Events in Menlo Park today

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.

This workshop invites community questions and input on potential bike and pedestrian rail crossing designs in south Palo Alto as part of the South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project. The session focuses on the El Dorado Avenue crossing. Participants will consider design alternatives for a new grade-separated bike and pedestrian rail crossing at El Dorado Avenue and offer ideas for related improvements in nearby neighborhoods. Input gathered will shape the selection and refinement of preferred concept designs. This workshop is in person only and will not be recorded.

Latin Dancing Thursdays takes place at Bistro 880 on the second and fourth Thursday of each month.

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.

This in-person series is hosted by Banyan Tree Women's Collective in collaboration with The City of Menlo Park and is led by Joanne Sato. The mat Pilates class is suitable for all levels and incorporates light weights to boost muscle activation and build functional strength. Instruction emphasizes Pilates foundations such as control, focused breathing, and precise movement. The format is open to everyone, with modifications and progressions so participants can move at a pace that works for them.

Settle into a peaceful afternoon at Gamble Garden sampling an array of herbal infusions made with many botanicals grown on site. Taste single-herb brews, experiment with custom blends, and enjoy homemade sweet and savory baked goods, with vegan and gluten-free choices available. Garden staff will share insights on different herbs, how to prepare them, and ways to cultivate them at home. Expect a calm, flavorful experience that might reveal a new favorite cup. Price: $52 for members using code IRIS, and $65 for non-members.

Art on the Square is presented as part of the 20th Anniversary Summer Season alongside Music on the Square at Courthouse Square in downtown Redwood City. This installment is one of four Friday events in the series.

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.

Enjoy an outdoor screening of Elio as part of the Sunset Movie Series. Bring a lawn chair and blankets for a comfortable spot, then take part in activities and grab snacks before the film begins. Settle in for a relaxed evening under the stars.

No Limitz returns to Bistro 880 for another appearance.

This co-ed, four-hour clinic builds the essential bike handling skills that make every ride safer and more enjoyable. Instruction covers balance and weight distribution and how they influence control, along with practical techniques such as keeping a straight line while looking behind, controlled emergency stops, steering and counter-steering, and brief periods of riding without hands. It is designed to give beginners solid fundamentals and help experienced riders add new techniques. Registration is required. Completing Bike Skills 101 is required before taking any other Bike Skills road clinic modules.

Celebrate the start of the academic year with a hands-on introduction to floral design. This beginner-friendly session shows how to bring a bit of the garden indoors and brighten your home. Participants learn to craft expressive arrangements using eco-minded, foam-free techniques, with guidance on selecting high-quality blooms and conditioning them so they stay fresh as long as possible. The workshop also covers useful tools, structural supports, and container choices that lead to reliable, beautiful results. Everyone leaves with practical skills, new confidence in arranging, and a finished display to share with friends and family. Registration closes in advance to allow time for preparing supplies. Pricing is $148 for members using code IRIS and $185 for non-members.

Face painting will be available with Dayanna at this event.

Enjoy a festive day at Newark Swiss Park as wrestlers compete for top honors. The celebration features a Swiss-style lunch and Swiss music, and it wraps up with an evening awards ceremony followed by dancing.

The 16th Annual SF Bay Area Lebanese Festival takes place at Courthouse Square and features authentic Lebanese cuisine, beverages, and entertainment. Attendees can explore Lebanese flavors and enjoy the festivities.

Settle into a quiet mindfulness practice at Mitchell Park Library with sessions guided by Phuong Pham. Spend about 45 minutes in seated or walking meditation, then take part in a 15 minute segment for group reflections and questions. All experience levels are welcome, and no advance registration is needed. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or meditation cushion for comfort, and chairs will be available for anyone who prefers them.

Tea & Tango brings together classes, live music, and social dance in a warm, community-centered setting. Newcomers are welcome, no partner or prior experience is required, and it is perfectly fine to simply observe, ask about beginner options, enjoy tea with light snacks, and get to know the community. Live music is offered on select evenings. The program typically features a focused workshop, an evening milonga for social dancing and practice, and a brief musicality segment open to all levels. Tea service includes fresh pu-erh poured in traditional earthenware with simple bites. The venue offers two dance rooms, the character of a historic community house, a quietly present piano, artwork throughout, and a curated tango library from the Paz & Hart collection. Music ranges from Golden Age favorites to contemporary interpretations, welcoming dancers of every level and style to learn, refine, and explore.

An album release celebration for The New Nothings featuring performances by two original rock bands.

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.

VitalSign performs a live set of classic and Southern rock at Fuego Grill And Sports Bar. The performance highlights the sounds of both genres.

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

Charged Particles brings a high-energy blend of funky Latin jazz to Jazz at the Elks. Reviewers have praised the group for creativity, drive, and captivating performances, and JazzTimes has highlighted their exceptional musicianship. Their appearance at the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival earned acclaim as the standout set of the day. The band tours widely, performing in Indonesia, Canada, England, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, and Abu Dhabi, along with roughly 100 shows across the United States each year. This is a charitable jazz concert that is open to the public.

Choose a 10- or 14-mile run or opt for a hike, then stick around for a post run tailgate offered each week at Purisma Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve - North Ridge Trailhead.

ObstaCourse Fitness in Redwood City hosts Spartan DEKA STRONG, a challenge that turns fitness into a game with ten functional training zones and no running. Participants can earn a DEKA STRONG Mark and build momentum toward DEKA FIT 2026. Space is limited.

Set at Menlo Tavern inside the Stanford Park Hotel, this event keeps the laid back summer vibe alive with drinks and a spacious patio for relaxing.

Settle into a relaxed, creative session at Menlo Park Library devoted to coloring and sketching. Bring your favorite supplies, or use what is provided, including coloring pages, colored pencils, and plain printer paper. A simple still life will be set up for anyone who wants a subject to practice from. All experience levels are welcome. This is a casual, social gathering focused on a fun activity rather than formal instruction.

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.