City of Novato, CA

Join us for a special children's event celebrating Black History Month! Explore the vibrant Kreole culture and Zydeco music of Southwest Louisiana with Grammy-nominated Andre Thierry leading the "Are You Ready to Learn" youth music program on Saturday, February 3. This free and interactive experience introduces kids and families to a mix of African and Native American Blues and French Kreole dance melodies with elements of Afro-Caribbean music. Get ready to sing, dance, and discover popular Zydeco instruments like the vest rub boards, drums, and accordion.⁠
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🗓️ Saturday, February 3, 2024⁠
⏰ 11AM - 12PM⁠
📍 Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road⁠
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Parking Information:
There is plenty of free parking available in the Senior Center lot and surrounding the Hill Recreation Area. Street parking is also available.

Questions? Call 415.899.8290⁠

Date: Saturday/Sunday, March 2-3, 2024

Location: Novato Gymnastics Center, 950 Seventh Street

Spectator Admission:

•  Adults: $15
• Seniors: $10
• Children 6-12 years: $5

Details:

The 2024 Novato Classic will feature Development Levels 3-10 and all Xcel Divisions, and be held on the weekend of March 2-3, 2024. To learn more, please visit www.novatogymnastics.org/nov-classic . 

The 2024 Trash to Treasures Spring Flea Market will return to the Margaret Todd Senior Center on Saturday, March 23, from 9am - 2pm! 

Admission to this market is free! The market is held indoors, rain or shine. The snack bar will feature donations of hot coffee from Peet’s Coffee and many more tasty eats available for purchase. ⁠Come shop for unique second-hand treasures!

 Booths are sold out and applications are no longer available. Please call 415-899-8290 for more information or to be placed on the waitlist.

We’re thrilled to invite our community to join us at Pioneer Park on Saturday, April 13th for a special #NovatoFun event: a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Celebration of Novato’s first inclusive playground—the first of its kind in Marin! Join us for speeches, engaging activities, and light snacks. Plan to arrive at 11AM and the fun begins at 11:15AM—see you there!

⁠Attendees are encouraged to walk or bike to the event! If driving, guests should plan on parking in the Square Shopping Center and utilize the crosswalk at Novato Boulevard and Wilson Avenue to access the walking path at Reservoir Lane to enter the park. The Pioneer Park parking lot will be exclusively reserved for individuals requiring ADA accommodations. ⁠

Novato Parks & Recreation and Novato First Responders invite members of our adaptive needs community, and their families, to join us for a day of fun with friends from a galaxy far, far away...🪐

Saturday, April 20th, 2024
 12 PM - 2 PM

The 3rd Annual Novato Spectrum Safety Event focuses on connecting our adaptive needs community to our Novato First Responders and other valuable resources in our City and County to continue to build strong relationships within our community. The event will feature out of this world activities geared specifically for participants with adaptive needs provided by local partner agencies who directly support the adaptive needs community.

RSVP to this FREE #NovatoFUN event by Direct Messaging @NovatoFun on Instagram or via email at novatofun@novato.org.

Please note, this event has been specifically curated for individuals with physical or cognitive adaptive needs and will not include loud music, bright lights, or overly stimulating sensory activities. Service animals welcome, please leave pets at home.

Pocket Park
950 Seventh Street 
Novato, CA

This free community event takes place on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Scottsdale Pond in Novato from 8am-12pm. This event is geared towards children ages 6-15 years old, and all participants must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must complete a 45 minute Learn to Fish clinic that features educational displays and mini workshops in order to borrow bait, tackle, and rods. Once they have completed the clinic they may fish until 12pm.

Pre-registration for a timeslot is encouraged, however drop-ins will be taken if space is available. Ages 16 and up need to have a valid California Fishing License.

Sign up for a time slot starting Tuesday, March 19 at novato.org/regforfun
(Only children need to register, supervising adults do not. Please limit signups to no more than two children per adult.)

8:00 - 8:45

8:15 - 9:00

8:30 - 9:15

8:45 - 9:30

9:00 - 9:45

9:15 - 10:00

9:30 - 10:15

9:45 - 10:30

10:00 - 10:45

Fishing in the City is co-sponsored by Novato Parks & Recreation, Novato Sunrise Rotary, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The City of Novato invites our community to join us on Saturday, June 1 at 10:00am on the steps of Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue, for a Flag Raising Ceremony in celebration and recognition of Pride Month! We look forward to seeing you there! #NovatoPride

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Novato Parks and Recreation offers two outdoor concert series during the summer months!

Interested in performing at our summer concerts? Submit your band's information through our Summer Concert Series Band Application.

Click here to apply and join our vibrant music scene in Novato!

