Best Things to Do in the North Bay This July

Foggy fireworks are a hallmark of the Fourth of July in the Bay Area, but rest assured there’s always sunshine somewhere in the Bay. If you’re wondering what to do in the North Bay this July, we’ve got you covered with the best parades, festivals, events, local food and more. From Sausalito to Sonoma, here’s a taste of what’s happening in the North Bay. 

Speaking of taste, 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 courtesy of Marin County Fair. 

A lively fairground in North Bay features a colorful swing ride lifting passengers into the air. Below, vibrant game booths and taller structures like a Ferris wheel are visible against a clear blue sky, with people enjoying various attractions—truly one of the best things to do in July.
Photo courtesy of Marin County Fair.

July 2-6

Picture this: a corndog in hand, fireworks in the sky and R&B girl group TLC onstage telling you not to go chasing waterfalls. The yearly county fair returns with music, barnyard animals, contests and a “Bug-tastic” theme.

A festive Independence Day parade features a decorated float adorned with American flags and a red, white, and blue theme. Participants and spectators line the street, celebrating and waving flags. A sign on the float reads "Mt. Tamalpais Graveyard 2004." It's one of the best things to do in the North Bay this July!
Photo courtesy of Robert Tong.

Fourth of July Festivities

July 4

Pull out your best red, white and blue apparel as cities and towns across Marin County hold their annual parades, picnics and celebrations for Independence Day. Here are three options for celebrations in Northern, Central and Southern Marin:

  • In Novato, check out one of the Bay Area’s biggest July 4 parades, featuring military vehicles, marching bands and adorable kids’ groups. The nearby Buckaroo Breakfast is an all-you-can-eat pancake extravaganza to start the day. 
  • Corte Madera / Larkspur‘s parade winds through downtown Larkspur to the Corte Madera Town Center where it ends in a big finale that includes food stalls and kids activities. 
  • And in Sausalito, its a day full of activities with a morning parade, midday picnic and and fireworks that light up the sky once the sun goes down. 
People browse and shop at an outdoor market in North Bay, with booths and tents displaying various items, including potted plants and small succulents. Shoppers, both young and old, enjoy the sunny July day amidst a backdrop of trees and a historical building with a dome. One of the best things to do!
Photo courtesy of Petaluma Art & Garden Festival.

July 13

One of Petaluma’s most beloved events returns this year with an array of local artisans and gardeners. Walk through the stalls — vendors are hand-picked for their quality and creativity — while listening to live music, wine glass in hand. There will also be a children’s corner with hands-on arts and crafts, face painting and a bouncy house. 11am to 5pm Free admission.

Photo by Vicki Farmer

July 18

Acclaimed, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter John Fullbright performs his original music in the House of Happy Walls Museum at Jack London State Historic Park. He will be playing Charmian London’s Steinway grand piano as well as his guitar.

 

 

 

July 26

 San Rafael has added a new festival to its repertoire of summer bashes, featuring street painting and more art set against the backdrop of the Falkirk Cultural Center’s Victorian mansion.

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!

More Activities in Northern California

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top