Arts & Entertainment

Tommy Castro, the 85s and Kiddo All-Star Band Set to Rock Out for Post-Memorial Day Parade Carnival

After an 8-year hiatus, the Mill Valley Carnival made a triumphant return in 2012 as a three-day affair at the Mill Valley Community Center to benefit Kiddo!, which continues to raise at least $2.7 million annually to support arts, technology and physical education in the Mill Valley School District's six schools.

The Carnival is back again for Memorial Day weekend 2013, running from Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27, with 17 rides for all ages, as well as food and games. Though organizer Larry "the Hat" Lautzker says the Sweetwater Music Hall is not involved in booking and organizing the musical portion of the post-Memorial Day Parade festivities this year, live music will in effect.

The lineup includes Tommy Castro and the Painkillers w/special guest Bonnie Hayes, The 85's, Marble Party, Todd Morgan, Mill Valley native Liza Oppenheimer and a closing jam with the KIDDO All-Star Band featuring Aaron Redner of Hot Buttered Rum, Dan 'Lebo' Lebowitz of ALO, James Nash of The Waybacks and special guest, Mill Valley resident and Talking Heads alum Jerry Harrison.

Carnival hours are:

  • Friday, May 24: 4 – 10 p.m.
  • Sat. & Sun, May 25 & 26: Noon – 10 p.m.
  • Monday, May 27: Noon – 5:00 p.m.
Advance discounted ticket books are available in the Kiddo! office Monday through Thursday, May 20-23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday, May 24, 9 a.m. to noon. Advance books are $20 and $30 once the Carnival begins.

The 2013 Memorial Day Parade, which has a "Let the Good Times Roll" theme this year, is a partnership with the National Safe Bike Routes to School program.

The day begins with the annual Pancake Breakfast put on by the Mill Valley Volunteer Firefighter Association. The parade kicks off at 10:30 from Old Mill School and ending up at the Community Center .


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