Events in San Mateo County, CA

Guided Latin practice rounds in the Bay Area designed to help dancers prepare for upcoming competitions, hosted at Luna Del Soul - House of Dance in Redwood City. Sessions blend straight finals with rounds run in heats, and at least two of four rounds encourage partner changes. Structured tasks and challenges simulate real competition conditions, and the space features a large floor, lighting, and a studio area available beforehand for warm up. Local competitors take part, and all levels are welcome, including kids, adults, solo dancers, and pro/am partnerships. Live Latin percussion by Edgardo Cambon enhances select sessions once a month. Pricing is $15 per person, or $25 on nights with live percussion.

Explore Garba in a friendly learning environment that highlights the lively, spirited, and community-centered traditions of this Indian folk dance. The experience emphasizes movement that honors joy, spirituality, and cultural togetherness. There is no fee to participate, and walk-ins are welcome.

Based in Denver, Steely Dead is a national touring quartet that blends the music of Steely Dan and the Grateful Dead into one seamless experience. Guitarist Dave Abear, bassist Matt Abear, drummer Chris Sheldon, and keyboardist Dylan Teifer combine Steely Dan’s meticulous arrangements with the Dead’s improvisational spirit and smooth song transitions, turning familiar favorites into fresh, extended jams that nod to classic rock’s heyday. General Admission is standing room only, and the mezzanine on the second floor is reserved and fully seated. For details, contact ticketing@guildtheatre.com.

Charged Particles brings a lively set of funky Latin jazz to Menlo Tavern in Menlo Park. The trio has earned praise from JazzTimes, Jazz & Blues Report, Jazz News, the Los Angeles Times, and DownBeat for tight-knit chemistry, high-energy performances, and standout technical skill. This set features fresh grooves, crisp interplay, personal flair, and inventive improvisation.

Past Curfew brings its annual PLAYLIST tradition to life with a fresh theme built around the power of horns, celebrating dance music energized by a full horn section. Each year the band crafts an all-new setlist from the ground up, guided by a theme that spans eras rather than a single artist or time period. This veteran Silicon Valley cover band, performing for more than two decades, will share the stage with talented guest artists from across the Bay Area in a dynamic, multimedia production. This benefit supports Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula, an organization that expands equitable access to social, academic, and career opportunities for local youth in a region where thousands of children live below the poverty line. Look forward to a single night shaped by a single playlist, presented for a meaningful cause with an immersive, horn-forward sound.

The Peninsula's oldest farmers market began in 1979 when four community-focused organizers, led by John S. Hensill, Ph.D., set it in motion. Their aim was to support independent local farmers and bring fresh produce to the community.

Build essential bike handling in a co-ed, four-hour clinic in Redwood City. Designed for first-time riders and experienced cyclists alike, the session develops balance and weight distribution so you can ride more safely and with confidence. Practice key techniques, including riding briefly without hands, executing quick stops in an emergency, looking back while keeping a steady line, and refining steering and counter-steering. Expect to leave with better control and a more enjoyable experience on the bike. Advance registration is required. This clinic is the prerequisite for all other Bike Skills road modules.

A weekend ring bar pop-up arrives at Abode in Half Moon Bay, open the same hours on both days. Walk-ins are welcome, as no appointment is required. If attending is not possible, virtual or in-person appointments can be arranged separately.

The tenth annual Together in Holiness conference in the Archdiocese of San Francisco welcomes married and engaged couples to St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park. National and local presenters, including Greg Schutte, MSW, LISW-S, will reflect on hope in the domestic church. The program includes opportunities for Mass, Reconciliation, and Eucharistic Adoration, along with practical guidance to help spouses grow together and parents pass on the Catholic faith. Registration is available for couples at $64 and individuals at $40, with scholarships offered. On-site childcare is available with advance sign-up for $5 per child. Together in Holiness is an initiative of the St. John Paul II Foundation.

Celebrate the launch of Metal for Your Mental Health at Freewheel Brewing Company in Redwood City. Get to know the organization while enjoying live music from Cameron and Rodney of Sea in the Sky, plus giveaways and a round of Music Bingo with prizes. Event shirts will be available with support from @WeNeedMerch, and additional Music Bingo prizes and giveaways are provided by @AvalonBookBindery and @StickerGuy_com. Metal for Your Mental Health is a 501c3 nonprofit that supports preteens, teens, and youth transitioning to adulthood by combining evidence-based talk therapy with their interest in metal and similar music. Therapists who share that passion use it to build rapport and highlight values often found in the genre, including empowerment, community, self-expression, open-mindedness, emotional regulation, and commitment to personal values. RSVPs are encouraged.

