4th of July weekend events

Friday, July 4:

Palo Alto Summer Festival and Chili Cook-Off
Friday, July 4, noon - 5:00 pm
East Meadow, Mitchell Park, Palo Alto (Map)
Taste an array of red-hot chili delicacies prepared by teams of chefs battling for the chili championship. Live music, dancing, children’s activities, food vendors, and more.

San Jose -July 4th Summer Block Party and Sidewalk Sale

Friday, July 4, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Santana Row, 333 Santana Row, San Jose (Map)

Enjoy live music (noon - 4:00 pm), great fashion deals, food and kid's activities at Santana Row! 

San Jose - Rose, White, and Blue Parade

Friday, July 4, 10:00 am

The Alameda  W. San Carlos St & Shasta Ave, San Jose (Map)

Enjoy an old fashioned family-style parade as it winds through the Rose Garden neighborhood. Activities includes: Rose, White & Blue Parade, Antique & Classic Cars, Arts & Crafts Booths, Live Music and Picnic on The Alameda.

Cupertino - Fourth of July

Friday, July 4, 10:00 am -  5:00 pm

Cupertino Memorial Park,  Intersection of Stevens Creek Blvd. and Mary Ave., Cupertino (Map)

Throughout the day there are events. The morning events (7:00 am - noon) include: pancake breakfast, flag raising, children's parade and concert in the park. Later, Blackberry Farm (Map) will hosts free swimming, BBQ lunch ($5), and live music.

Santa Clara - 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks Extravaganza

Friday, July 4, noon -  5:00 pm
Central Park, 909 Kiely Blvd, Santa Clara (Map)
Bring a picnic lunch or purchase All-American foods prepared by local community groups. Sit back, relax and enjoy live entertainment inside the Pavilion. Kids can have fun with carnival games, face painting, and swimming at the International Swim Center. At 9:30 pm will be a fantastic Fireworks Extravaganza!

Saratoga - Independence Day Celebration
Friday, July 4, 9:30 am - 11:00 am
12415 Scully Ave, Saratoga (Map)
Free event
The program includes stirring patriotic songs, a community band, recognition of our military, a few short speeches, community group participation, ceremonial ringing of the liberty bell, and concludes with a short, old‐fashioned parade around the park. Free Popsicle for all and flags for children.

More Events:
* Foster City Fourth of July Celebration

* Redwood City - 4th of July Downtown Parade, Festival & Fireworks at the Port

* Los Altos Glorious Fourth Independence Day Celebration

* Milpitas' Red, White and Boom!

*  Morgan Hill Independence Day


Saturday, June 5:

Jazz and Beyond Series
Saturday, July 5, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Sunnyvale downtown, murphy ave, Sunnyvale (Map)
Free event
Music performances by various artist! This week is Wally Schnalle that plays jazz fusion.

U-Pick Berries, Cherry and Tomatoes
Saturday, July 5, 9:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Webb Ranch 2720 Alpine Rd, Portola Valley (Map)
What a great and yummy way to spend your morning!  Bring a blanket and lunch and have a picnic at the lawn area. Your kids can also enjoy FREE jumpy house.

Xtreme Science Magic Show
Saturday, July 5, 2:00 pm
Seven Trees Library, 3590 Cas Dr.  San Jose (Map)
Is this show science, magic or bubble fun? It's all together! Join us for a fun filled, interactive program for the whole family.

Some drive ~1 hour from Sunnyvale

North
Berkeley Marina - 4th of July
Friday, July 4, noon - 10:00 pm
201 University Ave., Berkeley (Map)
Free event
You can find adventure playground, where children can build with hammers, nails, saws, paint and parental supervision, is open until 8:00 pm. Get your face painted, try the giant slide, free dragon boat (rowing from 12-5PM), mini-train rides or splash in the water at the beach! There’s live entertainment from noon until 9:30 pm on the main stage. On the stages you can find: world-renowned juggling, magic acts, cowgirl rope tricks, Cuban Drumming and more! Don't miss the grand fireworks over the water from the end of the Berkeley Pier at 9:35 pm. 15$ parking fee per car.

