In Full Bloom: Cherry Blossoms, Dream Machines, and Easy Wins
April 24–26, 2026
Hi parents,
Cherry blossom season has one more weekend left in it, and this might be the one to catch it.
Cupertino’s festival is in full swing, Half Moon Bay fills with dream machines, and across the Bay, there’s music, books, and just enough going on to make the weekend feel full without needing a plan.
Pick one thing. Let the rest be a bonus.
Happening All Weekend
42nd Annual Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival
10:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 Memorial Park, Cupertino
A Bay Area favorite with performances, crafts, food, and a lively KidZone. Don’t miss the free kimono try-on inside the Quinlan Center.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Gamble Garden 40th Annual Spring Tour & Marketplace
10:00 am – 4:00 pm | 📍 Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden, Palo Alto
Runs Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25
Tour four private Palo Alto gardens at your own pace, with docents at each stop. Back at Gamble Garden, expect music, demos, and a lively plant sale.
All ages (kids 12 & under free) | Marketplace only: $10/adult; Full garden tour: $45–$55/adult | Get tickets
Pete the Cat the Musical
10:00 am & 2:00 pm | 📍 Children’s Creativity Museum (Creativity Theater), San Francisco
Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26
A high-energy, interactive show with songs, dancing, and a playful story that keeps kids engaged. Book ahead for the best seats.
Ages 2–10 | From $20 | Get tickets
Friday, April 24
Bay Area Dance Week Kickoff, “One Dance”
noon | 📍 Jesse Square, San Francisco
A joyful, all-ages flash dance in the plaza led by Rhythm & Motion. Easy-to-follow moves and a short Soul Line Dance class make it fun for kids.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Saturday, April 25
Generations Day, San Mateo Public Library
10:00 am – 4:00 pm | 📍 San Mateo Public Library, San Mateo
A full day of free programming with story time, live music, a cooking demo, and a community cake-cutting. Drop in anytime.
All ages | Free, no registration needed | Learn more
Love Our Earth Festival
noon – 3:00 pm | 📍 Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School, East Palo Alto
A hands-on Earth Month celebration with crafts, screenprinting, live entertainment, and food trucks. Bring a shirt to print.
All ages | Free | Register
Hansel & Gretel, Peninsula Youth Theatre
11:30 am & 1:30 pm | 📍 MVCPA SecondStage, Mountain View
A modern, one-hour take on the classic fairytale with no intermission. Each show ends with a cast talk-back that kids enjoy.
All ages | $20/person (includes $2 facility fee) | Get tickets
Music@Menlo: Carnival of the Animals
4:00 pm | 📍 The Center for Performing Arts at Menlo-Atherton, Atherton
A lively afternoon of music featuring new and classic pieces inspired by animals. Short, vivid performances keep kids engaged.
All ages | $20–$80 | Get tickets
Sunday, April 26
Family Storytime, Rinconada Library
11:00 am – 11:30 am | 📍 Rinconada Library (Children’s Library), Palo Alto
A cozy storytime with songs, rhymes, and picture books for little ones. A gentle, no-registration start to Sunday.
Ages 0–5 | Free | Learn more
32nd Annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines
10:00 am – 4:00 pm | 📍 Half Moon Bay Airport, Half Moon Bay
Over 2,000 vehicles take over the airfield, from classic cars to aircraft. A large kids zone, live music, and food make it a full outing.
All ages | Paid admission (see website for pricing) | Get details
Día de los Niños / Día de los Libros
11:00 am – 3:00 pm | 📍 Parque Niños Unidos, San Francisco (Mission District)
A beloved Mission festival with performances, crafts, and free books for kids. Sensory-friendly time starts in the morning.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Downtown San Mateo Boba Day
noon – 3:00 pm | 📍 B Street between 1st and 3rd Aves, Downtown San Mateo
Downtown fills with boba specials, booths, and family activities. Stop by the live judging or just wander and sample.
All ages | Free to attend | Get details
Spring shows up all at once this time of year, blossoms, festivals, open parks, everything competing for your attention.
You don’t have to do it all. Pick what feels easy, and let that be enough.
If you find something you love, tell us. We’re always looking for the next good weekend plan.