Fairs, Fireside Concerts & Summer Evenings
July 31 – August 2, 2026
Hi parents,
Some weekends ask you to choose a lane, and this is one of them. Maybe it’s a Friday evening concert on a picnic blanket, a Saturday street fair, or a slow Sunday morning at the farmers market with a coffee in hand.
As August quietly arrives, there’s just enough summer left to lean into those long evenings. This weekend is full of music, community celebrations, and easy outings that don’t require much planning; just a blanket, a few snacks, and a little curiosity.
⭐ Weekend Pick
Nihonmachi Street Fair
11:00 am–6:00 pm | 📍 Japantown, San Francisco
One of San Francisco’s longest-running summer traditions returns for its 52nd year, filling Japantown with taiko drumming, cultural performances, food stalls, artists, and community celebrations. There’s plenty to explore, so let the kids choose one or two must-see stops (and yes, shave ice is usually a great negotiation tool).
All ages | Free | Get details
Happening All Weekend
Shakespeare in the Park: Antony and Cleopatra
6:00 pm (Saturday & Sunday) | 📍 Memorial Park Amphitheater, Cupertino
Pack a blanket and enjoy an evening of outdoor theater under the trees. San Francisco Shakespeare Festival’s free productions are wonderfully accessible, even for families new to Shakespeare, and the relaxed outdoor setting makes it feel far less formal than a traditional theater.
Best for 8+ | Free | Learn more
Renegade Craft Fair
11:00 am–5:00 pm | 📍 Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
Over 250 independent makers bring ceramics, artwork, home goods, jewelry, and textiles to Fort Mason for one of the Bay Area’s favorite craft fairs. Even if you’re just browsing, the waterfront location makes for a lovely family outing.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo
10:00 am–5:00 pm | 📍 Palo Alto
One of our favorite Peninsula destinations for curious kids, with more than 50 animal species, hands-on science exhibits, and daily flamingo feedings at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. Reserve tickets ahead of time, as timed entry often fills up.
All ages | $16 ($3 for qualifying families) | Get tickets
Friday, July 31
Friday is all about outdoor music this week. If you’ve been meaning to pack a picnic blanket and spend the evening outside, you have plenty of great options.
Family Resource Day
1:30–5:30 pm | 📍 Daly City Community Service Center
A wonderful back-to-school event offering free backpacks, school supplies, shoes, community resources, music, art activities, and a farmers market. Open to families living in Daly City, Colma, and Broadmoor with advance registration.
School-age children | Free (registration required) | Register
Music on the Square: Mercy and the Heartbeats
6:00–8:00 pm | 📍 Courthouse Square, Redwood City
One of the Peninsula’s best summer traditions. Dance under the evening sky, grab dinner downtown, and enjoy live music in the heart of Redwood City.
All ages | Free | Get details
Summer Concert Series: Get Lucky
6:00–8:00 pm | 📍 Leo Ryan Amphitheater, Foster City
Top 40 favorites by the lagoon make for an easy family evening. Bring dinner, a blanket, and let the kids dance on the lawn.
All ages | Free | Get details
Summer Concert Series: Patrón Latin Rhythms
6:00 pm | 📍 Karl E. Clark Park, Menlo Park
Latin jazz, salsa, R&B, and plenty of energy make this one of the liveliest concerts in Menlo Park’s summer series.
All ages | Free | Get details
Saturday, August 1
Pub in the Park: Savannah Blu
11:00 am–4:00 pm | 📍 Red Morton Park, Redwood City
Live bluegrass, lawn games, food trucks, and a relaxed park atmosphere that’s easy for families with kids of different ages.
All ages | Free entry | Get details
Fiesta en el Parque
1:00–4:00 pm | 📍 Presidio Tunnel Tops, San Francisco
Spend the afternoon learning salsa, merengue, and cumbia, enjoying live performances, and making crafts with the Golden Gate Bridge as your backdrop. One of the more unique family events happening this weekend.
All ages | Free | Get details
Coastside Farmers’ Market
9:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 Shoreline Station, Half Moon Bay
If you’re heading to the coast anyway, start here. Fresh produce, local vendors, and an easy walk along the bluffs make for a wonderfully slow Saturday morning.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Sunday, August 2
San Carlos Farmers’ Market
9:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 Downtown San Carlos
One of the Peninsula’s nicest Sunday markets, with fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and plenty of room to wander before the new week begins.
All ages | Free | Learn more
💛 Little Joy
There’s something about these late summer evenings that feels different. The rush of June has settled, school is just beginning to peek over the horizon, and somehow a simple concert in the park or a stroll through a neighborhood fair feels like enough.
Wherever your weekend takes you, I hope you find a little space to slow down and enjoy it.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Akriti