Hello, Summer
Juneteenth celebrations, Father's Day fun, and a weekend worth lingering in
Hi parents,
Our house spent yesterday celebrating a newly minted eight-year-old, so this week’s guide is arriving a little later than usual.
Between birthday cake, family, and trying to soak in the fact that another year has somehow gone by, the newsletters took a back seat for a day. But as we head into the weekend, it turns out there’s plenty worth making time for.
Juneteenth. The summer solstice. Father’s Day.
Three reasons to get outside, slow down a little, and enjoy the start of summer. We rounded up our favorite picks so you can spend less time scrolling and more time enjoying the weekend.
Weekend Pick
East Palo Alto Juneteenth Celebration
Noon | 📍 Bell Street Park, East Palo Alto
Day two of East Palo Alto’s Juneteenth weekend brings the community together with live music, food, dancing, and celebration.
It’s one of the Peninsula’s most vibrant gatherings this weekend and a meaningful way to honor Juneteenth with the whole family.
All ages | Free | Get details
Happening All Weekend
North Beach Festival
11:00 am–7:00 pm | 📍 Columbus Ave & Green St, San Francisco
One of San Francisco’s most beloved street fairs, with artisan vendors, live music, food, and family-friendly activities. A great option if you’re looking for a full day out with plenty to explore.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Friday, June 19
East Palo Alto Juneteenth Jubilee Concert & Dinner
6:00 pm–10:00 pm | 📍 EPACenter, East Palo Alto
The City of East Palo Alto opens its three-day Juneteenth celebration with a community dinner and live performances from Smooth Jazz Alley and Descendant: The Legends of Funk. A joyful evening of music, history, and community.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Saturday, June 20
Redwood City Kiwanis Certified Farmers Market
8:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 500 Block of Arguello St, Redwood City
The oldest and largest farmers’ market on the Peninsula. Fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and plenty of reasons to linger over a Saturday morning.
All ages | Free to browse | Learn more
Vegetable Gardening for Kids
9:30 am–11:00 am | 📍 Gamble Garden, Palo Alto
Kids will plant summer vegetables and explore Gamble Garden’s edible beds while learning the basics of growing food. A lovely, hands-on start to the first weekend of summer.
Best for ages 12 & under with adult | $16–$20 | Get details
Kids Rock! James Henry’s House of Samba Kids
10:00 am–noon | 📍 Courthouse Square, Redwood City
Drumming, rhythm, movement, and plenty of audience participation. This free outdoor program turns Courthouse Square into an energetic musical playground.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Juneteenth Storytelling & Music with Kirk Waller
11:00 am | 📍 Redwood Shores Branch Library, Redwood City
Storyteller and musician Kirk Waller shares African and African American folktales through music, movement, and storytelling. An engaging and age-appropriate way to learn about Juneteenth.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Stop Motion Animation Workshop
11:00 am | 📍 Cubberley Community Center, Palo Alto
Kids create their own stop-motion animation films while learning the basics of filmmaking, photography, and design. Registration required.
Best for ages 7–14 | Free | Get details
Together in Pride
11:00 am–3:00 pm | 📍 Civic Center Plaza & Pioneer Park, Mountain View
Live performances, community booths, art projects, lawn games, a Family Fun Zone, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate Pride together.
Joyful, welcoming, and easy to enjoy with kids of different ages.
All ages | Free | Learn more
East Palo Alto Juneteenth Celebration
Noon | 📍 Bell Street Park, East Palo Alto
Day two of East Palo Alto’s Juneteenth weekend brings the community together with live music, food, dancing, and celebration.
It’s one of the Peninsula’s most vibrant gatherings this weekend and a meaningful way to honor Juneteenth with the whole family.
All ages | Free | Get details
Sunday, June 21 • Father’s Day
Paint-A-Plane at Hiller Aviation Museum
10:00 am–noon | 📍 Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos
Kids can paint a real airplane, climb into aircraft cockpits, build paper helicopters, and explore hands-on aviation activities throughout the museum. A standout Father’s Day outing for curious kids and aviation-loving grownups.
Best for ages 4–12 | Museum admission applies | Get details
Burlingame Fresh Market
9:00 am–1:30 pm | 📍 Park Rd at Burlingame Ave, Burlingame
Fresh produce, flowers, prepared foods, and one of the Peninsula’s most pleasant Sunday strolls. Easy to pair with brunch or a coffee nearby.
All ages | Free to browse | Learn more
Cantor Arts Center | Family Sundays
12:30 pm–3:00 pm | 📍 Stanford University, Stanford
Family gallery tours, hands-on art making, and Art Packs for exploring the sculpture garden. One of the best free arts experiences for families on the Peninsula.
Best for ages 5+ | Free | Learn more
East Palo Alto Juneteenth Gospel Showcase
1:00 pm | 📍 Community Church, East Palo Alto
The final event of East Palo Alto’s Juneteenth weekend features an uplifting afternoon of gospel music and community gathering.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Juneteenth & Father’s Day Concert — Golden Gate Park Band
1:00 pm–2:30 pm | 📍 Spreckels Temple of Music, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
The Golden Gate Park Band celebrates Juneteenth and Father’s Day with gospel, R&B, and classic American favorites in a free outdoor performance.
Bring a blanket and make an afternoon of it.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Little Joy
Summer officially arrives this Saturday.
If your kids still notice things like shadows, bugs, clouds, or how late the sun stays up, take a few minutes after dinner and step outside together.
The sun won’t set until after 8:30 pm this weekend. One of those small seasonal moments that somehow feels bigger when you share it.
Whether your weekend looks like a festival, a farmers market, a backyard barbecue, or simply a slower morning together, we hope you find a little space to enjoy the start of summer.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, grandfathers, father figures, and caregivers celebrating this weekend.
Thanks for being here.