Bay Meadows July Agenda

July brings the best of summer to the Peninsula, with outdoor concerts, community celebrations, family-friendly festivals, and unforgettable evenings under the stars. From Fourth of July festivities and live music in local parks to garden strolls at Filoli and hands-on activities for kids, there are countless ways to make the most of the season just minutes from Bay Meadows.

This month’s lineup features beloved traditions like Music on the Square, Music in the Park, and the Central Park Music Series, alongside unique experiences including outdoor yoga and brunch, model train and aviation exhibits, artisan marketplaces, and culinary classes. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing evening of live music, a fun family outing, or a new local adventure, July offers something for every age and interest across San Mateo and the surrounding Peninsula.

When you live just steps from Caltrain, getting from here to there is easy and car-free. Grab the Hillsdale Caltrain schedule and dive into our monthly event roundup to discover all the ways to celebrate, create, explore, and connect throughout the month ahead.

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.

The 25th Avenue in San Mateo Farmers’ Market. May through October 20 on Tuesdays from 3pm to 7 pm, this farmers market is an easy walk or bike ride from Bay Meadows (~0.8 mi), bringing the best Peninsula produce and makers moments from your door.

July Summer Nights. Chase the sunset at Filoli. Summer Nights brings a softer, more laid-back vibe than Summer Stage. Think of it as the more chill little brother. Held every Wednesday and Thursday, it is all about golden-hour garden strolls, drinks, bites, and live acoustic music in a relaxed midweek atmosphere.

July 1-25, Camp Pinstripes. Make the most of summer Saturdays at Camp Pinstripes in San Mateo, where kids can enjoy free hands-on activities like tie-dye, friendship bracelets, magic shows, princess visits, and more, plus complimentary brunch every week in June and July.

July 3, San Mateo County History Museum FREE First Fridays. Visit the SMCHM every Friday 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.

July 4, 4th of July in the Park. Celebrate red, white, and blue with a special concert on Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Central Park in San Mateo.

July 4, Celebrate July 4th in Redwood City. Enjoy a full day of patriotic fun to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with family-friendly activities, community traditions, and the exciting return of fireworks.

July 4, Fourth of July Celebration. Foster City’s hosts an annual Fourth of July celebration! Festivities include breakfast, lunch, live entertainment, family games, and bike, family, and dog parade.

July 9-August 6, Central Park Music Series. Enjoy summer evenings at Central Park in San Mateo featuring live music, local food vendors, family-friendly activities, and plenty of sunshine every Thursday through August.

July 10-August 14, Summer Concert Series. Spend your Fridays nights from 6-8pm in the Leo Ryan Amphitheater for free live music in Foster City.

July 10-August 21, Music in the Park Concert Series.Spend your summer evenings at Burton Park in San Carlos during the free 2026 Music in the Park Concert Series, where live music, picnic-friendly vibes, and community fun come together every Friday from June through August.

July 11, Pub in the Park. Enjoy a day in Redwood City with music, drinks, and a welcoming community atmosphere in an inflatable British-style pub.

July 11-12, Trains & Planes Eurowest Expo. Come and see both Planes and Trains, in a skillfully crafted display of HO scale model trains featuring the scenery and villages of Europe at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos.

July 12, Brunch & Burn. Start your day with an energizing outdoor yoga session at the Hillsdale Shopping Center in San Mateo, followed by a refreshing mimosa and a delicious brunch at Pinstripes. The yoga class will take place in the North Block Plaza, with brunch hosted inside Pinstripes immediately after.

July 18, HEAD WEST Marketplace. Spend the day exploring Downtown San Mateo’s B Street during the HEAD WEST Marketplace, where you can shop handcrafted goods from local makers and artists while enjoying the neighborhood’s vibrant retail shops and dining scene.

July 18, Sounds of the Shores. Enjoy live music in the scenic surroundings of Redwood Shores across three Saturdays. Held at Marlin Park.

July 19, Paint-A-Plane. Join the excitement with special activities just for kids! Paint the Cessna Cardinal, check out in an airplane or helicopter, and more at the Hiller in San Carlos.

July 26, Neapolitan Style Pizza. Learn how to make a classic pizza made with hand stretched dough in the Neapolitan style at Baking Arts in San Mateo. Each student will make their own pizza dough from scratch that will be taken home.

Thru August 19, Music in the Park. Spend your summer evenings at Stafford Park in Redwood City with free live music! The 2026 lineup kicks off with the vibrant Brazilian jazz sounds of Masha Campagne, followed by a dynamic blend of funk, soul, Latin rock, and beyond. It’s an ideal setting to socialize with friends and family in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.

Thru September 4, Music on the Square. Downtown Redwood City’s Music on the Square offers something for all ages. Featuring the best of rock, reggae, funk, Latin, and soul on Friday nights. Grab food from acclaimed nearby restaurants, bring a lawn chair or blanket, and enjoy the show; it’s the Peninsula’s go-to Friday night tradition!

June-Aug 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.

Discount Tuesday (at Cinemark Century San Mateo 12). There’s never been a better time to turn up on a weekday, because every Tuesday at Cinemark is Discount Tuesday—cheap movie tickets are always within reach.

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.

All month long, residents can explore everything from outdoor concerts at Central Park, San Mateo and Burton Park to creative workshops, community hikes, Pride celebrations, and pop-up markets throughout San Mateo, San Carlos, Belmont, and beyond. Whether you’re looking for live entertainment, local makers, or family activities, June offers something happening nearly every weekend just minutes from home.

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.

