All across Marin and Sonoma, spring festivals and events are popping off. Join in on an Irish jig at a first-time festival in San Rafael, or escape to the wilderness at the 15th annual Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival. These events take advantage of the sunny spring weather, with most of them happening outdoors or in nature.
You can also get out on one of the many stellar hiking trails in the North Bay. And we’ve done the deep research for you on the best things to do in the North Bay including museums, cultural events and food tours and more. Speaking of food, we also have an extensive list of our best restaurants in the North Bay, and if you’re planning a weekend, the best places to stay.
Featured Photo: Petaluma Butter and Eggs Day Parade by Jim Johnson.
Persian New Year
April 7
Nowruz, or Persian New Year, is an approximately two-week long celebration of spring. For years, Marin’s Persian community has come together to celebrate it, and this event is the second of two annual events for Nowruz. All day at San Rafael’s McNears Beach Park, authentic Persian food, drink, music and dancing will usher in a new year. Thousands of years of tradition are baked into these celebrations, and all are welcome!
More info: ipersian.org
Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival
April 19–21
The Point Reyes National Seashore has recorded over 490 bird species living in or passing through its bounds. Fittingly, birders love the park, and community members strive to protect its unique natural environment that’s home to organisms of all kinds. Support the park by turning out for three days of field events and activities. The festival benefits Environmental Action Committee of West Marin (EAC) and its work sustaining Marin’s environment and biodiversity.
More info: pointreyesbirdingfestival.org
Tomatopalooza
April 20
Starting a 9 a.m. in Greenbrae’s Bon Air Center, the University of California’s master gardeners will grace Marin with its annual sale of tomato starts, specially bred to thrive in the North Bay’s environment. Get in early to choose your favorites among sixteen varieties of heirloom and hybrid tomatoes. This event often sells out!
More info: marinmg.ucanr.edu
Butter and Eggs Day Parade
April 20
Gather for a procession of proud farmers and local businesses at this Petaluma tradition. Once the butter and eggs capital of the region, Petaluma’s agricultural history continues today with dozens of working farms and ranches, plus this annual day of festivities. The parade’s youngest attendees can join the Cutest Little Chick Contest, a light-hearted competition where parents dress up their babies in chicken costumes. Really, they’re all winners. It’s cracked up to be a great time!
More info: petalumadowntown.com
Céilí on the Lake
April 27 & 28
Join the dance at the Marin County Fairgrounds for the first-ever Céilí on the Lake, an Irish Dance and Music Festival. All are welcome at this céilí (pronounced KAY-lee), which is the Gaelic word for a gathering with music. Beginners can get in on free Irish dance lessons while pros are invited to show off their stuff. Along with music by Blame the Whiskey and other groups, attendees can enjoy sheepherding demonstrations by working sheep dogs.
More info: ceilionthelake.com
Event Venues
Looking to see what’s happening right now in the North Bay? Our comprehensive list of venues below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
