By Steve Dow

As director of cultural services, it’s my great honor to welcome you to the 2025 Marin County Fair — an eagerly awaited highlight of summer and a beloved tradition that celebrates everything that makes Marin such a vibrant, inspiring and connected community.

This year’s theme, “Bug-tastic,” invites us to take a closer look at some of nature’s smallest yet most essential creatures: insects.

From the industrious honeybee and the graceful butterfly to the mysterious beetle and the humble ant, bugs play a vital role in sustaining life on Earth. From Wednesday through Sunday, the Marin County Fairgrounds will come alive in a dazzling celebration of these miniature marvels — through hands-on exhibits, artmaking stations, discovery zones for kids and curious adults, and creative displays that highlight the wonder and importance of biodiversity.

But the fair is more than just a theme — it’s an experience. It’s the sparkle of fireworks lighting up the lagoon each night, the thrill of carnival rides spinning under a golden sunset, the scent of classic fair treats and the sounds of live music echoing through warm summer nights. It’s a joyful, inclusive space where creativity, culture and community come together. It’s where Marin comes together.

We’re proud that the Marin County Fair continues to be one of the most environmentally conscious fairs in the nation. Our commitment to sustainability is visible in every corner — from free water refill stations and zero-waste initiatives to a ban on single-use plastics and robust composting and recycling programs. It’s a celebration with heart, purpose and integrity.

Of course, no fair would be complete without great entertainment. Each night, the Island Mainstage will feature an exciting lineup of headliners including The Legendary Wailers and The Skatalites on Wednesday, TLC on Thursday, Brooke Eden and Chris Housman on Saturday, Elvis Crespo on Sunday. On Friday’s Fourth of July holiday, favorite Bay Area bands Petty Theft, Zepparella, New Moon on Monday and Big Bang Beat take the stage. The lineup offers music for every taste and the shows are all included with the price of admission. The Community Stage will also be brimming with daily performances by local artists, dancers and musicians — reflecting the depth of talent right here in Marin.

Step inside the Exhibit Hall and you’ll discover a colorful array of creativity and craftsmanship, showcasing work from local bakers, painters, photographers, gardeners, and more. Whether you’re entering a prize-winning zucchini, crafting a bug-themed quilt or marveling at the talent on display, the Exhibit Hall is where homegrown pride takes center stage.

We’re especially thrilled this year, through our partnership with the Sonoma-Marin Agricultural Association, to bring back a more robust agricultural exhibit program in our Barnyard. With daily large animal competitions from swine, beef cattle, dairy goats, sheep and more in the Barnyard Showring, this cornerstone of fair tradition helps us honor Marin’s deep farming roots and rural heritage. The always popular pig races, petting zoo and “fur and feathers” tent will be back as well.

It’s the people that truly make the Marin County Fair so special. The fair is built by and for the community — shaped by the passion and creativity of the hundreds of volunteers, staff, artists, performers and partners who make the magic happen. It reflects Marin itself: creative, inclusive, forward-thinking and deeply connected to both place and people. We hope you can join us on Saturday for Fair Pride Day and again on Sunday for Latin Heritage Day.

Whether this is your first visit or you are a longtime attendee, I invite you to explore all the fair has to offer. Come for the art, the rides, the music, the food, the laughter and the wonder. Stay for the sense of belonging and the reminder of how strong, diverse and beautiful this community truly is.

On behalf of the Department of Cultural Services and our partners throughout the County, thank you for being part of this joyful tradition. We can’t wait to share this “Bug-tastic” journey with you. See you at the Fair.

Steve Dow is Marin County’s director of cultural services.