A Grammy-winning orchestra, free salsa lessons, and Friday night block parties are all coming to San Rafael in August, giving residents several reasons to head downtown and stay out late.

The Pacific Mambo Orchestra performs at the Osher Marin JCC's Swig Field on Saturday, August 1, kicking off the month with an outdoor concert of Latin jazz, salsa, and Afro-Cuban music. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the show runs until 10 p.m. at 200 North San Pedro Road.

The Bay Area ensemble won the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Tropical Latin Album. The Kanbar Center for the Performing Arts, which has presented shows at the JCC since 1990, is hosting the event with sponsorship from Tri Counties Bank, according to the Eventbrite listing.

Tickets start at $30 before fees, and children 12 and under get in free. Attendees can arrive early for free salsa lessons, browse local food vendors, and grab drinks at the bar. Low-back chairs, stadium chairs, and blankets are allowed. Free parking is available.

Three weeks later, the West End Fridays Block Party launches on Fourth Street. The Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District is closing Fourth Street between F and G streets on Friday, August 21, and again on Friday, August 28, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each evening.

The San Rafael City Council authorized the temporary street closure at its Monday, July 20, meeting. The block party series is scheduled to continue every Friday through mid-October, with the final date set for October 16.

Specific performers for the block party have not been announced. Marin Magazine's August calendar describes the event as a weekly gathering that fills Fourth Street with music and community.

Between those two events, the 3rd Annual Dancing Under the Lights takes over downtown San Rafael on Friday, August 7, from 5 to 9 p.m. Neon Velvet headlines, with School of Rock youth performers opening and Salsa Dance Marin offering lessons. Food trucks and beer from local brewery Pond Farm round out the evening, according to Marin Arts.

Upcoming community events

  • Saturday, August 1: Pacific Mambo Orchestra at Osher Marin JCC Swig Field, 5:30–10 p.m. Tickets $30; kids 12 and under free.
  • Friday, August 7: Dancing Under the Lights, downtown San Rafael, 5–9 p.m.
  • Friday, August 21: West End Fridays Block Party, Fourth Street at F-G Streets, 6–9 p.m.
  • Friday, August 28: West End Fridays Block Party, Fourth Street at F-G Streets, 6–9 p.m.