Fillmore Jazz Festival
Saturday and Sunday, July 5-6, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Fillmore St Eddy St and Jackson St, San Francisco (Map)
Yelp
Free event
The best talent the Bay has to offer is showcased on our stages, from up-and-coming jazz fusion and latin-flavored acts to seasoned crooners belting out jazz standards. Groove to your old favorites or tune in to new sounds

* San Francisco - Fourth of July Celebration at The PIER  

South
Aptos - 4th of July Festivities
Friday, July 4, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
7941 Soquel Dr, Aptos (Map)
This festival starts with great pancake breakfast (7:00 am - 10:00 am, not free) at burger (7941 Soquel Dr, Aptos). Then continue for the "World’s Shortest Parade" (10:00 am - noon, the admission is free), the parade will start at State Park Dr. and ending at Trout Gulch Rd. After the parade take a short walk to the "Party In The Park" (noon - 4:00 pm, not free) in the Aptos Village park.
Berkeley Marina

Saturday, June 28:

Midsummer Arts Festival
Saturday, June 28, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Triton Museum of Art, 1505 Warburton Ave, Santa Clara (Map)
Free event
Yelp
This year they have over 80 artists selling their work. In the festival you can see art demos throughout the day, live music and Hands-on art activities for children and their families.

Animal Drawing Class (ages 8 and up)
Saturday, June 28, 10:00 am - 11:30 pm
Hellyer County Park, 985 Hellyer Ave, San Jose (Map)
Reservations required
Free event
Mountain Lions, Bobcats, Snakes & Birds! Learn to draw animals from mounted specimens. Practice new skills as you translate observations into realistic drawings. All skill levels and ages 8 and over with a parent welcome. Meet at the visitor center. Drawing materials provided, or bring your own. Register online or call (408) 355-2201

FREE Youth Hockey Instruction
Silver Creek Sportsplex 800 Embedded Way San Jose (Map)
Saturday, June 28
Age 12 and younger - 7:00 am - 9:00 am
Ages 12-17 - 11:00 am 
Free event
They offer FREE basic instruction for youth who have never played/skated or beginners looking to improve their basic abilities. Any new hockey players are welcome to join in the fun.  This is a 100% free program including free gear rental! Please sign in at the check-in desk each time you attend.

Vasona Vibrations Summer Music Series
Saturday, June 21, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Vasona Lake County Park  Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos (Map)
Free event
The Vasona Vibrations Concert Series features local artists performing a wide variety of acoustic genres including Americana, blues, zydeco, Dixieland, jazz, big band, roots music, traditional and contemporary folk, and more. Parking in the county park is $6 or walk in from University Avenue.

Sunday, June 29:
Family Cycle Carnival
Sunday, June 29, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Hillview Community Center, 97 Hillview Ave, Los Altos (Map)
Free event
Watch the daredevil stunts of the Cyclecide performers from San Francisco! Lots of bikes to see. Plenty of food and drink.

Creek Walk
Sunday, June 29, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Vasona Lake County Park 333 Blossom Hill Rd Los Gatos (Map)
Free event
Learn about the most precious resource on the planet - water. Engage in hands-on water activities and investigations. Meet at the Pier parking lot

Nature Foray Hike
Sunday, June 29, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sanborn County Park, 16055 Sanborn Rd, Saratoga
Free event
Explore local plants and animals in this leisurely 1.5-mile hike along park trails. Learn to identify local forest plants and search for banana slugs, newts and signs of other animals. Meet at the Ranger Station.
Sunday at the Midrahov: A Taste of Israel
Sunday, June 29, 12:00 am - 3:00 pm
3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto (Map)
Free event
Join us for a great afternoon of  music, dance, food and FIFA 2014 madness. Yes, you can come watch soccer, kick a soccer ball and enjoy the afternoon with friends and family.  There will be ice cream, drinks, a bounce house, children's activities, a jazz band, arts and crafts and much more. Special performance by Israeli Scouts “Omer” Caravan at 1:30 pm.

June 28 - 29:

A Peter Rabbit Tale
Saturday and Sunday , June 21-22, 6:30 pm
Palo Alto Children's Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road,  Palo Alto (Map)
Peter Rabbit doesn't think life as a rabbit is all it's cracked up to be! His mother is always making him do chores, and he's had just about all he can take of his goody two-shoes twin sisters. After being picked on for the last time, Peter decides to run away from home and find a better place to live -- somewhere he can be in charge, do whatever he wants,... Join us for a spirited musical adventure, suitable for all ages. Approximate Running Time: 60 minutes

Weekend Events, June 21-22

Saturday, June 21:

Hawk Walk
Saturday, June 21, 11:00 am - 2:30 pm
3100 Calaveras Rd, Milpitas (Map)
Free event
Search for glimpses of hawks, falcons and golden eagles that soar the skies. Find out why they fly like they do and what helps them thrive in this area. Meet at the Sandy Wool dog park with binoculars or spotting.