Celebrate the season with a spirited dance workshop at Motion Arts Center in downtown San Mateo that teaches the signature moves from Michael Jackson’s Thriller, led by instructor Max. Everyone is welcome, from first-timers to experienced dancers, and zombie-themed outfits are encouraged but optional. An optional mini-showcase wraps up the experience for those who want to present the combo individually or in small groups with supportive encouragement. The workshop is designed for adults and teens ages 12 and up. Pricing is available at $70 for the early bird rate and $80 for general admission. Wear comfortable clothing and dance shoes, bring water and a small towel, and add a few spooky accessories if you like. Space is limited, so advance registration is recommended.

The Kadayawan Gala, the signature celebration of Davaoeños of California, brings people together at Crown Plaza Foster City to honor culture, community, and connection. Guests can look forward to an evening of dining, live entertainment, and cultural performances inspired by Filipino tribal traditions. Community leaders, supporters, families, and friends gather to reconnect, make new memories, and celebrate a shared heritage and sense of belonging. Filipino tribal attire or semi-formal wear is encouraged to help create a vibrant and festive atmosphere that reflects the richness and diversity of Filipino culture. Whether attending for the first time or returning as a longtime supporter, this gathering offers a meaningful way to celebrate roots, strengthen community ties, and support programs that make a difference throughout the year.

SOFI TUKKER brings the Animal Talk tour to Cow Palace, joined by DRAMA and Kito. This event is for ages 18 and over.

Choose a 10 mile or 14 mile run, or take it as a hike. Afterward, stick around for a weekly post run tailgate.

Designed for both students and parents, this afternoon event gives a taste of the creativity, collaboration, and innovation at the heart of the middle school program. Fourth and fifth graders take part in an interactive design challenge, teaming up to tackle a practical problem while building skills in critical thinking, teamwork, and creative problem solving. Meanwhile, parents attend an information session that highlights the academic program, a supportive community, leadership opportunities, and the ways the school prepares students for high school and beyond. Meet the team, ask questions, and leave with a clear understanding of what the middle school experience offers.

Relive the family tradition of Ramayan with a live theatrical experience at Fox Theatre Redwood City. The show blends cinema-style visuals with a live band, interweaving spiritual insights, chanting and dance, and onstage performances into a devotional journey for all generations. The production showcases polished stagecraft and an atmosphere that brings people together in shared devotion. A meet and greet with a celebrity is planned, with the guest to be revealed.

Steal Your Monday’s! Todd Bugbee’s Dead Roses brings high-energy music to Winters Tavern, with varied lineups that embrace risk and explore fresh ways to interpret the Dead’s catalog. The focus is on exploration and dynamic performances that keep things unpredictable throughout the show.

Enjoy outdoor dining and live music on the patio, with cozy fire pits setting a relaxed summer mood. Area favorite Tom Jackman performs a versatile mix of R&B, pop, rock, and country, weaving in his own original songs alongside well-known favorites. Table reservations are available, and seating is also offered for walk-ins.

Explore the art of kokedama in a hands-on workshop that encourages creativity. Some prior experience is required, yet beginners are welcome to take part and learn at a comfortable pace. The class focuses on making your own kokedama while enjoying a relaxed, creative atmosphere.

Learn to build a succulent terrarium in a glass vessel during a hands-on class, creating a personalized living display of your own.

Silicon Stompers Jazz Band presents a Vintage Vocal Hour that highlights Bay Area vocalists interpreting classics from early jazz through the Great American Songbook. The band performs sets on either side of the vocal feature, creating a full program that blends instrumental jazz with standout guest performances. Singers who want to take part can choose their tunes and sign up to perform.

In San Carlos, California, Mudita’s Rhythm as Conversation salon series offers a close-up musical gathering filled with soulful sounds, flowing melodies, and intricate rhythms. The focus is on culture and creativity, highlighting Indian and South Asian music in an intimate setting. It suits families, friends, and anyone looking for a memorable night of live performance.

