The Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival, one of Northern California’s most beloved outdoor arts traditions, returns to Old Mill Park beneath the towering redwoods on September 19 and 20, 2026, celebrating its 69th annual event with a vibrant weekend of fine art, live music, family programming, and community connection.

Held daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the festival transforms historic Old Mill Park near the heart of downtown Mill Valley into an immersive gathering place where visitors can explore original works from 135 juried artists, enjoy eclectic live performances, discover interactive art experiences, and celebrate the enduring spirit of creativity that has defined the event for nearly seven decades.

Founded in 1957 by a small group of artists exhibiting artwork in downtown store windows, the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival has evolved into a cherished cultural institution recognized as one of the premier art festivals and community events in Marin. Today, the festival continues to honor its roots while supporting future generations of artists through scholarships, mentorship, and expanded nonprofit programming.

“The heart of the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival has always been our artists and our community,” said MVFAF President Liz Lauter. “For nearly 70 years, this festival has brought people together through creativity, connection, and the unique magic of gathering beneath the redwoods.”

At the center of the festival are 135 juried fine artists showcasing exceptional artwork spanning painting, jewelry, sculpture, photography, textiles, woodworking, ceramics, mixed media, and more. Each year, artists are selected by an independent jury, creating a diverse and high-quality exhibition that reflects the richness of the contemporary arts community. The artist selection will be announced in early July.

Festivalgoers are encouraged to meet artists in person, explore their creative process, and purchase one-of-a-kind works directly from the makers themselves.

The festival’s celebrated main stage will once again feature a fantastic lineup of local and regional musicians performing throughout the weekend. Drawing on deep roots in the Bay Area music scene, the festival presents a vibrant mix of genres and generations, from emerging young performers to legendary artists spanning bluegrass, rock, Americana, jam band, jazz, soul, folk, and beyond. Please visit the website for updates to the music lineup.

Families will find a full schedule of activities and performances inside the beloved Children’s Grove, featuring puppetry, storytelling, music, arts and crafts, face painting, and interactive experiences designed to inspire young imaginations and encourage creativity for all ages.

This year’s featured festival artwork and official poster image is “Golden Beams” by local artist Hilary Williams, whose colorful landscape painting was inspired by hikes through Bay Area wildflower meadows and redwood forests. A limited edition poster, signed by the artist, will be available at the merch booth.

“I could not be more honored to have had my piece selected for this wonderful feature,” said Williams. “Golden Beams is a piece celebrating some of my favorite images from the most magical natural landscapes of our SF Bay Area. These particular inspirations are from a hike I took, winding through a colorful wildflower meadow, then transitioning into a cool and lush redwood forest.”

The Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival includes an Emerging Artist Program and expanded Student Scholarships, continuing its long-standing commitment to supporting the next generation of artists. The Emerging Artist Program provides early-career artists (particularly local high school and college students) with the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work at a major festival. Scholarships are awarded to 12 Marin County visual arts students, with artwork featured on festival merchandise and exhibited during the event.

Festival attendees can enjoy expanded food and beverage offerings, artisan merchandise, a community mural painting project, and enhanced visitor amenities, including shuttle service and convenient bicycle access. New this year, the festival will feature wine tastings throughout the festival at special tables hosted by six participating wineries, alongside the wines served at the festival’s beverage booths, including Barra of Mendocino, Blackbird Vineyards, Gibbs Vineyards Napa Valley, Honig Vineyard & Winery, Merriam Vineyards, and Theorem Vineyards.

The festival is also introducing Festival Friends, a new VIP experience and insider pass for festival lovers who want to provide incremental support for the arts in Southern Marin and enjoy exclusive perks. A limited number of Festival Friend passes will be made available in advance, which include Fast Pass entry, wine tasting, exclusive festival merch, a discount coupon for the Festival’s online shop, restaurant gift cards, an invitation to the Artist Reception, and local offers. A little faster and a little more festive.

The festival’s online and onsite merchandise store will feature new apparel and gifts inspired by this year’s artwork, including totes, mugs, yoga mats, children's t-shirts, wine totes, woven blankets, dad caps, and more.

As a nonprofit organization established in 2021, the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival has strengthened its ability to preserve and grow the event for future generations while expanding support for arts education and community programming throughout Marin County.

The festival also depends on the dedication of local volunteers who help greet guests, support artists, staff information booths, and assist with operations throughout the weekend. Volunteers receive complimentary admission, a festival t-shirt, and refreshments in exchange for a three- to four-hour shift. To volunteer, please contact volunteers@mvfaf.org.