Family events in Union City, 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.

Sunnyvale Library and Recreation Services staff host a free storytime in the all-inclusive Magical Bridge Playground. People of all ages and abilities can enjoy a story read aloud in an inclusive setting.

This California gathering celebrates culture, heritage, and community, with family travel in mind. Look for forthcoming announcements with activity details and other updates.

Head to College Terrace Library for LEGO Fridays, a fun drop-in time where kids can bring their imagination and build something creative with LEGO. The LEGO pieces stay at the library, so be sure to snap a photo of your finished creation. This STEAM-focused program supports early childhood development through problem-solving, teamwork, confidence, and creativity, and it’s suitable for kids ages 18 months through 11 years.

Fire Pit Fridays at Del Valle Winery offers an easygoing night of wine, food, and live music under the open sky. The Vigilantes perform throughout the evening, creating a soundtrack that works for dancing, swaying, or simply relaxing. Del Valle wines are paired with tasty bites from the kitchen. All ages are welcome, making it a comfortable outing for families and groups. Outside food and drinks are not permitted. Guests can gather around the fire pits and enjoy a cozy Friday night at the winery.

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.

An outdoor screening of The Wild Robot anchors this installment of the Sunset Movie Series. Pack lawn chairs and blankets for comfort. Activities and snacks are offered before the feature, then the movie plays beneath the night sky.

Country vibes fill Lions Wayside Park for Pleasanton’s beloved Concert in the Park series. Attendees can bring blankets and gather with friends and family for a summer evening of live music, dancing, and a welcoming community atmosphere.

New to suburban Illinois, Cady Heron discovers that high school has its own survival rules. In a lively musical take on Mean Girls, she navigates shifting friendships and fierce rivalries, gets drawn into a notorious “Revenge Party,” and learns that crossing a queen bee comes at a cost.

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.

A lively marketplace and casual car meet come together at the Ohlone College Flea & Community Market. Browse local vendors and neighborhood sellers for bargain finds and handmade pieces, distinctive jewelry and collectibles, toys and games, apparel, skincare, tasty treats, houseplants, furniture, tools, and more. Families can enjoy a complimentary kids area with a bounce house, craft activities, and lawn games, while live jazz from the Mission Gold Nugget Jazz Band sets the tone in Lot E. Car enthusiasts will find a free, family friendly Cars & Coffee gathering in Lot G with Ohayo Roadsters, where coffee, food, and conversations flow alongside everything from classic rides to exotic showpieces. Free parking for the event is available in Lot C.

An early learning open house highlights infant, toddler, preschool, and afterschool programs created to support working families in a secure, caring setting with qualified educators. Visitors can tour classrooms in person, meet the team, and see how the program nurtures the whole child each day. Activities include a professional magic puppet show, giant bubble play, face painting, and an orientation. Special open house discounts will be available.

Safari Kid - Milpitas is hosting an open house highlighting its toddler, preschool, TK, and afterschool programs. Attendees can explore the classrooms, meet the caring team, and learn how these programs support working families with quality early education in a safe, nurturing setting led by qualified and compassionate educators. Activities include an animal show, face painting, rock painting, and an orientation session. Special open house discounts will be available.

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.

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.

Second Saturday at Gamble Garden offers a morning of discovery in the historic home and garden with opportunities to learn about nature. Adults, children, and families can take part in guided tours, scavenger hunts, learning stations, hands-on crafts, storytime, and other special activities. Each month highlights a unique theme, and the event is free and open to everyone.

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.

The Throne Card Show is a big card marketplace event in San Jose, featuring 140+ vendor tables with sports cards, Pokémon, and other TCG collectibles. You can buy, sell, and trade, plus there are giveaways happening throughout the weekend. It’s family-friendly, with kids under 12 free when a paying adult is present.

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.

Find a new best friend at an adoption event at Petco. Friendly rescue dogs will be there hoping to meet their future families, and walk ins are welcome. If there is a specific pup you want to meet, you can schedule an appointment beforehand so that dog is set aside for you during the event. Each dog arrives with health records and thorough veterinary care, including vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick prevention, a microchip, and spay or neuter surgery. Adoption fees vary by dog and start at $250, and are treated as a partially tax deductible donation that helps support care for more than 500 dogs. For questions or to arrange an appointment, call or text 888.508.8943.

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.

Get ready for the new school year with EPACENTER’s Back to School Carnival. This family-friendly event runs on Saturday, August 8 from 11 AM to 4 PM and features games, hands-on activities, live entertainment, and more. Students can also pick up free school supplies while they last, so it’s a great chance to celebrate with your community and come prepared for school.

Free, family-friendly math fun awaits with interactive games and activities. Guests may arrive at any time, enjoy complimentary snacks, and explore a rotating lineup of new puzzles each month.

Tri-Valley Theatre Company presents The SpongeBob Musical at The Bankhead, a lively stage adventure for all ages that dives into the heart of Bikini Bottom. When their undersea community faces a major threat, SpongeBob and his friends rally to protect their home, telling a story that celebrates community and courage with plenty of humor and imagination. The score spans a wide range of styles with music by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! at the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, and T.I., plus songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton and additional music is by Tom Kitt. The show is based on the series created by Stephen Hillenburg, with a book by Kyle Jarrow and the musical production conceived by Tina Landau. An ASL interpreted performance is planned, with interpreters positioned on the right side of the theater.