2024 Concert on the Green

Please join Novato Parks, Recreation & Community Services for our 2024 Concerts on the Green series! Live concerts at Novato Civic Green are back, on selected Fridays!

June 7 - Wreckless Strangers (California Americana Soul)
June 21- Matt Jaffe (Original Indie Rock)
July 19 - Sol Horizon (Reggae with Rock, Funk, and World Beats)
August 2 - Alex Lucero Band (Americana Soul)
August 16 - Ideateam (Funk, Soul & R&B)

Free Admission | 6:00-8:00pm  

Held at the Novato Civic Green, 901 Sherman Avenue

2024 Hot Amphitheater Nights

Please join Novato Parks, Recreation & Community Services for our 2024 Hot Amphitheater Nights series! Live concerts at Hamilton Amphitheater are back, on select Saturdays!

June 29 - Dan Martin and the Noma Rocksteady Band (Rocksteady, Reggae, & Ska)
July 27 - The SoulShake (Reggae & Rock)
August 31 - Pride & Joy SF (Timeless Pop & Soul)

Free Admission | 5:00-7:00pm
There will be food available for purchase at this event from Tommy's Salsa, Hopmonk Mobile Kitchen, and Wicked Slush.

Held at the Hamilton Amphitheater, 601 N. Hamilton Pkwy

Parking for the Hot Amphitheater Nights Concert Series is available at the Hamilton Community Center Parking Lot or the Old Hamilton Gym Parking Lot. Both lots are a short walk away from the venue. 

Novato Parks & Recreation hosts two outdoor movies in the Fall.

Saturday, September 14th, 2024 at 7:30PM
Despicable Me

Saturday, October 12th, 2024 at 7:00PM
A Bug's Life

Movies will begin approx. 15 min after sunset.

These events are FREE for the community to attend! Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner to enjoy during the show.

Located at Pocket Park, 950 Seventh St.

Service animals welcome, please leave pets at home.

For more information, please call 415-899-8290

Fall into Fantastic Finds at the Trash to Treasures Flea Market!⁠
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Join us on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 9am-2pm at the Margaret Todd Senior Center. This fall flea market is held indoors, rain or shine  and admission is FREE! Food and other goodies will be available for purchase at the snack bar including Peet's Coffee!

Explore our newly added booths in a great new location at the flea market, where even more treasures are waiting to be discovered! Don’t miss out on the chance to find something special!

Booths are SOLD OUT. To be put on the waitlist, please call the Margaret Todd Senior Center at (415) 899-8290 or email novatofun@novato.org⁠.

Novato Parks, Recreation and Community Services invites you to the Silver Celebration of the Novato Gymnastics Center!  

In 1999, the City of Novato completed the renovation of a former hardware store and opened the Novato Gymnastics Center. Since then, Novato Gymnastics has served as a vibrant hub for #NovatoFun, fitness, and recreation for our community.  We are thrilled to invite you to our open house event on Saturday, October 19, where you and your family can take part in a wide range of activities!   

Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024 
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM 
Location: Novato Gymnastics Center, 950 7th Street 

10:00 am Morning Reception: Enjoy a selection of coffee, tea and light breakfast items while immersing yourself in memorabilia displays and video content. 

10:45 am Performance & Official Recognition: A performance by Novato Gymnastics Competitive Team will set the stage for official ceremonials and recognition by the esteemed Novato City Council.

11:30 am – 3:00 pm Family Friendly Open House: Enjoy temporary tattoos, interactive art, an inflatable obstacle course, sweet treats and much more!

12:00 – 3:00 pm Free Gymnastics Classes: Sign up your child ages 3-12 for a free 25-minute gymnastics class (advanced registration required)! Participants will have a chance to play in our award-winning facility and learn from our talented instructors! Beginning September 19, registration will be available online at www.novato.org/regforfun. 

🌟✨ Get ready for a day of enchantment on Saturday, October 26, 2024! 🎩✨

🎉 Join the City of Novato Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department for a FREE Magic Show at Novato City Hall! ✨ Immerse yourself in a world of wonder and amazement! 🤩

🕰️ To accommodate everyone, we're now offering TWO time slots—10 AM or 11:30 AM. No reservations are required, so simply pick the time that suits you best and witness the magic right before your eyes! 🌟✨

Bring your friends, family, and share the joy! 🎉✨ For more information call 415.899.8290

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Learn more about what the items on an ofrenda represent below: ⁠
1. Marigolds – The color and scent attract departed souls and guide them to the ofrenda and family  ⁠
2. Sugar Skulls– These skulls represent the departed souls in the circle of life ⁠
3. Photos/Mementos – Honor and remember a loved one who has passed ⁠
4. Incense – Cleanse, purify, and communicate with the spirit world  ⁠
5. Butterflies – Hold the spirits of the departed ⁠
6. Cup of Water – For the spirits to quench their thirst after a long journey ⁠
7. Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead)- An offering from the earthly world ⁠
8. Papel Picado (Paper Banners) – Represent the wind and the union between life and death  ⁠
9. Candle- Used to guide and light the way for the spirits ⁠
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Alcohol, real candles, and incense are prohibited from being added to the community ofrenda. 