Blues Traveler teams up with The Last Revel for a night at The Guild in Menlo Park. Born from high school jam sessions in their drummer’s family basement in Princeton, New Jersey, John Popper, Chandler Kinchla, Brendan Hill, and the late Bobby Sheehan grew that spark into a career spanning 14 studio albums, with multiple gold and platinum certifications, including one that reached six times platinum, and more than 10 million records sold worldwide. The band has logged over 2,000 live performances for audiences totaling more than 30 million, and its hit Run-Around set a Billboard record for chart longevity while earning a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Recent projects include Traveler’s Blues, a Grammy-nominated collection that reimagines highlights from the American blues songbook and the group’s first official blues album, and Traveler’s Soul, which brings the same spirit to classic R&B and soul. At this venue, Gold Circle is a standing area closest to the stage, General Admission is standing room only, and the Mezzanine on the second floor is reserved and fully seated.

Spend a day on the course in support of San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby at this golf tournament. Entry fees help fund upkeep and maintenance of the club’s home field on Treasure Island. Participants can play a round of golf, spend time with the SFGG community, and contribute to the next phase of the club’s rugby journey.

A community 5k at Skylawn Memorial Park is organized by Skylawn Memorial Park and the Redwood City Lion’s Club. Registration is $30, which includes a T-shirt and a patch, and proceeds go to the Lion’s Club. The event is suitable for families and welcomes dogs. A competitive running wave is available for those who want to race. After the 5k, the Día de Los Muertos celebration features altar presentations, dance and music, food, prizes, face painting, and more. Costumes are welcome.

Joe Coffin leads a gentle sound healing session centered on grief support. Through the resonant tones of alchemy bowls, participants are guided toward balancing all seven chakras. The vibrations are intended to help ease the disruption grief can cause and encourage a steadier sense of well-being. This free session takes place at the Sharp Park Library. Reservations are requested to secure a spot. If possible, bring a mat, blanket, and bolster. A limited number of these items may be available on a first come, first served basis. Plan to lie down for about an hour and dress comfortably.

Knocked Loose and Denzel Curry bring their North American co-headline tour to the Cow Palace Warehouse with support from Superheaven and Boundaries. The tour follows their collaborative track Hive Mind, released with a music video directed by Eric Richter and Knocked Loose vocalist Bryan Garris and filmed in Louisville, Kentucky. Knocked Loose arrive on the strength of their album You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To, which includes the Grammy-nominated single Suffocate featuring Poppy. Denzel Curry expands the bill with momentum from supporting Deftones across Europe and the United Kingdom and from his collaborative project Strictly 4 The Scythe with A$AP Ferg, TiaCorine, BKTHERULA and Key Nyata.

Stu Allen & Mars Hotel bring a Haunted Halloween to The Guild with a rotating lineup led by guitarist and vocalist Stu Allen, known for work with Phil Lesh & Friends and Melvin Seals & JGB. The group draws from the Grateful Dead’s extensive songbook for a show that speaks to dedicated Deadheads while remaining welcoming to newcomers. Every performance is deliberately one of a kind, with Allen going multiple shows before revisiting a song and reshaping it when it returns. Mars Hotel extends that spirit by featuring a different mix of Bay Area musicians at each show, adding fresh perspectives and revealing new combinations every time. The atmosphere is lively, with spirited improvisation and a strong sense of community. General admission is standing room only, and the mezzanine on the second floor is reserved and fully seated. Costumes are encouraged.

An advanced pickleball clinic is being offered for experienced players. Register by scanning the QR code shown in the accompanying image.

A monthly Bay Area EMC Meetup brings riders together for a trip to Alice's Restaurant, following a scenic route through the Santa Cruz Mountains. The route spans about 75 miles. The plan includes brunch at Alice's followed by a group ride through the mountains.

Adults are welcome at a monthly tabletop gaming meetup at Menlo Park Library. Drop in for casual play with classics, newer titles, and role-playing games, or bring something from your own collection to share. It is a friendly way to connect with fellow gamers and enjoy a few rounds together. This free program is made possible with support from the Friends of the Menlo Park Library.

