A Full Weekend in the Best Way
May 29–31, 2026 on the SF Peninsula
Hi parents,
Something about late May gives you permission to loosen the schedule a little.
To stay out longer. To wander a farmers’ market without rushing. To let the kids pick the activity instead of optimizing the day.
This weekend has a little bit of everything: a 75-year-old community festival in Redwood City, coastside artist studios open to the public, free telescope nights, handmade markets, and one very good excuse to finally revisit CuriOdyssey.
You definitely don’t need to do it all.
But this is one of those weekends where the Bay Area really shows off.
Happening All Weekend
St. Pius Festival: Home on the Ranch
Friday, 6:00 pm – Sunday | 📍 St. Pius Catholic Church, Redwood City
A longtime Redwood City favorite celebrating its 75th year with carnival rides, live music, food booths, games, and full neighborhood festival energy. Easy to pop into for an hour, and equally easy to stay much longer than planned.
All ages | Free entry, ride tickets available | Learn more
CoCA Spring Open Studios
Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 Multiple studios from Montara to Half Moon Bay
A self guided coastside art crawl where families can step inside real artist studios and watch painters, ceramicists, and sculptors at work. Makes for a beautiful slow day along Highway 1.
All ages | Free | Learn more
CuriOdyssey
Open daily, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 Coyote Point, San Mateo
One of the Peninsula’s most reliable family outings. Meet river otters, bobcats, foxes, and raptors, then move through hands on science exhibits designed for curious kids who like to touch everything.
Best for toddlers – age 12 | Adults $29.95, Children $24.95, parking extra | Get details
Friday, May 29
Theo Baker: How to Rule the World
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | 📍 Kepler’s Books, Menlo Park
Stanford student journalist Theo Baker discusses the investigation that exposed misconduct by Stanford’s president. A fascinating conversation for teens interested in journalism, media, and power.
Best for ages 12+ | From $11.49 | Get tickets
Redwood Symphony: A Little Night Music
7:30 pm | 📍 Cañada College Main Theater, Redwood City
The West Coast premiere of a new full orchestra arrangement of Sondheim’s beloved musical. Kids under 18 attend free with a paying adult, which makes this a surprisingly accessible family theater night.
Best for ages 10+ | Adults $45, kids under 18 free with adult | Get tickets
Friday Night Stargazing
9:00 pm – 11:00 pm | 📍 Foothill College Observatory, Los Altos Hills
A free observatory night where families can look through a massive telescope at planets, moons, and distant star clusters. Check weather conditions before heading out.
Best for ages 8+ | Free | Learn more
Saturday, May 30
Peninsula Farmers Markets
8:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 Multiple Peninsula locations
Saturday market options include Foster City, Millbrae, College of San Mateo, Redwood City, and Half Moon Bay. Peak strawberry season is officially here.
All ages | Free to browse | See markets
Solar Viewing at Foothill Observatory
10:00 am – 12:00 pm | 📍 Foothill College Observatory, Los Altos Hills
A daytime astronomy session where kids can safely observe sunspots and solar activity through filtered telescopes with volunteers explaining what they’re seeing.
Best for ages 6+ | Free | Learn more
Lakeshore Learning Free Kids Craft
11:00 am – 3:00 pm | 📍 Lakeshore Learning stores, Bay Area
This week’s free drop-in activity is a butterfly bookmark craft using markers and nature-inspired materials. Good for younger kids and an easy addition between larger weekend plans.
Best for ages 3–8 | Free | Find your store
Kevin Wilson with Kate Folk
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm | 📍 Kepler’s Books, Menlo Park
Kevin Wilson discusses his new novel, Run for the Hills, a funny and heartfelt road trip story about unexpected siblings searching for their father across America.
Best for teens + parents | Tickets required | Get tickets
Sunday, May 31
Sunday Farmers Markets
9:00 am – 2:00 pm | 📍 Burlingame, San Carlos, Belmont, Menlo Park + more
Sunday market season is in full swing with fresh fruit, flowers, pastries, and live music across the Peninsula. An easy way to fill a morning without overplanning.
All ages | Free to browse | See markets
Patchwork Show Makers Market
11:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 Courthouse Square, Redwood City
One of the Peninsula’s best craft markets returns with handmade ceramics, jewelry, art, clothing, small batch food vendors, and live music throughout downtown.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Wishing your family a weekend with a little breathing room in it, whether that looks like a coastside drive, strawberries at the market, or an unexpectedly good afternoon somewhere you almost skipped.
See you out there,
Akriti