DANCIN' ON THE AVENUE 
Saturday, June 21, 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Lincoln Avenue between Minnesota and Willow, San Jose (Map)
Free event
In the event you can find four stages of live music and entertainment. The Kids’ Court area will have a petting zoo, an All-American Fun Zone, a balloon artist, face-painting, games and crafts for the family-friendliest part of the festival.  Dozens of food and beverage booths throughout the festival. No outside containers of any kind – even coffee cups – will not be allowed in.

Vasona Vibrations Summer Music Series
Saturday, June 21, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Vasona Lake County Park  Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos (Map)
Free event
The Vasona Vibrations Concert Series features local artists performing a wide variety of acoustic genres including Americana, blues, zydeco, Dixieland, jazz, big band, roots music, traditional and contemporary folk, and more. Parking in the county park is $6 or walk in from University Avenue.

Theater in the Park Performances - Sleeping Beauty
Saturday, June 14, 6:30 pm
Wildwood Park, Saratoga (Map)
Free event
Two-week summer classes for elementary school-age children that have the kids create a production – from rehearsing to designing and making their own costumes and sets.  Each class ends with a free, outdoor performance that is open to the public.

Theater in the Park Performances - Thumbelina
Saturday, June 14, 6:30 pm
Rengstorff Park, Mountain View(Map)
Free event
Two-week summer classes for elementary school-age children that have the kids create a production – from rehearsing to designing and making their own costumes and sets.  Each class ends with a free, outdoor performance that is open to the public.

San Francisco Birth and Baby Fair
Saturday, June 21, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
2495 South Delaware Street, San Mateo (Map)
Living Social coupon
Don't miss out the many workshops and demonstrations for the expecting and new parents, like: doulas, midwives, massage therapists, fitness instructors, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, photographers and more! And don't forget the giveaways bags.

Sunday, June 22:

Silicon Valley Jewish Music Festival
Sunday, June 22, 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
14855 Oka Rd, Los Gatos (Map)
Join us on a beautiful Sunday afternoon on the JCC Field for great music, great food, and great fun. The festival is the South Bay's biggest annual Jewish music event. In addition to an amazing lineup of local, national, and international musicians, there will be food for sale from local restaurants and activities for the whole family, including a climbing wall, crafts, tie dye, balloon animals, and more.

Beginning Photography for Kids
Sunday, June 22, 10:00 am -1:00 pm
19245 Malaguerra Ave. Morgan Hill (Map)
Reservations required at  (408) 918-7980
Free event
Learn to use a digital camera to tell a story, record an event, and take photos you'll be proud of. Learn basic composition before taking an easy walk in the park. Meet at the visitor center with a digital (not phone) camera. 

June 21 - 22:
Disney’s THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDS
Saturday, June 21, 2:00 pm ,7:00 pm
Sunday, June 22, 10:00 am, 2:00 pm
Historic Hoover Theater, 1635 Park Ave., San Jose (Map)
The jungle is jumpin’ with jazz in Disney’s THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDS. Specially adapted from the classic film, this musical includes all your favorite Disney tunes, like “The Bare Necessities,” and “I Wan’na Be Like You.” Playful People Productions will update their page with ticket availability. If available, tickets will be sold 30 minutes prior to show time. Save $ – Purchase in Advance!

SummerFest
Saturday, June 21, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday, June 22, 10:00 - 6:00 pm
B Street ~ Between Tilton & 6th Avenues Downtown San Mateo (Map)
Free event
Enjoy a variety of fun summertime shows such as Hula Halau and Core Tae Kwon Do. The Festival will feature Arts and Crafts, Cooking Demonstrations, Food Vendors, Entertainment, Kids Activities and much more

Father day weekend, June 14-15

Happy Father day!!!

