It’s Father’s Day this weekend and here are three fantastic reasons to leave the city behind and venture out across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Go to the Marin Art Festival
Considered one of the most beautiful outdoor festivals in the nation, the Marin Art Festival is just one big lawn party for the arts. The festival features over 250 artists as well as a plethora of other entertainment options such as whimsical stilt walkers, Taiko drumming, and hands-on art projects for children. There will also be two full days of music from popular Bay Area musicians and dance performances on the Marin Dance Showcase Stage. The food definitely has a distinct southern flavor with Louisiana gumbo and crawfish, Southwestern chicken breast sandwiches, and grilled oysters just some of the options. There will also be wine tasting and a fabulous selection of coffee.
When: Saturday and Sunday, June 16/17.
Where: 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael.

Learn Some Backpacking Basics
Get ready for your summer hiking adventures by meeting up with a local park ranger for a discussion and demonstration on how to go about preparing for an enjoyable backpacking trip. Included will be a review of topographical map reading, compass and GPS use. Following the talk, there will be a hike to the top of Ring Mountain to discuss its historical and botanical importance. Bring food, water and sunscreen as well as a backpack you may use for your trips. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
When: Saturday, June 16.
Where: The Phyllis Ellman Trail entrance on Paradise Drive in Corte Madera (From Highway 101 in Corte Madera, take the Paradise Dr/Tamalpais Dr exit and continue onto Paradise Dr.)

Go on a Tour of Local Bee Hives
The Sonoma County Beekeepers’ Association are having their first ever “Le Tour de Hives” this Sunday. The tour, which is centered around Petaluma, is designed for cars, but there is also an abridged bicycle version as well for people who are feeling fit. Activities on the tour include observing a hive and spotting the queen bee, learning about these fuzzy little creatures who help keep our ecosystem in balance, as well as watching bee related films and, of course, honey tasting. There will also be some DIY demonstrations on how you can build your own hive and attract bees to it.
When: Sunday, June 17.
Where: Petaluma, CA.