Events in Palo Alto today

This is a community volunteering session at Shinn Park. It is open to participants aged 14 and older, and high school students can earn service-learning hours during summer vacation. For details or questions, contact the organizers.

Drop-in tech help at Rinconada Library offers friendly, one-on-one assistance for a wide range of technology questions. Staff can guide you through using Libby or Hoopla, accessing library databases and services, downloading and streaming media, navigating the City of Palo Alto Library website, getting started with the new PACL app, connecting to Wi-Fi, printing, creating an email account, building basic computer skills, and installing or using common apps. While many topics are supported, repairs for damaged hardware or software are not provided. You do not have to register to attend, though signing up in advance is recommended. Space is limited and assistance is provided in the order participants arrive, with registrants served first. Bring the devices you use, make sure they are charged, and have any necessary passwords ready.

Settle into a 30-minute song and sound meditation in the UPA Fireside Room, guided by Margo LeDuc. Through simple group chanting interspersed with brief moments of quiet, voices blend to create soothing vibrations that may ease stress, calm anxiety, and foster a sense of balance. The session centers on the restorative power of shared sound so the outside world can fade for a while. Available in person and via Zoom.

At the UPA Sanctuary, this 30-minute guided meditation weaves voice and soothing sound to ease stress, calm anxiety, and foster a steady sense of peace and balance. For half an hour, the outside world recedes while gentle tones invite deep relaxation and a restorative pause.

At Mitchell Park Library, this interactive workshop led by La Selva Community Clinic focuses on building a sustainable self-care routine even when schedules are packed. Through conversation and practical activities, participants explore what self-care means personally, learn about the different forms it can take, and understand why regular attention to well-being is important. The session shares straightforward ideas and simple steps to begin or strengthen a practice that fits everyday life.

Thursday Live on Cal Ave transforms the car free stretch of California Avenue into a lively community hub with local performers, hands on activities, free giveaways, games, and themed fun for all ages. This edition highlights a Jazz and Harvest Fest theme, pairing homegrown music with a seasonal celebration along the street. Presented by the Palo Alto Recreation Foundation in collaboration with the City of Palo Alto, with support from series sponsors Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, Stanford Research Park, and Palo Alto Weekly. Attendees are encouraged to stick around to eat, shop, and explore Cal Ave before and after the show.

Experience a live concert with Motley Crue at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California.

Motley Crue and Tesla perform together in concert at Shoreline Amphitheatre. This event brings both bands to the same stage for a joint live show at the venue.

JIGRAA brings an evening of high energy to Baylands Park with live entertainment, music, and moments to remember. Friends and families can look forward to an upbeat atmosphere filled with celebration and connection in the Bay Area. This single-night experience puts the spotlight on fun, community, and the spirit of JIGRAA from start to finish.

In Bridging Generations, drummer and bandleader Sylvia Cuenca leads a cross-generational ensemble that unites revered veterans with standout young voices. Drawing on decades of experience, including extended stretches with Joe Henderson and Clark Terry and collaborations with artists such as Kenny Barron, Gary Bartz, Billy Taylor, Dianne Reeves, Gregory Porter and John Clayton, Cuenca anchors a lineup featuring Grammy Award winning pianist David Kikoski, a longtime member of the Mingus Big Band who has recorded and performed with Roy Haynes, Michael Brecker, Chick Corea, Dave Holland and John Scofield, and acclaimed bassist Essiet Essiet, whose career includes Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Bobby Watson’s Horizon, Abdullah Ibrahim and the Blue Note All-Stars. Representing the rising generation are saxophonist and composer Rico Jones, whose 2025 debut BloodLines received a four star DownBeat review and a spot on the magazine’s Best Albums of 2025 list, and trumpeter Wallace Roney Jr., son of Wallace Roney and Geri Allen, who has already appeared with Chick Corea, Jimmy Heath, Lenny White and Buster Williams. The quintet presents original works by both the emerging artists and the seasoned players, weaving swing, blues, Latin currents and Brazilian grooves into a program that highlights jazz as a living tradition, grounded in history and energized by new voices.

