Downtown Novato:
Where Community Comes Alive

Get Involved in the Heart of Our City

Signature Events

  • Group of people enjoying Rock the Block, smiling, and having fun with drinks, some making cheerful gestures, in Downtown Novato California.

    Rock the Block: Kick Off Summer Edition

    A street party in June - after school gets out - celebrating summer with live music, food & drinks while you dance the night away to one the Bay Area’s best party bands!

  • A crowd of people at a car show, with a bright red vintage pickup truck with flames painted on its sides on display, in Downtown Novato California.

    Nostalgia Days Car Show

    The 2nd Saturday in October more than 300 classic cars line 10 blocks of Grant Avenue for one of the longest running classic car shows in the Bay Area. The streets are filled with live music and vendors – a perfect outing for the entire family.

  • People dancing and enjoying themselves at Rock the Block on a Grant Ave., with a performer dressed in colorful, patterned clothing holding a microphone, in Downtown Novato California.

    Rock the Block: End Of Summer Edition

    A street party in August - before the kids go back to school — with live music, food & drinks while you dance the night away to one the Bay Area’s best party bands!

  • People dressed in Halloween costumes attending a Halloween-themed event in a bicycle shop, during Safe Trick or Treat, in Downtown Novato California.

    Safe Trick or Treat

    Bring your ghosts and goblins to trick or treat at all the businesses in Downtown! The Saturday closest to Halloween.

  • A person dressed as Santa Claus bending down and engaging with two children during a holiday event, with several onlookers in the background, in Downtown Novato California.

    Holiday Tree Lighting Festival

    The 1st Saturday in December the streets in Old Town become pedestrian only for our holiday celebration. Live performances, artisan vendors, food & drink, craft projects for kids, and a tree lighting. Santa arrives by firetruck so he and his elves can hear the wishes of all the kids!

  • A crowd of people gathered on a street during Bouncy Ball New Years, with a large fire truck with an extended ladder dropping bouncy balls over the crowd, in Downtown Novato California.

    Bouncy Ball New Year

    Kids of all ages are invited to Downtown Novato to see what happens when thousands of small bouncy balls are dropped onto the street from a ladder truck 40 feet in the air! Kids will get a souvenir “hard hat” and can keep as many bouncy balls as their pockets & buckets can hold!

A smiling older man in a blue and white floral shirt holding a yellow drink stands behind a table at an outdoor event, in Downtown Novato California.

How to Get Involved

  • Attend Downtown Novato’s signature events — festivals and street parties with live music, holiday traditions, and a classic car show — fill our tree-lined street with vibrance and community.

    With free parking and support from local sponsors, these family-friendly events are open to everyone — so come down, see friends and neighbors, and enjoy all that downtown has to offer.

  • Why not become a Downtown Novato influencer! Snap a photo by one of our amazing murals or at your favorite shops and restaurants, then tag Downtown Novato and the business on Instagram or Facebook.

    From time to time, we even do giveaways for those who post the most — so show off your downtown pride while helping out our amazing small businesses!

  • Sponsoring Downtown Novato’s signature events is a powerful way to showcase your business while supporting the community.

    With thousands of attendees enjoying live music, holiday traditions, and the classic car show along our vibrant tree-lined street, sponsors gain valuable exposure, connect with local families, and demonstrate their commitment to keeping downtown thriving.

    Become a Sponsor →

  • We’re always looking for enthusiastic helpers! Be part of the team that makes Downtown Novato’s events shine! Whether it’s planning, setting up, selling tickets and merch, or helping wrap things up, every volunteer plays a vital role—sign up and get involved today.

    Become a Volunteer →

Submit an event if you are a downtown business.

Sponsors

Don’t Miss Out

  • A variety of fresh strawberries, tomatoes, and other vegetables at an outdoor farmers market stand in Downtown Novato California.

    Farmers’ Market

    Sherman Ave | Every Tuesday from 4-8pm May-October

  • People walking and socializing on a shaded city street with trees, storefronts, and tents, at a street fair/outdoor market, in Downtown Novato California.

    First Fridays

    Grant Ave is pedestrian only | 1st Fri. of June, July & Aug. 5-10pm

  • A nighttime parade float decorated with green and gold banners and lights, featuring a group of young football players in yellow jerseys and several people dressed formally in front. Homecoming parade in Downtown Novato California.

    Homecoming Parades

    Each fall both area high schools put on a parade of floats not to be missed!

  • A person pouring champagne into a glass at an event, with the words 'Art, Wine, Music Festival 2019' visible on the glass, in Downtown Novato California.

    Art, Wine & Music Festival

    A weekend of Art, Wine & Music brought to you by the Novato Chamber.