Sonoma County's Gravenstein Apple Fair takes place this weekend in Sebastopol's Ragle Ranch Park

Here are our picks for great events and activities for children and families this weekend. Find more events for the whole week in Marin and beyond in our Family Events Calendar.

Friday, August 16

• Free Children's Series: Dholrhythms Dance Company
  Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
  Friday, 11 am & 12:15 pm
  This free event is part of the Children's Garden Series at Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco.  Dholrhythms Dance Company brings the party to the Gardens, offering a unique experience celebrating the beautiful and vibrant spirit of this traditional Punjabi folk music and dance. Free. Event details.
• Storytime for Kids: Mary Blair’s Unique Flair with Brittney Lee and Amy Novesky
  The Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco
  Saturday, 11 am & 2 pm
  In this new picture book, follow Mary Blair’s journey from young aspiring artist to one of The Walt Disney Studios’ most influential and memorable designers. At this special family-friendly event, hear from the illustrator, Disney artist Brittney Lee, and author, San Francisco-based writer Amy Novesky, as they read from their book Mary Blair's Unique Flair: The Girl Who Became One of the Disney Legends. Tickets: FREE for children eight and under, reserved ticket required; $12 adult members; $8 student and youth members; $15 adult non-members; $10 student and youth non-members. Purchase tickets here. Location: 104 Montgomery Street in the Presidio, San Francisco. Event details.
• Moms Group & Baby Movement Circle
  Pomegranate, San Anselmo
  Friday, 12:30–2 pm
  Come get the support of community, listening, and guidance on how to move forward as a new mom! This is a 90 minute group intended for pre-crawling babes. Cost: $15/class or $50/5pack. Drop in or register online here. Location: 25 Tamalpais Drive, San Anselmo. Event details
• End of Summer Party
  Mill Valley Public Library - SmartGarden
  Friday, 2:30–4:30 pm
  Celebrate the end of summer with your friends and library staff under the redwood trees. Crafts, bubbles, face painting, and ice cream provided. No registration required.  Free. Location: 375 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley. Event details.
• Picnics on the Plaza
  Town Hall Lawn, San Anselmo
  Friday, 5–8 pm
  Enjoy live entertainment and activities; it's great, music, food and family fun! This Friday enjoy, Frankie Bourne - Americana. Grab dinner-to-go at a local restaurant, purchase snacks at the event, or bring your own picnic (BYOP) and dine with old and new friends at the plaza tables on Tunstead and the Town Hall lawn. Location: 525 San Anselmo Avenue, Town Hall Lawn, San Anselmo. Event details
• Broadway Under the Stars: Those Dancin' Feet
  Jack London State Park, Glen Ellen
  Friday–Sunday, 5 pm
  Take our hand as we lead you through and evening of spectacular dance featuring beautiful songs orchestrated especially for this show. Lose yourself in the sways and spins that are highlighted with familiar songs from Broadway alongside your favorite popular songs. Bring a picnic before the performance. The show begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $45–$149. Location: 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen. Event details.
• Pacheco Plaza Summer Music Concert Series
  Novato
  Friday, 6–9 pm
  Join us for our annual Summer Music Concert Series! Enjoy live music featuring R&B, Pop Hits and more. Dine al fresco, grab a bite to-go from one of our tasty eateries or bring a picnic and enjoy a music-filled evening under the stars. Feel free to bring lawn chairs but be sure they are low seating so everyone can enjoy the music. Location: 366 Ignacio Blvd, Novato. Event details.
• Jazz & Blues by the Bay
  Gabrielson Park, Sausalito
  Friday, 6:30–8 pm
  Jazz & Blues by the Bay at Gabrielson Park in Sausalito is a free event. Lawn seating available (first-come first-served). This Friday: Lost Dog Found (jazz/blues). Location: Humboldt Ave & Anchor Street, Sausalito.  Event details
• Marin Shakespeare Company presents: Spamalot 2019
  Forest Meadows Amphitheatre, San Rafael
  Friday & Saturday, 8 pm and Sunday, 4 pm
  Why on earth would you miss a rollicking good time with friends, laughing away the evening under the summer stars at Spamalot, a musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture, Monty Python and the Holy Grail?  Tickets: $12 and up. Purchase tickets here. Location: 890 Belle Ave, San Rafael. Event details.

