SupportSanRafaelbanner2020

Supporting San Rafael's downtown is our only job

Our eclectic downtown is something to celebrate

Our non-profit works to revitalize the downtown corridor

The BID stands for beatification and advocating for members

Our Downtown is rich in history and tradition

The BID strives to build community

Stroll our Downtown to appreciate our diverse and vibrant businesses

Welcome to Downtown San Rafael!

The 34th Annual event will be on Saturday May, 11th! It all started in 1986 with a small gathering of Greg Borrelli’s Hot Rod friends. Today there are several hundred classic cars and hot rods!
Dining Under The Lights, 2nd Friday Art Walks, West End Block Parties, Film Festivals, Small Business Saturday, May Madness Car Show, Farmer's Markets, and much more.
Parking meters, garages, and lots. Employee & Resident Parking. Monthly Permits, Parking Apps & Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Smart Train & Public Transit.
What is the Business Improvement District and our Mission. Sign up for the Newsletter. Meet the Staff and Board of Directors. Find meeting agendas and minutes. Get involved.

Downtown News

Supporting Economic Vitality for Small Business Owners – $10,000 Grant, Deadline April 7

Supporting Economic Vitality for Small Business Owners In partnership with American Express, the Backing Small Businesses grant program supports economically vulnerable and under-resourced small businesses with community reach. This year, eligible small business owners can apply for $10,000 grants for projects that grow or improve their businesses by building community, supporting their economic viability, or…

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2024 Labor Law & Handbook Updates – March 20 Workshop

Mar 20 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm If you are an employer, then this workshop will be important for you. In 2024, new employment laws have already gone into effect and there will be more coming in July. All of these changes will impact the way you conduct your business. This workshop will cover the recent changes,…

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2024 Business of the Year Nominations – San Rafael Chamber!

Calling All 2024 Business of the Year Nominations! Don’t forget to vote for your favorite Chamber Business of the Year and Downtown San Rafael Business of the Year. Honorees will be announced at the State of the City – Taste of San Rafael, Business of the Year Awards on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Award categories…

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Become a Canva Pro – April 25 Workshop

Thursday, April 25 | 12:00 – 1:30 PM Canva, often described as the “design tool for non-designers,” is a fantastic platform to help you craft a variety of visual formats: social media posts, presentations, print materials such as flyers and post cards, mockups, and many others. This workshop will teach you how to use Canva…

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Increase Sales with Google Ads – April 4th Workshop

Thursday, April 4 | 12:00 – 1:30 PM FREE WORKSHOP This webinar will teach you ways to use Google Ads to increase your marketing capabilities and show up better in searches. Clients who have taken this workshop have seen increases in sales and a targeted approach to attracting the right clients.   Here’s a recent…

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New in Town – TuTu Lounge (old Bogie’s location)

There’s a new San Rafael restaurant on Fourth Street!  TuTu Lounge, serving “Pacific Rim Cuisine”, has taken over at 1335 – 4th St in the Art Works Downtown building. This location has been home to a few restaurants over the past dozen years. Odalisque Cafe & Grille, Green Chile Kitchen & Bogie’s Too. Much of…

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San Rafael Leadership Institute Class Project – Utility Box “Art With a Purpose” – CALL TO ARTISTS

Utility Box Painting Program returns to San Rafael! What: The San Rafael Leadership Institute Class of 2024 “Art with a Purpose” project promotes creating a healthy, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient community. Why: Install art on existing infrastructure, aiming to inspire residents, job seekers, and employers by promoting chamber values such as sustainability, inclusivity, and equitable opportunities. Specifically, we…

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Dancing Under the Lights – A New Celebration and Pivot

February 29, 2024 BID Members   Dear BID Members, It is with great excitement that we introduce, Dancing Under The Lights (DUTL). The purpose of introducing Dancing Under The Lights is to showcase our next step from the former Dining Under The Lights. Dining Under The Lights was a very important part of bringing community…

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New Art Exhibition at Art Works Downtown: Art of the African Diaspora February 9- March 8

Art of the African Diaspora February 9-March 8, 2024 February 9, 5-8pm: Reception and Art Walk March 8, 5-8pm: Reception and Art Walk Featuring the photography of Asual Aswad, Duane Conliffe, Jim Dennis, Zhané GayByrd Art of the African Diaspora is the longest running event of its kind in the Bay Area. For 26 years it has…

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Wabi Pottery Ladies night every Weds- starting this February!

