Meet Stormtroopers and other characters from the Star Wars universe at the Marin County Fair this weekend.
Here are our picks for great events and activities for children and families this Independence Day weekend. Find more events for the whole week in Marin and beyond in our Family Events Calendar.
Friday, July 4
Here are a few of the fantastic 4th of July events taking place in Marin this Friday. For a complete list of Independence Day events, parades, and fireworks displays in Marin and throughout the Bay Area, check out our article here.
Red, White, and Zoo
San Francisco Zoo
Friday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
Red, White, and Zoo is the place to see all of the Zoo’s red, white and blue animals. See special animal feedings and hear Keeper Talks about the adorable red panda, white pelicans, polar bears, and more. You might even get up close to a blue-tongued skink! Also, don’t miss live animal shows all weekend long at the Wells Fargo Wildlife Theatre. If that’s not enough, stop by the Playfield Lawn for summertime concerts by kids folk band Hanna Banana, get your face painted, and enjoy the long weekend at the San Francisco Zoo. Free with paid Zoo admission. Location: The Great Highway and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
Novato’s 21st Annual Fourth of July Parade
Downtown Novato
Friday, 10 am
Novato’s 21st Annual Fourth of July Paradeis one of the largest in the Bay Area and begins at 10 am in downtown Novato on Grant Ave. between Reichert and 7th Avenue. Every year Novato hosts 15,000 to 20,000 spectators and over 100 parade entries ranging from classic cars and vintage military vehicles to Irish bagpipers and a Chinese drum and bell corps. Along the parade route, you will also find food and refreshment booths and souvenir t-shirts. Info: www.novatoparade.com.
Sausalito 4th of July Parade
Sausalito
Friday, 10 am
Sausalito’s one-of-a-kind 4th of July parade starts at Second and Main Streets at 10 am, and moves along Bridgeway and into Dunphy Park at noon. A picnic in Dunphy park and games follow the parade at noon. Live music starts at noon and lasts all day. Food, dancing, family games, tug-of-war and famous traditional egg toss help make this an exciting event for the whole family. For more info, visit their website.
Corte Madera-Larkspur Chambers of Commerce 4th of July Parade
Redwood High School
Friday, 10:30 am
One of the biggest 4th of July events in Marin, the parade boasts the elaborate floats, precision drill teams, classic cars, and the Corte Madera Town Band. Accompanying festivities at Corte Madera's Town Park take place from 9 am–5 pm include arts and crafts, food and drink, carnival games, children's activities, bounce houses, and stage shows. The parade leaves Redwood High School at 10:30 am and winds through downtown Larkspur from Magnolia Street and into Corte Madera by way of Tamalpais Street until it reaches Corte Madera Town Center. Info: (415) 924-0441 or www.cortemadera.org.
Marin County Fair
Marin County Fairgrounds, San Rafael
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, 11 am–11 pm
The 2014 Marin County Fair celebrates Marin's outstanding public schools with its theme Schools Rule! Come to the fair for over 12,000 exhibits, carnival rides, headline entertainment, the barnyard, an international short film and video festival, nightly fireworks, and more! Admission: $16 adults, $14 children 12 and under and seniors 65+, free for children 3 and under. For more information, call (415) 473-6800 or visit their website.
Town of Ross 4th of July Parade and Picnic
Ross Common
Friday, 11 am
The town of Ross celebrates the 4th of July at its annual parade and picnic on the Ross Common. Festivities begin at 11 am with a one-of-a-kind parade followed by a picnic lunch and old fashioned games. Food trucks will offer a tasty selection of fare for lunch. More info: www.townofross.org
July 4th Fundraiser & Ice Cream Social
Richardson Bay Audubon Center, Tiburon
Friday, 6–9:30 pm
Watch the fireworks over Sausalito and enjoy a family-friendly evening. Ticket price includes ice cream and popcorn and supports the Center's work. Feel free to bring your own beverages and picnic. Adults $25, children $15. Popcorn and ice cream will be available 6:30–8:30 pm. Games until dusk. Limited space—reserve your spot now. Location: 376 Greenwood Beach Road, Tiburon. For more info and reservations, visit their website.
Sausalito Fireworks Extravaganza
Spinnaker Point, Sausalito
Friday, 6:30–9:30 pm
Enjoy live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display off Spinnaker Point. Fireworks begin at 9:20 pm. This year, the display is set to music—tune in to 1610 AM or Comcast Cable channel 30 during the show. Info: www.ci.sausalito.ca.us
Fair Fireworks and S'Mores Feast
McInnis Park, San Rafael
Friday, 8:30–10:30 pm
In celebration of our nation’s birthday, come see the Marin County Fair fireworks from the top of the Nike Site at McInnis Park. Rangers will roast up s’mores just in time for the firework show that begins promptly at 9:30 pm. Please dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Questions: Contact Ranger Blain Thompson at (415) 446-4423 or visit their website.
Saturday, July 5
Museums on Us Free Day
Various Museums, San Francisco
Saturday & Sunday
Bank of America cardholders can visit the following Bay Area museums for free this weekend: the Chabot Space & Science Center, Contemporary Jewish Museum, de Young Museum, and the Legion of Honor. For more info, visit their website.
Marin Country Mart Farmers Market
Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
Enjoy the best local and organic produce, flowers, pastured meats, seafood, organic cheeses, yogurt and milk, breads, baked goods, pasta, confections, olive oil, and brunch and lunch offerings! Kids can take a pony ride and visit the petting zoo (10 am–2 pm), try out some arts and crafts (9 am–2 pm) and listen to family music (9:30–10:30 am). For more info, visit their website.
Point Reyes Farmer's Market
Toby's Feed Barn on Main Street
Saturday, 9 am–1 pm
The Point Reyes Farmers Market features the best West Marin has to offer: the freshest locally grown organic produce, baked goods, artisan cheeses, olive oils, grass-fed beef products, homemade preserves, oysters, bee products, flowers, locally produced wool clothing, and body care products. This weekend, enjoy fun, music, and recipes from the Singing Chef, and live folk rock by Hophead. For more info, visit their website.
Fun Family Walk
McInnis Park, San Rafael
Saturday, 10 am–noon
This is a Healthy Parks, Healthy People event. Come out and enjoy a beautiful summer morning and gorgeous views while participating in an easy going, one-mile walk with your family in this beautiful bayside park. Please dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Water and healthy snacks will be provided. Friendly dogs are welcome, but must be leashed. Questions: Contact Supervising Ranger Audrea Bocchi at (415) 446-4423 or ABocchi@marincounty.org. Location: 310 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael. For more info, visit their website.
4th of July Celebration at Playland Not at the Beach
El Cerrito
Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
Celebrate 4th of July weekend at this unique hands-on museum of fun in El Cerrito. Playland Not at the Beach has over 30 pinball machines, challenging carnival games, and more. This weekend, take part in a baseball-themed scavenger hunt, and enjoy magical performances by Fabulous Frank (Saturday) and Scott Alcalay (Sunday) at 1 and 3 pm. Admission: Adults $15, children and seniors $10. Location: 10979 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito. For more info, visit their website.
Shrek: The Musical
Berkeley Playhouse, Berkeley
Saturday, 1 & 6 pm, Sunday, noon & 5 pm
It’s the story of everyone’s favorite ogre who goes on a life-changing adventure. Joined by a wise-cracking donkey, this unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon, rescues a feisty princess and learns that friendship and love aren’t only found in fairy tales.Cost: adults: $34–$40, children 6–12 $25–$30, children 3–5 $17–$23. For more info, visit their website.
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