Free events in Palo Alto, CA

Sunnyvale Library and Recreation Services staff present a free, welcoming storytime designed for people of every age and ability. The read-aloud takes place at the inclusive Magical Bridge Playground, creating a comfortable setting for families and individuals to listen together.

Stop by for The Compliment Dept.: Office Hours, a playful public art moment where you can request a complimentary, personalized compliment. Through conversation, attentive listening, and humor, the experience turns an ordinary interaction into something thoughtful and fun, with a response tailored just for you. Live music will be played by Charline Pelloux-Gervais. This event is free, open to all ages, and RSVPs are helpful but not required.

Second Saturday at Gamble Garden offers a morning of discovery in the historic home and garden with opportunities to learn about nature. Adults, children, and families can take part in guided tours, scavenger hunts, learning stations, hands-on crafts, storytime, and other special activities. Each month highlights a unique theme, and the event is free and open to everyone.

Concerts on the Plaza, a free, family-friendly music series in Niles, continues with a rockabilly set from Jinx Jones and the Kingtones, a local favorite known for lively performances. The historic Niles Town Plaza provides the backdrop for live music in central Niles. Bring blankets and lawn chairs and make it a family outing.

Enjoy a free outdoor swing dance lesson at Niles Town Plaza, the finale of the summer dance series. An instructor-led session welcomes all levels, with no partner or prior experience required, set beneath the evening sky. Catch the outdoor summer concert first, then stay to dance and connect with the community. Beyond the lesson, take time to explore Niles, visit local shops, and pick up food from nearby restaurants. The event is free and accessible, with plenty of nearby parking, and offers a cheerful close to summer filled with music, movement, and laughter.

Join the Bay Area Quiz Club for fun trivia and friendly competition. The quiz is hosted in a welcoming, inclusive environment, and it’s free and open to everyone. Suitable for adults, seniors, and teens ages 14 to 18. For this session, it will be held in the Midtown Room at Mitchell Park Library.

The gathering brings together gardeners and anyone curious about gardening at Gamble Garden to connect with others and chat about what is growing at home. It is free, welcomes all ages, and takes place monthly on the second Monday. Check in details and the exact meeting spot depend on the weather and are shared before the event. Attendees are encouraged to bring plants, seeds, or cuttings for a casual exchange, and any extras afterward are shared with the community. Advance registration is requested.

This community volunteering session at Shinn Park welcomes participants ages 14 and older. High school students may count their time toward summer service-learning hours during vacation. For more information, contact the event organizers.

Join the Teen Library Advisory Board (TLAB) for the summer informational series finale, a Self-care Social for teens in grades 8–12. Learn how TLAB helps teens partner with library staff to boost outreach and peer engagement, find out about the application process, and discover how teens can get involved in library advocacy. Entry is free.