Parades, Sheep Shearing, and Peak Wildflower Season
May 1–3, 2026
Hi parents,
May is finally here, and it arrives in style. This weekend is all about community, parades, festivals, and free events that feel genuinely warm rather than obligatory.
Hidden Villa is shearing its sheep on Saturday, and yes, you can watch and help card the wool. Japantown is celebrating Children’s Day. And somewhere in SF, kids are solving Alice in Wonderland math puzzles in a park on a Sunday.
A little magic for every kind of family.
Happening all weekend
Bank of America Museums on Us
Saturday–Sunday museum hours | 📍 de Young Museum & Legion of Honor, San Francisco
Free general admission for Bank of America cardholders this weekend. Two of SF’s most iconic museums, with plenty of space to wander and explore at your own pace.
All ages | Free (cardholders) | Learn more
Friday, May 1
Free First Fridays, AAPI Heritage Month
10:00 am – 4:00 pm | 📍 San Mateo County History Museum, Redwood City
A free museum day with a special AAPI Heritage Month theme. Includes a simple hands-on craft for kids and a docent-led tour in a beautiful historic courthouse setting.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Saturday, May 2
Sheep Shearing & Fiber Arts Festival
9:30 am – 3:00 pm | 📍 Hidden Villa, Los Altos Hills
Watch sheep shearing up close, then follow the journey from raw wool to finished fabric through interactive stations. Add music, food, and open space for kids to roam.
All ages | $30 (kids under 4 free) | Get details
102nd Annual May Fete Parade & Fair
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 University Ave to Heritage Park, Palo Alto
A long-running Peninsula tradition with marching groups, music, and community spirit. Follow the parade to the fair for games, food, and an easygoing afternoon.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Free Comic Book Day
10:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 San Mateo County Libraries (multiple locations)
Free comics for all ages while supplies last, from superheroes to manga. Some branches add small activities, making it an easy and low-effort stop with kids.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Japantown Children’s Day Festival
11:00 am – 4:00 pm | 📍 Sutter Street, San Francisco
A lively outdoor celebration with games, crafts, performances, and a festive atmosphere. Easy to wander through, especially if you’re already in the city.
All ages | Free | Learn more
AAPI Heritage Celebration
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | 📍 Central Park, San Mateo
Live performances, cultural showcases, and food in a relaxed park setting. It feels more like a neighborhood gathering than a formal event, which works well with kids.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Sunday, May 3
Burlingame Fresh Market
9:00 am – 1:30 pm | 📍 Park Rd & Burlingame Ave, Burlingame
A relaxed Sunday farmers market with fresh produce, baked goods, and space to wander. Pair it with a stroll down Burlingame Ave or an easy brunch nearby.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Plant Sale & Craft Fair
10:00 am – 3:00 pm | 📍 San Mateo Garden Center, San Mateo
Browse plants and local vendors while kids explore a small gardening table and activities. Live music in the background makes this feel easy and festive.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Go-Kart Build & Drive Open House
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 Scaffold Play Lab, Palo Alto
Kids design, build, and test their own go-karts in a hands-on setup. A great fit for kids who like tinkering, building, and figuring things out.
Ages 6–11 | Free | Get details
Alice in Wonderland Math Quest
11:00 am – 2:00 pm | 📍 Salesforce Park, San Francisco
A playful outdoor puzzle experience where families follow clues and solve challenges across the park. It feels more like a game than a math activity.
Ages 5–12 | Free (RSVP) | Get details
Gifted, Mother’s Day Pop-Up by Masala on Mind
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | 📍 Laurel Street, San Carlos
A cozy, thoughtfully curated pop-up with chai, snacks, and small brands. A nice pre–Mother’s Day stop to browse, pick something up, or just slow down for a bit.
All ages | RSVP required | Get details
This weekend leans joyful in a very Bay Area way, parades, nature, hands-on play, and small moments in between.
If something works for your family, pass this along to another parent who’d appreciate it.
Akriti