Just north of San Francisco, past the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll find one of Marin County’s biggest annual events. The Mill Valley Music Festival is back May 10-11, 2025, promising live music, local food, and a whole lot of community energy in one lively weekend. This two-day festival brings in a blend of national acts and homegrown talent—an easy way to dive into Mill Valley’s creative vibe.
Gates swing open at noon, so you’ll have time to wander and take it all in. There’s more here than just music: art installations, craft food vendors, and drinks that show off Northern California’s best. Friends Field, where the festival happens, is surrounded by Marin’s forests and hills—pretty hard to beat for a backdrop.
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If you’re planning to go, honestly, it’s worth making a weekend of it. Sure, you can drive up from San Francisco for the day, but staying in Marin gives you time to check out hiking trails, little shops, and local restaurants before or after the festival. The mix of music and local flavor is very Northern California—laid-back but lively.
Overview of the Mill Valley Music Festival
This festival is all about music, art, food, and bringing people together for two days of fun that really feels like Mill Valley. You’ll catch national headliners and local favorites, all in a family-friendly setting.
History and Origins
The Mill Valley Music Festival grew out of the Bay Area’s deep musical roots. Mill Valley’s been tied to the music scene since the hippie days, and this festival celebrates that legacy while giving locals something new to look forward to.
Noise Pop and other community groups organize the event, keeping Mill Valley’s artistic spirit alive. What started as a small gathering has quickly become a major draw for music fans from all over.
What’s cool about this festival? It honors Mill Valley’s history but isn’t stuck in the past—it’s about making new memories, too.
Signature Performances and Headliners
You’ll hear all kinds of music at Mill Valley: folk, rock, indie, jazz, and more. National acts share the stage with Bay Area musicians, so the vibe feels both fresh and familiar.
In past years, artists like Elliott Peck and The Crosby Collective have played here—just the right mix of established and up-and-coming. For 2025, expect more of the same: a lineup that appeals to different ages and tastes.
Jazz usually gets a spotlight, which fits given Mill Valley’s history with the genre.
Art, Culture, and Community Impact
This isn’t just a music festival—it’s a gathering spot for Marin. Local artists set up throughout the grounds, so you get a full sensory experience.
You’ll find food vendors serving local eats and craft drinks that make the most of what Northern California has to offer.
The festival gives a nice boost to local businesses and helps put Mill Valley on the map as a cultural hotspot. Organizers work with community partners to keep the event family-friendly and true to local values. That’s probably why it’s grown so much without losing its authentic feel.
Planning Your Visit
Getting ready for Mill Valley Music Festival takes a little prep, but it’s worth it if you want to make the most of Marin’s scenery and the festival itself.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets for the 2025 festival (May 10-11) come in a few price points. Adult day tickets run about $134, seniors get in for $116, and teens pay around $104.
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If you’re after a VIP experience, you can upgrade for perks like special viewing spots, lounges, and better food and drinks.
Buy your tickets early on the official festival site—2024 sold out, and 2025 probably will, too.
Families and groups might find package deals with small discounts for buying together.
Location, Venue, and Accessibility
You’ll find the festival in Mill Valley, about 20 minutes north of San Francisco. The outdoor venue sits in Marin’s rolling hills, with Mount Tamalpais as a gorgeous backdrop.
Gates open at noon, so you can settle in before the music starts.
Getting There:
- Driving? Parking’s limited—buy a pass ahead of time.
- Public transit: Golden Gate Transit buses stop nearby.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft have drop-off areas.
The festival grounds are wheelchair accessible, and there are spots set aside for accessible viewing. Service animals are allowed, but leave your pets at home.
Where to Stay and Local Accommodations
Mill Valley doesn’t have a ton of hotels, but the ones here are full of character. Book early—rooms go fast during festival weekend.
In Mill Valley:
- Mill Valley Inn – Right downtown, boutique vibes.
- Holiday Inn Express Mill Valley – Budget-friendly, easy access.
- Acqua Hotel – Waterfront, lovely views.
Nearby:
- Sausalito (10 min away) – Waterfront hotels, quick drive to the festival.
