Free events in Redwood City, CA

Set at Almaden Lake Park, this community fundraising walk from the Children’s Tumor Foundation brings together people affected by neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis, along with their families, friends, and supporters, for a family friendly day of connection and purpose. The event raises awareness of NF, which impacts over 4 million people worldwide, and fuels the science aimed at getting treatments to patients more quickly. Every step taken helps fund research, strengthens care, and moves progress toward better therapies and, one day, a cure. Participants can start or join a team, invite loved ones to take part, and walk to make a difference. There is no cost to register.

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.

Discover a calm, consistent meditation practice with a free eight-week guided course in Fremont focused on Sahaja Yoga Meditation. Sessions take place at the Sahaja Yoga Meditation Center, with options on Saturdays, Sundays, and a Tuesday evening to fit different schedules. The course introduces guided meditation and the Sahaja Yoga approach to reaching thoughtless awareness, exploring the seven chakras and three energy channels, balancing the left and right sympathetic channels, and self realization. Participants learn how to meditate at home, improve attention, stay present with peace and satisfaction, open the heart for clearer communication and a sense of collectivity, and use the power of forgiveness. It also covers ways to balance yourself and understand energy centers, plus a foot soaking practice and hands-on workshops. Benefits described include reduced stress, anxiety, and fear, increased creativity and learning capacity, stronger self motivation, dignity, and confidence, a calmer state of mind, support in overcoming addictions, and overall improvements in general health. Free one-on-one meditation is also available during or after a four-week period, and classes are offered at no cost.

Build a stronger powerhouse with Pilates-inspired small-group training at SPENGA Los Gatos. Marina brings more than ten years of Pilates teaching experience to lead focused, core-driven work in a small format limited to 12 participants per session. The training is designed to keep you moving well and ready for the demands of the next day. Local guests can take their first class for free.

Now in its 44th season, Free Shakespeare in the Park presents Antony and Cleopatra, directed by Katja Rivera. No tickets are required, and no prior Shakespeare experience is necessary. Set across the Roman Empire and Egypt, the production explores the pull between duty and desire and how personal relationships can influence political power. The performance runs about 90 minutes with no intermission.

Everyone is invited to a free, drop-in meditation class held in the Learning Center. The session is led by Foothills member Sandy Roos, a psychotherapist with more than 25 years of experience. The practice centers on soothing the nervous system and reducing stress to foster a steady sense of calm and well-being. Participants sit in chairs for the session. Wear comfortable clothing, and no equipment is required. There is no sign-up or long-term commitment, so you can attend whenever it fits your schedule. For questions, contact Nancy Grippo or email info@foothills-church.org. The environment is welcoming and inclusive, including members of the LGBTQIA2 community.

A nightclub event centered on community and the dance floor, with DJs playing house, techno, deep house and tech house. The focus is on connection and fun. Entry is free all night, and a free RSVP guest list runs the whole way through. Part of San Francisco nightlife, this weekly gathering brings electronic music fans together.

Grief Relief Yoga is a free, drop-in session led by Jacalyn White that uses gentle movement to loosen the joints and support emotional release. Participants can practice on a mat if they bring their own, or complete the entire class from a chair. The session takes place at the Pacifica Community Center in the Card Room.

Help care for Shinn Park during a volunteer session open to participants 14 and older. High school students can earn service-learning hours during summer vacation. For more information, contact the organizers.

Speed Meeting Mondays offers an easygoing way to connect with new people without the usual awkward moments. A New Parkway staff member hosts and gently guides the flow so participants always know what to do next. The evening starts with a simple icebreaker that uses conversation prompt cards to help conversations begin naturally. After that, attendees rotate through brief, casual chats, meeting several people without needing to guess when to start or move on. The atmosphere is intentionally relaxed and welcoming for those with social anxiety. There is no expectation to be outgoing, and you can arrive solo or with friends. Everyone sets their own pace and engages as much or as little as feels comfortable. Food and drinks are available for purchase in the lobby. It is a friendly setting for making friends, broadening your community, or simply trying something new while showing up as yourself.

Enjoy a recurring playdate at the Ted Adcock Community Center where toddlers through age 6 can explore play equipment, take part in simple games and activities, and socialize with other kids. This is a free program with no registration needed, just drop in. Parents must stay with their children during the session, and food is not permitted in the gym. For questions, contact Eddie Behle at 650-750-2026.

