Events in Palo Alto today

The Ohlone College Flea & Community Market brings together local shoppers and car enthusiasts for a lively day of finds and conversation. Dozens of small businesses and garage sellers offer everything from handmade goods and unique jewelry to antiques, collectibles, toys, games, clothing, skincare, furniture, tools, and even rare plants. Families can enjoy a free kids zone with a bouncy house, crafts, and lawn games, while live music from the Mission Gold Nugget Jazz Band adds a festive soundtrack in Lot E. Over in Lot G, the Cars & Coffee meet with Ohayo Roadsters invites enthusiasts to talk cars over a cup of coffee, with vehicles ranging from classics to exotics. Shopping is centered in Lots D and E, the car meet gathers in Lot G, and free parking is available in Lot C during the event.

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.

Explore infant, toddler, preschool, and afterschool offerings at an in-person open house that highlights high quality early learning and care for working families in a safe, warm setting with experienced and caring educators. Attendees can tour classrooms, meet the team, and learn how whole-child development is supported each day. Activities include a professional magic puppet show, giant bubble play, face painting, and an orientation. Open house discounts are available.

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.

Join this experiential workshop focused on quieting the mind in today’s busy, overstimulating world. You’ll start with an extended yoga postures practice designed to gently bring the body and mind into alignment, then move into lecture, discussion, and reflective activities. Through guided yoga, breath and awareness practices, and practical techniques, you’ll explore how overstimulation affects the nervous system and what silence, stillness, and small daily shifts can do for balance, peace, and inner strength. Contributing Ananda members can attend free of charge.

The Throne Card Show is a card and collectible event in San Jose with 140+ vendor tables. You can browse, buy, sell, and trade sports cards, Pokémon, TCGs, and other collectibles, plus there are giveaways throughout the weekend. It’s family-friendly, and kids under 12 are free with a paying adult.

The event takes place at HUSD Performing Arts Center.

Get ready for the new school year with EPACENTER’s Back to School Carnival. This family-friendly event runs on Saturday, August 8 from 11 AM to 4 PM and features games, hands-on activities, live entertainment, and more. Students can also pick up free school supplies while they last, so it’s a great chance to celebrate with your community and come prepared for school.

Meet adoptable rescue dogs at Petco and find a new best friend. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments can be scheduled in advance to reserve a specific dog for an in-person meet. Each dog comes with health records and has received vaccines, dewormer, flea and tick prevention, a microchip, and spay or neuter surgery. Adoption fees vary by dog and start at $250, and they are treated as a partially tax deductible donation that supports care for over 500 dogs. Call or text 888.508.8943.

Led by Phuong Pham at Mitchell Park Library, this mindfulness meditation session includes 45 minutes of seated and/or walking practice followed by 15 minutes of group sharing and a question-and-answer period. It welcomes all experience levels, and no registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or meditation cushion, and chairs will be available for those who prefer them.

The Mini Aces intermediate class for ages 6 to 8 is for young players who already have some experience and want to build on it in a supportive setting. Sessions feature energetic drills, rally-centered practice, and game-like play to strengthen consistency, footwork, coordination, and overall awareness on the court. The approach emphasizes steady improvement and confidence while keeping every moment engaging and fun. Families who opt for a Euro School of Tennis membership receive benefits such as priority enrollment, discounted rates, flexible hold options, and convenient automatic billing.

In Palo Alto, Tea & Tango is a recurring evening that brings together dancing, music, and a friendly community. It is designed with newcomers in mind, with no partner required and no expectation to dance right away. Attendees can observe the floor, enjoy live performances on some evenings, ask about beginner classes, share tea and light snacks, and ease into the scene at a comfortable pace. Offerings can include a focused workshop, an evening milonga for social dancing and practice, and a brief musicality segment open to all levels. Tea service features fresh pu-erh in traditional earthenware alongside simple bites. The space offers two rooms for dancing inside a welcoming historic house, a quietly present piano, a curated tango library drawn from the Paz and Hart collection, and artwork that enlivens the environment. Music and instruction span classic Golden Age sounds through contemporary expressions, creating space for first-time dancers to gain clarity and for experienced participants to refine and explore.

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.

Enjoy a jazz concert at San Jose Jazz featuring Zach Adleman, starting at 7:00 PM. The lineup lists the performance by Zach Adleman.

At the UPA Fireside Room, experience a blend of bench-based yoga that encourages energy flow paired with a guided consciousness meditation. The session is designed to help participants feel balanced and connected while building momentum for a consistent meditation practice. Instruction is led by author and teacher Eric Armstrong. Open to everyone and suitable for all experience levels.

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 Craft Club is a friendly, beginner-friendly afternoon of social crafting where you can pick from a variety of craft stations, meet other makers, and snack on light refreshments. Your ticket includes materials for one craft station, and you’ll leave with something handmade. You can also add extra craft stations for an additional fee, and tickets are nonrefundable. Space is limited, so it’s best to reserve your spot in advance.

Keep the dance floor clear and moving. California Jay and the Coupe DeVille Band bring a funk-fueled celebration to The World Famous Turf Club, joined by a rotating lineup of special guests selected by Jay. As part of The Golden Gate Blues Society’s 2nd Sunday Dance and Concert, the set cranks up the groove for a lively, high-energy outing. Tacos and refreshing drinks are available to keep the momentum going.