Explore the basics of resin and design a coastal inspired wooden serving board in a beginner friendly class led by Julie. Learn essential safety and step by step techniques, including how to mix pigments, blend colors, and shape wave effects with a heat gun, then bring your own board to life. All tools and materials are provided, making it a welcoming experience for newcomers and seasoned creatives alike. During the workshop, attendees receive 20 percent off drinks and pastries from the cafe. Finished pieces need about 72 hours to cure. After curing, the instructor will smooth the edges and treat the wood with a food safe oil before making items available for pickup. Most projects are ready within one to two weeks. Participants are added to a WhatsApp group for pickup updates, and completed pieces are wrapped, labeled, and set out at the cafe for collection during its hours. Shipping is also available for an additional handling and postage fee. Space is limited. Julie has worked with resin since 2019 and enjoys ceramics, painting, jewelry making, and baking. She appreciates that every artist creates something one of a kind. She also teaches a step by step painting class and a decorative resin tray and bookmarks workshop. Private event hosting is available. The minimum payment is $350 and covers the first five attendees, with per person pricing for additional guests depending on the workshop, and designs can be customized to match a chosen theme. An Art Enthusiast Membership is offered at $30 per month with automatic payments until canceled and provides a 25 percent discount on items available through the organizer’s website. Please note there is a strict no refund policy for all classes purchased.

Celebrate the season with a leasing open house filled with pumpkin decorating, casual yard games, seasonal snacks and beverages, and family friendly activities. Explore the community on guided tours and learn about affordable studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom residences that are available. The gathering is tailored for teachers, school employees, and their families, and applications are open to employees of any California public school district, including community colleges. This pet friendly community offers inviting indoor and outdoor spaces, including scenic second floor courtyards and street level public plazas in a walkable, European inspired setting. It is conveniently situated with easy access to major roadways, public transportation, and Caltrain, and is within the Palo Alto Unified School District, making resident students eligible to attend local public schools. The community was developed in partnership by Mercy Housing California and Abode Communities. A back to school special features two months of free rent and a waived application fee on select homes, subject to qualifying credit, income and occupancy restrictions, and free months applied over the lease term. The application fee waiver is available with a complete and timely application packet following a tour. All specials are subject to change without notice. Contact the property for full details.

HERS presents its 27th annual walk and run fundraiser with a community expo at Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area, inviting community heroes to bring their superhero spirit. Participants can choose a 5K walk, a timed 5K run, or a timed 10K run. Families, friends, coworkers, and teams are encouraged to take part together, and capes and creative costumes are welcome. The experience begins with Opening Ceremonies that include Elaine’s Circle and a symbolic dove release, followed by energizing warmups to get everyone race ready. A superhero costume contest will award first, second, and third place. The Community Expo offers giveaways and prizes from local businesses, along with music, entertainment, photo opportunities, and activities suitable for families. Every registration, donation, and fundraising effort helps people facing breast cancer access products that support both physical and emotional healing. Participation shows patients they are not alone and helps deliver hope, strength, compassion, and care when it is needed most.

Mookie Productions and Swiss Park Newark present a Bay Area tribute festival celebrating 90s alternative rock, welcoming all ages at Swiss Park Newark. Now in its fifth year, this event gathers five tribute acts for a celebration of 90s nostalgia with live music, food, drinks, and a family-friendly vibe. Hear Supersonic honor Oasis, Rage On Parade channel Rage Against the Machine, Pumpkin Heads salute Smashing Pumpkins, Elysium pay tribute to Nirvana, and Corduroy deliver the Pearl Jam experience. Early bird tickets are $25 in limited quantities, general admission pre-sale is $35, and kids under 12 are $20 with a school ID required at the door. A limited number of tickets will also be sold at the door. In and outs are allowed, picnic tables are first come first serve, and parking is available at the back of the park. Please note the following guidelines: no pets, no tents or canopies, and folding chairs are allowed only on the lawn. No outside food or alcohol is permitted anywhere on the premises and any outside alcohol will be confiscated. Only clear bags are allowed, though small clutches and fanny packs are acceptable.

EPA-EMP Original Good Community BBQ brings together food, music, and family-friendly fun. A $10 raffle offers the chance to win a 50 inch VIZIO Smart TV, a DJ will provide music, and face painting will be available for kids. Attendees are encouraged to donate cash, desserts, watermelons, and beverages to support the gathering. Parking is $6. Volunteers are needed for set up, food service, and clean up, with signups taken by Verdell at 209-207-4088. More information will be shared soon.

