San Rafael, CA – When someone just can’t possibly get any happier, they are “over the moon.” The County of Marin is just that, and its Department of Cultural Services is in final preparations for the 2019 Marin County Fair, set for July 3-7 in San Rafael.
The fair theme of
Over the Moon is a nod to the 50
th anniversary of the first landing on the moon in 1969, arguably the biggest scientific achievement in human history.
One of the best days to bring kids to the fair is July 3 when all children 12 years old or younger get in free.
The “over the moon” theme will be peppered into the daily program. There will be a lunar-related virtual reality experience, art entries that include decorated moons and paper moons, photos of the moon, a space station museum exhibit, and an attempt to break the record for moonwalking (2 p.m. July 3).
Returning fair highlights include household-name headliner recording artists, lots of other live entertainment, nightly fireworks over the Civic Center lagoon, carnival rides, a barnyard and petting zoo, and creative exhibits. Thousands of Marin County residents enter the fair’s contests each year in hundreds of creative categories. All of that will be topped off with a delicious variety of foods and refreshing treats and beverages.
The fair opens at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, and runs through 11 p.m. Sunday, July 7, at the Marin County Fairgrounds, located adjacent to Lagoon Park across from the Marin County Civic Center. July 3 is Children’s Day, when all kids 12 and under are admitted free.
The headline music acts are:
Wednesday, July 3, 7:30 p.m.: Dwight Yoakam
Thursday, July 4, 7:30 p.m.: ABBA The Concert
Friday, July 5, 7:30 p.m.: Steel Pulse
Saturday, July 6, 7:30 p.m.: Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
Sunday, July 7, 7:30 p.m.: Cheap Trick
Gold Circle concert admission is $60 per person and includes reserved seating in a special section.
The award-winning fair is proud to be “The Greenest Fair on Earth!” It combines the red, white and blue of America’s history with the green of American’s future in sustainability by integrating environmental stewardship at the fair. The County partners with more than a dozen public agencies and company sponsors to provide a fair that sets the national fair standards on renewable energy, waste diversion, energy efficiency, water conservation and sustainable business practices.
Fair admission (concerts included) is:
Online
Adults 13–64: $15 online (plus fees)
Teens 13–18: $15 online (plus fees)
Children 4–12: $12 online (plus fees) [free July 3]
Veterans with ID: $12 online (plus fees)
Seniors 65+: $12 online (plus fees)
Children under 4: FREE
Active duty military: FREE
At the gate
Adults 13–64: $20
Teens 13–18: $20
Children 4–12: $15 [free July 3]
Veterans with ID: $15
Seniors 65+: $15
Children under 4: FREE
Active duty military: FREE
Getting to the Fair
Ride Public Transit!
Leave your car at home and ride Marin Transit for free to the fair. Marin Transit will provide free local transit rides countywide on all Marin Transit fixed route and Connect services during the fair between July 3-7. Visit marintransit.org for more information on routes and schedules.
Fair guests can also ride Golden Gate Transit and the SMART train directly to the Marin County Civic Center campus. SMART is adding a late departure train from the Civic Center station at 10:30 p.m. following the fireworks. Make sure to check transit schedules for pricing and timing.
Shuttle to the Fair!
Park your car at Marin Commons (1600 Los Gamos Drive, San Rafael) and take the Marin County Fair Shuttle to the fairgrounds. Shuttle parking is free and the shuttle rides are $2 per person (children under 4 ride free). The service is provided 10 a.m.–11:30 p.m.
Bike to the Fair!
Bicycle valet parking is available daily at the Main Gate.
July 3 & 7: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
July 4, 5, & 6: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Bike to the Fair!
Bicycle valet parking is available daily at the Main Gate.
July 3 & 7: 11am–7pm
July 4, 5, & 6: 11am–11pm
Carpool to the Fair!
Car and motorcycle parking $15–$20.
Individuals with disabilities and unable to obtain tickets online may contact the Marin Center Box Office for assistance at 415-473-6800. Tickets will be mailed or available at the will call window at the fairgrounds.
Follow the Marin County Fair on Twitter at @marinfair, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarinCountyFair, and on Instagram @marincountyfair. Find more about exhibits and schedules at www.marinfair.org.