Free 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.

The City of Dublin is hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the Bray Community Room at the Civic Center. A single donation can help save up to three lives. Registration is encouraged through RedCrossBlood.org using the code “DublinCommunity” or by searching zip code 94568. For this drive, donors are entered into a random drawing with two winners receiving a four-pack of tickets to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Advanced registration is recommended, with only a limited number of drop-in appointments available.

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.

Trixie Rasputin takes the stage at The Halfway Club in the Excelsior with a live set of rock and pop favorites from across the decades, accompanying herself on the house piano. Enjoy a rotating hot dog special with a cold Temescal Pilsner, or try options like Miso Maple Brussels and a Steakhouse Martini. Admission is free, and tips are appreciated.

Taking place each month, this event relies on volunteers. Those lending a hand are asked to arrive early.

The Peninsula’s longest-running farmers market began in 1979, started by four community-focused organizers led by John S. Hensill, Ph.D. It was created to champion independent local farmers and to bring fresh produce to the community.

An SFUR trail and habitat work party at the Laguna Honda Community Trail System brings people together to care for the pathways and surrounding habitat. The gathering begins at the SFUR container, then heads into the field for roughly two to three hours of hands-on maintenance. After the work session, participants return for pizza, beverages, and friendly conversation to recognize the progress made.

Stop by MalDoni's Cafe at the Hayward Farmers Market for soulful, comfort-filled small-batch food inspired by Oakland-based chef Alicia Waters. Enjoy items like fried fish po'boy and steak and cheese sandwiches, served with crispy seasoned fries. The cafe is featured at the market every Saturday during the listed hours, so swing by and grab something delicious while you’re there.

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.

CASA, NCRA, Mission Blue San Francisco Bay Hope Spot, DOER Marine, and the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department team up each month for a coastal cleanup at Alameda Point, working together to keep the shoreline clean.

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.

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.

Celebrate Filipino and Filipino American arts and culture at the 33rd annual Pistahan, a free outdoor program presented as part of Yerba Buena Gardens Festival’s Weekend Sessions. Over two days, pavilions and stages showcase both traditional and contemporary expressions, including music, dance, visual art, crafts, cuisine and cultural artifacts. The festivities open with the annual Pistahan Parade, known as the largest Filipino parade on the West Coast. Entertainment spans cultural dance, hip hop, jazz and martial arts. A pop up food court features dishes from many of the region’s notable Filipino restaurants, and a trade expo highlights goods from the Philippines. Co presented by Pistahan Parade and Festival. For the full schedule, please check the event website.

Join the 25th Annual Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival for a day of world music and community fun. The event takes place at Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival at 4222 MacArthur Boulevard in Oakland.

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.

Hosted by First Presbyterian Church of San Leandro in partnership with Rise Against Hunger, this hands-on volunteer effort focuses on packaging 10,000 meals for families facing hunger worldwide. The event welcomes volunteers of every age and requires no prior experience, creating a supportive setting to collaborate with family, friends, and neighbors. Snacks and refreshments will be available. Volunteers are needed for meal packing, a small team of 3 to 5 people to handle setup and cleanup, and a few individuals able to lift up to 50 pounds. Registration is needed.

Pistahan, now in its 33rd year, is a free outdoor celebration of Filipino and Filipino American arts and culture presented as part of Yerba Buena Gardens Festival's Weekend Sessions. Across two days, a mix of stages and pavilions features both traditional and contemporary expressions through music, dance, hip hop, jazz, martial arts, art, crafts, cuisine and artifacts. The festivities open with the annual Pistahan Parade, the West Coast's largest Filipino parade. A food court pop up serves dishes from many Filipino restaurants in the region, and an expo highlights products from the Philippines. Co-presented with Pistahan Parade and Festival.

Gentle Reiki sessions with Dr. Angela Gallegos-Castillo offer a calm reset and a step toward inner peace. Rooted in a Japanese energy-healing tradition, the practice uses a light, hands-on touch to encourage the flow of life energy, supporting relaxation and overall well-being. This approach helps activate the body's natural healing responses and ease physical and emotional tension, often leaving participants deeply relaxed. Sessions are offered at no cost and are booked by appointment. Each appointment lasts about an hour and is arranged according to current availability.

