Welcome to Downtown San Rafael!
Downtown News:
Change on 4th Street: Farewell Stateroom & Welcome Hidden Splendor!
We’re saying goodbye to Stateroom Brewery as it closes its doors on 4th Street, HUGE thank you for the great times and community spirit!!! In its place, we’re excited to welcome Hidden Splendor, a new brewery from Bay Area craft beer legend Dave McLean (founder of Magnolia Brewing and more). Read more below about the…
Welcome Village Sewing to our Downtown – 1139 4th Street!
We’re excited to welcome Village Sewing to Downtown San Rafael! Now open at 1139 4th Street, this beautiful new fabric and sewing shop brings fabrics, sewing machines, classes, and expert sewing machine repair (all brands, new and old) to the heart of our district! Stop by to browse, get inspired, or sign up for an…
Second and Fourth Street Intersection Improvements Project Update
As part of the Second and Fourth Street Intersection Improvements Project, the City’s Department of Public Works worked closely with the San Rafael Fire and Police Departments to ensure continued emergency vehicle access. The approved design maintains reliable access to West End Street and Marquard Avenue while improving traffic safety and operations. Features such as…
Discover Downtown San Rafael’s Cinematic Legacy!
The BID is excited to share our new Downtown San Rafael Film History page! this page is a celebration of the city’s incredible role in film from the silent era to Hollywood classics and beyond! Learn how San Rafael became a movie-making pioneer with early studios and iconic locations like Fourth Street (featured in American…
Upcoming Marin SBDC Trainings – February & March 2026
HAPPY 2026! Make 2026 a year to grow your business in new ways and stay current. We developed new content to help you advance your AI skills, expand your marketing and meet microlenders that are ready to say yes to funding. More workshops will be added soon. Check our website and future blasts. www.marinsbdc.org/events All…
Congratulations to our 2025 Elf Hunt Winners!
The Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District is excited to celebrate the success of this year’s Elf Hunt, which had over 300 participants exploring downtown in search of 31 holiday elves! Congratulations to the six lucky winners whose completed maps were selected – they each received a festive gift basket filled with toys and gift…
Marin IJ Article: San Rafael inks deal with chamber for business support
The City of San Rafael recently approved a renewed agreement with the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce to continue managing and supporting the Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District (BID). Under this one-year agreement, the Chamber will receive $140,000. The City’s $140,000 agreement with the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce (including approximately $65,000 from BID assessments)…
San Rafael Chamber: Detailed Updates on San Rafael Housing Projects
The San Rafael Chamber has released new updates on major housing projects across the city, highlighting progress on developments from Irwin Street to Northgate, Merrydale, Civic Center Drive, and more. Many of these projects are moving through demolition, construction, or City review processes, with several receiving Chamber endorsement. Together, these developments represent hundreds of new…
Welcome DeeKora to our Downtown – 1405 4th Street!
Welcome, Deekora! We’re excited to announce that Deekora, a decor and event-planning company, is now part of the downtown San Rafael scene. Whether you’re planning a party, a wedding, or just want to explore their creative gallery, Deekora is ready to inspire with beautiful styling and thoughtful event design. Visit them to see what they’ve…
Spotlight Article on Humbowl in the Marin Dish!
Humbowl gets the spotlight! The local fast-casual eatery Humbowl, that clever mash-up of “humble” and “bowl”, was featured in a recent piece by The Marin Dish. They call Humbowl the healthy newcomer winning over both vegetarians and carnivores alike with fast, flavorful, nutritious bowls built from whole ingredients in downtown San Rafael. Check out the…
Second and Fourth Street Intersection Improvements Project Updated Timeline
The Second and Fourth Street Intersection Improvements Project has made updates to the website regarding the anticipated timeline of the Project: The Project timeline has been pushed back approximately 3 months. Timeline Final Design November/December 2025 Construction Bid Opens for Project December 2025/January 2026 Construction Bid Closes for Project January/February 2026 Project Awarded to Contractor…
$20,000 Small Business Grants Available
American Express and Main Street America have launched the new Amex Shop Small Grants Program, offering 250 grants of $20,000 to small businesses nationwide. An initial $5 million will fund the program, with additional contributions added every time an Amex Card Member shops at a qualifying small business on Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025.…
KTVU Spotlighted Apartment Proposals in San Rafael
KTVU segment: “Could San Rafael Become a New High-Rise Headquarters?” Bay Area news outlet KTVU recently aired a segment looking at planned high-rise developments in San Rafael, CA – exploring whether the city is ready to handle a residential/office-tower boom, and what that could mean for traffic, community character, and growth. Big thanks to KTVU…
Welcome Freewheel Brewery to our Downtown – 924 B Street!