Saturday, June 14:

All Willow Glen Neighborhood Yard Sale
Saturday, June 14, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Map
Free event
This is a good chance to find what you need. While you walk through the neighborhood don't forget to get a goody bag, and a raffle tickets.

Play Like A Miner
Saturday, June 14, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 21785 Almaden Rd, San Jose (Map)
Free event
Join museum staff and volunteers for a fun-filled afternoon of kid-friendly activities and adventures like gold panning, treasure hunting, and ore mucking. These all reflect what life was like for a hard rock miner in New Almaden.

Juggling Performance and Workshop (ages 6 and up)
Saturday, June 14, 2:00 pm
Almaden Library, 6445 Camden Ave, San Jose (Map)
Free event
Come have fun with juggling! Michael Pearce, world record holding juggler, will wow you with his juggling ability. Following the performance attendees will be able to participate in a 30 minute how-to-juggle workshop.

In The Park After Dark Movie Night - Frozen
Saturday, June 14, 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm
985 Hellyer Avenue, San Jose (Map)
Free event
Meet in the park with friends and family to enjoy the movie Frozen under the stars. Bring blanket or chairs and a good mood. Food will be available for purchase.

Portugal Day
Saturday, June 14, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
1650 Senter Rd, San Jose (Map)
Free event
Come and celebrate and learn about the Portuguese culture. In the festival you can enjoy Portuguese foods, music and dance and a parade! There will be also live entertainment, children's carnival, food and beverages and more.

Theater in the Park Performances - Robin Hood
Saturday, June 14, 6:30 pm
4000 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto (Map)
Free event
Two-week summer classes for elementary school-age children that have the kids create a production – from rehearsing to designing and making their own costumes and sets.  Each class ends with a free, outdoor performance that is open to the public.

Sunday, June 15:

Palo Alto World Music Day
Sunday, June 15, 3:00 pm - 7:30 pm
University Avenue (closed to traffic) and King Plaza (Map)
Free event
Don't miss out this great and unique music festival! Professional and amateur musical groups will performed a variety of genres on street corners and plazas: jazz, blues, classical, pop, rock, Greek, and more.

Trains, Trolleys and Automobiles
Sunday, June 15, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
History San Jose, 1650 Senter Rd, San Jose (Map)
Come and enjoy the annual Historic Transportation Day! In the event you can ride on a trolley, Horse car,  pump a railroad hand car, and participate in a pony express relay around our plaza and more. There will be live music, fun crafts and activities for the kids!

Mountain View Farmers’ Market
Sunday, June 15, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Mountain View Caltrain, 600 W Evelyn Ave, Mountain View(Map)
Yelp reviews Here 
Free event

Come and test seasonal fruits and vegetables that were picked hours before the farmers' market and were sold direct from the farmer.

June 7 - 8:

Moveable Feast (food tucks)
Saturday, June 14, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sunday, June 15, 11:00 am - 2:30 pm
Free event
On Saturday the food feast will be at: 50 Saratoga Ave San Jose (Map) and on Sunday the food feast will be at: 39 Rio Robles E, San Jose (Map).
What a great opportunity to be exposed to so many kinds of food! Grab a lunch near your home, enjoy live movie, free snow cones and of course have a quality street food with your family!

San Mateo County Fair
Saturday and Sunday, June 14-15, 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
1346 Saratoga Dr San Mateo (Map)
Yelp reviews Here 
Don't miss out the San Mateo County Fair it's the last two days of the fair! In the fair you can find carnival rides like: Kids Train, Giant Wheel, Century Carousel. Don't miss out the free daily entertainments: All Alaskan Racing Pigs, Great American Petting Zoo, Chinese Acrobats and more.

Some drive ~1 hour from Sunnyvale

North
Father’s Day Kite Day
Sunday, June 15, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
11 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley (Map)
Free event
This is a unique way to celebrate father day! Come and fly your own kite, and spend the day with your dad and friends.

Scottish Dancing
Sunday, June 15, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Music Concourse Bandshell, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., San Francisco (Map)
Free event
This concert will include great live music along with dance performance by the Dunsmuir Scottish Dancers. Great family fun and great music.

Weekend events, June 7-8

This weekend is going be the perfect weather for Ice cream! So take your kid and have some sweet time at Nirvanaah or Sno-Zen Shaved Snow &Dessert Cafe.