Young players ages 6 to 8 with prior tennis experience can build on their foundation in this Mini Aces Intermediate class. Sessions feature lively drills, rally-centered activities, and skill-based games that strengthen consistency, movement, coordination, and overall court awareness. Instruction focuses on steady improvement, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the game while keeping practice fun and engaging. Membership with Euro School of Tennis offers benefits that include priority access to classes, discounted rates, flexible hold options, and convenient automatic payments. It is a supportive pathway for kids to keep progressing and grow a lasting love for tennis.

The free, family-friendly Concerts on the Plaza series continues at the historic Niles Town Plaza with Jinx Jones and the Kingtones, a local favorite known for lively rockabilly. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a relaxed community concert.

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.

Cool off at the Robert Livermore Aquatic Center during a dive-in movie night featuring Surf’s Up (2007). The evening begins with open swim as daylight fades, then the film plays so guests can relax on the deck or float in the water under the night sky. Admission is $10 for residents and $30 for non-residents. Pre-registration is required and space is limited, creating a casual, family-friendly poolside cinema experience.

Bring the whole family to Hot August Niles Car Show, a fun day for car lovers to show off their vehicles. Enjoy food and refreshments, shop local businesses that stay open for the occasion, and catch a live band performance. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, and winning requires being present.

First Presbyterian Church of San Leandro and Rise Against Hunger are teaming up for a hands-on volunteer event to package 10,000 meals for families facing hunger around the world. Volunteers of all ages can take part in an assembly-line style effort, working alongside friends, relatives, and neighbors to help provide nutritious food to communities in need. Snacks and refreshments will be available. Registration is required to participate. Organizers are looking for meal-packaging helpers, about 3 to 5 people to assist with setup and cleanup, and a few volunteers who can help with lifting up to 50 pounds.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at Bent Creek Winery in Livermore Valley wine country, featuring award winning Bent Creek wines and plenty of music. Sample selections at a tasting, or purchase your favorites by the glass or bottle. The atmosphere is family friendly, with kids and dogs welcome.

ICC and Javanika bring the beloved living room sing-off to the big stage with what is billed as the Bay Area’s biggest Antakshari competition at the India Community Center. This friendly contest welcomes teams and solo singers to channel those classic family music battles, mixing nostalgia with playful rivalry. Entry options include a group of four for $50 or an individual entry for $15, and cash prizes are up for grabs. Expect unexpected voices to shine and lighthearted family face-offs to take center stage.

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.

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.

Two Wheelers Club Peninsula is a full-day cycling camp for kids ages 5 to 8 focused on building balance, coordination, and confidence on two wheels. Sessions cover bike basics like starting, stopping, and controlled forward movement, with a special emphasis on getting riders ready for more advanced rides later on. Throughout the week, kids also enjoy activities like swimming at Rinconada Pool and a trip to the Palo Alto Jr. Museum and Zoo. The camp runs each day from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with optional aftercare available until 5:30 PM for an additional cost.

Power Week 10 is a tennis camp for players ages 8 to 17 (co-ed) with UTR ratings of 2.5 to 4.5. It’s focused on serious, collegiate-style training in a competitive but supportive setting, with lots of high-quality touches, conditioning, mental skills, and tactical work. Daily activities include performance training and drills, a nutrition break, and match play plus skills development. Coaches from Eagle Fustar Tennis Academy will lead the program, and an online evaluation is included.

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.

Rookies Camp is a beginner-friendly music camp for kids ages 6 to 7 with no prior experience. Campers will explore different rock instruments and get an introduction to music theory, ear training, rhythm patterns, and group playing. Each day runs in the morning, and students are asked to bring lunch, snacks, water, and hearing protection.

Take part in a rotating set of mindfulness activities designed to help you relax and recharge, then tour the community, meet the team, and learn how the application process works. Created with teachers, school employees, and their families in mind, this Palo Alto community offers affordable studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom apartment homes that are ready for move-in. To confirm whether your school participates, please refer to the community website. A Summer Special may be available on select homes for qualified applicants, featuring two months of free rent, a waived $30 application fee, and a flexible move-in date. Approval is required and restrictions apply. Lease documents must be signed within five business days of approval and the lease must begin within 30 calendar days. Details are subject to change without notice; see the website for full terms. The property is pet friendly and blends welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces, including elevated courtyards with views and ground level public plazas in a walkable setting with a European feel. It sits near El Camino Real and the Oregon Expressway, with convenient access to major roadways, public transportation, and Caltrain. The community is located within the Palo Alto Unified School District, making resident students eligible to attend local public schools.

Bring your little ones for STEM Storytime, a toddler-friendly program for children ages 1 to 3 and their caregivers. The session will be held in the Library Program Room, and there is no registration required. Space is limited, and doors will close once the room is full.

Join in for Music & Movement at Civic Center Library, a fun session featuring songs and movement activities designed to support motor and social skills, independence, and language development in kids. The program is geared toward ages 1-5, but it’s open to everyone. Bring a blanket for the outdoor class on the library lawn, and the class will move indoors if the weather is bad. An indoor “Stay and Play” time to play and socialize will follow at 10:45 AM. Registration isn’t required.

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.

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.

Bookasaurus staff hosts a weekly storytime for all ages. Each session features a reading of a new book along with a staff favorite.

Come make cards and bracelets for kids and seniors. Many of the cards will be delivered to hospitals to help put a smile on the receiver’s face, with most going to pediatric children. This program is for grades K to 12 and will be held in the Library Program Room. No registration is required, but space is limited, and the doors will close when the room is full.

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.