We’re excited to welcome Freewheel Brewing to our Downtown! Their brand-new San Rafael taproom officially opens Friday, November 14th. Join them for their Grand Opening Celebration from 4:00pm – 10:00pm at 924 B St. Enjoy fresh beer, good times, and delicious food provided by their neighborhood partners. Stop by, raise a glass, and help us…
Welcome Perform For Golf to our Downtown – 1328 4th Street!
We’re thrilled to welcome Perform for Golf, now open in Downtown San Rafael at 1328 4th Street. This cutting-edge performance training studio helps golfers of all levels “Play Longer, Hit Farther, Golf Longer.” They officially opened their doors in San Rafael late fall and we’re excited to have them join our downtown business community. Please…
Welcome Back Glaze & Confused to new space in Downtown – 1321 4th Street!
Glaze & Confused is back in Downtown San Rafael with a brand-new location at 1321 4th Street, opened their doors on November 1, 2025! They offer pottery lessons for all ages, including wheel throwing and hand-building, plus private group events and custom creations upon request. Their shelves are stocked with beautiful, made-in-house ceramic pieces, and…
Welcome Fratm Pizzeria to our Downtown – 901 4th Street!
We’re happy to announce that FRATM pizzeria opened the doors on Thursday October 30th!! Join them at 901 4th Street San Rafael for authentic Neapolitan pizza and Southern Italian small plates. “Fratm” isa Neapolitan word for “my brother”. Brought to you by Angelo Sannino, co-founder of the award-winning Doppio Zero Restaurant Group, a staple in…
Downtown San Rafael Adopt-A-Planter Pilot Program
Beautifying Downtown One Corner at a Time! The Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District (BID) is excited to launch a new Adopt-A-Planter program to help improve our downtown intersections. For years, our corner planters have provided much-needed greenery, but many have overgrown trees or limited water sources that make beautification a challenge. So, we’re starting…
View San Rafael Public Art Installation Proposals here!
The Downtown San Rafael Arts District (DSRAD) and the City of San Rafael has launched a new Public Art Program to enhance Downtown vitality and celebrate our city’s cultural identity. This exciting program will bring five new public art installations – including murals, mosaics, and sculptures- to highly visible locations throughout Downtown in Spring/Summer 2026.…
Farewell and Gratitude to Downtown Streets Team
After more than 12 years of serving our unhoused neighbors in Marin, Downtown Streets Team (DST) Marin will conclude its local programs on Friday, October 24. Unfortunately, the current financial and political environment has greatly impacted their ability to sustain programs across the organization. Since launching in 2013, DST Marin has helped 249 individuals find…
Hollywood’s biggest names in San Rafael, thanks to the 48th Annual Mill Valley Film Festival & CAFILM!
Lights, cameras, San Rafael! Over the past week, our downtown streets turned into a red-carpet runway as Hollywood’s biggest names descended for the 48th Annual Mill Valley Film Festival. From intimate meet-and-greets to surprise walk-bys, here’s a peek at who showed up in our backyard: Joel Edgerton, Zoey Deutch, Rose Byrne (more info) Spike Lee…
Help Keep Downtown Looking Its Best – report issues here!
If you see an issue downtown – like trash, graffiti, broken meters, potholes, or trip hazards – don’t wait for someone else to report it! The City of San Rafael uses SeeClickFix, an easy online tool where you can report problems directly to the right department. Report an issue here: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/seeclickfix/ Or we added it…
Parking Perk Reminders in Downtown!
Did you know that the City provides some great, low-cost parking options downtown that make it easy for your customers (and you!) to park stress-free? Here’s a quick guide: Monthly Parking Passes Full-time visitors = $73 Free weekend parking in the A & C Street Garages (all day Saturday & Sunday) First hour free in…
BID Annual Report 2025 and 2026 Plan Draft – feedback welcome
The BID Annual Report for 2025 and Plan for 2026 will be presented to the City Council in December – It will highlight the prior year’s activities of the BID and the projected activities for the next year. Please review and let us know hat you would like to see the BID focus on in…
In Case You Missed It: Sip & Bite Ribbon Cutting!