Refresh mind and body with a mindfulness meditation session led by Phuong Pham at Mitchell Park Library. Spend 45 minutes in seated or walking meditation, then take 15 minutes for group sharing and time for questions. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience, and advance registration is not needed. Bringing a yoga mat or meditation cushion is recommended, and chairs will be available for those who do not bring their own.

Tea & Tango is a weekly evening that brings movement, music, and community together. It is designed with newcomers in mind, so no experience or partner is required. Attendees may simply watch the dancing, enjoy occasional live music, ask about beginner classes, share tea and snacks, and ease into the atmosphere at their own pace. This edition features a workshop with James Kang focusing on enrosques and planeos, a social dance and practice called the Twilight Milonga with DJ Fam, and a concise musicality lesson with Karn that welcomes all levels. Tea service offers fresh pu-erh poured in traditional earthenware alongside light snacks. The setting includes two rooms dedicated to dancing inside a warm, historic community house, a quietly waiting piano, a curated tango library from the Paz and Hart collection, and art that brings the space to life. Music and approach span from the Golden Age to contemporary, creating room for every style and level. Beginners receive clarity and encouragement while experienced dancers can deepen and experiment.

A fundraising gala dinner in San Francisco, USA supports Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Karachi. The event takes place at Fremont Marriott Silicon Valley. Imran Khan Cancer Appeal, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit recognized by the IRS, and contributions may be tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. EIN 13-3626299.

Rajkumari brings Nayab Midha to the stage for an intimate blend of poetry and storytelling. The performance features moving verse, compelling narratives, and soul-stirring moments that place emotion and artistry at the forefront. Expect an inspiring atmosphere filled with creativity and heartfelt expression at the Chabot College Performing Arts Complex.

LeeAnn Law & the Motherlode Band take the stage at The Ole Fillin Station in Meadow Vista, a 1940s-era service station reinvented as an old-school bar full of character. The venue opens only occasionally, creating a chance to experience a hidden foothills spot as it comes alive with high-energy country and country rock. Enjoy live music, a drink from the bar, and a reason to pull on your boots for a spirited night in a one-of-a-kind setting.

The Arizona Cardinals travel to Levi’s Stadium to face the San Francisco 49ers in a divisional clash between familiar rivals. With plenty at stake, the matchup centers on strategy, strong defense, and crisp execution as the two teams go head to head.

The American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure is a cycling experience that brings people together to raise awareness, support diabetes prevention and management, and advance the vision of a future free from the disease and its burdens. In Northern California, the ride takes place at HP’s Palo Alto campus and offers three route choices for every age and skill level, including 100K, 50K, and 10K options that welcome recreational riders and experienced cyclists alike. After the ride, participants can enjoy a celebratory afternoon with food and drinks, live entertainment, a kids zone, VIP areas, and a Wellness Village. Registration is required to take part, and volunteer support is also needed.

Set out for a shoreline run with options for all ages and abilities. Presented by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, the event features a one mile Family Fun Run, a 5K at 3.1 miles, and a 10K at 6.2 miles. All courses begin and end at the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center, offering bay views and cool coastal air along the way. Every participant receives a commemorative T-shirt and medal, and participation supports the center’s education and conservation programs. Strollers are welcome in the family fun run.

Explore Tai Chi with instructor Nelson Ng at Rinconada Library. This weekly class focuses on core techniques and the philosophy behind the art, using slow, gentle movements that can support balance and flexibility. Nelson began training in Chen-style Tai Chi in 1989 with Master Gene Chen, a disciple of Grandmaster Feng ZhiQiang, and has been teaching since 2014. The session is free, welcomes both newcomers and those with prior experience, and is open to all ages. Please plan to sign in upon arrival.

Patrick Landeza & Sons unites music, family, and aloha across generations. Led by slack key guitarist Patrick Landeza, a two-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award recipient, the group features Justin Firmeza on Hawaiian steel guitar and keyboards with Danny Landeza on bass to create a sound that honors Hawaiʻi’s traditions while carrying the energy of a new generation. The performance blends top-tier musicianship, personal storytelling, and island humor, guiding listeners through the songs and stories that have shaped Patrick’s career. From timeless Hawaiian favorites to original pieces, every moment centers family, culture, and the enduring spirit of aloha.

Community Food Trucks Day takes place on the fourth Sunday of the month, bringing food trucks together for a friendly community gathering.