Starting this February, Wabi Pottery Studio will be hosting weekly women’s wine Wednesdays! They welcome you to come after work, relax, enjoy a glass of wine and meet other creative local women! During this event you will learn how to use the wheel to make cups, bowls, plates or vases. All instruction, clay, and tools…

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Downtown Business Events

ArtRageous: Burning Bubbles Bash, April 20

ArtRageous: Burning Bubbles Bash Saturday, April 20, 2024 • 7-10pm Join us for an evening of live music, delicious nosh, art exhibits, and festive libations at Art Works Downtown’s Burning Bubbles Bash! Get groovy with The Crooked Stuff and have an arty party time, while supporting our mission to provide an environment where visual arts thrive for…

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Dancing Under the Lights – A New Celebration and Pivot

February 29, 2024 BID Members   Dear BID Members, It is with great excitement that we introduce, Dancing Under The Lights (DUTL). The purpose of introducing Dancing Under The Lights is to showcase our next step from the former Dining Under The Lights. Dining Under The Lights was a very important part of bringing community…

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New Art Exhibition at Art Works Downtown: Art of the African Diaspora February 9- March 8

Art of the African Diaspora February 9-March 8, 2024 February 9, 5-8pm: Reception and Art Walk March 8, 5-8pm: Reception and Art Walk Featuring the photography of Asual Aswad, Duane Conliffe, Jim Dennis, Zhané GayByrd Art of the African Diaspora is the longest running event of its kind in the Bay Area. For 26 years it has…

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San Rafael Fire Foundation Crab Feed, Saturday January 13, 2024

San Rafael Fire Foundation Resumes Crab Feed  Crab Feed & Silent Auction Saturday, January 13, 2024 5:00 P.M. B Street Community Center 618 B St. San Rafael, CA 94901 Some great items will be available in the silent auction – great holiday gifts Gift certificates AND much more Live music with Dry Creek Station https://www.drycreekstation.com/ BUY TICKETS…

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Ranch Water Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting, January 23

Name: Ranch Water Ribbon Cutting Date: January 23, 2024 Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM PST Location: 711 Fourth Street, San Rafael Join us as we celebrate the welcoming Ranch Water, a vibrant new tequila bar in the heart of Downtown San Rafael.  Indulge in their signature cocktails, as we officially cut the ribbon to mark the beginning of this…

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Groundfloor Community Market, Saturday December 16, 2023

Tis the season! Groundfloor San Rafael is hosting its first ever community market featuring Bay Area vendors! Come bring your friends and family for an afternoon of supporting local businesses! Come wrap your gifts at our gift wrapping station, enjoy our hot chocolate station (and a warm alcoholic bev for the adults), and eat some…

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San Rafael Fire Foundation Crab Feed, Saturday December 9, 2023

San Rafael Fire Foundation Resumes Crab Feed  Crab Feed & Silent Auction Saturday, December 9, 2023 5:00 P.M. B Street Community Center 618 B St. San Rafael, CA 94901 Some great items will be available in the silent auction – great holiday gifts Gift certificates AND much more Live music with Dry Creek Station https://www.drycreekstation.com/ BUY TICKETS…

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Art School SF Bay Art Workshop – Jan 2-5, 2024

World of Illustration (Jan 2-5, 9am-3:30pm): https://www.artschoolsfbay.com/camps/world-of-illustration artschoolsf World of Illustration Master art fundamentals and learn to compose an image that tells a compelling tale. (2 MB) Art School of SF Bay 1510 Fourth Street, San Rafael Artschoolsfbay.com/san-rafael sr@artschoolsfbay.com This camp will not only teach you technical skills that will help you improve your art but you…

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Bogie’s Too – San Rafael High School Drama Department Fundraiser – Nov. 11

Get your palate ready to enjoy a little decadence when you pair a delicious chef curated multi-course dinner from Bogie’s Too with premium spirits from established local distillery St George Spirits. Add a Spirits Expert & top consultant in the distilled spirits world to the mix, ready to impart his knowledge on the joys of…

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Tam Commons 1 Year Anniversary Celebration – Nov. 8

When:  Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Time:  5 – 6:30 pm Where:  Tam Commons, 1300 Fourth Street San Rafael Enjoy networking with other members in a relaxed setting, sample great food & drink and help Tam Commons celebrate their fi rst year in business! VISIT WEBSITE

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Downtown San Rafael Garages Free on Weekends

Free-Parking-Map 2023

Enjoy our Downtown with FREE parking on Saturdays and Sundays!  FREE WEEKEND PARKING is in the A Street and C Street Garages only, thanks to the Parking Department's pilot program started in 2019.