Sausalito Art Festival — Attraction in Sausalito

I'm baffled by the Sausalito Art Festival. Truly baffled. Why are people spending $30 admission just to get in or $100 VIP for 2 drinks and admission? Perhaps if this was a thoughtfully curated show of up and coming or exclusive artists, I would understand but that it was not. While there were some very talented artists, there was also a lot of "junk art" or gimmicky stuff that everyone though might be interesting in someone else's home but certainly not their own. You would not see this caliber of work in a juried show somewhere like Ann Arbor Street Art Fair or Laguna Festival of the Arts. And to be honest, I do not recall paying anything to get into those shows. I'm not sure what the entry fee is meant to cover... certainly the artists also paid for their own booths. Is there a charity this supports or just padding someone's pockets? I scoured the website and couldn't find a direct beneficiary. It appears to be entirely privately owned. Either way, you couldn't convince me to return again - the food was typical festival food - not the trendy food you find at the local music fests, the entertainment was... well probably some older locals past their glory days and I won't beat the art horse. I give it two stars vs one because it motivated a group of friends living in different areas to come together, which was what made it fun. But hey, I'm just an art school grad,...

Drove 1.5 hrs to get there having pd $ 30.00 each for tickets. Did not have any disabled parking available at 11:15. Paid $15.00 for parking and walked the 3 blocks which is not a big deal if you aren't disabled. There was no shuttle available for the parking by Coamerica Bank. compared to previous visits; if you aren't going to provide basic amenities for your patrons like CHAIRS, TABLES to eat at and SHADE then bag it. Wth! I rested on the retention tanks for the gray water from sinks. But it was partly shaded! Seriously we were out of the cramped aisles for the artists, with zero seating to contemplate a purchase or regroup, by 1:15 after listening to decent music by a Santana tribute band. Last time I was there Grace Slick was singing and I was in a chair with a table in a shaded pavilion. Spent some dough as it was very conducive to that end. I stood trying to juggle my crab cakes (go have these, AWESOME from the Nursery School volunteers!) and beverage and not lose out on my 12" shade spot. Realize it is for charity otherwise I would feel very ripped off. However, I do believe I bought a bill of goods. Spent $45.00 on "art". IF you go, prepare to bring your own tables AND your own shade AND your own chairs ....

We have been coming for over 20 years and drive about an hour to get to the festival. Unique quality art that you won't find elsewhere.

Unfortunately they do charge to get in but normally you get value add services not found at other art shows. Large shaded areas to get out of the sun, rest, listen to music or have a table to eat at. This year they decided to get rid of all tables, chairs and shade to save money. Unfortunate when you bring your elderly parents and count on the shade and chairs. When you pay 60.00 for 3 people to get in and pay 15.00 for parking, the least they can do is provide shade, chairs and table to eat their over priced food at!

No longer a...