A free-to-play trivia night at Dog Haus Biergarten Berkeley features prizes for the top teams. Teams with up to seven players qualify for the highest awards, and larger groups are welcome though they may not be eligible for top prizes. The game lasts about two hours and requires no registration. Bring friends to build a team, or check in with the host before play begins if arriving solo to be connected with other participants. Games do not run on major holidays, and schedules may occasionally change.

OmniSwing presents a weekly progressive West Coast Swing program that builds skills from the ground up. It welcomes newcomers and returning dancers looking to polish technique, and no partner or prior experience is required. First-time participants receive their class for free. Instruction is organized into monthly modules and spans Levels 1 through 3. Beginning at Level 2, a supplemental class supports dancers in meeting assessment requirements before moving up. Each session includes a demo with announcements, followed by a practica and a social so participants can apply what they learned and connect with the community. Pricing options include a $25 drop-in class with a $5 pre-sale discount, $15 for the social only, or $35 for the class plus social paid at the door. To keep training accessible, The Omni Movement offers a work-trade Ambassador program with 50% and 100% discounts, and The Omni Promise sets aside discounted spots for up to a quarter of each class for community members in need, with a current discount of 50%.

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.

A casual, welcoming Dungeons & Dragons night at The New Parkway features multiple Dungeon Masters running games at the same time, so there is always a seat at a table. Newcomers and seasoned players are equally supported with beginner friendly options and no prior experience required. Attend on your own or bring friends, find a table that matches your style, and take part in a collaborative story filled with creativity and teamwork. The crowd includes first timers and regulars, including people who began as players and now helm tables as Dungeon Masters. You can purchase food and beverages on site, and arriving a little early helps you get settled before play begins. Roll the dice, take a seat, and let the adventure begin.

A lively trivia night at Headlands Brewing On Campus at UC Berkeley invites teams to test their knowledge in a friendly competition. There is no cost to participate, and prizes are available for top performers. Teams can include up to six people. Early arrival is recommended to secure better seating. During student break periods, please confirm with the venue that the event is still taking place.

OmniBachata is a weekly partner dance program from The Omni Movement that builds bachata skills from the basics upward. It welcomes first-timers and those looking to strengthen their foundation, and no partner or prior experience is required. New participants can begin with a free first class. Lessons progress across levels, with topics that include Level 2 dips and tricks and Level 1 directional changes, then transition into a demo or announcements and a practica with a weekly social. Instruction is provided by a team that includes Imaan Taghavi, Angela Vujkovic, Xavier Wong, Tina Wang, Helen Vazquez, Dvij Patel, and Natalie Keller. An access guide is available for first-time visitors to the studio. The Omni Promise sets aside discounted space for community members in need, currently 50 percent off for up to a quarter of each class, accessible with a promo code obtained after completing the required form.

This casual creative meetup at The New Parkway centers on drawing, conversation, and a relaxed vibe. All experience levels are welcome, and you can sketch, doodle, or experiment at your own pace. Bring your own art supplies or use materials provided. Attend solo or with friends, order a drink, and get comfortable. Food and beverages are available for purchase throughout the evening. There is no formal instruction and no set expectations, just time to make art in a warm, low-pressure setting.

Get ready for emergencies before they happen at this free, interactive Personal Emergency Preparedness (PEP) training. Participants will learn how to build an emergency go-bag, create a personalized emergency plan for themselves and their families, explore ways to reduce risks at home and at work, and take part in group discussions and hands-on activities.

This vibrant outdoor marketplace features a range of wares, services, food items, and fresh local produce. Music fills the air as shoppers explore, creating a relaxed way to wind down the week.

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.

Test your knowledge at The Growler Pub in Danville with interactive multimedia trivia emceed by local comedians. There is no entry fee, and prizes are available. Teams of up to six players can compete.

Test your knowledge at The New Parkway Theater in Oakland with free team trivia designed for a cozy, low pressure night of friendly competition and community. Teams are optional, so come on your own or with friends, and meet new people along the way. Play for free prizes such as a movie token good for one ticket and pesos that take one dollar off food at concessions. Seating tends to fill up, so arriving a little early makes it easier to grab a table, settle in, and order from the menu. The theater serves classic concessions along with a full food selection, beer and wine, and plenty of vegan choices. Open to everyone, whether trivia is a regular habit or a first time outing.