The Chamber is excited to share the highlights from the Sip & Bite Café Ribbon Cutting – a joyful celebration filled with community spirit, smiles, and great food! Watch the video here: Sip & Bite Ribbon Cutting
Your Voice Matters: San Rafael Public Art Installations
The Downtown San Rafael Arts District (DSRAD) and the City of San Rafael has launched a new Public Art Program to enhance Downtown vitality and celebrate our city’s cultural identity. This exciting program will bring five new public art installations – including murals, mosaics, and sculptures- to highly visible locations throughout Downtown in Spring/Summer 2026.…
Map of Current Major Development Projects
The Major Planning Projects portal highlights significant development proposals currently under review in San Rafael. The City’s role is to evaluate each proposal for consistency with local, regional, and state regulations while ensuring opportunities for public input throughout the process. Projects listed here are in the review pipeline and are not approved unless otherwise noted. Explore projects on the…
Movies in the Park Returns to Gerstle Park on September 26th!
San Rafael Library and Recreation is excited to announce the return of Movies in the Park! The series kicks off on Friday, September 12, and movies will continue every other Friday through October 24. Each film begins at sunset and is free for all ages. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, family, and friends, and enjoy…
New E-Bike Rules in San Rafael
The Marin IJ reports that San Rafael’s City Council has approved new e-bike safety regulations. Riders must now be 16 or older to use throttle-powered (Class 2) e-bikes, helmets are required for all riders, and younger riders should stick to pedal-assist (Class 1) e-bikes or traditional bikes. Read the full story in the Marin IJ:…
Fall workshops announced! Free SBDC Workshops in September
Streamline Social Media with Meta Business SuiteLearn to schedule posts, track analytics, and manage Instagram/Facebook in one place.Thu, Sept 18 | 12-1:30 PM Turn Your Content into VideosUse AI to quickly transform text and images into dynamic video content.Thu, Sept 25 | 12-1:30 PM Closing the Deal: From Networking to SalesPractical strategies for building authentic…
Calling All Downtown Businesses: Connect with Local Talent at the “LEVEL UP” Employment Expo!
The San Rafael Chamber is hosting the LEVEL UP Employment Expo on September 25, 2025. This event connects local businesses with job seekers and offers a chance to share open positions and build visibility in the community. Businesses can apply to participate as employers or attend to network. LEARN MORE HERE
Emergency Go Bag Crossword Hunt this September! – City of San Rafael Fire Department
Emergency Go Bag Crossword Game! September is National Preparedness Month! For the entire month of September, the San Rafael Fire Department is hosting a fun Emergency Go Bag Crossword Game in Downtown San Rafael! Explore downtown businesses, solve the crossword puzzle, and learn about some of the items you might pack in an emergency go…
The 48th Mill Valley Film Festival is Here!
The program for MVFF48 (October 2-12) is now live! Join CAFILM for 11 days of world-class cinema, with screenings at the Smith Rafael Film Center (San Rafael), Sequoia Cinema (Mill Valley), the Lark Theater (Larkspur), and BAMPFA (Berkeley). This year’s highlights include a Tribute to Spike Lee, featuring a special clips & conversation event with…
Pac Sun Story: Into the Fold: Bookagami Transforms Pages into Sculpture
San Rafael artist Adrienne Biggs is turning rescued books into art in her “Bookagami” practice, folding and transforming discarded volumes into whimsical, sculptural pieces that breathe new life into forgotten pages. Her show Black, White and Read All Over is now on view at Marelli Bros., with free public demonstrations and a hands-on workshop coming…
Keeping Downtown Clean: Thanks to Tom Harrison with BID Support
When you stroll through downtown San Rafael, you may notice fewer eyesores like graffiti and stickers compared to most other cities. That’s thanks to the tireless work of Tom Harrison. Since 2015, Tom has volunteered countless hours to help the City with litter abatement, and in 2022 he added a new “hobby”: removing graffiti and…
West End Fridays Kicks Off This Week!
Get ready to celebrate! The West End Fridays Block Party kicks off THIS Friday, August 15, from 6 pm-9 pm, on 4th Street between F and G. It will run for 8 Fridays from August 15 through October 10. Brought to you by Pint Size Lounge, it’s your go-to for music, food, and community flair! VIEW FULL…
2nd Annual Dancing Under the Lights – What a Night!