Saturday, June 7:

Disaster Preparedness Day
Saturday, June 7, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
1346 Saratoga Ave. San Mateo (Map)
Free event
In this great family event you can find First-Aid, Police cars, fire trucks, search dogs and more! 
If you arrive before 11:00 am you'll get free parking and admission to the San Mateo County Fair.

Community Day at San Jose Museum of Art
Saturday, June 7, 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
110 South Market Street San Jose (Map)
Free event
Registration required
It’s SJMA’s birthday, and we just can’t stop celebrating! We’re extending our Community Day into the evening for this special occasion, with festivities for both adults and kids. From 11 AM to 4 PM, an eclectic mix of hands-on art projects and happenings for families.

Vasona Vibrations Summer Music Series
Saturday, June 7, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Vasona Lake County Park  Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos (Map)
Free event
the Vasona Vibrations Concert Series features local artists performing a wide variety of acoustic genres including Americana, blues, zydeco, Dixieland, jazz, big band, roots music, traditional and contemporary folk, and more. Parking in the county park is $6 or walk in from University Avenue.

Sunday, June 8:
15th Annual Butterfly & Bird Festival
Sunday, June 8, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont (Map)
Free event
The festival offers a day of adventure and learning that allows you to get close to nature’s flying critters.  Learn how to bring your backyard to life by creating wildlife friendly habitats!  Enjoy garden tours, family hands-on activities, educational speakers, photo presentations, food and music.

Hebrew books exchange fair
Sunday, June 8, 4:30 pm 
Ortega park, Sunnyvale (Map)
Free event
Please join us in this great exchange event. All that you need is to bring up to 10 books that you're not interested to replace with new books. There will be activities for kids like: Bingo, Bookmark decoration, story time and more! 

 June 7 - 8:
 San Mateo County Fair
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
1346 Saratoga Dr San Mateo (Map)
For Groupon Here
Yelp reviews Here 
At San Mateo County Fair, you can find carnival rides like: Giant Wheel, Zillerator Roller Coaster, Century Carousel, Looney Tooter Train, Tea Cup and more. Don't miss out the daily contest: Pie eating contest on Saturday and Sponge wringing on Sunday. Only on Saturday, if you arrive before 11:00 am you get free parking and admission to the San Mateo County Fair.

Sunnyvale Art & Wine Festival

10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Downtown Sunnyvale at Murphy Avenue (Map)
Free event
Yelp reviews Here
There will be over 350 artists, live bands, beverage booth locations serving fine wines, beer, margaritas, sangria, and champagne and for the little ones there will be kids carnival rides. 

Sesame Street Live
Saturday, June 7, 10:00 am, 2:00 pm, 5:30 pm
Sunday, June 8, 3:00 pm
City National Civic, 135 W. San Carlos Street, San Jose (Map)
Join  Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby and their Sesame Street friends welcome Chamki, Grover’s friend from India, to Sesame Street.

Some drive ~1 hour from Sunnyvale

North

Strawberry Festival
Sunday, June 8, 11:30 am - 4:00 pm
Strawberry Recreation District 118 E. Strawberry Dr., Mill Valley (Map)
Free event
Mark your calendar - it’s Strawberry Festival! Enjoy local musicians and food vendors, free carnival games, magic show, puppet show and more. Come play with the little fuzzy friends in the petting zoo, bounce in the jump house, climb the rock wall, hit the target on the dunk tank and enjoy a free swim at the pool! 

Trail Walk at Stow Lake
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
50 Stow Lake Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco (Map)
Free event
Start at the Stow Lake Boathouse for some light stretching followed by an easy-going walk around one of the parks most popular areas.  Our professional RPD Guides will provide a short interpretive program designed specifically for each location. Please bring your own water. Sunscreen and snacks are always encouraged.

48th Annual Sand Castle and Sculpture Contest
Saturday, June 7, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda (Map)
Free event
Bring your shovel and buckets to the beach to create a unique piece of art at our 48th Annual Sand Castle and Sculpture Contest!  This event is a fabulous family fun activity to either participate in or just come down to watch all of the action.
South
Santa Cruz Japanese Culture Fair
June 7, Saturday, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Mission Plaza, 103 Emmet St. Santa Cruz (Map)
Free event
In the fair you can find Taiko and martial arts performance, Bonsai Demonstration, Tea Ceremony,
traditional dance, arts and crafts, and food.