From Saturday, June 7 to Sunday, June 8, the Fairfax Festival Committee hosted its 46th annual Fairfax Festival. The town closed Bolinas Rd., Broadway Blvd., and Park Rd. to cars to make space for the festival, opening up the streets to pedestrian attendees. The festival brought activities and high spirits, with live music, parades, flea markets, film screenings, family runs, and the Fairfax Festival Committee’s unique Ecofest.
The festival began Saturday at 10 a.m. with a parade running through downtown Fairfax. The parade consisted of Fairfax residents and businesses, each with their own unique floats, and featured Archie Williams’ own Dance Troupe. Participants drove cars, waved flags and banners, and represented their companies and organizations.
“I’ve lived [in Fairfax] my whole life and have always loved [their annual festivals], especially the parade. This is my second year being in the parade, and I feel so much more connected to the town,” said Fairfax resident Markham Walsh.
The festival had much more to offer aside from the parade, lasting the rest of the weekend. Local bands played live music at multiple stages from 12 to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, including the Archie Williams Jazz band, which played Sunday from 12 to 1 p.m.
“This was my first time playing [at the Fairfax Festival], and I have looked forward to playing here [for so long]. I saw the band play last year and have been excited for it all year,” said Archie Williams freshman and Jazz Band bassist, Gabe Porter.
The music continued throughout the weekend, with local bands including Mo’lasses and The Tazmanian Devils performing. The Fairfax Festival Committee also hosted a unique segment to the fair called Ecofest. Held in the Fairfax Pavilion, Ecofest had stands and booths dedicated to spreading awareness about protecting the environment, as well as its own live music stage.
“[The Fairfax Festival] is a completely unique experience from that of any other festival across Marin. Our town’s community is so much more connected than any other town in Marin, creating the wonderful atmosphere that brings [The Fairfax Festival] to life,” said Fairfax Festival Chair Larry Bragman. “So much hard work and planning goes into making this event possible, and the reward is completely worth it.”
Between the parade and live music, residents could purchase food from the various food stands or visit the flea market. Fairfax residents and other vendors set up tents and displayed their goods, which attendees met with enthusiasm. Booths offered goods including homemade clothing, home-grown crystals, jewelry, and assorted foods and treats.
“[The whole event] really brings the town together,” Gabe said. “It really makes you realise how diverse the town is, and how lucky we are to have such a tightly woven community. With all of the different parts, there really is something for everyone.”
Fairfax’s 46th annual festival wrapped up with the same energy it began with. Full of music, laughter, and a strong sense of community, the event again delivered a weekend full of energy, creativity, and local pride. Next year, the Fairfax Festival will return once again the weekend of June 6 and 7, 2026.
