Mill Valley Music Festival Date Time and Artists
The Mill Valley Music Festival is a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community set in the heart of Marin County. Much like the spirit of the Sing Out Loud Festival, it creates an atmosphere where families, friends, and travelers gather to enjoy world class performances under the open California sky. With its mix of legendary artists, local talent, artisan food, and family friendly activities, this festival has quickly become a symbol of joy and connection in Northern California.
What type of festival it is?
The Mill Valley Music Festival is a boutique two day outdoor celebration of music and culture. Unlike massive music events that focus only on big name artists, this festival offers a balanced mix of well known performers and emerging talents across genres like rock, soul, jazz, reggae, and funk.
It is not just about music. Visitors also experience artisan markets, local food vendors, wine gardens, beer halls, and wellness activities. Families enjoy art corners, workshops, and interactive performances that make it welcoming for all ages. Its community driven vibe is what makes it stand out.
Location
The Mill Valley Music Festival is held at Friends Field, right next to the Mill Valley Community Center in Marin County, California. The venue’s scenic setting at the base of Mount Tamalpais provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural energy. Only a short 20 minute drive north of San Francisco, it is easily accessible for both locals and visitors traveling from the Bay Area. Its open fields and relaxed layout make it ideal for families, music lovers, and art enthusiasts to gather in one community driven space.
| Venue | Address | Nearby City | Travel Time from SF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friends Field | 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA 94941 | Mill Valley, California | ~20 minutes by car |
Who organizes the festival?
The event is organized by the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Noise Pop Industries. The Chamber of Commerce plays a key role in highlighting local businesses and building community pride, while Noise Pop contributes its long history of curating excellent music experiences in the Bay Area.
Festival not only entertains but also supports local artists, entrepreneurs, and the economy. Their vision is to make the festival a signature Mill Valley tradition that grows stronger every year.
Motive behind the festival
The motive behind the Mill Valley Music Festival is more than just entertainment. Its core mission is to celebrate creativity, bring people together, and showcase the cultural richness of Mill Valley and Marin County. The festival uplifts local businesses by giving them space to share their food, drinks, crafts, and products. It also provides an accessible and joyful platform for families, ensuring kids can participate through art projects, games, and performances.
Where to Buy Tickets for the Festival?
Tickets for the Mill Valley Music Festival can be purchased Vivid Seats website. Buying online ensures you get authentic passes and the right category that suits your needs.
The festival usually offers different ticket tiers, such as General Admission, VIP, Teen, Kid, and Senior passes. All tickets allow in and out privileges, giving visitors flexibility to enjoy the festival at their own pace. Since parking is limited, passes for on site parking are also sold in advance.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the ticket categories:
| Ticket Type | Features |
|---|---|
| General Admission | Access to live music, food vendors, and all community activities |
| VIP | Includes GA benefits plus shaded lounge, premium food and beverage options |
| Teen & Kid | Discounted pricing to make it affordable for younger families |
| Senior | Reduced rates for attendees above a certain age bracket |
Date and Time of the Festival
The festival usually takes place every May, making it a perfect springtime weekend activity. In 2025, the Mill Valley Music Festival is scheduled for May 10–11, 2025. Gates open at 12:00 PM each day, and performances continue into the evening.
For your convenience, here’s a clear date and time table:
| Date | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 10, 2025 | Saturday | Gates open at 12 PM | Friends Field, Mill Valley, CA |
| May 11, 2025 | Sunday | Gates open at 12 PM | Friends Field, Mill Valley, CA |
Attendance at the Mill Valley Music Festival
Mill Valley Music Festival has grown steadily each year as word spreads about its relaxed atmosphere and high quality lineup. Thousands of visitors from across the Bay Area and beyond gather at Friends Field, with many families returning annually to make it a tradition. While the festival remains boutique in size compared to massive national events, its carefully managed crowd ensures that everyone enjoys space, comfort, and accessibility. This balance of popularity and intimacy makes the experience feel vibrant yet welcoming, attracting both first-time guests and loyal festivalgoers who appreciate its community spirit.
Artists and Performances
The Mill Valley Music Festival is known for its carefully curated lineup that blends global icons with emerging talent. In 2025, the festival will showcase the soulful guitar of Gary Clark Jr., the timeless funk of Nile Rodgers & CHIC, and the psychedelic sounds of Monophonics. Audiences can also enjoy the reggae classics of Sister Nancy, the African blues mastery of Vieux Farka Touré, and the innovative rhythms of Ghost-Note. This diverse range of performers ensures that every visitor experiences a weekend of music that spans cultures, styles, and generations.
| Artist | Genre / Style | Special Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Gary Clark Jr. | Blues / Rock | Grammy-winning guitarist with soulful energy |
| Nile Rodgers & CHIC | Funk / Disco | Legendary group with unforgettable dance hits |
| Monophonics | Psychedelic Soul | Bay Area band bringing vintage soul sounds |
| Sister Nancy | Reggae / Dancehall | Pioneer of reggae, known for “Bam Bam” |
| Vieux Farka Touré | World / African Blues | Celebrated for his desert blues guitar mastery |
| Ghost-Note | Jazz / Funk Fusion | High energy group pushing rhythmic boundaries |
Conclusion
The Mill Valley Music Festival stands out as a rare blend of small town charm and big stage talent. Its focus on community, family, and creativity makes it different from other music events, offering not just concerts but a shared cultural experience. The mix of global stars and local voices creates a setting that feels both intimate and grand at the same time. Much like how the Moonrise Festival has carved its own identity on the East Coast, Mill Valley has built a West Coast tradition that feels special, memorable, and truly one of a kind.
