Hollywood stars are descending upon Marin County for the Mill Valley Film Festival. There’s a shocking number of Oktoberfest options. And Halloween festivities are even kicking off. Here’s what’s happening this weekend.

The opener with Sam Rockwell is this Thursday. But there are plenty of gems this weekend that aren’t sold out. Odyssey (Apollo 13 told through archival footage and Jim Lovell’s perspective), Pete Townshend: Behind Blue Eyes, All of a Sudden (best actress award at Cannes), and Carl Sagan: We Are Made of Star Stuff. Locations, times, and prices vary.

Liters of lager, German food, stein-holding, beer puppeteer and other games at the brewery on Fourth Street. Lederhosen are encouraged. Noon-9pm Saturday and Sunday, no cover charge or tickets needed.

The Bay Area Discovery Museum's Halloween festival kicks off this weekend with glowing dig pits, giant spider webs, and live bugs with the Beetlelady. Costumes encouraged. 10am-4pm, $30 (free for members this weekend only). Runs every October weekend.

A runway show, designer showcases, art installations, live music, and cocktails take over the Marin Art & Garden Center. 4-9pm, after party at Mac’s in Fairfax until 2am.

Cultivar closes Tracy Way for an all-day party with Stroke 9 (the Marin band behind the 90s hit “Little Black Backpack”) playing an acoustic set at 2pm, Local Tiburon Band, and others. Noon-8pm, free, all ages.

The Bay Area’s top waterfront wine festival returns with 60+ wineries and 10+ local restaurants serving bites. 1-4pm, $140. (Wine fans should also know about Mog Asu’s first Saturday of the month live music night.)

A county ranger leads an 8-mile hike to the top of White Hill above Fairfax for panoramic views, with lunch at the summit and the story of the B-17 bomber that crashed there. 8am-2pm, free, registration required.

Other Oktoberfest options: Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center, Barrel House Tavern with Fieldwork stein-holding contest

Palace Market throws a harvest party with bobbing for apples, caramel apple making, pie and pumpkin carving contests, live music, oysters and tamales, and local beer and cider tastings. 11am-3pm, free (donations go to West Marin nonprofits).

The Marin History Museum is hosting this free event with info on how to preserve your keepsakes. Bring up to three heirlooms for an Antiques Roadshow-style appraisal. 1:30-4:30pm, free (appraisals are $25, register ahead).

The Berkeley jazz pianist, who draws on everyone from Bach to Monk, brings his trio for an intimate set in the 1888 chapel on the hill. There's no parking at the chapel, so take the free shuttle. 4pm, $21-26.

Other Oktoberfest option: Marin Country Mart

There’s an impressive estate sale in Terra Linda with antique furniture, dozens of vintage cameras, collectibles, and more. Friday through Sunday, 10am-3pm.

I’ve been closely watching this spot’s transition. The beloved Hilda’s closed and the Creekside Pizza team is behind this new burger place. Calling it a burger place is too simple though: “California-style burgers, fries, milkshakes & softserve.” But that leaves out the crispy chicken (sandwich and wrap). And their plan to open for breakfast with Hilda’s pancake recipe once they perfect lunch and dinner.

I was impressed with the food, as well as the attention to detail. There are fun touches like the menu including lines to fold it into a paper airplane. And tons of local features like the original Hilda’s sign, Bubba’s Diner clock, and hand-painted murals of downtown San Anselmo. Stay tuned for a video with a behind the scenes look (follow on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Nextdoor, and Youtube).

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Thanks for reading. If you know of anything interesting going on in Marin, just reply to this email to let us know.

— Allison + Brian