Family events in San Leandro, CA

Celebrating two decades of live music and community, Downtown Redwood City’s Music on the Square fills Friday nights with a family-friendly mix of rock, reggae, funk, Latin, and soul across a fourteen-week run of free concerts. Performers arrive from around the Bay and beyond, with the season kicking off with a high-energy Santana tribute by Carnaval and wrapping up with the crowd-pleasing pop and soul of Pride & Joy. Pick up a bite from acclaimed nearby restaurants, bring a lawn chair or blanket, and settle in at Courthouse Square to enjoy the show. Please note that glass bottled beverages are not permitted and this policy will be enforced.

This free outdoor children’s program from the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival features Eddie Madril, a dancer, singer, teacher, playwright, and filmmaker who focuses on the dance and culture of Plains Indian communities across southern Canada as well as North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. A co-founder of the Four Winds Native American Dance Company from 1983 to 2009 and a member of the Pascua Yaqui tribe of southern Arizona and northern Sonora, Mexico, he has spent decades sharing Native traditions with audiences of all backgrounds. His engaging presentation introduces young attendees to the richness of American Indian dance, music, religion, history, art, and sign language in a way that is both captivating and informative. The program is offered in two sessions, with the second repeating the first, and is part of the festival’s Children’s Garden series.

Aja Vu from the San Francisco Bay Area presents a tribute to Steely Dan and Chicago, recreating layered harmonies and the signature horn textures that define both bands. The set draws on Steely Dan’s sleek, jazz influenced studio sound and Chicago’s brass forward mix of rock, jazz, and pop, offering familiar songs performed with care for the originals. This concert is part of Downtown Redwood City’s Music on the Square, a community tradition marking 20 years. The season spans fourteen weeks of free performances, highlighting standout talent from the Bay Area and beyond across rock, reggae, funk, Latin, and soul. It begins with Carnaval’s Santana tribute and concludes with Pride & Joy. Attendees often bring a lawn chair or blanket and pick up food from nearby restaurants to enjoy during the show. Please note that glass bottles are not permitted and this rule will be enforced.

Join an exclusive, high-energy dance workshop led by choreographer Punit Pathak, inspired by “The King of Bollywood.” This event brings a renowned star choreographer to Dublin for a fun session covering the kind of dance work seen in major productions. Registration is encouraged, and the workshop is open to kids age 8 and up plus adults.

At the San Francisco Zoo, a purposeful one-mile walk welcomes all ages and brings together heart families, supporters, and survivors to drive change for congenital heart defects. Participants honor Heart Warriors who have passed and celebrate those still fighting, demonstrating that this community stands together and no one faces CHDs alone. The event includes check in, an opening ceremony, and a shared walk. Free street parking is available around the zoo, and parking in the zoo lot may cost $13.

Get ready for the Lobster Cup International Robotic Competition as part of Robotics Fair 2026. This in-person event invites elite FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) teams to compete in an off-season invitational where teams face high-stakes “rule twists” that test real-time engineering and strategy. Watch the matches and see international teams go head-to-head throughout the weekend.

This two-day celebration of robotics and artificial intelligence brings together students, families, educators, engineers, founders, investors, and technology leaders to explore what is ahead for smart machines. At the San Mateo County Event Center, 40 to 60 middle school and high school teams compete for the Lobster Cup while AI and robot showcases, live demos, exhibitor booths, expert talks, and hands-on workshops fill the schedule. Attendees can see inventive student projects in action, learn from leaders in AI and emerging technology, connect with exhibitors, and take part in hands-on STEM activities designed for students, families, builders, and the broader Silicon Valley community. The focus is on innovation, collaboration, and the future of robotics and AI.

Bring the whole family for a FREE Touch-A-Truck event featuring a hands-on lineup of vehicles like fire trucks, police cars, and utility trucks. Kids can honk horns, push buttons, and explore how these vehicles work. It is a fun, interactive way to spark imaginations for all ages.

Andy Z brings a kids-focused concert to Courthouse Square in Redwood City. The show is scheduled for late morning, with the lineup highlighting this featured performer.

Enjoy the Bay Area Aloha Festival at the San Mateo County Event Center, featuring festive island fun for the whole family. Admission is $5 suggested for adults, and children 12 and under are free. Festival parking is $20 per vehicle, and carpooling is encouraged.

