Circus Bella, Summer Concerts & Coastal Weekends
July 24–26, 2026
Hi parents,
Late July has a way of slowing everything down. The days are long, the evenings stay warm past bedtime, and even the farmers markets feel a little more unhurried.
This weekend leans into that rhythm, with outdoor concerts you can wander into with a picnic blanket, Circus Bella bringing its joyful spectacle to Burlingame, and a stretch of coastline that’s perfect for a slow morning.
If your family’s calendar has been packed all summer, this might be the weekend to leave a little space for spontaneity.
Happening All Weekend
TheatreWorks: The Employee Dharma Handbook
Fri 7:30 pm • Sun 1:00 pm & 6:00 pm | 📍 Lucie Stern Theatre, Palo Alto
A professional mainstage production with performances across the weekend. A nice option if you’re looking for a parents’ night out, or have older teens who enjoy live theater.
Best for 13+ | $54–104 | Get tickets
CuriOdyssey Science Playground & Zoo
10:00 am–5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm) | 📍 San Mateo
Otters, bobcats, and hands-on science exhibits make this an easy anchor for a family day out. Don't miss the daily Animals in Action presentations.
Ages 2–12 | $24.95 child, $29.95 adult | Learn more
Friday, July 24
Storytime for Ages 2–5
10:30–11:00 am | 📍 Burlingame Public Library
Books, songs, and rhymes in the Lane Community Room make for a gentle start to the weekend with little ones.
Ages 2–5 | Free | Learn more
Music on the Square
6:00–8:00 pm | 📍 Courthouse Square, Redwood City
One of the Peninsula’s favorite summer traditions. Bring a picnic blanket, grab dinner nearby, and let the kids dance while the band plays.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Wheels on the Bus – The Musical
6:30–7:30 pm | 📍 Palo Alto Children’s Theatre
A cheerful sing-along musical full of familiar songs and playful surprises. A great introduction to live theater for younger kids.
Ages 2–8 | $20 | Get tickets
Once Upon a Mattress
7:00–10:00 pm | 📍 Coastal Repertory Theatre, Half Moon Bay
A playful retelling of The Princess and the Pea that’s worth pairing with an evening by the coast.
Best for 6+ | $67–101 | Get tickets
Saturday, July 25
Baylands Fun Run & Walk
9:00 am | 📍 Palo Alto Baylands
A relaxed community walk through one of the Peninsula’s most beautiful marsh landscapes. Come for the movement, stay for the views.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Half Moon Bay Coastside Farmers Market
9:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 Shoreline Station, Half Moon Bay
Fresh produce, flowers, pastries, and ocean air. One of those markets where there’s no rush to get anywhere.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Kick Start 4 Kidz
11:00 am–4:00 pm | 📍 Joel Davis Park, East Palo Alto
A community event helping families get ready for the school year with free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, food, and activities.
Ages 4–12 | Free | Learn more
Circus Bella: AH HA!
1:00 pm & 3:00 pm | 📍 Burlingame Town Square
Acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, clowns, and a live six-piece band transform the town square into an open-air circus; one of the Bay Area's best free family traditions each summer.
All ages | Free (suggested $25 donation) | Learn more
Loving the Silent Tears
2:00–5:00 pm | 📍 Capuchino Performing Arts Center, Millbrae
A free musical screening followed by vegan refreshments. A nice indoor option if the afternoon gets warm.
All ages | Free | Register
Free Shakespeare in the Park: Antony and Cleopatra
6:00–7:30 pm | 📍 Memorial Park, Cupertino
The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival returns with its first-ever production of Antony and Cleopatra. Bring low chairs or a blanket and enjoy theater under the trees.
Best for 10+ | Free | Learn more
Redwood Symphony: Summer Classics
7:30 pm (pre-concert talk at 6:45 pm) | 📍 Cañada College, Redwood City
A beautiful evening of Beethoven, Mozart, and Prokofiev for families with older music lovers.
Best for 10+ | $15–35 | Get tickets
Sunday, July 26
Baylands Bird & Art Loop
Anytime (best in the morning) | 📍 Byxbee Park, Palo Alto
A peaceful self-guided walk through marshland trails, public art, and one of the Bay Area's best birdwatching spots. The perfect excuse to slow down on a Sunday morning.
All ages | Free | Get details
Handmade Pacifica Artisan Fair
1:00–5:00 pm | 📍 Sanchez Art Center, Pacifica
Browse handmade goods, local artists, and coastal creativity while enjoying a relaxed Sunday afternoon.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Little Joy
Stretch the evening a little longer.
One of my favorite parts of summer is that magical hour after dinner when it’s still light outside.
Take a walk around the neighborhood. Let the kids scooter a little farther than usual. Stop for ice cream. Sit outside and watch the sky change colors.
No agenda. Just one more slow summer evening together before August starts creeping in. ❤️
Whether your weekend includes a circus performance, a picnic concert, or simply an evening walk around the neighborhood, I hope you find a little time to slow down and enjoy it.
If this guide helped make your weekend a little easier to plan, I'd love it if you shared it with another family who might enjoy it too.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Akriti