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A new year brings fresh energy and plenty of ways to get out and enjoy life around Bay Meadows and the Peninsula. From weekly run clubs and vibrant farmers markets to family-friendly events, creative workshops, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable food and wine experiences, January is full of opportunities to move, mingle, and explore. Whether you’re starting the year with wellness, community, or a little indulgence, here’s your guide to what’s happening this month, close to home.

When you live just steps from Caltrain, getting from here to there is easy—and car-free. Grab the Hillsdale Caltrain schedule, dive into our January lineup, and discover all the ways to celebrate, create, explore, and connect in the new year.

Bay Meadows Run Club with Basecamp San Mateo. Join this free fun run Wednesday evenings at 6pm and Saturday mornings at 8am. Meet at 3050 S. Delaware for a 2-, 3-, 4- or 6-mile loop (something for everyone) to get moving. Run, jog, or walk. Happening weekly – rain or shine. All paces and people are welcome. Members often gather in Town Square for a Blue Bottle coffee or at Fieldwork Brewing Beer Garden after each run. Plus, there’s no fee! You heard right – membership is not required. This is a community building fun run, compliments of our neighbors at Basecamp Bay Meadows.

Sunday Downtown San Mateo Farmers Market. West Coast Farmer’s market runs year-round at 222 East 4th Avenue Sundays from 9am to 2pm in Downtown San Mateo. The farmer’s market has a curated selection of fresh fruits, veggies, and a couple of tasty food trucks to fuel your morning stroll.

College of San Mateo Farmers’ Market. Shop seasonally and fresh each Saturday from 9am to 1pm (year-round) at San Mateo’s largest farmer’s market located at 1700 West Hillsdale Boulevard.

January 1, Hair of the Dog Hike at Filoli. Shake off the old year and step into the new in Woodside. Rejuvenate your senses and embrace fresh beginnings with this revitalizing 2-mile, self-guided hike—featuring exclusive access to private trails only open for special events.

January 1, Holiday Music & Light Show. Get ready for 20-30 minutes of high-energy festive vibes—where Red Morton Park in Redwood City is transformed into a dazzling wonderland of lights, lasers, and holiday music. Sip hot chocolate, embrace the holiday spirit, and sing or dance if the mood strikes.

January 1-11, San Mateo on Ice. Located in Central Park, San Mateo, our outdoor ice rink features 11,000 square feet of REAL ice. Skaters will be able to skate in the sunshine during the day or under the stars at night.

January 2, First Friday Nights. On the first Friday of every month, from 5 PM until 8 PM, parents and kids celebrate together at CuriOdyssey in San Mateo. Dance to some of your favorite hits, while enjoying animal presentations and science activities.

January 2, San Mateo County History Museum FREE First Fridays. Visit the San Mateo County History Museum every Friday (except July 4th) for FREE First Friday events, where children enjoy special programs including crafts and storytime, and adults can join a docent-led tour of the museum.

January 3, Intention & Energy: A New Year’s Mindful Plant Workshop. Join Luludi Living Art in San Mateo for a relaxing and inspiring New Year’s Zen Workshop, where you’ll create your own crystal terrarium or mini moss wall — a living piece of art designed to bring calm, focus, and balance into your space.

January 3, Obscure Movie Club. It’s time for some popcorn, new friends, and fun during the showing of Joe Versus the Volcano (Director John Patrick Shanley) in Belmont. Watch the movie 5pm-7pm and stay for a lively discussion 7pm-8pm. Feel free to bring your own popcorn, snacks, and drink.

January 4, Rose Pruning Seminar in San Mateo. Master Rosarian, Stuart Dalton, will teach you how to shape your rose bushes to encourage beautiful profuse flowering with winter pruning and winter care.

January 5, West Coast Swing Dance Classes. Join Motion Arts Center dance studio in the heart of downtown San Mateo! Be guided through the basics and master the techniques of this smooth and vibrant dance form.

January 8, Summit Bicycles Burlingame Thursday Night Lights. Meet Summit Bicycles staff for a casual ride through Burlingame or catch up with the group at our Equator Coffee stop at Burlingame Point near Coyote Point. This ride will be a fun-casual pace, no drop.

January 10, Yoga & Brunch! Enjoy a morning of Yoga followed by a mimosa and a delicious brunch at Pinstripes in San Mateo.

January 11, 3P Wine Co. Wine & Food Tasting Experience. Sip small-lot organic wines and enjoy a fresh seasonal menu in San Carlos. A taste of wine country, close to home.

January 17, B-29 Superfortress. Presentation and Book Signing by Bill Yenne at the Hiller in San Carlos. The Boeing B-29 was the ultimate manifestation of strategic airpower, the practice of striking deep into the heart of an enemy’s industrial war machine, to serve in World War II.

January 24, Lunar New Year. Celebrate Lunar New Year in Downtown San Mateo. This family-friendly event on B Street (between 1st and 2nd Ave) will showcase a Lion Dance performance from Lion Dance Me at noon, plus community booths with activities, red envelopes, and give-aways for kids from noon to 2pm.

January 25, Chocolate Tasting & Tempering. Do you love chocolate? This class at Baking Arts in San Mateo covers all the fundamental science and technique of tempering chocolate as well as tasting a variety of different chocolates. Go home with a box of the dipped and molded items they created in class.

January 25, E-Bike Basics. Considering getting an e-bike? Or do you have one and want to be more informed and confident about riding safely? Then join the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition for a free virtual class: “Intro to E-Bikes” and learn the most important tips for the e-bike curious and e-bike enthusiast alike.

January 29, Caymus Wine Dinner. This elegant five-course dinner at Kincaid’s in Burlingame is perfectly paired with Caymus Vineyards. Reserve your spot now — space is limited.

January/February Sessions at Clayroom. When signing up for 6-week classes, one signs up by selecting (signing up for) the 1st class. Classes 2-6 will occur on a weekly cadence during the same day of the week and timeslot. 6-week in-studio classes for pottery.

Bel Mateo Bowl Friday, Saturday and Sundays in San Mateo.
Karoake – Fridays from 7:30 – 11:30pm hit the mic with friends for some Karaoke.
Planet Bowling – Bowl in the dark under black lights on Fridays from 9:30 – 11:30pm and Saturdays from 8- 11:30pm.
Incredibowl – Fridays 9:30 – 11:30pm and Saturdays from 8 – 11:30pm interactive graphics elevate your bowling game with Incredibowl.
Family Pizza Night – Sundays from 5-8pm Family Pizza Nights and all you can bowl 8-10pm!
All You Can Bowl – Sundays enjoy unlimited bowling for 2 hours 8- 10pm!

Bicycle Sundays. From 9am – 3pm, a 3.8-mile segment of Cañada Road along Crystal Springs Regional Trail is closed between the Filoli entrance and Highway 92 allowing for non-motorized activities including jogging, bicycling, hiking, roller-skating, and walking. Cañada Road between Edgewood Road to the Filoli entrance will remain open to vehicles. Check for holiday closures.

Experience Midurban life. Bay Meadows is a family-friendly neighborhood with lots of open space to enjoy all-year long. Whether it’s growing your own vegetables in an organic community garden, playing a game of pick-up basketball after work, team building over bocce in the beer garden, picnicking with family on warm summer nights or with a run around the park, there’s no shortage of green space to explore. Check out life out and about at Bay Meadows by following us on Instagram.