Free events in Hollister, CA

Set along the paseo in front of the Hammer Theatre, this farmers market presented by the Regional Farmers Market Association features fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, and more. Hammer Theatre staff will be on site to share information about upcoming events, answer questions about the venue, and offer a chance to win two free tickets to an upcoming event. The market will also host a collection for the SJSU Spartan Food Pantry.

Find the Hollister Artisans at the market with locally handmade gifts. Enjoy something to eat while shopping local.

Shearwater Tavern hosts complimentary tastings every Wednesday featuring Lady Somm Carmel's favorite regional and local wines.

Connect with fellow signers at Oakridge Mall for an American Sign Language social in the food court, located between the Century Theater and Jamba Juice. The gathering welcomes Deaf and hard of hearing community members, ASL students, and anyone interested in learning or practicing the language. Participants keep voices off to create a fully signing environment. Closed for holidays.

Paint Night at The Clove Art Complex offers a relaxed, family friendly creative session where participants can paint independently or request guidance from on-site instructors. No prior experience is required. The activity is free with any purchase made during the event. After the painting concludes, County Night line dancing lessons are available for those who want to continue the fun.

This gathering celebrates the American bluegrass tradition at a coffeehouse, bringing fans and musicians together for a jam session. It is an invitational event where both amateur and professional players submit their names and instruments, and a matching system forms a new band for each edition so the music changes from session to session. Reserved seating is available in this small venue for $15 per person. To arrange in advance, call 408-354-3263 or stop by. There is no cover at the door and walk-ins are welcome. Coffee drinks, beer, and wine are available for purchase during the event. The setting suits a family outing or a night with friends. The jam takes place at Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company.

Enjoy a monthly night market at Grand Century Mall in San Jose that welcomes all ages. Admission and parking are free. Explore more than forty vendors each night with a wide range of food, drinks, and desserts, all set to a lively soundtrack and a friendly community vibe. Entertainment features live DJs, local bands, and dance performances from school and community groups. Interactive activities and photo opportunities add extra fun for families and friends.

Children ages 4 to 10 with sensory processing differences, autism, or other special needs, together with a parent or caregiver, can take part in a hands-on, immersive experience in the Children’s Activity Room. The session features a variety of activities designed to engage the senses. It is free and offered on the fourth Friday of the month. Space is limited and registration is required.

A free weekly workout meetup for dads in San Jose brings local fathers together to train, connect, and build community focused on growth physically, mentally, and spiritually. Each session features a group workout followed by time to share and grab coffee. No equipment is required, as most exercises are bodyweight and some gear will be available. Bring water and positive energy.

A free community workout on The Row features yoga and Pilates with Santana Row and lululemon. The class takes place in Santana Row Park near the chess board. Bring a yoga mat. It is open to the public.

This no-cost bilingual conference welcomes parents, guardians, educators, and adult allies from Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties who want to deepen their understanding of gender and youth. Attendees can expect breakfast, snacks, and lunch to be provided, with live Spanish interpretation available. Spanish-language information is available, and registration is open.

A weekly volunteer effort at St James Park in San Jose focuses on sharing meals with anyone who is hungry. Participants are encouraged to provide vegetarian food, often by purchasing simple items from a nearby Taco Bell, packing them individually, and bringing them to the park for distribution. Only vegetarian food is requested, reflecting a commitment to feed others without harming animals. Those who cannot be there in person can donate funds that go toward $5 food bags from Taco Bell, with receipts shared by the organizer. Home-cooked vegetarian food can also be coordinated for pickup. The initiative welcomes cash or food donations and distributes meals without discrimination. Organizer and contact: Vincent Amaladoss, 614-772-2743. Zelle donations can be sent to linktovj1985@gmail.com.

Enjoy live, original funk at Good Karma Artisan Ales & Cafe. This residency features performances every other Saturday, and the show is free.

Del Monte Shopping Center hosts a seasonal Sunday farmers market held from May to September. It takes place regardless of weather and is set up in the rear parking area behind California Pizza Kitchen.

Set at Almaden Lake Park, this community fundraising walk from the Children’s Tumor Foundation brings together people affected by neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis, along with their families, friends, and supporters, for a family friendly day of connection and purpose. The event raises awareness of NF, which impacts over 4 million people worldwide, and fuels the science aimed at getting treatments to patients more quickly. Every step taken helps fund research, strengthens care, and moves progress toward better therapies and, one day, a cure. Participants can start or join a team, invite loved ones to take part, and walk to make a difference. There is no cost to register.

Build a stronger powerhouse with Pilates-inspired small-group training at SPENGA Los Gatos. Marina brings more than ten years of Pilates teaching experience to lead focused, core-driven work in a small format limited to 12 participants per session. The training is designed to keep you moving well and ready for the demands of the next day. Local guests can take their first class for free.