Learn Garba, a traditional Indian folk dance, in a welcoming setting that spotlights its lively energy and strong sense of community. Experience movement that honors joy, spirituality, and cultural unity. This event is free and open to drop-ins.

Settle in at Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company for an evening that salutes American bluegrass. Listeners and pickers come together for a friendly, invitational jam where the spotlight shifts from one group to the next. Musicians share their names and instruments in advance, then an algorithm assembles a fresh band for each session so the music always feels new. Reserved seating is available in this intimate venue for $15 per person, call 408-354-3263 or stop by ahead of time to arrange it. There is no cover at the door and walk-ins are welcome. Coffee drinks, beer, and wine are available for purchase. It is a relaxed choice for families or a casual night out with friends.

A welcoming evening at the San José Museum of Art features after-hours gallery access and entertainment as part of First Fridays. Admission is free for this program. El Cafecito, operated by Mezcal Restaurant, offers late-night bites and a cash bar, with members receiving a 10 percent discount at the café. The Museum Store stays open for evening shopping, and members get 20 percent off purchases on First Fridays. Major support for San José Museum of Art First Fridays is provided by the Jay Paul Company.

Experience free live music as JD and the Shout perform at Los Altos First Fridays, a monthly community gathering that fills Downtown Los Altos with sets from 10 to 15 bands. Expect lively rock and roll with touches of pop and country, covering favorites from the 1950s through the 2000s. The band leans into guitar-forward arrangements and tight vocal harmonies, making it easy to sing along and keep the dance floor moving. The exact performance spot is still to be announced. All tips collected by the band are donated entirely to charity.

The Peninsula's longest-running farmers market traces its beginnings to 1979, when four community-oriented individuals, led by John S. Hensill, Ph.D., launched it to support local independent farmers and to bring fresh produce to the community.

Enjoy a complimentary yoga and Pilates session on The Row with Santana Row and lululemon. Please bring a yoga mat. The class takes place in Santana Row Park near the chess board. This community workout is free and open to everyone.

Explore a free eight week guided meditation series in Pleasanton, CA at the Sahaja Yoga Meditation Center. The program focuses on Sahaja Yoga Meditation, a practice that encourages a calm, thought free state by quieting distractions and settling the mind. Participants learn practical techniques to meditate at home, balance the left and right sympathetic channels, and deepen awareness of the seven chakras, the three channels and the body’s energy centers. Sessions include an introduction to self realization through guided practice, strategies to sharpen attention and stay present with peace and satisfaction, ways to open the heart for better communication and collectivity, and reflections on the power of forgiveness. The course also introduces foot soaking and its benefits, along with hands on workshops. Organizers highlight potential benefits such as relief from stress, anxiety and fear, gains in creativity and learning capacity, increased self motivation, dignity and confidence, a steadier and more peaceful mind, support for overcoming addictions, and improvements in overall well being. Each class is free, and optional one on one meditation is available during or after the course. A separate 21 day online meditation course is also offered.

The 6th Annual African Arts Festival gathers the breadth of African and diasporic culture through vibrant live music and dance. Co-presented by Duniya Dance and Drum Company, the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, and the Museum of the African Diaspora, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, this family friendly program features Bay Area ensembles representing traditions from across the continent and its global community. Guests can take part in interactive experiences such as dance and drum lessons, and children can enjoy face painting. A marketplace offers traditional African cuisine and a range of goods, including clothing, jewelry, and hair and skin care items. Duniya Dance and Drum Company, founded in 2007, contributes work that spans Punjabi and Guinean forms along with creative blends. Part of the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival’s Weekend Sessions series, the gathering fosters connection in the Bay Area by celebrating culture, joy, and Black identity.

Little Flippers is a monthly class on the first Saturday that introduces kids ages 5 to 12 to pinball. At the nonprofit PPM, participants explore the game’s history and learn practical skills and strategy to sharpen their play. No prior experience is needed, and a guardian must remain on site for the full class. The class is free with a child's regular $12 admission, and play continues for the rest of the day after the lesson.

Enjoy free, drop-in gaming at The New Parkway with Super Smash Bros. Melee and a variety of board games. Bring a favorite from home or choose from the venue’s collection, then jump into a Melee match, start a tabletop session, or relax and socialize. Chef Tyler is available to host board games, explain rules, and help get play underway if you want support, and there is no pressure to join a hosted table. Arrive solo or with friends, stay briefly or settle in for longer, the format is easygoing and flexible. Food and drinks are available for purchase for a low-key, come-and-go experience.