This month’s 2nd Annual Dancing Under the Lights brought thousands of people to Downtown San Rafael to dance, eat, sip, shop, and celebrate our vibrant city. The Tivoli lights sparkled, the music filled the air, and the community came together for an unforgettable evening. Check out the incredible moments captured by photographer Bruce Forrester: View…
Thank you to our volunteers that helped Phase 2 of the Downtown Mulching Project on 7/11
A big thank you to Tobi Lessem from Bodywise Massage, Adam Dawson from Mike’s Bikes, and all the wonderful volunteers who joined us on July 11th for Phase 2 of our annual BID mulching project. The before and after photos speak for themselves and help makes our Downtown shine! Your hard work is helping to…
DSRAD Steering Committee Application Now Open
The Downtown San Rafael Arts District (DSRAD) Steering Committee application and related materials are now open! The application period is August 1 – 29, 2025. The Downtown San Rafael Arts District (DSRAD) collaborates with local arts leaders, businesses, city officials, and community members to create a vibrant and engaging environment that promotes well-being, equity, and inclusivity…
Join the Emergency Go Bag Crossword Hunt! – City of San Rafael Fire Department
Join the Emergency Go Bag Crossword Hunt! This September, for National Preparedness Month, SR Fire is inviting 15 local businesses in the downtown area to take part in a community-wide Emergency Go Bag Crossword Hunt. They will give you one crossword clue to post in your store. This can be near your register or on…
Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening Celebrations: HOT ITALIAN & HUMBOWL
Join us in welcoming two exciting new restaurants to our vibrant downtown community! Come show your support, enjoy some great food, and help us celebrate the growing energy in Downtown San Rafael. HOT ITALIAN – Grand Opening & Ribbon CuttingThursday, July 24, 20255:00 PM – 6:00 PM909 Lincoln Ave https://www.hotitalian.net/ Celebrate the arrival of HOT…
Join Phase 2 of the BID Downtown Mulching Project – Friday, July 11
Join the BID for Phase 2 of the BID Downtown Mulching Project 2025! Date: Friday, July 11, 2025 Time: 10:00a-12:30p Meeting Location: E Street & 4th Street Intersection Beautify Our Downtown Together What’s Happening: Phase 2 of the BID’s Mulching Project is here, and we need your help to make it a success! We’ll be…
Immigration Enforcement Response Training for Employers, Chamber Morning Program 7/15
Date: 07/15/2025 Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Location: San Rafael Chamber Conference Room, 817 Mission Ave. Employers across all industries-nonprofit and for-profit alike-face complex and sometimes unclear responsibilities when it comes to compliance with immigration requirements. Making sure employees know their rights, have access to resources, and aren’t exposed to unnecessary risks helps build…
Welcoming Sip & Bite to Downtown San Rafael, 1109 4th Street!
Couple opens cafe in San Rafael – Marin IJ Article By Leanne Battelle | ij.lbattelle@gmail.com | IJ correspondent PUBLISHED: July 1, 2025 at 5:45 PM PDT Sip & Bite Cafe has been quietly operating in downtown San Rafael since May and will celebrate its grand opening on July 12. Owned by Point Richmond husband-and-wife-team Ruchir “Rich” Dave and Samantha…
You’re Invited: 1st Annual BID History Walking Tour, Thursday July 24th 6-7pm ~ Explore the Hidden History of Downtown San Rafael!
Join the Business Improvement District and the Marin History Museum for a fascinating one-hour walking tour led by Marcie Miller, Volunteer Director of Education at the Marin History Museum. Discover the stories behind the old Courthouse, the many theaters that once lined Fourth Street (up to 9 movie houses in the early 1900s!), and historic…
DSRAD 2026 Public Art Program – CALL FOR ARTISTS
The Downtown San Rafael Arts District is excited to announce a call for artists for five public art opportunities in the Downtown San Rafael Arts District for installation in 2026. Artists and artist teams are invited to apply, including mural opportunities for California-based artists and sculpture opportunities for all US-based artists. Applications are coordinated through…
Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods Interview with BID Director, Sarah Tipple
“The Federation Steering Committee LOVED your presentation on May 8th. The video is posted HERE. We are grateful for your enthusiastic contributions to the vitality of San Rafael’s business community and for the BID’s tremendous website with a wealth of programming and information.” – President of the Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods
Correction: Streetary Permit Potential Fee Updates
CCORRECTION: 7.15.25 The City Council may consider updating the fee structure for Streetary permits at an August or September City Council meeting. (Not “have considered” like in the previous post.) Key changes may include: Application Fee reduced from $2,047 per space to $1,758 One-time Removal Deposit eliminated (previously $2,000) New Annual Fee of $310 for…
City is Updating Special Events Permitting Process
Planning a Special Event in San Rafael? Starting this July, the City’s Special Events Permit Program will be managed by the Community and Economic Development Department (CED) – previously handled by the San Rafael Police Department. If you’re organizing a parade, festival, farmers market, athletic event, or block party that takes place in the public…
San Rafael Business Pulse Survey: Chamber Advocacy & Economic Vitality
The San Rafael Chamber of Commerce is conducting this survey to better understand the experiences, priorities, and needs of our local business community. Your feedback will directly inform the Chamber’s advocacy efforts with city leaders, help shape our programming, and guide our focus on economic vitality initiatives that matter most to you. The Chamber is…
Downtown 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.