Blossoms, Bugs, and Earth Day All Weekend
April 17–19, 2026
Hi parents
April 22 is Earth Day, but honestly, this whole weekend feels like the celebration. From a coastal cleanup and EcoFest in Pacifica to nature walks through the Palo Alto Baylands to free art-making and ecology booths across the Peninsula, the Bay Area is pulling us outside this weekend.
Layer that with the final weekend of the Cherry Blossom Festival and a few playful surprises — Bug Day, a circus show, a sensory-friendly concert, and you’ve got more than enough.
Pick two things. Leave room to wander.
Happening all weekend
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
April 18–19, 11:00 am–6:00 pm | 📍 Japantown, San Francisco
A Bay Area classic that truly works for families — cultural performances, food booths, and plenty of room to wander between it all. Final weekend energy builds toward Sunday’s Grand Parade.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Pete the Cat the Musical
April 18–19, 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | 📍 Children’s Creativity Museum, San Francisco
A groovy classroom-to-Paris musical with live music and audience participation throughout. A fun pick for younger kids who like a little movement with their theater.
Best for ages 2–8 | $25 children / $35 adults | Get details
EarthFest Weekend at SF Zoo
April 18–19, 11:00 am–3:00 pm | 📍 San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, San Francisco
A pop-up EarthFest village, conservation booths, and live music layered into a zoo day. Good for families already planning a longer SF outing.
All ages | Free with zoo admission | Learn more
Friday, April 17
Circus Bella: Bella!
7:30 pm–9:30 pm | 📍 Club Fugazi, San Francisco
A playful evening of acrobatics, aerial feats, storytelling, and live music inside historic Club Fugazi. A special-feeling Friday night outing if your kids can stay up for it.
Best for ages 6+ | Ticketed | Get details
Saturday, April 18
Millbrae Farmers’ Market
8:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 200 Block of Broadway, Millbrae
A low-effort morning with fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and an easy downtown stroll. Great when you want out of the house without overcommitting.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Redwood City Kiwanis Farmers’ Market
8:00 am–12:00 pm | 📍 500 Block of Arguello St, Redwood City
Seasonal produce, baked goods, flowers, and a relaxed neighborhood feel. A simple Saturday anchor if you want to keep the rest of the day flexible.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Bug Day at Randall Museum
10:00 am–2:00 pm | 📍 Randall Museum, San Francisco
Touch live insects, race pollinator relays, build bug-themed projects, and if you’re brave, try an edible bug. Costumes encouraged.
Best for ages 3–12 | Free | Learn more
Creativity Festival at Yerba Buena Gardens
10:00 am–2:00 pm | 📍 Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
An outdoor block party with puppet-making, LEGO printmaking, circus performances, and a chance to meet the Pete the Cat cast. Food trucks on-site too.
All ages | Free | Learn more
EcoCenter Earth Day Celebration + Baylands Nature Walks
10:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 EcoCenter at Palo Alto Baylands, Palo Alto
Earth Day art-making with food-based dyes and recycled materials, plus guided walks through the Baylands marsh. Register ahead for the walks if that’s your main draw.
Art activities: all ages | Nature walks: ages 6+ | Free | Get details
Earth Day EcoFest
10:30 am–1:30 pm | 📍 Pacifica State Beach, Pacifica
Optional morning beach cleanup, then hands-on booths, marine robotics demos, a creek tour, and live music right by the water. Earth Day in the best possible setting.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Earth Day Festival — Mountain View
11:00 am–3:00 pm | 📍 Civic Center Plaza, Mountain View
Live insects, rescue birds, a rock climbing wall, bike rodeo, music, and easy eco-themed activities in one place. A very solid all-ages pick.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Sensory Friendly Family Concert
2:00 pm–3:00 pm | 📍 Palo Alto Art Center, Palo Alto
Open seating, fidget toys, and no sudden loud sounds make this an especially welcoming concert format. A gentle option for kids who do better in flexible spaces.
Best for ages 2–10 | Free | Learn more
Sunday, April 19
San Carlos Earth Day Celebration
9:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 Wheeler Plaza Parking Lot, San Carlos
A relaxed downtown setup with sustainability booths, eco-tips, community exhibits, and student art on display. Easy to pair with a coffee or brunch stop nearby.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Menlo Park Farmers’ Market
9:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 Chestnut St between Santa Cruz & Menlo Aves, Menlo Park
Fresh produce, flowers, and local goods right in the heart of downtown. A reliable Sunday morning reset kind of outing.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Art for All Family Day — Stanford
10:00 am–12:00 pm or 1:00 pm–3:00 pm | 📍 Cantor Arts Center & Anderson Collection, Stanford
Clay bowls, fabric weaving, watercolors, gallery storytimes, and a scavenger hunt across Stanford’s museums. Register for one session and settle in.
All ages | Free | Register
Cherry Blossom Grand Parade
1:00 pm–3:00 pm | 📍 Civic Center Plaza to Japantown, San Francisco
Taiko drummers, traditional dancers, floats, and martial arts groups wind through the city in the festival’s biggest finale moment. Go early for a good viewing spot.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Earth Day Festival — Palo Alto
1:00 pm–4:00 pm | 📍 Palo Alto Art Center, Palo Alto
Sustainability booths, a kids’ raffle, and an Earth Day story time in the sculpture garden. Bonus points if you bike over — repair stations will be there too.
Best for ages 3–12 | Free | Learn more
Wishing you some sweet fresh air this weekend, whether that’s the scent of cherry blossoms in Japantown, salt air off the Pacifica coast, or the unmistakable smell of live insects at the Randall Museum. Earth Day starts here. We’ll see you outside.