Singles 50 and over can mingle at an upscale setting at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel SFO in Burlingame. A lighthearted mixer game helps spark conversations and make introductions easy. Attendees are encouraged to dress to impress for a memorable experience. Guests are asked to purchase at least one drink so the venue continues to welcome the group. Parking validation is available at the hotel front desk. Tickets are $45 for early purchase and $55 at the door if space remains. These gatherings often reach capacity.

The Psychedelic Furs bring their post-punk legacy to The Guild, led by vocalist Richard Butler and bassist Tim Butler. Rising from the UK scene, they became a fixture on college and alternative radio and went on to release eight studio albums, along with compilations, a box set, and a concert film. Their catalog produced multiple radio favorites, and their music also inspired a film soundtrack. In recent years, their latest album earned international chart placements and appeared on numerous year-end best-of lists. Known for commanding live shows, the band has taken the stage at Glastonbury and at renowned venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, London’s Royal Albert Hall, New York’s Radio City Music Hall, and Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. The touring lineup features Richard Butler on vocals, Tim Butler on bass, Rich Good on guitar, Amanda Kramer on keyboards, and Zachary Alford on drums. We Are Scientists open the show. At The Guild, Gold Circle is standing room closest to the stage, General Admission is standing room only, and the Mezzanine on the second level is reserved and fully seated.

Experience an evening of West Coast Swing in San Mateo featuring Heather Powers at Motion Arts Center. The night begins with a beginner class, continues with a technique session geared to intermediate dancers, adds an additional intermediate class, and then flows into a social where everyone can dance and connect. No partner or prior experience is required, and the Peninsula community fosters a friendly, supportive atmosphere that welcomes newcomers and seasoned dancers alike. Expect an upbeat music mix on a hardwood floor, colorful ambient lighting, air conditioned comfort, and a high quality sound system that sets an energetic mood. Tickets are available per person with several options: $35 for one class or $45 for a class plus the party, $60 for two classes on the same day plus the party, or $15 for the party only. Motion Arts Center students with memberships, a one month pass, or class packages can attend the party for $10. First time students can start with a $69 seven day, seven class intro pass that expires in seven days, with the dance party purchased separately. Registration is available online or at the door.

The Psychedelic Furs bring their enduring post-punk sound to The Guild with a set that spans decades of influential work. Formed in the UK by vocalist and songwriter Richard Butler and bassist Tim Butler, the band became a staple of college and alternative radio with hits like Love My Way, Pretty in Pink, Heaven, The Ghost in You, and Heartbreak Beat. Their catalog includes eight studio albums along with compilations, a boxed set, and a live concert film. Their latest release, Made of Rain, charted across multiple countries and earned year-end best-of mentions in numerous publications. Renowned for powerful live performances, the group has appeared at major stages including Glastonbury, the Hollywood Bowl, London’s Royal Albert Hall, New York’s Radio City Music Hall, and Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, and continues to tour widely. The touring lineup features Richard Butler on vocals, Tim Butler on bass, Rich Good on guitar, Amanda Kramer on keyboards, and Zachary Alford on drums. We Are Scientists open the show. Gold Circle is standing room nearest the stage, General Admission is standing room only, and the Mezzanine on the second floor offers reserved seating.

Capelo’s Barbecue in Redwood City hosts an open mic that welcomes singers and musicians. Performers can expect two or three songs each, depending on how many people take the stage. Two microphones will be available, and participants may bring extra mics if needed. Original material with backing tracks is welcome.

Explore Wornick through an admissions information session and campus tour that showcases a community where every student is known, challenged, and inspired. Walk the campus, meet dedicated educators, and see how the school blends rigorous academics with joy-filled Jewish learning while cultivating the confidence to lead with purpose. Hear directly from a current student, a parent, and members of the Wornick team as they describe learning in action, from lively classroom experiences and lasting relationships to a values-centered approach that builds readiness for high school, college, and beyond.

Explore the storied career of Henry Diltz, a music photographer known for candid, intimate images that helped define the 1960s and 1970s. A musician before he picked up a camera, he started by photographing friends who later became famous. His style is instinctive, quiet and natural, focused on documenting without intrusion and composing scenes to look exactly as they do in the moment, a gift even Harrison Ford once noted for its distinctive framing. Diltz served as the official photographer for Woodstock in 1969, 1994, and 1999, has created more than 250 album covers, and continues to chronicle the Southern California music scene. His contributions have been recognized with Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Grammys, the Lucies, the International Photography Hall of Fame, Abbey Road Studios, and the American Society of Photographers. At The Guild, the orchestra and mezzanine are reserved and seated, with the mezzanine on the second floor, while general admission is standing room only.