The San Mateo County History Museum transforms the Old Courthouse into a glimpse of Victorian California with free admission for all. Under the museum’s grand stained glass dome, children can enjoy hands-on crafts inspired by the era and set off on a scavenger hunt through the museum. In the restored courtroom, a Victorian fashion show features adults and children in period attire, highlighting styles from the sweeping skirts of the 1850s to the bustles of the 1870s to the Gibson Girl look at the turn of the century. Along the way, discover stories of the Peninsula’s nineteenth-century millionaires connected to these fashions. All garments are part of the museum’s education collection, used for fashion shows and reenactments, creating a family-friendly way to see history come to life.

A lively children’s music series returns with upbeat performances, dancing, and plenty of playful energy for the whole family. Hosting the show is Andy Z, an engaging, high-energy entertainer who keeps audiences moving and smiling. Presented with support from Redwood City’s Public Library and the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, the experience invites kids to groove to live music while parents enjoy the vibrant scene at Courthouse Square. An inflatable play area and other activities add to a safe, welcoming outing focused on music, movement, and connection. The festivities also include SF Bay Area Moms’ Summer Splash, featuring arts and crafts, games, STEM and sensory play, and activities for all ages. Families can pick up a bag of seasonal goodies and connect with trusted local businesses, and arriving early offers the best chance to participate in everything on offer. Taking center stage, Andy Z and the Andyland Band blend songs, stories, movement, and colorful characters to keep young fans captivated and families entertained. Andy Z has appeared on the Pandora Video Series and the Pottery Barn Kids Stylehouse website. The band’s past highlights include Austin City Limits Music Festival, Strings Music Festival, Facebook family events, the San Ramon Art & Wind Festival, Marine Science Institute’s Earth Day on the Bay, Filoli Estate Family Night, and Redwood City’s long-running family series, Kids Rock!, as well as Almost Mother’s Day. Their music has been featured on NBC’s Today Show and has earned honors such as Disney’s iParenting Media Award, the Parent’s Choice Foundation Award, the National Parenting Publications Award, and the Tillywig Top Fun Award.

Excelsior Community Food Pantry offers free groceries to families in need every Saturday, regardless of weather. Volunteers are always appreciated, and people of all ages are welcome, including supervised children. Individuals or small groups can stop by without advance sign ups, while groups of about seven or more should coordinate a date with the organizers. The pantry sets up outdoors in the parking lot of the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living, so dressing for the conditions is recommended, and drivers should park on the street since on site lots cannot accommodate volunteer parking. Arriving a little early leaves time for brief introductions and orientation. Anyone tracking service hours can bring a paper form to be signed by a Captain after clean up, or use a pilot volunteer platform to record hours digitally.

Bring your curiosity to STEAM Saturday, a monthly hands-on program for kids ages 3 to 12. Children can explore science, technology, art, engineering, and coding through a variety of stations filled with experiment-and-play activities. No registration is required.

At East Bay SPCA in Oakland, this Learning Lab seminar focuses on proactive strategies for canine reactivity, a topic requested more than any other. Participants receive clear, beginner friendly guidance comparable to what is typically covered in an initial session with a private trainer, making it a helpful starting point for anyone waiting for a class opening or ready to begin at home. The format is for people only, with no dogs present, so attendees can concentrate on practical tools without the distraction or careful coordination that multiple reactive dogs require. This people only setup also allows for more seating and greater pricing flexibility, resulting in the lowest cost introductory reactivity course offered by East Bay SPCA.

Enjoy the 25th Annual Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival, a big, all-ages celebration of global rhythms and local culture. Expect a festival atmosphere with music performances, makers and crafts, folkloric traditions, and plenty of food, stretching across multiple blocks. The event runs throughout the day and is designed to be welcoming for all ages and abilities.

Join us for Chess Hour at the library for friendly games and a chance to sharpen your chess skills. The event welcomes all ages and all experience levels, and you can play with boards provided or bring your own. It is a great drop-in way to meet other chess players in the community.

Monster Jam brings towering 12,000-pound trucks to Oakland Arena and Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum for a showcase of gravity-defying stunts. See skilled drivers balance on two wheels and soar off jumps in a high-energy display of horsepower. The event features renowned trucks such as Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, and Sparkle Smash, along with others from the series.

A safari themed back to school community day at Balboa Park in San Francisco brings families together to help local students start the year confident and prepared. The aim is to equip at least 100 children in the area with backpacks, school supplies, resources, and encouragement. Families can look forward to themed activities, games and crafts, music and entertainment, giveaways and raffles, and access to community resources. School supplies will be available for students while quantities last. Support from donors, sponsors, community partners, and volunteers is welcome. Suggested contribution levels range from $10 for basic supplies, $25 for a complete supply kit for one child, and $50 for a backpack with supplies, to $100 that helps two to four students and $250 or more with community sponsor recognition. Any amount makes a difference. Contributions can be made through the Cash App listed on the flyer or by requesting an invoice for a custom amount. In-kind support is also encouraged, including backpacks, school supplies, snacks, water, and raffle prizes, as well as volunteer time and talents. Local businesses, organizations, churches, schools, and community members are encouraged to participate in this effort to support Bay Area youth. For details or to get involved, contact BayBearPartyCo@gmail.com or 707-596-3481.