- San Rafael (15 min away) – More choices, sometimes better prices.
- San Francisco (20-30 min away) – Tons of options for every budget.
Airbnb and VRBO rentals can put you within walking distance of the festival, which means no parking hassle and a more local feel.
Some places offer festival shuttles or are close to transit.
Experiencing Mill Valley and Beyond
There’s a lot more to Mill Valley than just the music fest. The town and Marin County are packed with nature, art, and great food—so you might want to linger after the last encore.
Outdoor Activities and Recreation
Mill Valley sits at Mount Tamalpais’s base, so hiking is a must. The Dipsea Trail starts downtown and winds through redwoods to Stinson Beach—challenging, but worth it. For something easier, stroll Old Mill Park.
Cyclists have miles of roads and trails to explore. You can rent a bike in town and ride the paved Mill Valley-Sausalito path, or go for tougher mountain biking on Mount Tam.
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The Mountain Play, a summer outdoor theater on Mount Tam, might line up with your visit—worth checking the schedule.
If you’re a runner, there are trails for all levels. The Dipsea Race (oldest trail race in the country) happens in June, but the trail’s open all year.
Museums, Art, and Cultural Attractions
The Mill Valley Public Library is more than just books—it’s an architectural gem tucked among redwoods. Worth a quick stop if you’re nearby.
If you want more art, the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art in Novato is a short drive away.
The Throckmorton Theatre downtown hosts everything from comedy to concerts. Check their calendar for shows during your stay.
Downtown Mill Valley’s got several small galleries showing off local artists. Take yourself on an art walk and see what you find.
On the first Tuesday each month, galleries stay open late for Artwalk, usually with snacks and drinks.
Food, Drink, and Local Hotspots
For a small town, Mill Valley’s dining scene is surprisingly good. Bungalow 44 serves up California dishes in a cozy spot, and Playa does excellent Mexican with creative cocktails.
Coffee drinkers should hit up Equator Coffees—friendly staff, locally roasted beans, and just the right energy before a festival day.
The Mill Valley Market, a local staple, has everything from gourmet snacks to wine. Perfect for grabbing picnic supplies.
Over in Sausalito, Bar Bocce is great for pizza and cocktails by the water, and Scoma’s is a splurge for fresh seafood with bay views.
If you’re up for a beer, Marin Brewing Company in Larkspur pours local craft brews with solid pub food—nice spot to unwind after the festival.
Other Noteworthy Bay Area Music Festivals
The Bay Area’s festival calendar is packed, and Mill Valley’s just one highlight. There’s something for every musical taste (and appetite).
Must-See Music Events
BottleRock Napa Valley is a top pick for many—three days of big-name artists, food, and wine in late May. Expect multiple stages and plenty to eat and drink.
Outside Lands takes over Golden Gate Park every August, mixing huge acts with up-and-comers from rock, hip-hop, electronic, and folk. Food and drink are as much a draw as the music.
Stern Grove Festival is a summer tradition, with free Sunday concerts in a natural amphitheater from June to August. You’ll hear everything from classical to pop, and picnics are encouraged.
California Roots Festival in Monterey is all about reggae and conscious music over Memorial Day weekend, with a focus on sustainability as well as the tunes.
Comparing Festival Experiences
Every Bay Area festival has its own flavor. Outside Lands throws the widest variety of acts at you, but honestly, you’ll pay for it—tickets aren’t cheap, and the crowds can feel overwhelming. BottleRock, on the other hand, leans into a fancier vibe. The food lines move faster, and you’ll probably appreciate the upgraded bathrooms.
Stern Grove Festival? That’s the one folks love for being free and super family-friendly. There’s something special about hearing music surrounded by eucalyptus trees—it just feels different from your usual venue.
If you’re watching your wallet, Mosswood Meltdown over in Berkeley is a solid pick. It’s smaller, so you can actually see the bands up close, and the punk and indie lineup doesn’t disappoint.
Getting there matters, too. Outside Lands runs shuttles, which helps with the crowds. Stern Grove’s easy to reach on public transit if you don’t want to deal with parking. BottleRock’s a bit trickier—you’ll probably end up driving out to Napa.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
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