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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 Annual Downtown San Rafael Hops & Vines Stroll will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 2 pm to 6 pm! Sip, Stroll, Shop!
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

Back-To-School Teacher Support Through September

It’s that time of year and our San Rafael Teachers need our support!  Join Salon B’s Back-to-School campaign by participating in their “Teacher’s Wishlist” initiative.  Here’s what you can do to make a BIG difference in their classrooms: Click the link below to view the teacher’s wish lists. Drop off your awesome donation to Salon…

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Beautification & Mulching our Intersections- Phase 2, September 8th

On Earth Day, the City of San Rafael, the BID, DPW, and a large handful of volunteers, joined efforts to remove graffiti, polish up parking meters, pulled spring weeds to beautify the intersections, and removed every little scrap of litter to help make Downtown match the beautiful merchants and other business owners who make San…

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San Rafael Green Business and Workforce Development Survey

The City of San Rafael is designing an Equitable Low Carbon Economy Project. They would appreciate the input of representatives of local businesses, non-profits, education, workforce development, and government organizations through this 5-10 minute survey. (Si prefiere responder en español, siga este enlace.) Respondents will be entered into a raffle with 3 opportunities to win…

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Upcoming Marin SBDC Trainings – September

UPCOMING TRAININGS The SBDC provides virtual and in-person training and workshops designed for business development on various key topics. Did we mention these trainings are free? 9/7: SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY – OPTIMIZING YOUR EFFORTS 9/13: INSTAGRAM, THREADS & REELS 9/21: STORYTELLING MARKETING VIA IMAGE & VIDEO 9/28: DIGITAL MARKETING FUNDAMENTALS REGISTER HERE

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Gathering Thyme Herb School – Starts September 6th

From Sept 2023 – June 2024, Gathering Thyme is offering online & In-Person Classes at their Herb School program.  The first class is Herbalism: Connecting Plants & People on September 6th. Learn the ancient and modern traditions of herbal medicine. This class is open to anyone with an interest in learning the craft of herbalism…

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Mill Valley Film Festival – Sponsorship Opportunities

🎬 Step into the Spotlight: Elevate Your Brand with MVFF46 Sponsorships! 🌟 Lights, camera, sponsorship! Embrace the extraordinary opportunity to shine alongside national, regional, and community businesses as a valued sponsor of the highly-acclaimed Mill Valley Film Festival. MVFF46 (Oct 5-15) is calling for partners like you to join forces in an unforgettable cinematic celebration.…

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New Rooftop Dining Destination in San Rafael

The ground-up development of the contemporary AC Hotel San Rafael by Marriott that’s one block north of San Rafael’s main Fourth Street corridor is now complete. Given that locals have little need for overnight accommodations, the real stir has been about the boutique hotel’s Wednesday opening of Above Fifth, San Rafael’s first rooftop dining destination,…

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Public Relations Webinar, August 28 – FREE for BID Members

5 Easy Steps To Getting Your Business Press Monday, August 28, 3 pm PT (Tickets available up to event start) Please join the San Rafael Downtown BID for an informative webinar about public relations with Sarah Segal, the founder, and CEO of Segal Communications. Sarah’s team represents countless Bay Area businesses, including many in the…

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Lower the Speed Limit on 4th Street?

Marin bicycling and pedestrian advocates are calling on San Rafael to slow traffic on the city’s main drag.   The speed limit is 25 mph on Fourth Street. Proponents said slowing motorists to 20 mph would greatly improve safety. The effort is being led by Walk/Bike San Rafael, a branch of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition.…

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The West End Block Party Proposed Dates

In addition to the 2nd Fridays Dining Under the Lights block parties that take place throughout Downtown San Rafael, the West End will host their Friday Night Block Party from F to G Streets from 6 pm-10 pm (music will end at 9pm). A revised proposal for the WEBP has been presented to the City…

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Downtown Business Events

Pastel Drawing Class at the Falkirk Cultural Center

Pastel Drawing Class at the Falkirk Cultural Center! No experience necessary. Class takes place every Wednesday from 10am – 12pm. October 4 – October 25 (Registration code: 6656) Resident: $110 Non-Resident: $121 The class will be held outdoors weather permitting! If it is chilly, then it will be held inside 😊 You can register at…

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Groundfloor Opening Day, September 12th

It’s official, Groundfloor San Rafael is opening its doors on  Tuesday, September 12th! Groundfloor is an inclusive community of people from all walks of life looking to build meaningful relationships. Known to be the home of new friends, the space exists as a cure to social isolation, and our mission is to empower new relationships, face-to-face. Groundfloor members…

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West End Wednesdays

The San Rafael West End Village presents: West End Wednesdays Deals and Discoveries!  West End Wednesdays! West End Village, San Rafael from E’ Street down to the Miracle Mile Junction.   20+ shops offer bargains every Wednesday through December 2023! Bikes and books, lunch and lashes, Pets and Camera gear!  Appliances and clothing, Yarn and Yoga!  No street…

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Special Benefit Screening of 26.2 TO LIFE, Sept 22nd

Uncommon Law is hosting a special benefit screening of 26.2 TO LIFE at the Smith Rafael Film Center on September 22nd. This award-winning documentary about the San Quentin 1000 Mile Club is set right in Marin, at San Quentin State Prison. The event will also feature a post-screening panel with formerly incarcerated members of the…

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San Rafael Pacifics Hosting the Playoffs – August

Pacifics Playoff Baseball Starts Monday Night at Albert Park The San Rafael Pacifics will host the Pecos League finals starting Wednesday or Thursday Night at Albert Park vs the Trinidad (Colorado) Triggers or the Tucson Saguaros! Be there! BUY TICKETS HERE

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Boyd Gate House – August Exhibit

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AGLOW – Youth In Arts Fundraiser

AGLOW: Help Students Shine Thorough Arts Education Date: September 21, 2023 Time: 5:00pm to 9:00pm Location: Tam Commons 1300 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901 Youth in Arts is taking over Tam Commons, and part of C Street for our fall fundraising event. AGLOW features delicious food, drinks, live and silent auction, games, and performances by Kid Galaga, `Til Dawn,…

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Comedy Show at Thai Food Express on November 9th

Come down to Thai Food Express, 857 Fourth Street, on Wednesday, November 9th for a night of laughs!  The FREE comedy show starts at 7 pm and will Mean Dave will be the headliner.  Comedians Nina G & Alexia will also make you laugh the night away!  See you there! Visit the website for more…

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Wellness Event at Metta Yoga on November 10th

The San Rafael Chamber of Commerce Health and Wellness Resource Group invites you to join a Free Wellness Event! Come and enjoy an hour of functional movement with F45, yoga with Metta Yoga and meditation with Dr Linda Berry, followed by an open hour of socializing and getting to know each other. The class will…

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1st Saturday of the Month Herbal Pop Up Events at Gathering Thyme

HERBAL POP-UP LOCATION:  Our herb store at 1332 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901 from 11-4pm Come check out our local artisans and healers, sip herbal tea and browse our curated selection of goods.  Enter our raffle to win an assortment of our custom-blended teas and a beautiful glass teapot along with our new recycled…

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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.