our special events
First Tuesday Artwalks – All Year
On the first Tuesday of each month, the Mill Valley Arts Commission and businesses throughout Mill Valley host art exhibit openings. These very popular walks are held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in venues throughout town, including City Hall, Library, the Community Center, and the Mill Valley Chamber & Visitor Center, 85 Throckmorton Ave. among many more.
For now, the ArtWalks are virtual events via the Arts Commission. MORE INFO.
MV Chamber Sidewalk Sales: April–December
On the second weekend of every month, along with major event weekend (dates below), retailers are invited to spread their wings out onto the sidewalk to showcase their wares. 2022 dates: May 27-30, June 17-19, July 15-17, Aug. 19-21, Sept. 16-18, Oct. 6-9 & 14-16, Nov. 24-27 and Dec. 2-4, 9-11 & 16-18.
Participating Stores: Ambatalia, Aviator Nation, Bloomingayles, Depot Bookstore & Cafe, Fez, FitWise Pilates, J.McLaughlin, Makers Market, Margaret O’Leary, OSKA, Poet and/the Bench, Sofia Jewelry, StretchLab Mill Valley, The Store, Tam Bikes , TYSA Mill Valley, Wink Optics and many more!
Winterfest – December 4
The annual Winterfest returns in 2022 to its usual dynamic, in-person self! We’ll kick off the holiday season with music, food, a jumpy house, a massive rainbow slide and much more. Friends and families gather downtown for a full day of live music and entertainment and fun, followed by a lighting of the trees in the Depot Plaza. The 2022 Winterfest will be Dec. 4, 11am-5pm.
Little League Opening Day Parade – March
On a Saturday in late March, many of the boys and girls on Mill Valley don their uniforms and caps and march in teams through downtown and along Sunnyside Avenue until they reach Mill Valley’s own field of dreams – Boyle Park. Little League in Mill Valley, called “pure Americana” in the San Francisco Chronicle over a decade ago, remains as popular as ever. MORE INFO.
Memorial Day Weekend – May 27-30
In the last weekend of May, thousands of children of all ages come out for the Mill Valley Memorial Day Parade featuring floats, marching bands, dogs, clowns and dancers. The parade starts at Old Mill Park at 10:30am and winds its way through downtown Mill Valley and Miller Ave. before ending at Tam High School. The weekend also features sidewalk sales, the Mill Valley Historical Society‘s “Walk Into History” tours, the Volunteer Firefighter’s Pancake Breakfast outside City Hall and the Kiddo! Carnival at Friends Field and MV Middle School. It’s back in full in 2022.
Inaugural Mill Valley Music Fest – May 7, 2022
The MV Chamber’s inaugural Mill Valley Music Festival sought to be much more than a thrilling musical moment. The multi-genre, all-ages, one-day event took place at Friends Field @ the Community Center on Saturday, May 7. MORE INFO.
The Dipsea Race – June 12
First run in 1905, the Dipsea is the oldest trail race in America. It is run every year on the second Sunday in June. The scenic 7.4 mile course from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful courses in the world. The stairs and steep trails make it a grueling and treacherous race. And its unique handicapping system has made winners of men and women of all ages. Because of its beauty and challenge, it is a very popular event, and because of safety and environmental concerns the number of runners is limited to about 1,500. Spectators can cheer on the runners at the 8:30 a.m. race start in downtown Mill Valley. MORE INFO.
Comedy on the Plaza – 6/16
The MV Arts Commission’s annual Comedy Night on the Plaza is a blockbuster event of laughter every year. Bring a chair and pick up a picnic dinner from one of the local shops or restaurants. This year’s lineup features Jann Karam, Maggie Maye and Maureen Langan. City officials are closing the block of Miller Ave. between Throckmorton & Sunnyside avenues to allow for outdoor dining and extra space. Depot Plaza. 6:30pm. Free. MORE INFO.
Sunday Concerts on the Plaza – Sept. 10-11
The Mill Valley Arts Commission hosts Concerts of the Plaza, featuring new artists and local favorites across a range of musical genres. This year, the concerts are Sept. 10-11 (11am-7pm both days). MORE INFO.
Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival – September 17-18
This community event truly reflects the spirit of Mill Valley by supporting established independent artists and emerging student artists. The 2021 event will be held on September 17-18. MORE INFO.
Mountainfilm Festival – TBD
Throckmorton Theatre’s Mountainfilm Festival offers 4 days of award-winning documentaries from around the world, ranging in topics from adventure sports to environmental activism. The annual festival launched in 2012 and it was an instant favorite. Over the course of a weekend, attendees enjoy numerous top-tier guest speakers, special outdoor activities, art-related events, and parties! MORE INFO.
Dipsea Hike for Zero Breast Cancer – Date TBA
This family-friendly, six-mile hike supports the nonprofit Zero Breast Cancer’s efforts aimed at breast cancer prevention in the next generation. It also encourages physical activity, which plays a key role in risk reduction, recovery after breast cancer and recurrence prevention. Old Mill Park. 9am. MORE INFO.
Shakespeare in Old Mill Park – August 13-Sept. 5
The Curtain Theatre has been producing free theater in Old Mill Park since 2000. Its most recent edition tackles the “Twefth Night,” featuring “a timeless blend of romance, humor and music.” Directed by Steve Beecroft. Old Mill Park. Saturdays, Sundays & Labor Day. 2pm. Free. MORE INFO.
The Mill Valley Film Festival – October 6-16
A celebration of the best in independent and world cinema, MVFF has a reputation as a filmmakers’ festival. This prestigious event showcases international features, documentaries, shorts and children’s films—something for every filmgoer. Screen International named Mill Valley one of its top 10 US film festivals. This year’s festival dates are October 6-16. MORE INFO ON THE 45TH MILL VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL.