Free events in Menlo Park, CA

A free monthly food distribution welcomes everyone. No proof of income is required, and new families can register on the day of distribution. Participants should park and walk in, and bringing reusable bags and a cart will make carrying items easier. Each family may receive up to 100 pounds of food. To help the process run smoothly, please avoid lining up early.

Thursday Live on Cal Ave. is a free outdoor music series that brings local talent and community fun to California Avenue in Palo Alto. Presented by the Palo Alto Recreation Foundation in partnership with the City of Palo Alto, with signature support from Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, Stanford Research Park, and Palo Alto Weekly, this edition centers on a Wellness and End of Summer theme. The car free street turns into a neighborhood hub with performances by popular local musicians, interactive activities, games, complimentary giveaways, and themed programming for all ages. Many visitors also take time to dine, shop, and explore the avenue before and after the festivities.

Courthouse Square transforms into an open-air cinema with free double features for all ages, celebrating its 20th year in Redwood City. Each week brings family-friendly films to start the evening, Bravemaker independent shorts later on, and a full-length feature to close the night. The lineup also includes Soccer on the Square community watch parties, with one evening dedicated to a FIFA World Cup live viewing party and additional details to be announced. Screenings feature high-definition visuals, surround sound audio, and an LED screen that offers clear views across the Square. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, and many attendees arrive early to spread a blanket and enjoy takeout from nearby restaurants before the movies begin.

Courthouse Square becomes an outdoor movie spot with free back-to-back screenings for all ages, pairing a family-friendly feature with independent shorts and a showcase of beloved classics and recent releases. This edition spotlights Smurfs (PG). After Papa Smurf is captured by the wizards Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette leads the Smurfs into the human world to bring him back. The film features Rihanna, Natasha Lyonne, James Corden, Nick Offerman, and Dan Levy, and is directed by Chris Miller.

Courthouse Square transforms into a lively open-air cinema across a thirteen-week series featuring complimentary back-to-back screenings for all ages. The schedule mixes family-friendly selections and indie shorts earlier, then continues with celebrated classics and recent full-length features later in the evening. The feature presentation is The Pursuit of Happyness, rated PG-13, a fact-based drama about a determined salesman who begins an unpaid internship at a prestigious brokerage while he and his young son navigate eviction and homelessness in San Francisco. Starring Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton, Brian Howe, and James Karen, and directed by Gabriele Muccino, the film runs 117 minutes and was released in 2006.

Music on the Square fills Courthouse Square with live performances and a welcoming community vibe, celebrating twenty years in Downtown Redwood City. This free Friday night series spans fourteen weeks and features rock, reggae, funk, Latin, and soul. Talent arrives from around the Bay Area and beyond. The season begins with Carnaval, a high-energy Santana tribute, and wraps up with Pride & Joy delivering crowd-pleasing pop and soul. Pick up food from nearby restaurants, bring a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy a staple of Friday nights on the Peninsula. Please note that glass bottled beverages are not permitted and this rule will be enforced.

Fourth Friday is a free monthly celebration in downtown Menlo Park that happens on the fourth Friday of each month. The event showcases live music suitable for all ages and includes a kids fun zone at Cheeky Monkey. Visitors can dance in the heart of downtown, explore local shops, and enjoy dinner nearby while connecting with the community.

Enjoy a free Music in the Park concert at Burton Park, a community gathering centered on live music, warm weather, and the open air. Bring a blanket or chairs, and a picnic if you like. Beer, wine, and other beverages will be available for purchase from the Parks and Recreation Foundation of San Carlos, which also sponsors the event.

Heartless brings a lively performance to San Carlos Music in the Park at Burton Park in San Carlos.

Face painting will be available with Dayanna at this event.

Free Shakespeare in the Park arrives at Redwood City Red Morton Park with the 44th season presenting Antony and Cleopatra, directed by Katja Rivera. The story spans Rome and Egypt, exploring the pull between responsibility and passion and how private bonds can influence political power. The performance runs about 90 minutes with no intermission. No tickets are needed, and no prior Shakespeare experience is required.

Experience a tribute to Elvis Presley with live performances by Dave Crimmen. This free event features dinner service, food and drinks, and dancing.

Held in the Redwood City Courthouse Courtyard, this candlelit vigil brings the recovery community together to hear from speakers and find information about local resources. The evening concludes with a candlelight ceremony followed by a quiet time of remembrance that honors, reflects on, and celebrates the recovery journeys of people in the community.