Enjoy an evening of Hawaiian music with George Kahumoku, Jr. and Daniel Ho. The show features performances by these artists at San Jose Jazz.

Catch Grupo Frontera live at SAP Center at San Jose. This is a night of tejano, latin, banda, and música mexicana music, with the show starting at 8:00 PM local time.

Rookies Camp is a beginner-friendly music camp for kids ages 6 to 7 with no prior experience. Campers will explore different rock instruments and get an introduction to music theory, ear training, rhythm patterns, and group playing. Each day runs in the morning, and students are asked to bring lunch, snacks, water, and hearing protection.

Unwind with a rotating mix of mindfulness activities that help you relax and recharge. While there, tour the community, meet the team, and learn about the application process. Designed for educators, school staff, and their families, this Palo Alto community offers affordable studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom apartment homes ready for move in. A Summer Special includes two months of free rent, a waived $30 application fee, and flexibility on the move in date. The offer is available on approved credit and select homes, with restrictions. To qualify, the lease must be signed within five business days of approval and begin within 30 calendar days. Terms may change without notice. The pet friendly setting features welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces, including scenic courtyards on the second floor and public plazas at street level, all within a walkable, European style environment. Nearby access to El Camino Real and the Oregon Expressway connects easily to major roads, public transportation, and Caltrain. The community is within the Palo Alto Unified School District, making resident students eligible for local public schools.

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.

Bring a book of your choice and settle into a quiet hour of reading with fellow book lovers at Leigh's Favorite Books. Drinks and snacks are provided. After the reading session, there is a short social time to chat.

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.

Get practical, friendly technology assistance at Rinconada Library. This drop-in session offers one-on-one help with common tasks such as getting started with Libby or Hoopla, accessing the library’s online resources and services, downloading or streaming digital content, navigating the City of Palo Alto Library website, setting up the new PACL app, connecting to Wi-Fi, printing, creating an email account, building fundamental computer skills, and installing or using everyday apps. Registration is encouraged but not required. Support is provided on a first come, first served basis, and registered attendees receive priority when space or time is limited. Please bring the devices you use, ensure they are charged, and have any necessary passwords ready. Staff are not able to repair damaged hardware or software.

At the UPA Fireside Room, Margo LeDuc leads a song and sound meditation shaped by communal chanting interwoven with brief moments of quiet. Voices and vibration come together to lower stress, soften anxious feelings, and nurture a calm, balanced state. The flow of simple songs paired with short meditations offers a gentle reset as everyday noise fades into the background. Attend in person or take part virtually.

Catch The Beths alongside Beach Bunny and Wishy at San Jose Civic. The show starts at 7:00 PM, and Spotify notes that all times listed are local to the venue’s time zone.

Enjoy a relaxed midday meal on the Carriage House Patio at Gamble Garden, where the setting reflects the changing seasons and creates a peaceful backdrop for conversation and connection. Garden Fresh Luncheons offer a unique outdoor dining experience that invites guests to slow down and savor the moment. By attending, you help care for Gamble Garden and support keeping this valued community space free and open to all. Pricing is $60 for non-members and $45 for members using the code IRIS, with membership verified during registration. Reservations are limited to groups of up to 10 people. Lunch is served as a set menu with a vegetarian option available. Please indicate how many vegetarian meals are needed when registering, and updates can be made until the Thursday before the selected luncheon. Additional dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated, and all reservations are non-refundable.

Enjoy a garden-to-table style luncheon at Gamble Garden. The event runs at midday, offering a relaxed way to spend time with great food in a beautiful setting.

Join fellow Elks for an evening of bridge at the Lodge Bistro. Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new, you’re welcome to come for friendly competition, strategic card play, and good company. Bring a friend, or come ready to learn and have fun.

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.

Presented by the City and The Jed Foundation, this interactive workshop offers a foundation in suicide prevention. Attendees will build understanding of key terms, learn to recognize signs that someone may be at risk, and examine common misconceptions that can keep people from seeking help. The session also addresses strategies to reduce access to lethal means and provides practical guidance for supporting someone in crisis, including immediate steps and safety planning. The workshop takes place at Rinconada Library.

This interactive suicide prevention workshop is hosted by the City of Palo Alto and The Jed Foundation. You’ll go over key terms, learn how to recognize risk signs, and clear up common misconceptions. The session also focuses on practical ways to reduce access to lethal means, plus what to do right away to support someone in crisis, including safety planning.

The Salty Mom Comedy Tour brings stand-up to Sunnyvale at Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Club, a neighborhood spot for live comedy. Performers and show lineups may change, and in this Covid era last minute adjustments can happen as needed.

Bookasaurus staff hosts a weekly storytime welcoming all ages. Each session features a new book along with a staff favorite.

Palo Alto Pageturners holds a monthly meeting in the Embarcadero Room. Participants choose upcoming reading selections together, and from time to time local authors join the conversation to talk about their work.

Join Palo Alto Pageturners for a book discussion of Say Nothing, a true story of murder and memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe. The group meets on the second Thursday of the month in the library’s Embarcadero Room. Registration is not required, and registered attendees will receive a reminder email.

Comedian Willie Barcena takes the spotlight at Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Club in Sunnyvale, a neighborhood comedy club. Lineups are subject to change, including possible last minute updates during the Covid era.