Set at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center in Menlo Park, this mat-based Pilates class welcomes participants of every level. Instructor Joanne Sato leads sequences that incorporate light weights to intensify muscle engagement and build functional, everyday strength. The session emphasizes core Pilates principles... control, steady breath, and precise movement. Hosted by Banyan Tree Women's Collective in collaboration with The City of Menlo Park. Modifications and progressions are offered throughout so everyone can work at a comfortable pace.

This event celebrates the sound of coastal bluegrass.

Connect with Bay Area professionals at a monthly happy hour centered on real estate, business, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Enjoy a relaxed setting to expand your network, learn about potential investment opportunities, and build genuine relationships with like-minded people. Hosted by Zen Coast University and SARE, this casual meetup takes place at Fieldwork Brewing Company San Mateo, where conversation and community take the lead.

The San Mateo County History Museum opens its doors for an Opening Day that celebrates years of vision, restoration, and transformation. Explore the Taube Family Carriage House and Automobile Gallery, a showcase of innovation, craftsmanship, and elegance. Discover the Peninsula Natural History Gallery, where rare fossils help tell the region’s story across millions of years. Step into the carefully restored Lathrop House for a vivid look at lives that helped shape the community. Special activities are planned throughout the day. Stroll through history, gaze up beneath the courthouse dome, and uncover the stories that built San Mateo County. More details will be shared as the day nears.

Winters Tavern hosts Michael Vincent and U No Who for a set of original music in San Francisco. This appearance marks a new venue for the band.

At Community United Methodist Church in Half Moon Bay, a candlelit classical tribute celebrates the music of Queen and Elton John performed by a string trio. Expect elegant arrangements of favorites like Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Fat Bottomed Girls, and We Will Rock You alongside I'm Still Standing, Circle of Life, and Tiny Dancer. Seating is first come, first served within your chosen tiered zone, with Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze options. Guests ages 8 and up are welcome. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and front row seating cannot be guaranteed. A donation is made to a different charity each month.

The annual SF-CESS Awards Reception and Silent Auction offers an evening of food and beverages, a silent auction, and time to connect with others at the San Mateo Senior Center. The program emphasizes building community throughout the auction experience, creating space for connection as participants place their bids. Award recipients will be announced soon.

Fitz and The Tantrums bring a greatest hits performance to The Guild. The Gold Circle section puts you nearest the stage and is entirely standing, and General Admission is also standing only. The Mezzanine sits on the second level and features reserved seating throughout. For more information, contact ticketing@guildtheatre.com.

The lineup features Cole Panther, a singer and songwriter from San Francisco, The Great Disappointment with Bay Area Americana, Orion Rush, a San Francisco singer-songwriter, Sara Rodenburg, a San Francisco artist by way of Chicago, Blank Moon from Modesto with a country and rock sound, and U.F.Whoa's bringing alt Americana from San Francisco. Additional bands will be announced.

Several viewing options are available. Gold Circle is an all-standing section nearest the stage. General Admission is standing-only as well. The Mezzanine is located on the second level and offers reserved seating throughout. For additional details or ticket questions, email ticketing@guildtheatre.com.

An onsite group tour offers a guided look at the school space along with an information session led by the Head of School and the Associate Director. Children are welcome to attend and may either participate in the tour or spend time in the Ninja Warrior gym with staff supervision. Prospective families, partners, and community members are welcome.

Explore a selection numbering in the thousands at the Friends of the Library book sale at Menlo Park Library. Offerings include adult fiction and nonfiction, children’s books, CDs, DVDs, collectibles, board games, and puzzles. Most items cost one or two dollars, and proceeds support library programs and events.

Project Joseph Food Distribution is a food distribution event. Volunteers are requested to arrive early for this event.

