Mill Valley Film Festival

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Arts & CultureMill Valley
Dates1–11 October 2026Confirmed listing
Duration11 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsFew American film festivals can trace an
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Mill Valley Film Festival in Mill Valley

The Mill Valley Film Festival has run every October since 1977, when Mark Fishkin, Rita Cahill, and Lois Cole organized a three-day showcase in this small Marin County town. It has grown into an eleven-day event under the California Film Institute, drawing more than two hundred filmmakers from over fifty countries and a reputation for launching award-bound independent and foreign films.

It is a respected fall film festival with strong industry and audience recognition.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Few American film festivals can trace an unbroken run back to a single founding trio the way Mill Valley can: Mark Fishkin, who still leads the festival's parent organization, launched it in 1977 with Rita Cahill and Lois Cole as a modest three-day event, keeping its identity as what organizers call a filmmakers' festival, prioritizing relationships with directors over red-carpet spectacle

02

The mystery stays covered

Its track record for launching films is well documented, most notably the 1987 premiere of Walking on Water, later re-released as Stand and Deliver, along with U

03

The city starts moving

premieres of My Left Foot, Cinema Paradiso, and Strictly Ballroom

04

The water draws everyone in

Fishkin also founded the California Film Institute in 1978 as the festival's nonprofit parent, giving Mill Valley a year-round institutional base unusual for a town of scarcely fourteen thousand residents

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival has kept its founding character as a filmmakers' festival

Water and renewal

Living ritual

emphasizing director and cast attendance and audience access over industry-only screenings

The sacred route

Living ritual

and it continues to operate under the California Film Institute

The local code

Living ritual

the nonprofit organization Mark Fishkin established in 1978 specifically to house the festival and its year-round programming

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

1–11 October 2026

Getting around

Venues are spread through Marin and nearby areas.

What to wear

Early October in Mill Valley is mild by day, often in the 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, cooling noticeably after sunset given its wooded Marin County setting; layered clothing and a jacket for...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

Mill Valley or San Rafael

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map37.91 N, 122.54 WOpen in Google Maps

Mill Valley, CA

TransportVenues are spread through Marin and nearby areas.
Stay areaMill Valley or San Rafael

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Mill Valley via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Mill Valley, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for October.Compare faresFestival gearEarly October in Mill Valley is mild by day, often in the 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, cooling noticeably after sunset given its wooded Marin County setting; layered clothing and a jacket for evening screenings are practical, with attire ranging from casual to smart-casual for gala events.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Mill Valley Film Festival?

Mill Valley Film Festival is listed for 1–11 October 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Mill Valley Film Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Mill Valley, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

11 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Mill Valley, CA

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLmvff.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates1–11 October 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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