Tomales Festival 2026

Free admission. Held annually by volunteers on the Sunday before Labor Day, the proud village of Tomales celebrates the richness of West Marin and the Sonoma Coast with its historic fete.

There will be live music in the Tomales Community Park, featuring the Blues Defenders, a well-known North Bay dance-friendly band, plus oysters, other food selections, a beer and wine booth, and a children’s area with face painting, books, and other activities. West Marin artisans will showcase their work, and community organizations and non-profits will share information on local community activities.

Join us high noon on Labor Day Sunday, September 6th.

History

This festival began in the 1880s as a Swiss-Italian celebration honoring the area’s immigrant community. Festivities included a parade from the Town Hall to the old Keys Grove followed by a picnic with bands, plays, speeches, and dramatic readings recounting the exploits of William Tell.

In 1994 the event was renamed “Founders Day” and later the “Tomales Festival”, expanding recognition to all indigenous and immigrant groups that built Tomales and the surrounding region.

This year’s 138th festival benefits our non-profit 152-year-old Tomales Town Hall, one of the oldest community centers in California. The Hall will be accepting donations towards maintaining the aging structure and supporting all the community programs our Hall hosts.

Say thank you to our generous sponsors and donors:

Want to volunteer? Exhibit? Need more info? Write to festival@TomalesTownHall.org