Ayúdenos a construir una ofrenda comunitaria (altar) trayendo fotografías de 3 x 3 o recuerdos para celebrar las vidas que recordamos. Le proporcionaremos velas electrónicas, caléndulas de seda y vasos de agua para la ofrenda. Etiquete los objetos con su nombre y número de teléfono. Los recuerdos no recogidos se guardarán en el Margaret Todd Senior Center (1560 Hill Road) hasta el 15 de noviembre a las 4 PM.⁠
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Más información sobre lo que representan los elementos de una ofrenda:
1. Caléndulas - El color y el aroma atraen a las almas difuntas y las guían hacia la ofrenda y la familia
2. Calaveras de azúcar- Estas calaveras representan las almas difuntas en el círculo de la vida
3. Fotos/Recuerdos - Honrar y recordar a un ser querido que ha fallecido
4. Incienso - Limpia, purifica y comunica con el mundo espiritual
5. Mariposas - Retienen los espíritus de los difuntos
6. Vaso de agua - Para que los espíritus sacien su sed tras un largo viaje
7. Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead) - Ofrenda del mundo terrenal
8. Papel Picado (Paper Banners) - Representa el viento y la unión entre la vida y la muerte
9. Vela- Se utiliza para guiar e iluminar el camino de los espíritus

Está prohibido añadir alcohol, velas de verdad e incienso a la ofrenda comunitaria.

Novato Parks, Recreation and Community Services will be holding its 2024 Holiday Crafts Faire on Friday, December 6th, 6pm-9pm, and Saturday, December 7th 10am-4pm at the Margaret Todd Senior Center located at 1560 Hill Road, Novato. There will be artisans selling handmade crafts including jewelry, ceramics, specialty foods, wreaths, ornaments, bath and body products and more! There will be entertainment throughout the event and food will be available. It is recommended that shoppers bring cash as we cannot guarantee all vendors will be able to accept credit cards. Don’t miss this great opportunity to purchase unique holiday gifts! Admission is free to the public on both days. 

Explore over 60 booths in a two great locations This year we have added 10 more vendors to the Hill Community Room, a space next to the Senior Center (see images below)!  Don't miss out on the chance to find something special! 

We are no longer accepting vendor applications for 2024. For general information about this event or to be added to the email list, please call 415-899-8290 or email novatofun@novato.org.

Parking

Margaret Todd Senior Center Main Parking Lot & Overflow Parking at the Hill Education Center Parking Lot

Hill Recreation Area Bocce Ball and Pickle Ball Court Parking

Capture the Magic at Novato's Holiday Crafts Faire!

Exciting news, Novato! Santa is making a special stop at our Holiday Crafts Faire on Saturday, December 7^th , 2024.

Photos with Santa are the perfect way to create lasting memories. Reserve your spot from 10 AM to 12 PM — with five time slots available, you're sure to find the perfect moment for your family's festive photo!

For just $5 per family, you'll receive:

• A holiday photo shared on NovatoFun Facebook
• A special North Pole goodie bag for the little ones

Mark your calendars for Friday, November 1 when registration opens! Time slots fill up quickly, so be sure to secure yours for a magical holiday photo op. Check it out!

Come be a part of The Gingerbread Build fun!  

Registrations opens November 1, 2024. Click Here to Register

Join Novato Parks, Recreation and Community Services on Saturday, December 14, for a festive morning of gingerbread house decorating! Enjoy holiday music, hot chocolate, and coffee while creating with family and friends.⁠
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Each kit includes a house, frosting, candies, and sprinkles - perfect for a group of four. Additional kits are available for larger groups.⁠ One registration includes a single gingerbread house, suitable for up to 4 people. If you would like additional houses, select the corresponding quantity when registering. Only one registration is needed per group; individual members of your party do not need to register separately.

There are two time slots available: 9:30AM and 11:00AM

This event will take place at the Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road, Novato

Children of all ages can receive a letter, via Novato Parks & Recreation, from Santa and his elves! Parents & Helpers: to receive a response, a self-addressed, stamped envelope MUST be enclosed. Please drop letters in either North Pole mailbox located at:

Novato Gymnastics Center – 950 7^th St

• Mail-slot available 24/7

Margaret Todd Senior Center – 1560 Hill Rd

• Mailbox available 9 AM – 5 PM, Monday – Friday

The return envelope will be postmarked from the North Pole. Any letters collected after 12/6 will NOT receive a response.