Saturday, August 17

• Marin Country Mart Farmers Market
  Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  Enjoy the best local and organic produce, flowers, pastured meats, seafood, organic cheeses, yogurt and milk, breads, baked goods, pasta, confections, olive oil, and brunch and lunch offerings as well as kids' crafts, a petting zoo, pony rides, and live entertainment. Event details.
• Gravenstein Apple Fair
  Ragle Ranch Park, Sebastopol
  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–6 pm
  The Gravenstein Apple Fair is produced by Sonoma County Farm Trails, and celebrates Sebastopol's iconic sweet and tart apple variety. While the fair in days past was a massive agricultural and food processing showcase, the modern version features family friendly fun like arts and crafts vendors, an artisan tasting lounge, chef demonstrations, live music on two stages, a petting zoo, animal displays, a chance to experience a taste of farm life, a hay maze, artisan booths selling handmade goods, and of course apples. There's truly something here for the entire family, so try to make it if you can. Tickets: $15 adults 13 and over; $12 adults who bike to the fair, seniors, and veterans; $10 kids 6–12; free for kids 5 and under. Location: 500 Ragle Ranch Road in Sebastopol. Event details
• Living History Day
  Fort Point, San Francisco
  Saturday, 10 am–5 pm
  Experience first-hand the momentous era of the American Civil War from live re-enactors through infantry and artillery demonstrations, medicine in the 1800's, music, Victorian dance and exhibits displaying the lives of men, women, and children of days past. Free admission! Event details
• Fairfax Makers Market
  The Indie Alley, Fairfax
  Saturday, 11 am–4 pm
  Join us for a special summer indie craft market co-curated with Amy Mautz of Conifer. Featuring some of the best women makers across the bay area, the market will include thoughtfully designed clothes, jewelry, home objects, art, ceramics and food. The Fairfax Makers Market is a great addition to Marin summer weekends, providing an opportunity to support the work of independent creatives while spending the day in the bustling town of Fairfax. Location: 69 Bolinas Road, Fairfax. Event details
• Brush & Branch August Family Campout
  Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Kenwood
  Saturday, 11 am–Sunday, 11 am
  Join Brush & Branch for an August Family Campout at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park! Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is located near Kenwood in beautiful Sonoma County. There are over 25 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, winding through meadows and forest. Enjoy a family hike, stargazing at the Robert Ferguson Observatory, sun prints, kids' activities, and more. Brush & Branch provides everything you need, from ​equipment to activities to catered meals, ​for a weekend of family camping so that you can focus on enjoying the outdoors with your ​​loved ones. Tickets: $20–$180. Event details
• Open Cockpit Weekend: Vietnam War
  Pacific Coast Air Museum, Santa Rosa
  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
  Look inside these vintage aircraft, and learn about their history from the crews who have lovingly restored them. You may climb aboard selected aircraft this weekend and sit in the pilot's seat! This weekend, take a close look at some of the planes that fought the Vietnam War: the F-4C Phantom II, F-105 Thunderchief, A-4 Skyhawk, F-5 Tiger, EA-6B Prowler, A-6E Intruder, C-1A Trader, UH-1 Huey, H-34 Choctaw, RF-8 Cockpit, A-26 Invader, and HU-16 Albatross. Event details
• The Music of the Beatles for Kids
  Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley
  Saturday, 11 am (show starts at 11:30 am)
  The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers its core audience of families with children age ten and under games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out in an effort to educate children and explore their creativity. Tickets: $17 (plus fees). Children under 1 are free. Location: 19 Corte Madera Avenue, Mill Valley. Event details
• Presidio Bike & Book Fest
  Presidio Visitor Center San Francisco
  Saturday, 11 am–2:30 pm
  Join us for a day celebrating bikes, books, and our parks. Enjoy family friendly Ranger-led bike rides, partic​ipate in bike crafts with Scraper Bike Team, read the Bikes for Sale StoryWalk with author Carter Higgins, practice putting your bike on the front of a bus, raffle with prizes, and much more!
  Event details
• Aloha Poly Fest
  Marina Green West Park, San Francisco
  Saturday, 11 am–5 pm
  Come join us for great entertainment and a good time at the free Admission & Parking 7th Annual summertime event in San Francisco. We welcome the public to celebrate and learn about Polynesian (Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, Cook Islands and New Zealand) islands in the Pacific Ocean through cultural dances, songs, crafts, merchandise vendors, and more. Bring your blankets, lowback chairs and sun umbrellas to relax and enjoy an outdoor picnic while watching performances from some of the best in and around the Northern Bay Area of California and farther OR walk around and enjoy the surrounding historic buildings and landmarks. Event details
• Science Spark: World Honey Bee Day
  Children's Museum of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa
  Saturday, 1–3 pm
  Help us celebrate these pollinators by making bee buzzers, tasting honey, creating your own antennae and learning how bees communicate with each other through dance! Science Spark is a monthly program that spotlights local scientists and organizations doing interesting work in Sonoma County. Science spark is free with admission or Museum membership. Location: 1835 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa. Event details
• Saturday Concerts on the Green
  Novato City Green
  Saturday, 5–7 pm
  Bring the entire family to the free outdoor summer concert. Grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and invite your friends. This Saturday: Kingsborough. Location: Novato Civic Green, 901 Sherman Avenue. Event details
• Harvest Barn Dance
  Tara Firma Farms, Petaluma
  Saturday, 5–10 pm
  Come kick up your heels for a fun community night of not-so-traditional square dancing, featuring musical artist Evie Ladin. A fundraiser for the Tara Firma Farms Institute to help fund farm connection and experiences for youth. Come early and tour the farm from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm! Dancing from 7:00 pm-10:00 pm. All levels encouraged. Tara Firma Farms BBQ plate with vegetarian options available for purchase. Plus drinks. Tickets $20 barn dance or $30 barn dance plus meal ticket. Event details
• Indoor Power Play
  Cal Star Gymnastics, Novato
  Saturday, 6–9 pm
  Drop the kiddos ( K-8 th grade) for some indoor fun. They can run, jump and play in an open gymnastics environment. Bring the kids in on a rainy day or any day to burn some energy. Cost: $30 per child. Location: 70 Digital Drive, Suite #3 in Novato. Event details
• Campfire Program at the Petaluma Adobe
  Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, Petaluma
  Saturday, 7 pm
  Come out and join us for a Campfire Program at the historic Petaluma Adobe! There will be a short talk, campfire songs and of course, a marshmallow roast! All ages, free of charge. Park in the main lot. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to allow for the walk up the path to the Adobe’s courtyard. Location: 3325 Adobe Road, Petaluma. Event details.
• Free Movies in Creek Park: The Wizard of Oz
  San Anselmo
  Saturday, 8–10 pm
  Grab a blanket and some snacks and your family for a movie night under the stars. Featured movie: The Wizard of Oz. Movie begins at dusk. Location: San Anselmo. Event details

