Mill Valley is alive with the sound of music—or it will be during the upcoming, hugely anticipated Mill Valley Music Festival over the May 10 and 11 weekend.
The annual fest has all of the essential ingredients and more—the tunes, the food and the high-vibe with the uplifting mood. With that thought in mind, layer in some swirls of community spirit, sprinkle on tons of local artistic culture and garnish the whole thing with the scenic beauty of Marin’s own Mill Valley.
Those who do feel the call to come out to the Mill Valley Music Festival are in for a real treat—time to dive into the details and see what sorts of treasures await (apart from a weekend of music, art and community, of course). Well, first things first, one simply has to mention the stellar lineup of both legendary and emerging artists set to hit the stage. From blues to funk, rock to dancehall, each artist brings a unique energy that is designed to captivate audiences and create an atmosphere of pure celebration.
The first day of the Mill Valley Music Festival kicks off with a blend of soul, funk and world-class rhythms. Gary Clark Jr., a master of blues and rock, will electrify the stage with his signature beats. After that, The Crosby Collective will take over entertainment, followed by Vieux Farka Touré, Ghost-Note, Elliot Peck, Rose Paradise, Flamingos in the Tree, Meels and the Marin School of the Arts Rock Band.
Sunday’s lineup promises to keep the vibe just as high with some truly legendary performances, starting with the iconic Nile Rodgers & Chic. Then there’s Monophonics, Sister Nancy, Thee Sinseers, Mission Delirium, Wreckless Strangers, Iriefuse, Matt Jaffe and the Latin Youth Ensemble of San Francisco to finish things off for the night.
The Mill Valley Music Festival offers more than just incredible music—in fact, festival-goers can expect to partake in a range of interactive attractions that add to the vibrancy of the event and match the artsy, high-vibe to a T.
For those who want a beverage with their festival beats, they may head to the Beer Hall. Or they may choose to take a break and head over to StretchLab Mill Valley for a free 15-minute demo stretch with their expert Flexologists™. And after getting loose and limber, they can then move ’n’ groove over to the Silent Disco, where local NorCal DJs will spin sets perfect for showing off one’s best dance moves.
Plus, Mill Valley’s love for local art and artists shines through in several unique music festival installations and activities. The festival will feature a live mural by The Canal Arts and a student art display from Tam High Visual Arts to celebrate the town’s 125th anniversary. Local artist Ari Lurie will also debut a custom installation that captures the heart and soul of Mill Valley.
Families will find plenty of opportunities for creative expression too, with activities like tie-dyeing with A Brighter World, whimsical puppet-making at Wonder World and a community mural with the O’Hanlon Center for the Arts. For kids, Mountain Camp Marin offers arts and crafts that encourage social-emotional learning, while Play Marin brings classic lawn games to keep everyone entertained.
As if that weren’t enough, Montucky Yeehaw Inn is set to bring its cozy cowboy charm to Mill Valley. Plus, the little ones can enjoy Planted’s Flower Power Station that lets them add a touch of nature to their festival wardrobe, while the Henna Garden provides guests a chance to self-decorate with stunning henna designs and face painting. And for a whimsical experience, there’s the Woander’s Wylding Woods immersive puppet show. Add in Sterling’s giant bubbles, and it’s clear—the Mill Valley Music Festival is as much about the experience as it is about the music.
Entertainment is more than covered, but what about food? Fret not—this year, attendees can expect a variety of gourmet food vendors offering everything from fresh, locally-sourced bites to innovative takes on classic festival fare. New to this year’s event is the Beer Hall, featuring an impressive lineup of local breweries pouring their best craft brews, alongside a new non-alcoholic bar for those seeking a refreshing alternative.
For wine lovers, the return of “Wine Valley” brings a curated selection of local wineries, ensuring that the Mill Valley community’s love for fine wines is well represented. As always, the festival organizers have made sure that everyone will be well-hydrated and well-fed, with options that appeal to all tastes and dietary preferences.
The Mill Valley Music Festival is an iconic part of the city and county’s culture, set apart from other music festivals by its unique blend of intimacy, local community and a genuine sense of celebration of Mill Valley culture. Unlike the sprawling, impersonal mega-festivals that have become more commonplace in the years of late, the Mill Valley Music Festival offers an experience that feels personal and welcoming, where every corner of the festival grounds offers not only opportunity for entertainment, but creativity and connection too.
This festival is truly a reflection of the town itself, where art, music and nature effortlessly coexist alongside the residents. With a commitment to showcasing both local talent and beloved global artists, the Mill Valley Music Festival offers a unique opportunity to engage with the town’s rich cultural history while celebrating the art of song.
To boot, the festival’s focus on sustainable practices and diverse appeal makes it a truly special event. For locals, lifers and visitors alike, the festival aims to promise a unique, welcoming experience in one of the most beautiful settings in the Bay Area. With an eclectic lineup of performers, exciting attractions and a chance to celebrate Mill Valley’s 125th anniversary, this is one event for the history books.
The Mill Valley Music Festival will take place at Friends Field in the heart of Mill Valley from noon to 7pm on both May 10 and 11. Tickets are available for purchase now, with options for general admission, VIP access and family-friendly packages. millvalleymusicfest.com.
