September in the North Bay means concerts, film festivals, nature exploration and even more things to do. The events coming to Marin County’s towns and coast this month include a lot of local charm, with opportunities to see some of the most beautiful vistas in the region.
Looking for the coolest things to do at the beginning of the fall season? From Labor Day to Free National Parks Day and beyond, we’ve got you covered. We’ve done the deep research for you on the best things to do in the North Bay this September including concerts, 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.
No need to bundle up in the North Bay during this month — average temperatures are in the 70s.
Featured photo: San Rafael PorchFest by Daniel Arauz.
Marin County
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Novato
September 6, 13, 20 and 27
Celebrating its third year in the San Marin area of Novato, Trailhead Cafe is already an essential gathering spot for northern Marin residents and visitors. From burgers and flatbread pizzas to smoothies and acai bowls, the high-quality food always delivers — as does the selection of beer and wine. Also known for its events, Trailhead offers this spring and summer event series combines fresh oysters from Hog Island Oyster Co. with live music and curated wine flights. Talk about a perfect weekend experience!
Mount Tamalpais State Park
September 13
Jam out on top of Marin County’s highest peak at this music festival like no other. Sound Summit is a high-caliber music festival created in the mold of a Summer of Love-era concert on Mount Tamalpais. Today, the all-day festival takes place in the same amphitheater as its predecessor, and it continually raises funds for the conservation and restoration of Mount Tamalpais State Park. This year’s strong lineup includes Sacramento’s own quirky Cake, Canadian indie pop masters Alvvays and East Coast jangle-rock masters Real Estate. Also appearing is “Stand: Sound Summit Celebrates Sly Stone,” featuring blues legend Taj Mahal and others.
Bolinas
September 18-21
Held in the secluded coastal community of Bolinas in Marin County, this festival is a chance to experience the Northern California coast and innovative films. The schedule includes screenings and discussions, as well as add-on immersive experiences like farm tours, table reads and nature excursions, plus an opening gala. The full film schedule is yet to be announced, but the festival offers different access options. And the festival experiences this year include Hidden Gems of Tamalpais, hosted by a docent with deep knowledge of writers and painters inspired by the region throughout the years.
Sausalito
September 20
Whether you like it hot or not, you can’t say no to a hearty bowl of chili. Join local chefs and come out to Sausalito’s 46th Annual Chili Cook-Off at Dunphy Park. At this dog-friendly event, you can enjoy an unlimited tasting of some of the best chili in Marin County. For those who can handle the heat, there is a chili pepper eating contest and a best hot sauce contest to test your spice limits, making it one of the most entertaining and best things to do in the North bay this September.
San Rafael
September 21
This festival is exactly what it sounds like — the ultimate neighborhood party centered around concerts from the porches and front yards of San Rafael’s historic Gerstle Park neighborhood. Behold charming Victorian architecture, while meandering through shaded streets and listening to tunes from local groups of all genres. Not within walking distance? Take a shuttle from a downtown parking lot to skip the hassle of trying to find a parking spot.
Mill Valley
September 20-21
The annual Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival returns to the towering redwoods in Old Mill Park. 135 local and international artists, all hand selected by a jury, will offer their art, jewelry, ceramics, fashion and more for sale. There’s also live music and plenty of entertainment and activities for the kids.
Muir Woods
September 27
Don’t let your hiking boots and gear collect dust! Take the family out and enjoy the great outdoors on National Public Lands Day, a day when Muir Woods and other California National Parks will host a free admission event in celebration. Enjoy the magnificent coastal redwoods in the national monument and be with nature. It’s more important than ever to experience the majesty of Muir Woods and support our public landmarks.
Novato
September 27
Tails by Twilight, Marin Humane‘s annual gala, treats guests to cocktails and food while gathering donation’s for the organization’s many services. Silent and live auctions raise funds, with much of the proceeds going toward the fund-a-need for Marin Humane’s youth programs. Photos courtesy of Marin Humane.
Napa
September 6
This themed event in St. Helena will include live entertainment, coastal cuisine, a surf-inspired selfie station, and much more.
September 7
It’s a Wine Country harvest dinner like no other! A dozen local restaurants and dozens of wineries are teaming up to serve dinner on a thousand-foot table stretching through downtown Calistoga.
September 13
Stay tuned to find out who is performing for the 31st Annual One Mind Music Festival for Brain Health at Staglin Family Vineyard in Rutherford. Proceeds benefit mental health non-profit One Mind.
September 13 (Reservations Required)
Craving a more immersive winery adventure? Join Hailey and Lorenzo Trefethen for an unforgettable day at Trefethen Family Vineyards. Dive into the hands-on experience of grape harvesting and gain insider knowledge about their winemaking process. Enjoy a delightful al fresco lunch paired with Trefethen wines, and wrap up your day by sampling a curated selection of the vineyard’s current releases in the Courtyard.
September 26
Indulge in small bites while immersing yourself in a curated vinyl soundtrack. Join the Carneros Resort and Spa for an experience featuring a rotating selection of Napa Valley wineries. Unwind in the renovated al fresco lounge, bask in the warmth of the firepits and let the beauty of the Napa Valley night wash over you.
Every Sunday, June-September
Bring your family, friends, chairs and blankets to the final summer concert series. Along with live music, a food truck will be onsite, so no need to cook.
Sonoma
September 13
Celebrating its 11th anniversary in 2025, the Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival raises funds to help power local non-profits, schools and community service projects. Festival-goers can enjoy local craft brews while feeling secure in the knowledge that their beers are giving back to their community.
More info: https://www.petalumarivercraftbeerfest.org/
September 20
With more than 12-thousand apple trees — and 70 or so heirloom varieties — there’s a long list of reasons to celebrate at Gold Ridge Organic Farms in Sebastopol. Enjoy apple tasting, fresh apple cider and more. Did we mention the farm also produces award-winning organic olive oil?
More info: https://www.goldridgeorganicfarms.com/events/143
September 20
This weekend-long event includes wine, food, and a live auction. Proceeds raised benefit a number of Sonoma County charitable organizations.
More info: https://winecelebration.sonomawine.com/
September 20
The park’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the theme of this year’s gala is “Jack’s Bohemian Groove.”
More info: https://jacklondonpark.com/events/jack-london-gala-2025/
September 22-28
Held poolside at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville, attendees can taste wines from more than 20 Alexander Valley wineries alongside dishes from some of Sonoma County’s favorite eateries.
More info: https://alexandervalley.org/access-alexander-valley/
September 25-27
At the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, you’ll celebrate what makes Wine Country go ’round: grapes. Held at the historic Sonoma Plaza, this festival dates all the way back to 1897 when local playwright Ben Weed performed his play “The Vintage Festival” about the Roman god of wine, Bacchus.
More info: https://valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.org/
September 27
Head on over to the Healdsburg Plaza to spend time at the annual Healdsburg Arts Festival. Featuring fine arts and crafts from over 40 artists, festival-goers can enjoy live music, food and wine as they engage with the local Healdsburg arts community.
More info: https://www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us/913/Healdsburg-Arts-Festival6
September 28
The Railroad Square Music Festival is a free day of music taking place in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square created by The Lost Church, an organization that believes that people are in need of accessible spaces to share their art and storytelling, according to its website. Help The Lost Church continue expanding the North Bay music community and make sure to get tickets to the 2025 festival today.
More info: https://www.railroadsquaremusicfestival.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!
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