Monica da Silva will perform at Prospect Park Plaza for Music at the Plaza. Enjoy an afternoon of live music in the park plaza setting.

Settle in beside the lagoons at Marlin Park for Sounds of the Shores, a relaxed live music series in scenic Redwood Shores. This concert features Misspent Youth performing high-energy classic rock covers tailored for outdoor, family friendly crowds, with standout vocals, tight musicianship, and a steady stream of favorites from Journey, Pat Benatar, Bon Jovi, Heart, and more that keeps all generations moving from the first song to the last. Bring a blanket or chairs, meet up with friends and family, and enjoy picnic fare or grab dinner from Grillzillas while taking in waterfront views. Known for lighting up municipal stages from Foster City to Morgan Hill, the band is celebrated for getting audiences dancing, singing, and swaying throughout the show.

Catch Despicable Me 4 as a free outdoor movie under the stars at Cedar Rose Park. It’s a family-friendly evening, so bring blankets or chairs for the lawn and arrive early so kids can play before the screening.

Enjoy a Motown-themed Sunday brunch experience at Hotel Nikko, featuring brunch upstairs at Anzu followed by a live Motown tribute performance in Feinstein’s theater. Doors open for brunch at 11:30 AM, and the concert show time is listed as 12:45 PM. All ages are welcome, but this listing is marked sold out, with the next available show noted for September 13.

Monster Jam brings massive 12,000 pound trucks to Oakland Arena and Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum for a high-energy showcase of stunts and soaring jumps. Watch these powerhouse machines balance on two wheels, launch into the air, and deliver nonstop action. The lineup features well known trucks such as Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, and Sparkle Smash, along with others, for a spectacle of roaring engines, precision driving, and gravity defying moments.

Experience the epic finale of the wizarding saga as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 returns to the big screen in a concert setting. A live symphony orchestra performs Alexandre Desplat’s score in sync with the movie, bringing added intensity to every battle, act of bravery, and the fight to protect Hogwarts from Voldemort. The film is projected on a giant screen, creating an immersive event that blends cinematic storytelling with powerful live music.

Local 1401 Game Day brings the Detroit Tigers to face the San Francisco Giants at San Francisco Giants Oracle Park, with proceeds supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association through the efforts of local firefighters. A pregame tailgate is planned in the bus parking area. There are three participation options. A combined package for the game and bus transportation is $100. Game-only tickets are now $47 after a price drop, and transportation-only seats are $55 for those who already have tickets. The bus price includes tailgate provisions and there are no ticket fees, and the reduced pricing will be applied to earlier purchases. Game ticket sales have a deadline that has been extended, and availability is limited to 75 game tickets and 50 bus seats. Buses will depart from Publican Windsor with a second pickup in Downtown Santa Rosa, and a possible third pickup farther south may be added.

A stage production that celebrates storytelling, folk music, and cultural traditions, bringing age-old tales to life through performance, song, and artistic expression. Appropriate for all ages, this Indian cultural showcase offers an immersive journey through folklore and heritage in the Bay Area at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center.

A food truck will set up outside RSM, making poolside dinner simple. The gathering is open to everyone, so spread the word to neighbors. Cool off with a swim, socialize, and enjoy dinner without having to cook.

Bring your child for Wee Hoop Hot Shots, a youth basketball class designed to build fundamentals and teach basic rules through fun drills and controlled scrimmages. It’s a supportive, confidence-building environment that also emphasizes teamwork. Kids should bring a size 3 basketball.

Join this full-day camp experience focused on food and fun for kids ages 7 to 13. Campers will start with a Sweet European Escape, exploring classic European baking traditions through hands-on scone-to-impress style activities. In the afternoon, Kitchen Chemist turns cooking into science, with mixing, stirring, and experiments that show the magic behind everyday ingredients. All materials are included, and you’ll need to bring a peanut-free snack, lunch, and a refillable water bottle, plus wear sunscreen and closed-toe footwear.

