In 2022, a small hometown team envisioned and executed the inaugural Mill Valley Music Festival, a multi-faceted, single-day event that fostered connection and reignited good times on the heels of a global pandemic. Its success warranted adding a second day the following year, and when it returns to Friends Field from noon to 7 p.m. May 11 and 12 for year three, the family-friendly festival brings with it more expansive programming and the always enticing lineup of food and drink vendors.
Multi-Grammy Award-nominated indie-folk band Fleet Foxes is the headliner on May 11, and jam band Greensky Bluegrass is the May 12 closer.
In between, you’ll hear a diverse set of national acts featuring Thee Sacred Souls, Fruit Bats, Danielle Ponder, Meels, Margo Price, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Rebirth Brass Band and Eric Lindell, and eight locals-only bands on Sweetwater Music Hall’s side stage.
“With this phenomenal lineup across both days, there’s no wrong move — it’s all pure sonic joy,” says Jim Welte, executive director of the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce and one of the festival’s original organizers.
Sustenance awaits on restaurant row where Mamahuhu is back for its third year with seasoned fried chicken sandwiches, rice bowls with sweet and sour chicken or cauliflower, garlic seasoned fries and sesame dan dan noodles.
Sausalito’s Mediterranean restaurant Zalta returns for year two and will prepare pita sandwiches with chicken or falafel, house-cut fries and hummus with pita, and HopMonk Tavern will dish out Nashville fried chicken sandwiches, quesabirria tacos, smash burgers, Cubano sandwiches, Bavarian pretzels and buffalo cauliflower.
Antone’s East Coast Sub Shop is on-site for the first time and will make steak and cheese, chicken Parmesan and Italian subs.
Artisanal pizzas and porchetta sandwiches can be found at Piazza D’Angelo’s booth or score some seafood from Nellie’s Oysters — barbecued oysters, ahi tuna poke, shrimp ceviche tostadas, fish tacos, fish and chips and fried calamari.
For caffeination and sweets, hit up Madrona Bakery for Four Barrel drip coffee, maple iced coffee, almond croissants, chocolate caramel cookies and olive focaccia.
Angela’s Organic Ice Cream will make its Marin County debut in advance of its opening in downtown Mill Valley that’s slated for May. It will be its fifth location and first outside Sonoma County. Get a preview of espresso crema, milkiest chocolate or vegan cookies n’ cream ice creams or lemon raspberry and mango sorbets.
Purchase a tasting ticket with commemorative glass for the new Wine Valley Passport Program and sample Napa and Sonoma Valley wines from Scribe, Carboniste, Etxea, BloodRoot and Gundlach Bundschu Winery. These can also be bought by the glass at festival bars along with beers from East Brother Beer Co.; Local Motion vodka sodas; St Hildie’s spiked tonics; Zaddy’s canned gin cocktails; GT’s Living Foods raw kombucha; and Culture Pop sodas.
Shop for clothing, apparel, home goods, jewelry and other items at the Manzanita Market, an outdoor vendor village with more than 20 NorCal artists, creatives, designers, community organizations and nonprofits. In the center of it is the Soap Box Stage, a pop-up showcasing performances by students in local music and acting programs. Or partake in a myriad of crafty activities and games for the young and ever youthful.
New attractions and installations this year include the Dipsea Records & Amaro Montenegro Listening Lounge with specialty cocktails and a vinyl soundtrack; stretching, massage and yoga at the Wellness Lounge; and the Mama’s Grove with henna body art and mandala rock painting.
“This festival is about more than just music — it’s a reflection of the incredible creativity, artistry and indie spirit that makes Mill Valley such a special place to both lifelong residents and weekend visitors alike,” said Michelle Swing, chief executive officer of Noise Pop Industries, which co-produces the event with the Mill Valley Chamber.
Friends Field is at 180 Camino Alto, adjacent to the Mill Valley Community Center. For more information about musicians, vendors, activities, parking, biking, shuttles, ride sharing and ADA access, or for a list of what to bring and what to leave home, go to millvalleymusicfest.com, where you can purchase general admission, VIP and discounted children, teen and senior tickets and parking and shuttle passes.
A portion of the ticket proceeds support several local charitable organizations including Kiddo! Mill Valley Schools Community Foundation, Tam High Foundation and Mill Valley Friends of Parks & Recreation.
Leanne Battelle is a freelance food writer and restaurant columnist. Email her at ij.lbattelle@gmail.com with news and recommendations and follow on Instagram @therealdealmarin for more on local food and updates on the launch of The Real Deal Marin restaurant search guide.
