Summertime is around the corner here in Marin, and the events calendar is heating up for locals looking to get into the swing of things this season. The lovely weather spurs this palpable shift in the community’s spirit, all those extra daylight hours to burn and a shared passion for the arts, music, entertainment and much more to explore just outside the door.
So, it’s time to turn the page from spring flings to start considering ways to inject some summertime fun into the upcoming months. However hot or cool one wants to be going into this new season, look no further than this summertime guide to get the ball rolling on filling up all those free days with soon-to-be unforgettable memories.
Here’s to Marin’s summer of 2024—who knows what wild stories await?
Flynn Creek Circus
For those North Bay locals who have always dreamed of running away with/to the circus to escape the day-to-day grind of life so close to the city, they’re in luck—Flynn Creek Circus has exactly what they need to beat the heat these hot summer months ahead. And there really isn’t a hotter event in town than the adults-only night at Flynn Creek Circus. The Flynn Creek Circus website promises not only spectacle and a place to party but also enticing tidbits like, “Adults Only shows do feature crude and sexual language and semi-nudity. You’re welcome.”
Whether one is looking to send their kid off to camp to teach them applicable life skills like the trapeze, tightrope or possibly lion taming, or if they want a night away to take in an adult-only show of raucous cabaret, then Flynn Creek Circus is a top choice for only the hottest of summers.
To learn more about Flynn Creek Circus, visit the website at flynncreekcircus.com.
Marin Art and Garden Center’s Summer Concerts
There are few, if any, better ways to celebrate the arrival of summer in Marin than by visiting the Marin Art and Garden Center. One can visit simply to take a luxurious stroll through the ever-gorgeous gardens or, if that’s not enough to tickle one’s fancy, there’s also the upcoming summer concerts lineup to fill up those empty days on the calendar. These concerts are set to take place every Thursday, except the Fourth of July. So, swing by the Marin Art and Garden Center for live music, food, drinks and fun (be it in the shade or in the sun).
The Marin Art and Garden Center’s Summer Concerts will run from 5 to 7pm between June 27 and Aug. 29. To learn more about the Marin Art and Garden Center’s upcoming Summer Concerts Series, visit the website at maringarden.org/summerconcerts.
Marin County Fair: ‘Make a Splash!’
The Marin County Fair is one of the hottest summer events, offering fun opportunities for everyone to get outside and enjoy good, high-spirit vibes. Whether one is in the mood for live music, eclectic people watching, county fair games and rides galore, and fun stalls to explore, or if one just wants in on all those quintessential, greasy yet delicious fair food offerings, the Marin County Fair is one summertime event they don’t want to miss out on. So, grab some sunscreen and a ticket to swing by the Marin County Fair any day between July 3 and 7 for a taste of this year’s theme: “Make a Splash!”
Mountain Play’s ‘Kinky Boots’
Nothing says summertime quite like taking in a theatrical production in the great outdoors. And since Marin is known for being an epicenter of all things art, it isn’t surprising to see an incredible lineup of productions on the horizon for the months ahead. One such production is the incredible 111th anniversary of Mountain Play, which is set to take to the stage in a celebratory showing of Kinky Boots.
If these boots really were made for walking, then that’s just what they’ll do…straight up Mt. Tam on June 2, 8, 9 or 16 to the Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre. Cause if one is lucky, Mountain Play’s Kinky Boots is gonna walk all over you. On June 8 and 9, Mountain Play will even provide an ASL interpretation of said steps.
For more information about Mountain Play, the upcoming 111th season of performances or to buy tickets to see ‘Kinky Boots,’ visit the website at mountainplay.org.
‘Natural Phenomena’ Photography Exhibit
Local artist, philanthropist and all-around nature enthusiast Jay Tamang is hosting their first-ever photography exhibit at the Mill Valley Community Center. Tamang was born and grew up in Nepal, though all the pieces displayed at the photography exhibit are from the United States, including California, Hawaii, Utah and Arizona. The “Natural Phenomena” photography exhibition is free to attend. A portion of the proceeds from any photographs purchased will help sponsor students and schools in Nepal.
Alongside these specific events are a host of upcoming citywide block parties, farmers’ markets, traditional summer soirees, live concert series and much more, which are popping off all across Marin this summer. One can just as easily find oneself walking the streets of San Anselmo in tune with late-night live music as one can spend an afternoon sipping some wine and tapping a foot in time to a folksy performance in downtown Novato. Mill Valley’s Sweetwater Music Hall is another great place for summertime entertainment, especially for those who still haven’t tried out Corner Bar’s delicious drinks and bites before or after a show.
For even more entertainment options in the coming months, consider The Lark Theater, Fairfax Theater, Smith Rafael Film Center, Cinelounge Tiburon or any of the other fine cinematic spaces in Marin. Or go for the galleries and exhibitions, all of which add their unique artistic flair to the community—from the Sausalito Center for the Arts to MarinMOCA and all the private exhibitions in between, there’s so much of Marin just waiting to be seen.
And don’t forget to take advantage of (and help support) Marin’s many splendorous natural parks this season. From renting a kayak to explore the shores of Point Reyes National Seashore or simply picnicking in resplendent luxury at China Camp State Park, it’s positively criminal to forget to take a day to appreciate the great outdoors. And, as with any hot summer plans (be they at a state park or otherwise), try to keep Marin County as pristine as can be, and leave the venue respectfully litter-free.
