Marin County’s July 4 lineup offers something for everyone—big parades, intimate picnics, quirky contests and bay‑view fireworks.
These selections were sourced from the Pacific Sun’s own calendar, which is available online at pacificsun.com/events-calendar. Suffice it to say, wherever one lands in Marin this Fourth—from old‑fashioned footraces in Inverness, to carnival rides at the fairgrounds—there’s going to be something in the spirit of the holiday to enjoy.
Marin County Fair
This year’s Stars, Stripes & Stories four‑day fair at the Marin Fairgrounds in San Rafael anchors the holiday with a blend of carnival rides, art shows, fireworks and live music. On July 4, the gates open at 11am and stay open until 11pm; admission is $30 (free for youth and discount for other groups). Concerts feature The Family Stone, Steel Pulse, Linda Perry, Pete Floyd, Mustache Harbor, Super Diamond, Fleetwood Macramé and Lupita Infante.
Sausalito 4th of July Parade & Picnics
Downtown Sausalito comes alive at 10am when a parade of floats, bands and classic cars winds from Second and Main streets along Bridgeway to Bee Street. A community picnic follows at noon in Dunphy Park with food booths, music and lawn games. The evening party at Gabrielson Park features more live music from 6:30pm; fireworks splash across Richardson Bay at 9:15pm.
Corte Madera/Larkspur Parade & Festival
The towns of Larkspur and Corte Madera share a spirited parade beginning at 10:30am at Redwood High School and winding through downtown before ending at Corte Madera Town Center. From 1 to 4:30pm, Corte Madera Town Park becomes festival central with artisan booths, food vendors (Pig in a Pickle, World Wrapps, Stefano’s Pizza and the Lions Club’s hot dogs), plus face painting, carnival games and crafts for children. The American Legion hosts a pancake breakfast from 8–11 for early risers.
Novato Fourth of July Parade
One of the largest Independence Day parades north of San Francisco kicks off at 10am on Grant Avenue with floats, marching bands and vintage cars. Pre‑parade entertainment begins at 9am, and the Presbyterian Church hosts a Buckaroo Breakfast with pancakes, eggs and sausage from 7 to 10; donations of $12 (adults) and $7 (children) benefit local programs. The two‑hour procession draws up to 20,000 spectators.
Bolinas–Stinson Celebration
This quirky coastal event starts with a tug‑of‑war across the channel at 9am, followed by a Lions Club and Coast Café barbecue at 10am on the Bolinas mesa. The parade through downtown at 11am includes floats and local musicians, while “BOLYMPICS”—think: beach games like sack races—begins at 1pm. A pie‑baking contest sweetens the afternoon at 3pm, and local band Soul Ska performs at Smiley’s Saloon at noon. Roads close between 8am and 5pm, with $10 parking at Mesa Park and shuttle service to downtown.
Inverness Footraces & Woodacre Country Fun Day
At 10am, Inverness’ volunteer firehouse hosts age‑group footraces followed by refreshments and awards. A few miles inland, San Geronimo Valley’s parade leaves the Woodacre Improvement Club at noon; floats and costumed walkers march down Railroad Avenue to Dickson Ranch for “Country Fun Day.” Expect barbecue, beer, wine, live music, bingo, pony rides and games until 4pm.
Ross 4th of July Parade & Picnic
The village of Ross throws a community celebration at 11am. Parade entries range from antique fire engines to kids on decorated bikes and even a Patriotic Pooch dog contest. After the parade, Ross Commons hosts a picnic with live music, food booths and games for children.
Homestead Valley Parade & Picnic
Locals gather at Volunteer Park in Mill Valley at 10:30am to decorate bikes and floats for an 11am parade through the neighborhood. Stolte Grove hosts the picnic at 11:30am, featuring Hal’s Original NY Hotdogs, sweet treats from Mia’s Desserts and a live jazz set by Laura Weinbach; balloon artists entertain the kids.
Rancho Nicasio’s BBQ & Jackie Greene Show
Out in rural Nicasio, gates open at 3pm for a barbecue on the lawn, followed by a 4pm concert by Americana rocker Jackie Greene. One can bring a chair for general‑admission lawn seating ($52), or reserve a table for six or more at this family‑friendly event.