Sunday, August 18

• Civic Center Farmers' Market
  Marin Civic Center, San Rafael
  Sunday, 8 am–1 pm
  There's lots of organically grown produce, breads, eggs, and fresh cut flowers, as well as live music, bounce houses, and more. This farmers' market is a great one to take the kids to. It’s located in the main Civic Center parking lot. Event details
• Eco-Sail to the Marin Headlands
  Freda B, Sausalito
  Sunday, 8:45–11:30 am
  Set sail aboard the Schooner Freda B for an ecology-themed tour of the Marin Headlands! This signature sail, boarding in Sausalito, will take you under the Golden Gate Bridge and all the way out to Point Bonita Lighthouse. This is a prime area for wildlife, since it's only viewable from the water, and we'll have a naturalist on-board to guide you through the whole experience. You'll learn about the diverse ecosystems of the San Francisco Bay, with frequent wildlife sightings, and then return in time for brunch at one of Sausalito's many delicious restaurants! Drinks and light snacks available for purchase on board. Tickets: $49–$69. Location: 100 Bay Street, Sausalito. Event details
• U-pick Organic Apples
  Chileno Valley Ranch, Petaluma
  Sunday, 9 am–3 pm
  Visit Chileno Valley Ranch to pick crunchy, delicious, organic apples and tour the farm. Other farm products for sale including grass-fed beef, sausage, cheese, and olive oil. RSVP here. $8 per family with advance reservations; $12 drop-in. Apples cost $2 per pound. Location: 5105 Chileno Valley Rd., Petaluma. Event details
• Family Music in the Park
  Miwok Park, Novato
  Sunday, 10:30–11 am
  Miss Melissa, her drum and her guitar return to the forest for FAMILY MUSIC in THE PARK! We will have about 20-30 minutes of songs and then please stay for picnicking, park play and creek stomping. Come and sing along! Bring your family, your friends, your instruments, and your blanket. Come a few minutes early to make an egg shaker that you can take home! Free, with a small donation requested (to go towards replacing egg shaker supplies). Location: 2200 Novato Blvd, Novato. Event details
• Presidio Picnic
  San Francisco Presidio
  Sunday, 11 am–4 pm
  Presidio Picnic is a great family event that takes place Sundays on the Presidio’s beautiful Main Parade Ground, a seven-acre lawn with views of the park, the city, and the San Francisco Bay. Presidio Picnic features a rotating lineup of 25 international mobile food creators, ​free yoga class, free Presidio Y Bike learn to ride lessons for kids on the first Sunday of the month, a cultural dance program every 4th Sunday, and more. Location: Presidio’s Main Parade Ground, San Francisco. Event details
• Stern Grove Festival
  Sigmund Stern Grove, San Francisco
  Sunday, 2 pm
  The Big Picnic, A Benefit and Concert closes out the 82nd Stern Grove season with a free concert starring R&B legends the Isley Brothers. Programs and activities for children on the Kid Stage from noon to 1 pm before every concert. Free admission. Location: 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco. Event details
• Free Concerts in the Plaza
  Downtown Plaza, Mill Valley
  Sunday, 3–5 pm
  The Mill Valley Arts Commission hosts 4 free outdoor concerts on the Downtown Plaza each August. This Sunday, 3–4 pm, Shelby, Texas and from 4–5 pm, Solid Air. Location: Downtown Mill Valley. Event details
• Summer Sunday Concerts at Piccolo Pavilion
  Old Corte Madera Square
  Sundays, 5–6:30 pm
  Bring the family to the free outdoor summer concerts at the Old Corte Madera Square. This Sunday: New Copasetics Band. Bring lawn chairs, a blanket and a picnic. Event details
• Campfire Program
  Paradise Beach Park, Tiburon
  Sunday, 7–9 pm
  Join rangers for an evening of fun with local lore, legends, and campfire tales. This event is ideal for all ages. All skill levels are welcome, and no experience is necessary. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to bring low back chairs or a blanket. No pets (except service animals) are allowed at this park. No need to RSVP, just show up. No pets (except service animals) are allowed at this park. Location: 3450 Paradise Drive, Tiburon. Event details