The California Speed Puzzling Championship comes to Northern California at the Bayview Dining Room at College of San Mateo, featuring a full slate of fast paced jigsaw contests. Test your skills in solo, pair, and four person team events, with the Pairs Relay and the Solo Puzzle Pyramid also included. Meet fellow puzzle enthusiasts in a welcoming competition. An early bird offer provides $5 to $10 off each ticket. Orders totaling at least $100 can include a complimentary 2026 Championship T-shirt when the shirt is added to the cart in the same transaction and the coupon code 26FREETEE is applied. Capacity is limited. Perks include opportunities to puzzle with the pros, pick up free puzzles, and trade at a swap table that is free for registrants and $10 for guests. The top three finishers in each division receive gift certificates or free puzzles along with custom laser etched wooden puzzle piece trophies. Registration is complete once payment is received. Tickets reserve one spot per event rather than covering an entire pair or team. Each adult must purchase their own ticket, with a limit of one ticket per event per purchase except when buying for juniors.

This volunteer trail work session with Friends of San Pedro Valley Park focuses on brushing back overgrown vegetation and maintaining drain dips. Tasks are trail centered and may include trimming along the edges, cleaning and maintaining drainage features, raking around bends, and cutting back low branches. All necessary tools will be supplied, and no prior trail work experience is required. Volunteers gather at the Visitor Center to begin with volunteer leaders. Bring personal protective items such as gloves or a mask. To be ready for outdoor conditions, pack a reusable water bottle and snacks, wear a hat and sunscreen, consider long pants and long sleeves, and choose sturdy closed-toe shoes that can get dirty. Allergy medicine is useful if applicable, and participants should plan for possible exposure to sun, poison oak, ticks, and prickly plants. The event will be canceled only in the case of heavy rain.

A dog and cat adoption pop-up will be set up in front of Shampa's Pies. Look for a large tent with puppies showcased near the entrance, and a kitten tent planned if the weather allows. Meet available animals and consider fostering one to give a pet a temporary home.

Meet Rob Case, author of Surf Paddling Technique, for an in person meet and greet centered on surf and prone paddleboard paddling. He will share insights from his new book to help surfers catch more waves, reduce strain while paddling, improve efficiency, and stay out longer with less effort. The gathering begins with time to mingle, continues with a presentation, and wraps up with additional conversation and questions. Copies of the book will be available for purchase, and attendees are welcome to bring their own copy to be signed and personalized. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided, and potluck dishes are welcome. No RSVP is required. This event is free.

Roger Clyne and PH Naffah, the driving force behind Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers, bring a high-energy blend of punk rock, americana, indie pop, and mariachi spirit to The Guild. Clyne’s catalog spans 11 studio albums and is shaped by real-life adventures, from days teaching English in Taipei and playing guitar on the streets at night to years of touring and storytelling. The fan favorite Mekong often sparks a shared toast to life, a tradition rooted in those early travels. The duo first made their mark with The Refreshments in the 90s, mixing humor into rock and introducing mariachi horns, a direction influenced by Clyne’s cultural anthropology study and a Spanish-immersion stay with a family in Ensenada, Mexico. General admission features standing room, and the mezzanine on the second level offers reserved seating.

Explore the craft of live storytelling in a welcoming workshop for ages 10 through adult. Drama teacher Enid Davis begins with a tale, then leads an exploration of the background and importance of storytelling, along with practical techniques to build confidence in sharing stories aloud. No experience is required. This free program is supported by the Friends of the Menlo Park Library and is part of the 11th Annual Menlo Park Storytelling Festival.

Focused on Taiwanese American and Chinese American family history, this genealogy seminar is designed with the Love Boat alumni community at its center. It is for those who have wondered where their families came from and how to uncover that story. The afternoon begins with a casual meet and greet on the outdoor patio, then continues with the seminar. Previous genealogy programs have often centered on families from Guangzhou and nearby regions, while this gathering broadens the discussion to include the varied backgrounds represented by Love Boat alumni and the wider Taiwanese American and Chinese American communities. Registration is slated to open after the Love Boat Reunion in Pasadena, California. Further details will be shared, including plans for a group dinner at a local hotspot in Foster City.

Son Volt takes the stage at The Guild Theatre in Menlo Park, CA, led by Jay Farrar, whose work helped launch the alt-country movement with Uncle Tupelo. The band recorded three albums in the 1990s, then paused while Farrar released three solo LPs. He brought together a new Son Volt lineup in 2004 and has issued nine albums since, with the latest, Sound Signal Serenades, arriving as a special 2026 Record Store Day limited edition LP. His songwriting often engages with America’s discordant or overlooked past and points toward a better future. Support comes from Kelly Willis. General admission is standing room only, and the mezzanine on the second floor is reserved seating.