Woodworkers Academy is a hands-on woodworking camp for kids ages 5 to 13. Campers will learn woodworking basics, including how to use a variety of hand tools and build using practical techniques and math. Beginners start by making a spin top to get familiar with the tools, then choose from pre selected projects or create ideas of their own, with options like birdhouses, toys, treasure chests, and shelves. The week includes tool use such as brace drills, egg beater drills, coping saws, hand saws, and clamps. Kids should bring a peanut-free snack, lunch, and a refillable water bottle, and wear sunscreen, a hat, and closed-toe footwear. All materials are included.

Gaia Guides offers Family Paddle Nights on the calm, protected waters of Ballena Bay Marina in Alameda, creating an easygoing way for families to get on the water together. Designed for families with children ages 5 to 14, with a parent or guardian participating alongside each child, these sessions welcome first-timers as well as experienced paddlers. Instructors stay nearby to share safety guidance and helpful tips, and all essential gear is provided. Kids paddle free on their first visit with the coupon code kidspaddlefree, and adult participation is $40 per session. Pre-registration is required to secure equipment.

Take advantage of a two-for-$22 admission that lets any two people, regardless of age, explore the museum together for a single $22 price. Inside, play more than 100 pinball machines spanning the 1940s to the 2020s and browse the exhibits while music plays for free on three jukeboxes. Reentry is permitted, so step out for breaks or to pick up local food and drinks, then return to keep playing.

Play Cafe is a family-friendly storytime and play session designed for parents and caregivers with kids ages 0 to 5. It includes stories, songs, and a chance for little ones to play together.

Wednesday afternoons bring a calm, creative hour where kids can make something new each week with Crafternoon for Kids, also known as Manualidades para Niñ@s. After the MOCHA program on the first Wednesday of the month, children continue the fun with a different hands-on craft every week, whether they are painting, cutting, gluing, or simply enjoying the process. Accessibility information is available.

Music in the Park at Stafford Park features the Anthony Arya Band with a rock forward blend of folk and pop. Expect emotionally charged vocals, poetic grit, and energetic anthems in a relaxed outdoor setting that is great for spending time with friends and family. This concert is part of a ten week series offering free live music and a mix of new faces alongside returning favorites. Anthony Arya is an indie folk artist from the San Francisco Bay Area whose captivating performances channel the Laurel Canyon sound for a modern era. He first drew widespread attention at 16 through appearances on NBC’s The Voice. Now 23 and an award winning songwriter with four full length albums, he performs frequently and has headlined well known venues and festivals across the West Coast, racking up more than 150 shows in 2024 and 2025. In February 2026 he released the acoustic single Sugar On Your Shades, and live versions of the song have earned over one million views on social media, with additional releases planned throughout the year leading to a new album by the end of 2026.

An uplifting tribute honoring the late legendary Coach Beam and his family, recognizing his enduring impact on the Oakland sports community. This celebration reflects on his legacy and the difference he made across Oakland sports.

Bring toddlers and preschoolers (ages 1 to 5) for a lively Family Storytime at Dougherty Station Library. The program includes stories, music, fingerplays, action rhymes, and felt board activities. After storytime, kids and caregivers can enjoy a craft activity starting at 7:00 PM. Older siblings are welcome if they’re able to model listening and social skills.

Join for Toddler Storytime at the Rockridge Branch Library, a weekly session designed for children ages 1 to 3. The stories and songs are geared toward toddlers, and the group may meet outdoors in the staff parking lot behind the library or indoors in the upstairs meeting room depending on the weather. After storytime, families are welcome to come inside to check out library materials.

Lincoln Summer Nights brings the neighborhood together at Lincoln Square Park in Oakland Chinatown. This recurring park series is open to everyone and centers on celebration, connection, staying informed about what is happening locally, and finding ways to get involved. Expect a welcoming, community-focused evening that turns the park into a shared space for neighbors and friends.

Courthouse Square turns into an outdoor movie venue with two free films that welcome all ages. This screening features Lilo & Stitch (PG), a live action retelling of Disney’s 2002 story about a lonely Hawaiian girl and a fugitive alien who helps bring her family back together. The cast includes Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders, Sydney Agudong, Zach Galifianakis, and Billy Magnussen, with direction by Dean Fleischer Camp. The film runs 108 minutes and was released in 2025. The series blends early family selections and later independent shorts with a mix of celebrated classics and recent feature releases across the season.

Enjoy an open-air screening as part of Movies on the Square. This showing features Jurassic World: Rebirth (PG-13), with the movie starting in the evening and running until late. Courthouse Square becomes a vibrant outdoor cinema for a family-friendly night out with the big-screen experience and immersive surround sound.