Hi parents,
Late August is doing its usual trick: school routines are returning, summer is still lingering, and everyone may be a little more tired than expected.
This weekend has a good mix of easy neighborhood plans and bigger outings. There’s a free international kids festival in Cupertino, cookies and LEGO building in Palo Alto, a Michael Jackson tribute in Redwood City, and a brand-new stretch of Peninsula coast to explore.
Pick the thing that matches your family’s energy. A picnic blanket at a concert counts. So does a slow walk to an ocean overlook.
⭐ Weekend Pick
International Kids Fun Festival
Saturday • 10:00 am–4:00 pm
📍 Cupertino Memorial Park, Cupertino
This free festival turns one park into a trip around the world, with 120+ booths representing 20 countries. Kids can collect passport stamps, try traditional games, make crafts, explore robotics, join a Home Depot family build, and watch cultural performances.
All ages | Free | Get details
Happening All Weekend
Summer Cactus & Succulent Fair
Friday 6:00–9:00 pm • Saturday 8:00 am–6:00 pm • Sunday 11:00 am–3:00 pm
📍 Peterson Middle School, Sunnyvale
More than 40 vendors fill the space with tiny living stones, dramatic cacti, unusual succulents, and handmade pottery. The judged plant show makes this more interesting than a standard plant sale, even if you’re only there to look.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Oakland Chinatown StreetFest
Saturday & Sunday • 10:00 am–5:00 pm
📍 Oakland Chinatown
One of the bigger cultural festivals this weekend, with three stages of live entertainment, lion dances, food, local artists, family activities, and a ping-pong tournament. It’s a longer drive from the Peninsula, but worth considering if you want a full-day outing.
All ages | Free | Get details
Santa Clara County Fair
Friday & Saturday • 1:00–11:00 pm • Sunday 1:00–10:00 pm
📍 Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, San Jose
Carnival rides, livestock, fair food, live entertainment, home arts, and community exhibits fill the final three days of the fair. Go earlier for the animals and exhibits; stay later if rides and lights are the main attraction.
All ages | $12 youth 6–13, $17 adults online; ages 5 and under free; rides and parking extra | Get tickets
Summer of Love Weekend at PIER 39
Saturday & Sunday • Daytime activities; free tie-dye 12:00–5:00 pm
📍 PIER 39, San Francisco
Live music, a free DIY tie-dye station, colorful ’60s-inspired displays, and the sea lions make this an easy add-on to a waterfront day. Bandanas are provided for tie-dye while supplies last, or bring a small item from home.
All ages | Free; food and attractions extra | Learn more
Friday
Music on the Square: Foreverland
6:00–8:00 pm | 📍 Courthouse Square, Redwood City
Foreverland brings Michael Jackson’s music to the square with a full live band and no impersonator theatrics. Bring a picnic or pick up dinner downtown, then let the kids dance out the last bit of first-week-back energy.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Sundown Cinema: The Parent Trap
Arrive from 5:00 pm • Movie around 8:00 pm | 📍 Marina Green, San Francisco
The 1998 favorite plays outdoors with the Golden Gate Bridge nearby. Food trucks and family activities open at 6:00 pm, but this series gets busy, so arriving early with blankets, layers, and dinner is part of the plan.
Best for ages 6+ and kids who can manage a late night | Free; RSVP encouraged | Get details
Saturday
10th Annual Car Show for Veterans
11:00 am–3:00 pm | 📍 Veterans Memorial Building, Redwood City
Classic and custom cars, trucks, and motorcycles share the lot with live music, BBQ, raffles, and a bounce house. The event supports Swords to Plowshares and includes a Wall of Heroes honoring local veterans.
All ages | Free admission and parking; food and raffle purchases extra | Learn more
Chocolate Chip Cookie Festival
1:00–4:00 pm | 📍 Museum of American Heritage, Palo Alto
Cookies and milk are only the beginning. Families can build with LEGO, play historic games, get faces painted, listen to live music in the garden, and explore the museum’s antique technology collection.
All ages | Free | RSVP
Free Art at Magical Bridge Playground
1:30–3:30 pm | 📍 Magical Bridge Playground, Redwood City
Pair playground time with a free, child-friendly art project in the Kindness Corner. Materials are first come, first served, all abilities are welcome, and the program is weather permitting.
Kids of all ages | Free | Get details
Sunday
Marine Science Sunday: Marine Mammals of San Francisco Bay
10:30 am, 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm | 📍 The Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito
This 30-minute interactive program introduces the sea lions, harbor seals, dolphins, and whales found in and around the Bay. A local art educator will join the day, and tours and programs on August 23 include ASL interpretation.
All ages; especially good for ages 5+ | Free; advance reservation required | Reserve
Festival of Chariots
10:15 am–4:00 pm | 📍 Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
The 60th annual Ratha-yātrā fills the park with elaborately decorated chariots, music, dance, cultural exhibits, and a free vegetarian feast. Families can watch the procession or help pull the chariots along the route.
All ages | Free | Get details
Sunday Streets: Bayview Community Block Party
12:00–5:00 pm | 📍 Lane Street & K.C. Jones Playground, San Francisco
Car-free streets make room for a YMCA Kids Zone, Exploratorium activities, double dutch, giant games, kickball, African dance, live jazz, and neighborhood food. Parking will be limited, so transit is the easier option if it works for your family.
All ages | Free | Get details
🌊 New & Worth Knowing
Don Horsley Park at Tunitas Creek Beach
Daily 8:00 am–8:00 pm through August
📍 Halfway between Half Moon Bay and Pescadero
The Peninsula’s newest county park opened this week, creating safe public access to nearly a mile of beach. There are picnic areas, restrooms, ocean overlooks, and a half-mile accessible trail that works for strollers and wheelchairs.
The beach is rugged and there are no lifeguards, so this is better for exploring and taking in the view than for swimming. Dogs are not allowed.
All ages | Free | Plan your visit
💛 Little Joy
Late summer weekends can carry a strange mix of beginnings and endings: new teachers, old routines returning, and just enough daylight left for one more picnic outside.
You don’t have to squeeze every last drop out of summer. One small plan, chosen well, is plenty.
Have a lovely weekend,
Akriti