Live on the Avenue is Back: One of Marin County’s Best Summer Traditions Returns to San Anselmo

Summer in Marin has officially arrived—and for many locals, that means one thing: Live on the Avenue is back in downtown San Anselmo.

If you’ve lived in Marin for any length of time, you already know this isn’t just another summer event. Live on the Avenue has become one of the most beloved traditions in Marin County—a perfect combination of live music, small-town charm, great food, and community connection.

Running from June 20 through September 12, Live on the Avenue brings 13 weeks of free live music to the heart of downtown San Anselmo every Friday and Saturday evening from 6:00–8:30 PM.

Why Live on the Avenue is So Special

There’s something uniquely magical about San Anselmo in the summer.

As the sun starts to drop behind the hills, San Anselmo Avenue transforms into one of the best gathering places in Marin. Families stroll with kids and dogs, restaurants buzz with energy, and music fills the air from multiple stages.

Live on the Avenue creates the kind of environment that feels increasingly rare—a true community gathering space where neighbors run into neighbors, kids play freely, and everyone slows down enough to enjoy a summer evening.

It’s one of the best reminders of why so many people love living in Marin.

What to Expect

Live on the Avenue offers something for everyone:

• Free live music from talented local and regional bands
• Two performance stages at Creek Park and Town Hall Plaza
• Family-friendly entertainment and activities
• Outdoor dining and lively restaurant patios
• Shopping from local businesses along San Anselmo Avenue
• A fun, energetic, yet relaxed small-town atmosphere

The concert lineup always delivers an impressive mix of genres—from rock and blues to reggae, bluegrass, funk, soul, and more. This year’s schedule features standout performances from artists like Traveling Wilburys Revue, Shana Morrison, Zydeco Flames, Prezident Brown, Pride & Joy, and many others.

Beyond the music, special events like movie nights, themed community nights, dance parties, and kid-friendly activities make each weekend feel a little different.

My Favorite Part? The Energy.

What I love most about Live on the Avenue is how it completely transforms downtown San Anselmo.

The town feels alive.

Restaurants are packed. Sidewalks are full. Music spills into the streets. There’s an energy that feels vibrant without ever losing the charm that makes San Anselmo so special.

It’s the kind of place where you can:

• Grab dinner with friends
• Let the kids burn off energy
• Catch great live music
• Run into familiar faces
• And enjoy one of those classic Marin summer evenings that reminds you why this place is so special

That balance—lively yet relaxed—is hard to find, and San Anselmo does it beautifully.

A Huge Win for Local Businesses

Live on the Avenue is also a major boost for the local businesses that make downtown San Anselmo so great.

Restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and shops all benefit from the increased foot traffic and energy throughout the summer months. It’s a wonderful example of a community event that strengthens the entire local economy while giving residents and visitors something genuinely fun to enjoy.

Why It Matters for Marin

Events like Live on the Avenue are a big part of what makes Marin County such a desirable place to live.

People don’t move to Marin just for the beautiful homes or scenic surroundings—they move here for lifestyle and community.

They move here for nights like this.

For walkable downtowns.
For family-friendly events.
For spontaneous run-ins with neighbors.
For the feeling of belonging to a community that still values connection.

Live on the Avenue captures all of that.

If you’re new to Marin—or considering making a move here—this is exactly the kind of experience that gives you a real sense of what living here feels like.

And if you already live here, you probably know: summer in Marin just wouldn’t feel complete without it.

See you on the Avenue.