Downtown San Rafael Arts District
An urbanized nerve center for culture in the suburban outpost of Marin County.
Authentic • Inclusive • Surprising
About the Downtown San Rafael Cultural District
Downtown San Rafael is the center of business, culture, arts, and special events in Marin County. The downtown arts district, located along the spine of Fourth Street, serves as the hub of local business and community life. It features numerous arts-related organizations and a vibrant events schedule, including Second Fridays Art Walk. The district is anchored by Arts Works Downtown, an arts center with four galleries, nearly 30 artists’ studios, and artist housing; the California Film Institute – home to the Mill Valley Film Festival; the Falkirk Cultural Center; and Youth in Arts, providing visual and performing arts training for children and a gallery for young artists.
The Downtown San Rafael Arts District provides a unique place to create and appreciate arts and culture – a place for people to come together, make connections, and get involved in the community. The district leverages the arts to promote inclusiveness and encourage community conversations on social issues such as affordable housing and homelessness, multiculturalism, and the environment.
District Region: San Francisco Bay Area
Marin County is just a little out there. As in one famous bridge away from San Francisco. And right next door to the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma. There's hang gliding and kayaking. Fresh, sustainable agriculture. The pinnacle of luxury and the world's finest wines, home of holistic artists and goat cheese artisans, the birthplace of mountain biking and Obi Wan Kenobi. The natural habitat of those grateful for nature and of the Grateful Dead.