mill Valley, the Sequoia Theatre buzzes as festival headquarters, right in the heart of downtown. Other spots you might wander into:
- CinéArts Sequoia (Mill Valley)
- Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center (San Rafael)
- Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley) – home to music documentaries and live shows
- Outdoor venues in Ross and nearby towns for special events
Most venues sit close to restaurants and shops—grab a bite or browse between films. Free shuttles usually run between the main venues, making it easy to get around without a car.
Notable Events and Guests
Every year, around 200 filmmakers from 50+ countries show up, and the festival keeps things intimate enough that you can actually chat with directors or actors after screenings. Q&As get lively and sometimes go surprisingly deep.
Tributes and special spotlights honor big names in the industry. In the past, you might’ve bumped into:
- Award-winning directors and producers
- Hollywood actors debuting indie projects
- Documentary filmmakers, including local folks like Don Hardy
- International cinema trailblazers
There’s more than just movies—panel talks, workshops, and special events keep things interesting. Some films have even premiered here before heading to the Oscars.
As the sun goes down, the crowd often drifts to places like Sweetwater Music Hall for film-themed concerts and casual parties where you can actually mingle with industry pros. It’s a good time, honestly.
Planning Your Visit to Mill Valley
Getting to Mill Valley for the festival takes a bit of planning, but it’s worth the effort. Picking the right place to stay and figuring out your timing will make your festival trip way smoother.
Getting to Marin County
Mill Valley sits about 14 miles north of San Francisco, just across the Golden Gate Bridge. You’ve got a few solid transportation options to get here:
From San Francisco:
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
- By car: Head north on Highway 101, cross the Golden Gate, and take the Highway 1/Mill Valley-Stinson Beach exit
- By public transit: Golden Gate Transit buses run often from San Francisco to Mill Valley
- By ferry: Hop the ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito, then grab a shuttle or taxi to Mill Valley
From San Francisco International Airport (SFO):
- About 45 minutes by car on Highway 101
- Airport shuttles serve Marin if you book ahead
Once you’re in Mill Valley, most venues are scattered around downtown and Corte Madera. Lytton Square is the main hub, and honestly, you can walk to a lot of places from there.
Where to Stay in Mill Valley
Hotels in Mill Valley are limited but have plenty of charm. You’ll want to book early—rooms disappear fast during the festival.
Right in Mill Valley:
- Mill Valley Inn – boutique hotel downtown
- Holiday Inn Express Mill Valley – comfortable spot near the highway
- Acqua Hotel – on the waterfront, a little outside downtown
Nearby towns:
- Larkspur and Corte Madera have hotels like Courtyard by Marriott
- Sausalito’s just 15 minutes away and has some great waterfront places
- Tiburon’s a bit fancier and offers ferry access to San Francisco
A lot of festival-goers use Airbnb or vacation rentals—sometimes you just want a little more space or a kitchen, right?
Best Times to Attend
The festival runs for about 10 days in October, and your timing can really shape your experience.
Weekdays (Monday-Thursday):
- Less crowded, easier to get tickets
- Lines are shorter
- You might just walk into a screening without much planning
Opening weekend:
- Big premieres and special events
- More celebs and filmmakers around
- The energy’s high, and there are usually parties
Closing weekend:
- Awards and special closing films
- People are buzzing about the festival favorites
- Last chance to catch anything you missed
If you’re flexible, morning screenings are usually easier to get into than evening ones. Buy tickets ahead of time on the festival website if you can—some films sell out fast.
Activities and Attractions Near the Festival
When you’re not glued to a movie seat, Mill Valley’s got plenty to keep you busy. The mix of nature, arts, and food here is honestly pretty hard to beat.
Outdoor Adventures and Parks
Just a few miles from downtown, Muir Woods National Monument lets you wander under ancient redwoods. The trees are massive and the trails are easy. Show up early (before 9am) if you want to beat the crowds and find parking.
Mount Tamalpais State Park has more than 50 miles of hiking trails, plus the East Peak summit, which gives you a wild 360-degree view—SF, the ocean, the whole Bay Area.
You can rent mountain bikes and hit the “Repack Trail” if you’re feeling brave, or just cruise along Tennessee Valley for something gentler.
If you’re a runner, the Dipsea Trail is legendary—7.4 miles from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach. It’s tough, but the views are worth it. The Dipsea Race is the oldest trail run in the country, by the way.
Local Arts, Crafts, and Culture
The O’Hanlon Center for the Arts shows off local artists’ work and usually puts up special exhibits during the festival. It’s free and you’ll see stuff you won’t find anywhere else.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Downtown Mill Valley has a handful of small galleries with art, photography, and handmade jewelry. Most artists here pull inspiration from the landscape, and it shows.
