With just a single stage and an array of activities, the Mill Valley Music Festival has all the makings of a country fair but is instead something of a surprise with its ever-growing scope and diverse aesthetic. Locally sponsored and run at Friends Field, a beloved outdoor space that was nearly turned into a middle school, the multi-genre festival brings together independent musicians in the town of Mill Valley, situated against the slopes of Mount Tamalpais. What began as an effort to rejuvenate the community after the height of the pandemic two years ago scaled up real fast, and this seemingly small-town festival is anything but. Last year’s success brought in close to 10,000 guests and this year’s festival will see Grammy-nominated indie folk band Fleet Foxes and the jamgrass band Greensky Bluegrass as the headliners.
There’s also a lot of soul in this line-up. From San Diego, Calif., retro-soul group Thee Sacred Souls brings together classic and Latin soul sounds from the 60s alongside 70s R&B. The blend makes for a decidedly modern sound while still keeping us in that old-school romance. Keeping up traditions along the likes of Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone, singer-songwriter (and former public defender) Danielle Ponder’s voice is heavy and soaring.
Like Ponder, who comes from Rochester, N.Y., the performers aren’t all from the state — certainly less so than the previous two years — but much of its other offerings come from local partnerships and artists. There are a number of activities for kids— last year had a hula hoop station, roller skating and stop-action animation stations, to name just a few — as well as the Manzanita Marketplace where you’ll find a variety of mostly local artisans and vendors with everything from festival merch to pottery. The festival also gives back to the community by donating to local organizations that support education initiatives in the area and providing scholarships for students and artists to attend the event.
The Specs
- More than 10,000 people attended in 2023.
- Single-day GA tickets start at $115, while VIP tickets start at $279. Tickets are sold in differently priced batches and get consecutively more expensive—day-of tickets GA tickets are currently priced at $185.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to California here.
FAQs
Where is the Mill Valley Music Festival 2024 located?
Friends Field, Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA 94941
What is the closest airport to the Mill Valley Music Festival 2024?
San Francisco International Airport is a 40-45 minute drive from the venue (about 27 miles).
Is the Mill Valley Music Festival ADA-accessible?
Yes. A variety of ADA needs are supported and there’ll be an Access Help Center on the grounds for assistance. There’s even potential for an ASL interpreter if you contact the festival a few weeks in advance.
Is there parking?
Yes. A limited number of parking passes are available for add on when you purchase tickets.
Which artists are on the Mill Valley Music Festival lineup?
Fleet Foxes, Greensky Bluegrass, Thee Sacred Souls, Margo Price, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Fruit Bats, Rebirth Brass Band, Danielle Ponder, Eric Lindell and Elliott Peck.
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