Key Facts
- Event
- Roller Disco Daze
- Location
- Lagoon Island, Marin County Fairgrounds, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael
- Opened
- July 17, 2026
- Runs through
- Aug. 16, 2026
- Admission
- Free
- Capacity
- 1,000 people
Background
Every July, the Marin County Fair takes over San Rafael’s Civic Center Lagoon Park, transforming the space into a noisy wonderland of amusements and attractions. One of the more magical destinations each year is the little island in the lagoon, where a large covered stage hosts a lineup of entertainments and musical acts. When the fair ends, it all goes away.
For 2026, Marin County’s Department of Cultural Services wanted to give the community a way to come together outdoors and make memories after the fair. They did so by putting a covered roller disco skating rink on the island, now open and running through Aug. 16.
Current Situation
Roller Disco Daze officially opened on July 17. The experience includes DJs playing skate-friendly tunes, a mirror ball suspended from the overhead awning, a skate rental area, a food truck, picnic tables, lawn games, and art installations. There is even a giant inflatable roller skate, a popular spot for group photos and selfies.
Turnout has grown every week as word gets out, according to Andie Davis, media manager of Marin County’s Department of Cultural Services. The rink’s capacity is 1,000 people. Evenings have been especially popular. Davis noted a couple who came to skate on opening day to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary before heading out to dinner, dressed in ’70s-inspired shirts.
Each weekend has a different overall theme, with separate mini-themes for each day. Early themes included The Good Old Daze with a ’70s-era Boogie Wonderland for the first Friday, an ’80s Jam Night on Saturday, and ’90s night on Sunday. Remaining themes include Out of This World (Aug. 7-9) with Cowboys vs. Aliens, A Long Time Ago in a Rink Far Away, and Space Age; and Oh the Horror! (Aug. 14-16) with Stop, Goth & Roll, Zombie Night: Skate of the Dead, and A Scary Good Skate Night.
| Weekend | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out of This World (Aug. 7-9) | Cowboys vs. Aliens | A Long Time Ago in a Rink Far Away | Space Age (One Small Skate for Mankind) |
| Oh the Horror! (Aug. 14-16) | Stop, Goth & Roll | Zombie Night: Skate of the Dead | A Scary Good Skate Night |
Impacts
The event provides a free, outdoor community gathering space after the fair, allowing residents and visitors to make memories. It accommodates both seasoned skaters and total first timers, with skate rentals available for those without their own equipment.
Attendance is the main measure of success, but the county is also watching how people use the space and what the community tells them they want more of. The feedback has been positive both in person and online. Admission is free, but waivers must be signed for anyone taking their own skates onto the rink.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If all goes according to the county’s plans, Roller Disco Daze could become an annual tradition as beloved as the fair that precedes it. The county is monitoring attendance and community feedback to gauge interest.
Depending on turnout and feedback, the event may return in future years, possibly with new themes or expanded offerings. However, no official decision has been announced beyond the current run through Aug. 16.
Source: pacificsun.com
