6 interesting fairs and fests to go to in June in Marin

June is shaping up to be an exciting time in Marin, from thrilling rides, exhilarating fireworks and rockin’ concerts at annual events from the Marin County Fair to Western Weekend — West Marin’s seven-decade-plus celebration of its agricultural roots — to Fairfax’s fun and funky annual fest.

Here are six not-to-miss interesting fairs and fests to head to this month in Marin.

West Marin’s history

Saddle up for a good time — and to see adorable animals — at Western Weekend, West Marin’s homage to its agricultural roots, this weekend. The celebration starts at 9 a.m. Saturday with the West Marin Fair and 4-H and FFA project displays at Toby’s Feed Barn at 11250 Highway 1 in Point Reyes Station.

Some of the day’s other festivities include interacting with small animals at Toby’s Feed Barn from noon to 3 p.m. as well as a barn dance for all ages, featuring refreshments, music by the Point Reyes Children’s Choir and the Tomales Bay Sirens, and dancing led by Erik Thor and Hands Four, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Dance Palace at 503 B St. in Point Reyes Station.

The fun continues on Sunday with a unique parade at noon followed by tacos and snow cones by Tomales High School students, a chili cook-off by the Rotary Club of West Marin, the Halleck Creek Ranch cow flop and much more from noon to 4 p.m. at Toby’s Feed Barn.

Admission is free for all events. For more information, go to pointreyesstation.org.

Wine and walk

Novato knows how to have a good time. Join in on the fun with music, drinks and art galore at the annual Novato Art, Wine & Music Festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 10 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 11 at Grant Avenue between Redwood and Seventh in downtown Novato.

The annual festival features live music from bands such as Marin’s swampy tonk dance group Miracle Mule, Marin singer-songwriter Jeffrey Halford & the Healers and Pink Floyd tribute experience Pete Floyd, a variety of art vendors, children’s activities and food and drinks.

Admission is free. For more information, go to novatochamber.com/2023-art-wine-music.

Fun in Fairfax

With so many fun things to do at this year’s Fairfax Festival and Ecofest, you may not know where to start — and we don’t blame you. The 44th annual festival celebrating sustainability, community and fun kicks off with a bustling parade with decorative cars, floats and performers at 10 a.m. June 10 from the Fairfax Theater, which then turns on to Bolinas Road, and ends on Park Road.

The fest, which takes place throughout Bolinas Park, Peri Park and downtown Fairfax, features arts and crafts, a flea market that promotes the reuse and recycling of goods, live music on three stages, food and drinks, children’s activities and much more on June 10 and 11. Music runs from noon to 6 p.m. And bring the kids for an 8 p.m. showing of Disney’s “Strange World” on June 9 at the Contratti Park Ball Field. Bring food and drinks, lowback chairs and blankets.

Admission is free. Go to fairfaxfestival.com.

Get charged

This year, the Marin County Fair promises to be nothing short of “electrifying.” Returning in full — indoors and outdoors — for the first time since 2019, the fest will celebrate all things electric, solar and charged with excitement.

But, don’t worry — everything you know and love about the annual fair will be there, from colorful firework shows every night, the juried fine arts and photography exhibit, headline concerts with bands such as Blue Öyster Cult and Melissa Etheridge, a variety of whizzing and whirling carnival rides, a petting zoo and much, much more from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily from June 30 through July 4 at the Marin County Fairgrounds at 10 Avenue of the Flags in San Rafael.

Admission is $20 to $25, and $60 for reserved concert seating and admission. For more information, go to fair.marincounty.org/2023.

Honoring Juneteenth

Although people have been celebrating Juneteenth and its historical and cultural significance since the 1800s, it was finally recognized as a federal holiday just two years ago. Here are some ways to celebrate in Marin:

• Marin City’s seventh annual Juneteenth celebration includes an African marketplace, traditional drumming, live music and more at 9 a.m. June 19 at Rocky Graham Park at 850 Drake Ave. in Marin City. This year’s theme is “ascension.” The event is free. For more information, go to juneteenthcommunityfestival.info.

• In Tiburon, enjoy jazz music, poetry readings and guest speakers at the Juneteenth celebration, presented by the Tiburon Diversity Inclusion Task Force with support from the City of Tiburon and the Tiburon Peninsula Foundation, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. June 17 on Main Street in Tiburon. For more information about the free event, go to tiburonchamber.org.