Secluded Vacation

Marin County is blessed in the number and quality of fairs and festivals that it enjoys throughout the summer season. The following is just a sampling of those events, most of which are held in southern Marin County.

The Mountain Play celebrated its 96th year in 2009 with the musical Man of La Mancha. With a schedule that begins in the end of May and runs weekly through June 21, the performances are held in Mill Valley at the Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre at Mount Tamalpais State Park. 2009 tickets were $23 to $40. Driving is discouraged since parking is limited. While some people choose to hike or bike to the venue, shuttle buses are provided. www.mountainplay.org. Tel: (415) 383-1100.

Each year, the Italian Street Painting Festival is held from 9 am to 7 pm on two days in mid-June in downtown San Rafael. The medium is chalk. Entrance is free. www.youthinarts.org; Tel: (415) 457-4878, ext. 15

The Marin Arts Festival is held at the Marin Center Lagoon at the Marin Civic Center in San Rafael on two days in the latter part of June. More than 250 artists display their art and music is many kinds is performed. Tel: (415) 388-0151, www.marinartsfestival.com.

The Tiburon Music Festival is held over the course of 5 days in June at St. Hilary Church in Tiburon. It celebrates chamber music and chamber opera with performances by Marin classical musicians. Tickets are $10 and $20. www.tiburonmusicfestival.org, Tel: (415) 457-5226.

The San Anselmo Art and Wine Festival is held for two days in late June on San Anselmo Avenue. 200 artists also display their wares. www.sananselmochamber.org, Tel: (415) 454-2510.

The biggest county event held every year is the Marin County Fair, running from 11 am to 11 pm for five days in the beginning of July. The location is the Marin County Fairgrounds on Civic Center Drive in San Rafael. In 2010, the Fair will be 65 years old and it’s a blast from the past and the future with the typical pie baking and dairy cattle competitions and so much more. Concerts, fireworks, carnival rides and amusements galore. www.marinfair.org, Tickets are $12-$14.

The Tiburon Art Festival takes place along “Art Row” over the course of two days in the latter part of August in Tiburon. www.tiburon-artfestival.com.

Arias in the Park is held towards the end of August at Gabrielson Park, Anchor and Bridgeway, Sausalito. www.ci.sausalito.ca.us, Tel: (415) 289-4152.

Sausalito Art Festival, held over four days along Bridgeway and Marinship Park, is a particularly important event held in September. The annual outdoor Labor Day weekend event offers big name musical entertainment, fine art and sculpture, delicious food and beverages. Tickets are $5 to $20; $30 for a three- day pass. Tel: (415) 332-3555 or (415) 331-3757, www.sausalitoartfestival.org.

The Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival is featured for two days in the latter part of September at the Old Mill Park highlighting over 100 craftspeople from around the country with work in 15 categories. Live music and entertainment is available for children with magic, puppets and marionettes, stories and songs. Tickets are $5 to $8, children under 12 free. www.mvfaf.org. Tel: (415) 381-8090.