Article Contributed by Denise Lamott
Published on 2026-07-22
The 69th Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival has unveiled an eclectic lineup of acclaimed Bay Area musicians, bringing two full days of live performances to the towering redwoods of Old Mill Park on September 19 and 20.
Included with festival admission, the performances complement one of Northern California's premier outdoor arts festivals, where visitors can also explore exceptional work from 135 talented juried artists, enjoy family activities, food, wine tasting, and interactive community experiences.
"The Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival has always celebrated the incredible artistic talent that surrounds us," said MVFAF President Liz Lauter. "Our music stage brings together some of the Bay Area's favorite performers in one of the most beautiful outdoor venues imaginable. It's the perfect soundtrack for a weekend celebrating art, creativity, and community."
Drawing on the Bay Area's rich musical heritage, this year's lineup spans bluegrass, folk, Americana, Celtic, jazz, rock, and singer-songwriter traditions, featuring legendary performers alongside rising regional artists. As a special festival highlight, longtime members of the extended Grateful Dead family Mark Karan and Barry Sless will celebrate the life and legacy of Grateful Dead co-founder and Mill Valley resident Bob Weir during their performances.
From bluegrass legends and Celtic soul to Americana favorites, jazz, and Grateful Dead-inspired rock, the festival's main stage offers something for every music lover.
12 p.m. – Spencer Krenz Bluegrass Band
A rising Bay Area bluegrass band led by Mill Valley’s own Spencer Krenz delivers high-energy picking, rich harmonies, and timeless acoustic traditions.
1 p.m. – Meggy Travers
Marin singer-songwriter Meggy Travers blends bluegrass, folk, and Americana into warm, heartfelt songs inspired by Northern California's landscapes.
2 p.m. – Tim Weed
Acclaimed banjo virtuoso Tim Weed captivates audiences with masterful musicianship, improvisation, and an eclectic blend of bluegrass, Americana, and world influences.
3 p.m. – Eamonn Flynn & Dublinesque
Dublin-born Eamonn Flynn and Dublinesque fuse Irish traditions with soul, gospel, and blues for a spirited, genre-defying musical journey.
4 p.m. – Laurie Lewis & Nina Gerber
Grammy Award-winning Laurie Lewis joins acclaimed guitarist Nina Gerber for an unforgettable blend of bluegrass, folk, and acoustic roots music.
12 p.m. – The Commanders Jazz Ensemble (U.S. Air Force Band)
This premier 14-piece big band celebrates America's rich jazz heritage with world-class performances by the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West.
1 p.m. – The Keller Sisters
Known for their signature sister harmonies, The Keller Sisters bring award-winning rootsy Americana filled with warmth, wit, and memorable songwriting.
2 p.m. – Michael McNevin & The Spokes
Beloved Bay Area troubadour Michael McNevin and The Spokes combine engaging storytelling, thoughtful songwriting, and rich acoustic folk-rock into a captivating live performance.
3 p.m. – Barry Sless, Tim Bluhm & Stephen Inglis
Pedal steel virtuoso Barry Sless (Bob Weir & Wolf Bros, Phil Lesh & Friends, David Nelson Band, Moonalice), acclaimed singer-songwriter and Mother Hips frontman Tim Bluhm (Phil Lesh & Friends, Jackie Greene, Rhythm Devils), and award-winning Hawaiian slack-key guitarist Stephen Inglis (Bill Kreutzmann's House of Spirits, Skeleton Krewe, Dennis Kamakahi) unite for an unforgettable performance blending rock, roots music, and inspired improvisation.
4 p.m. – Mark Karan and His Buds
Former guitarist for Bob Weir’s RatDog, Mark Karan and His Buds deliver a soulful mix of rock, blues, and country influences, with Grateful Dead-inspired improvisation. led by one of the Bay Area's most respected guitarists.
Festivalgoers can spend the day exploring exceptional work by 135 juried artists showcasing painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, photography, woodworking, textiles, glass, mixed media, and more while enjoying live performances throughout the weekend.
Families can also enjoy the popular Children's Grove featuring hands-on arts activities, puppetry, storytelling, music, crafts, face painting, and interactive performances. Additional festival highlights include wine tastings from six California wineries, expanded food offerings, a community mural painting project, artisan merchandise, and the new Festival Friends VIP experience.
Founded in 1957, the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival is one of Marin County's longest-running cultural traditions. Today, the nonprofit festival continues to support arts education, scholarships for Marin County students, and opportunities for emerging artists while bringing thousands of visitors together beneath the redwoods each September.
Together, exceptional art, outstanding live music, family activities, local food and wine, and the beauty of Old Mill Park make the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival one of the Bay Area's signature cultural weekends.
WHAT: 69th Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival
WHEN: Saturday & Sunday, September 19–20, 2026 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
WHERE: Old Mill Park, 64 Cascade Drive (@Throckmorton), Mill Valley
TICKETS: Available now at MVFAF.org
INFO: For the complete artist lineup, music schedule, tickets, maps, artist information, food and beverage offerings, and visitor information, please visit mvfaf.org.