An interactive introduction at Menlo Park Library explores the fundamentals of brewing beer at home. Expert homebrewers Doug Weitz and Derek Wolfgram from the Silicon Valley Sudzers homebrew club lead the session, covering ingredients, techniques, equipment, beer styles, recipe development, and related basics. There will not be any tasting during the program. Those who want to keep the conversation going can meet the presenters afterward at Barebottle Brewing to discuss brewing over a beer.

Jim Brickman brings his celebrated piano artistry to Fox Theatre Redwood City for an evening that reflects more than three decades of music. Blending pop and classical influences, he has earned many honors and a devoted following, and this concert shines a light on the songs that defined his career. Expect favorites such as Valentine, The Gift, and Love of My Life, along with other well loved selections, all delivered with the connection and warmth that characterize his performances. In the spirit of the tour, the program also includes a touch of holiday cheer as he revisits the hits fans know and love.

The Town of Colma and Lemon Nerds present a free, all-ages event with music, food vendors, and a workshop on parol lanterns.

Celebrate the holiday season by learning to craft a traditional Filipino parol lantern, an iconic symbol in the Philippines. Enjoy hot chocolate and warm pandesal, a Filipino bread roll, during the workshop. The event is free and welcomes all ages. Registration in advance is requested to ensure there are enough goodies for everyone.

Asim Azhar brings a live concert to Fox Theatre in Redwood City, showcasing soulful melodies alongside high energy performances. The set highlights the emotion and passion behind fan favorites, setting the stage for an evening of music, memories, and standout moments. Tickets are available. For VIP or sponsorship information, call 888-396-0005 or email events@cnydesi.com.

With mushroom season underway, a foraging expert leads a beginner-friendly session on how to recognize edible mushrooms in California and avoid toxic lookalikes. Participants will explore mushroom structure and growth, learn where and when common local species appear, and pick up practical starting points for safe foraging. Expect clear guidance, photos and explanations centered on California species, and a chance to examine real specimens by touch and smell. The presenter, Carrie Staller, holds a master’s degree in sustainability and has a decade of experience foraging mushrooms, plants, and fruits across California. She founded Fork in the Path, which offers forest-to-table education that spans mushroom and plant foraging, tasting wild foods, nurturing a respectful and reciprocal relationship with the land, creative projects, and community building. This is a free program with funding support from the Friends of the Menlo Park Library.

The California Book Group in Menlo Park convenes in person to discuss The Castle on Sunset: Life, Death, Love, Art, and Scandal at Hollywood's Chateau Marmont by Shawn Levy. The book follows the nearly century-long story of the hotel, long a retreat for Hollywood figures, and explores generations of rumors and lore with accounts that mention Natalie Wood, Jim Morrison, Billy Wilder, Paul Newman, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jim Belushi, Lindsay Lohan, and others. Shawn Levy is also the author of Rat Pack Confidential, Paul Newman: A Life, King of Comedy: The Life and Art of Jerry Lewis, and Dolce Vita Confidential, and he is a former film critic for The Oregonian with bylines in Sight and Sound, Film Comment, American Film, Interview, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, The Black Rock Beacon, and The Hollywood Reporter. The California Book Group centers its selections on works set in California or by writers connected to the state, meeting at the Menlo Park Library on a quarterly schedule that typically falls on the first Sundays of March, June, September, and December.

At Winters Tavern, this performance features lively sounds and a varied roster of players who push boundaries while reworking songs from the Dead catalog.

Shop for farm fresh fruits and vegetables at Menlo Park Farmers Market in Menlo Park, CA while Mark Sings performs music from the 70s. Enjoy produce shopping accompanied by 70s-era tunes throughout the market.

This event highlights bluegrass with a coastal feel. The sound draws inspiration from the shoreline, offering a seaside twist on the traditional genre.

Led by Jackie Rosenheim, this calming solstice workshop invites a pause from the seasonal rush and a return to winter’s quiet. Over two hours, participants move through gentle yoga, restorative rest, and soothing sound healing, woven together with simple winter rituals that support body, mind, and spirit. Create space to breathe, reset, and settle into stillness. Cost is $55 for members and $60 for non-members, with a $5 early bird discount available until 12/6/26.