Live Music in Marin is Back, Here’s Where!

Let’s get right to it: including a live music performance on your Marin County vacation itinerary is a must-do. We have it all here from intimate indoor venues and low-key neighborhood spots to outdoor concert events. All come with the laid back vibe you’d expect here and many come with excellent food and drinks. Read on for our suggestions to get in the groove.

Live Music in Marin: Local’s Favorites

Plan your entire evening around excellent food and world-class music at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley and Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael. Both venues have a great vibe and calendars packed with local, international, famous and about to be famous musicians.

The Sweetwater is an institution with deep roots in the Bay Area music scene. While there’s a full menu and full bar, you’ll find that this is a music-first orientation with an intimate vibe. If you’re staying at Mill Valley Inn, you’ll have the luxury of walking to The Sweetwater, it’s only a few blocks from the hotel.

Terrapin Crossroads offers live music in one of their three venues every night of the week. Pro-Tip: Check out their calendar for special all-day events. In any case you’re going to want to plan to spend several hours eating, drinking, and enjoying the music here. In nice weather head outdoors for open-air performances and fireside sing-alongs. Maybe you’ll get lucky and catch Phil Lesh preforming at the outdoor stage. Soak that up if you can. Trust.

Sound Summit on Mt. Tam September 2021

Fantastic line-up, incredible location. Just make it happen. Here you go, all the details: Sound Summit on Mt. Tam September 2021. Father John Misty! The Allah Las! Can you tell we’re excited??

In The Neighborhood

And then there are a few fun spots that feature super-local talent, perfect for a low key music and dining experience. We like The Junction Beer Garden and Battleshop in Mill Valley. In Fairfax, Iron Springs Pub and Brewery usually has a pretty solid calendar of local musicians. And for a view of the Golden Gate Bridge to go with your tunes, check out the music calendar at Travis Marina Bar.

Off the beaten track

In Novato, the Northern-most town in Marin, you’ll find Hopmonk Tavern located in a large shopping complex. Odd location, but good fun.

Rancho Nicasio located in the tiny unspoiled town of Nicasio in the rolling hills of West Marin has been going strong for 20 years. The drive is beautiful, the setting idyllic; make a day of it!

See you out there!