Body of News Release
Marin County, CA -- The 2026 Marin County Fair: Stars, Stripes & Stories (July 1-5, 2026) will honor and celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and pay tribute to the rich tapestry of voices, traditions, and experiences that have shaped our shared history.
The Stars, Stripes & Stories theme promises to inspire a multifaceted and inclusive event that honors the past, embraces the present, and looks forward to the future, all within the unique context of Marin County’s community and heritage. The stars will showcase the achievements and aspirations of community members; the stripes will celebrate patriotism and embrace diversity and unity countywide; and the stories will celebrate history, culture, and personal narratives.
“This year’s fair is more than a salute to red, white, and blue. It’s a celebration of every color in the rainbow, reflecting the many ways we express patriotism, community, and pride,” said Steve Dow, Director of the County's Department of Cultural Services. “Through music, art, food, and storytelling, we’ll celebrate everything that makes Marin such a special place.”
The Marin County Fair will bring people together and celebrate the spirit of unity where every blue ribbon, exhibit entry, performance, and competition tells a story.
“We’ll showcase local heroes and family legends, create new ‘stars’ on our stages and in our exhibits, enjoy fireworks under star-spangled skies, and celebrate Marin and America in the best way possible,” said Fair Manager Jenn Olvera.
Stars, Stripes & Stories is about honoring the traditions that bring us together while making new memories with friends and family. Fair staff are already working on creating special community-wide projects including a celebratory patchwork quilt, a time capsule full of Marin County stories, special theme competitions, and more.
The 2026 fair will also include favorites such as the juried fine arts and photography exhibit, headline concerts, carnival rides, sheepdog trials, a petting zoo, pig races, and more. The Competitive Exhibits contests will include special categories including themed arts and crafts, decorated cakes and cookies, beer and wine making, jams, jellies, honey, hobby arts, and much more.
Now in its 83rd year, the award-winning Marin County Fair is the county’s premier community event with attendance that reached 80,000 in 2025. The fair has been awarded the Western Fair Association’s prestigious Merrill Award – the highest award in the fair industry – an unprecedented six times. The Merrill Award is presented to a fair that clearly demonstrates innovation, vision, and excellence. Celebrated as the Healthiest and Greenest County Fair on Earth since 2008, the Marin County Fair strives to reach a 90% waste diversion rate. The fair inspires through traditional values: art, agriculture, and community.
Fair tickets go on sale December 1 with special holiday ticket packages perfect for everyone on your holiday list.
More information about the competitive exhibits will be announced in the coming months.
Go to MarinFair.org for details.