Sweetwater Music Hall, the storied Mill Valley nonprofit venue that has been a home to the counterculture and beyond since 1972, keeps the fall calendar packed with music for Deadheads, hippies, and fans of every genre. Jam fans will zero in on Pink Talking Fish, the beloved fusion of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish, performing November 1 and 2. For those who live in the Allman Brothers’ zone, Freestone Peaches hit the stage October 4, while Zeppelin devotees will be thunderstruck by Zepparella, bringing two nights of classic rock fire October 17–18.
The lineup also celebrates roots and bluegrass traditions, with the Dan Tyminski Band (October 3) and family-friendly Sing and Stompers (October 4, daytime). The monthly Marin Bluegrass Sessions return October 26 for a free open jam, keeping the local pickin’ spirit alive. Funk, soul, and brass explode throughout the month with Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears (October 8), Cool Cool Cool (October 9), Rebirth Brass Band (October 11, two shows), and The Altons with Sinkane (October 5). Halloween weekend brings a full-on ska and rock steady costume ball with Soul Ska featuring Angelo Moore of Fishbone (October 31).
Reggae holds a strong presence at Sweetwater, from the 38th Annual Peter Tosh Birthday Celebration vibe mirrored locally with Luciano the Messenjah plus DJ Sep and Jamerikan Jerk Pop-Up (October 26), to Junior Toots with DJ Adam Twelve on November 7. Fans of thoughtful Americana can catch Joy Clark with Stephanie Anne Johnson (October 14), Essence and Gold Country Record Release Party with Barry Sless and more (October 22), Leslie Mendelson (October 23), Jennifer Knapp (October 28), and Jeffrey Halford and The Healers (October 30). The Samples (October 24) keep the rock vibes alive, while Josh Zee and Friends (October 12) and Walking Mirrors (October 16, a Marin Food Bank benefit) continue Sweetwater’s tradition of community-driven music.
Sweetwater’s eclecticism extends further with Brother Verses: Songs, Poetry & Comedy tied to the Mill Valley Film Festival (October 6), art showcases like the First Tuesday Mill Valley Art Walk (October 7), and multiple 49ers Patio Viewing Parties (October 2, 19, and 26). Kids’ programming includes The Rock And Roll Playhouse Plays the Beatles + More (October 19). Looking ahead, Southern Culture on the Skids with The Mother Corn Shuckers (November 6) bring their wild alt-country and rockabilly fun.
Sweetwater Music Hall continues its mission as a nonprofit arts organization, making music accessible and supporting artists across genres. Located at 19 Corte Madera Avenue in Mill Valley, the venue is all ages, wheelchair accessible, and opens doors one hour before showtime. For tickets, membership, and more information visit www.sweetwatermusichall.org, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
