Welcome to Downtown San Rafael!
Downtown News
San Rafael Leadership Institute Class Project – Utility Box “Art With a Purpose”
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…
Read MoreCelebrate Diversity Month – April
At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, there will be a special presentation supporting Celebrate Diversity Month. Members of the City’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee are set to accept a proclamation and provide a brief overview of their work. This presentation will highlight the Committee’s efforts to foster an inclusive environment, promote equity, and…
Read MoreSan Rafael Transit Center – Stay Updated
The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District (Bridge District) has started a multi-year process to develop a new transit center for San Rafael. Several government agencies are partners with the Bridge District to identify a new transit center site and configuration that will provide for the current and future mobility needs of San Rafael…
Read MoreApril Chamber Morning Program – Improv Marin
Date: April 2, 2024 Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM PDT Come to the Chamber AM program each month to network, listen and learn. At this face-to-face networking meeting, you can grow your contact list, hear how existing members have utilized benefits for positive outcomes and learn something new about our community so you gain a better understanding of…
Read MorePacific Sun Best of Marin VOTE 2024
The Pacific Sun Best of Marin 2024 Readers Poll For over 60 years, the Pacific Sun has shone a spotlight on the best that Marin County as to offer. Now it’s time to turn to you, our loyal readers, to share what makes our region the finest place to live, work, and revel, through our…
Read MoreSupporting 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…
Read More2024 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,…
Read More2024 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…
Read MoreBecome 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…
Read MoreIncrease 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…
Read MoreDowntown Business Events
REBOUND BOOKSTORE HOSTS ACTIVIST PHOTO EXHIBIT -“TAKE IT TO THE STREETS!”
Juxtaposed with the permanent display of original 1960’s rock posters at the Rebound Bookstore 1611 4th Street will be a powerful collection of political street images shot by two exciting photographers. Displayed will be historic photos from the 1960s’ by internationally published activist/ photographer William Haigwood and documentary images of current political activism in Marin…
Read MoreART EXHIBITION: The Marin Society of Artists presents “CRAZY FOR ART”
ART EXHIBITION: The Marin Society of Artists presents “CRAZY FOR ART”, an adventurous exhibition of MSA member’s artwork. An exciting reception is planned for Friday, April 12, 5pm to 8pm – guest performers “Improv Marin” at 6pm, live music by “JT and Friends”, an award presentation, snacks and drinks. We have 3 galleries filled with…
Read MoreArtRageous: 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…
Read MoreDancing 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…
Read MoreNew 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…
Read MoreSan 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…
Read MoreRanch 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…
Read MoreGroundfloor 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…
Read MoreSan 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…
Read MoreArt 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…
Read MoreDowntown San Rafael Garages Free on Weekends
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.