Sweetwater Music Hall is a classic spot for live music—everyone from Jerry Garcia to Bonnie Raitt has played there. It’s also a go-to festival hangout after the movies let out.
The Mill Valley Public Library is worth a stop, too—gorgeous building, peaceful reading garden, and usually some film-related book displays or author talks during festival week.
Dining and Nightlife
You won’t go hungry downtown. Bungalow 44 does California comfort food in a laid-back room. Playa’s your spot for modern Mexican and a killer tequila list.
For a caffeine fix, Equator Coffees serves up strong brews and pastries. The patio’s a great place to hash out what you just watched.
Mill Valley Beerworks pours small-batch beers and serves farm-to-table food at communal tables—perfect for striking up a chat with locals or other festival folks.
Night owls head to Buckeye Roadhouse for mesquite-grilled everything and classic cocktails. You’ll probably spot a few filmmakers unwinding there after dark.
Day Trips Around Marin County
If you’ve got a car and a free morning, Point Reyes National Seashore is about 40 minutes away and offers jaw-dropping coastal views. Check out the lighthouse, look for elephant seals, or hike through forests to the beach.
San Anselmo and Fairfax are smaller towns with antique shops, indie bookstores, and organic cafes. The Fairfax Theater screens indie movies all year.
San Rafael, Marin’s biggest city, has the historic Mission San Rafael Arcángel and a lively downtown with shops and restaurants. The farmers market is a fun place to grab fresh local food.
And if you want a change of pace, San Francisco is right across the Golden Gate. The Presidio is great for hiking, museums, and those iconic bridge views.
Essential Travel Tips for Festival-Goers
A little planning goes a long way at the Mill Valley Film Festival. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your trip—and avoid rookie mistakes.
Ticketing and Entry Information
Buy tickets early—seriously, some screenings sell out before the festival even starts. You’ll see a few ticket options:
- Individual screening tickets: $16–20 per film
- Six-pack: Discounted bundle for multiple films
- Festival passes: Access to all regular screenings
- Premium passes: Includes special events and premieres
Try to show up at least half an hour before your movie. Venues usually open doors 15–20 minutes ahead. Your seat is safe until about 10 minutes before showtime; after that, they might give it to someone on standby.
You can pick up tickets at the box office or just use the festival app for mobile entry. Don’t forget your ID—it needs to match your ticket.
Accessibility and Accommodations
All the main venues in Mill Valley and San Rafael are wheelchair accessible. If you need special seating, request it when you buy your ticket.
Most screenings offer assistive listening devices. Some films have open captions or audio descriptions—just check the program guide for details.
For places to stay, you’ve got:
- Mill Valley Inn (boutique)
- Holiday Inn Express Mill Valley
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott
- Local Airbnb rentals
Book months ahead if you can—rooms fill up fast during the festival. If Mill Valley’s booked, Sausalito or Tiburon are close by and just as nice.
Sustainability and Responsible Tourism
The Mill Valley Film Festival really leans into eco-friendly habits. Don’t forget your reusable water bottle—there are water stations all over the venues. Festival merch? Some of it’s actually made from recycled stuff, which is a nice touch.
Try hopping on the festival shuttle to avoid the usual parking headaches. Shuttles zip between the main venues and parking lots, but honestly, Marin County’s bike paths are so good that riding a bike is a fantastic option too. There’s bike parking at every venue, so you won’t be stuck searching for a spot.
If you’ve got some time between films, wander out and soak up Mill Valley’s natural scenery. The Dipsea Trail’s pretty legendary, and Muir Woods is just a short trip away. Take your photos, but let’s keep these places looking wild—no need to leave anything behind.
And hey, don’t just rush from movie to movie. Check out the local restaurants; the festival teams up with a few to offer special menus for attendees. Bungalow 44 and Playa are both worth a try if you want to get a real taste of the area.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Angelico Concert Hall
Art Works Downtown San Rafael
Bear Valley Visitor Center
Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre
Downtown San Rafael Art District
Elk Watching in Marin County
Ember Stomp
Italian Film Festival
Marin Art and Garden Center
Marin County Fair
Marin County International Festival of Short Film & Video
Marin Shakespeare Company
Marin Symphony
Marin Theatre Company
Mill Valley Film Festival
Mill Valley Music Festival
Mountain Play
Point Reyes Lighthouse
Ross Valley Players
Sausalito Center For The Arts
Seal Watching in Marin County
The California Film Institute
The Playhouse in San Anselmo
Throckmorton Theatre
Tiburon International Film Festival
Tule Elk Reserve
Whale Watching in Marin County
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