Out to Lunch: The Best Spots for a Blanket and a Bite

One of the many joys of life at Bay Meadows is that you don’t have to travel far to find the perfect picnic spot. Whether you’re picking up a Mediterranean spread from Bahche Mezzehouse & Wine Bar, grabbing a smoothie and your favorite toast creation from Sidewalk Juice, or packing picnic spread to take from home, the neighborhood is filled with inviting outdoor spaces designed to help you slow down and enjoy the moment. From expansive lawns to tucked-away gathering spots, Bay Meadows makes it easy to turn an ordinary lunch break or lazy weekend afternoon into an outdoor occasion.

At the heart of the neighborhood is Bay Meadows Park, the community’s largest park and a favorite destination for families, lawn games, and blanket-style picnics. Nearby, Landing Green Park offers a quieter setting with open grass and comfortable seating areas perfect for quiet conversation and catching up with friends. Persimmon Park, home to the beloved community garden, features a reservable grill and large outdoor dining table where residents can gather for everything from birthday celebrations to casual weeknight dinners. For something more intimate, Paddock Park offers a pocket-sized retreat tucked into the neighborhood fabric, while the Town Square commons provide benches, lounge seating, and easy access to coffee, snacks, and people-watching. Don’t forget the iconic Bay Meadows Front Porch, complete with porch swings, this is one of the neighborhood’s most charming spots to enjoy a sandwich, a book, or a sunny afternoon.

Beyond the picnic blanket, Bay Meadows encourages outdoor living in countless ways. The neighborhood is dotted with bocce courts, ping pong tables, walking trails, playgrounds, and open gathering spaces that naturally invite neighbors outdoors. Miles of walking and biking routes connect directly to the Bay Trail, making it easy to turn a picnic into a bike ride, a stroll, or an afternoon adventure. Whether you’re meeting coworkers for lunch, gathering with family, or enjoying a solo escape between meetings, there’s always a nearby spot waiting.

Looking to venture beyond Bay Meadows? Here are five other favorite picnic destinations around San Mateo:

Central Park

50 E. 5th Avenue, Downtown San Mateo
The city’s signature park offers expansive lawns, picnic areas, gorgeous gardens and playgrounds. One local reviewer described it as “an absolute gem” thanks to its beautiful gardens and family-friendly atmosphere. “A peaceful and beautiful park with a free Japanese garden you can visit and a rose garden. Parking is good because they have a garage and you can pay on an app. Park also has a plant shop that is open on weekends.”- Jillian Maree B. on Yelp

Coyote Point Recreation Area

1701 Coyote Point Drive
A Peninsula classic featuring waterfront picnic areas, barbecue stations, walking trails, marina views, beaches, and the famous Magic Mountain Playground. Visitors consistently praise its abundance of picnic tables, scenic Bay views, and variety of outdoor activities. “Good place for a picnic. Fun to watch all the planes landing at SFO. Lots of parking. BBQ pits. Bathrooms are nice and clean.” – Dave S. on Yelp

Seal Point Park

1901 J. Hart Clinton Drive
Known for sweeping Bay views, wide-open lawns, and direct access to the Bay Trail, Seal Point is a favorite among walkers, cyclists, and picnic-goers seeking waterfront scenery. It’s frequently recommended by locals as one of San Mateo’s best outdoor destinations. “What a special place with a tall hill to go up then you’re treated to a calming bay view. An expansive view. Trail for biking and walking. Plenty of parking. Exercise or soul searching, you can do it all. Good time!” – Becky V. on Yelp

Beresford Park

2720 Alameda de las Pulgas
A neighborhood favorite featuring large grassy areas, mature shade trees, sports courts, and plenty of room to spread out with family and friends. Local residents regularly rank it among San Mateo’s top picnic spots. “It’s a nice park. I mean, you have nice parks and then you have Beresford Park that seems to have a small skatepark, tennis courts, basketball courts, fancy jungle gym that makes you want to be a kid again… seriously, what can’t you do here? No complaints. There’s parking lots around the park and street parking available, as well.” – Venus L. on Yelp

Laurie Meadows Park

111 Laurie Meadows Drive
A peaceful community park offering rolling lawns, mature landscaping, and a quieter atmosphere for those looking to escape the crowds. Frequently recommended by San Mateo locals as an ideal picnic destination. “Nice, clean little park. Has 2 sections. 1 for Littles 5 and under and then another for 5+. No bathrooms but they have grass area and picnic tables. If sunny not a lot of shade, but lately it’s been a little overcast so it’s perfect.” – Karen M on Yelp

Whether you’re enjoying lunch on a Bay Meadows porch swing, gathering around the grill at Persimmon Park, or heading out for a waterfront picnic at Coyote Point, one thing is clear: life tastes a little better outdoors. Pack a blanket, grab your favorite takeout, and enjoy one of the many places to picnic close to home. This is Bay Meadows Life.

Bay Meadows April Agenda

Spring has officially sprung in the Bay Meadows neighborhood, and April is bursting with fresh-air fun, festive traditions, and family-friendly adventures. From sweet Easter celebrations and creative workshops to outdoor strolls, hands-on classes, and community events, there’s something happening every week to keep everyone entertained. Whether you’re decorating cookies with the kids, snapping photos with the Easter Bunny, or exploring local parks and pop-ups, this month is all about making the most of the season and creating memorable moments together.

When you live just steps from Caltrain, getting from here to there is easy—and car-free. Grab the Hillsdale Caltrain schedule and dive into our monthly event roundup to discover all the ways to celebrate, create, explore, and connect throughout the month ahead.

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.

The 25th Avenue in San Mateo Farmers’ Market returns in May!

April 1, Foster City Night Market by Off The Grid – Every Weds 5 to 9 pm. Ride your bikes from Bay Meadows to the Foster City Lagoon for a fun time! Running each Weds weekly through October 2026, just adjacent to Bay Meadows San Mateo in nearby Foster City, Off The Grid is bringing live entertainment and delicious mobile food options to the beautiful Leo Ryan Park meadow! Pet and family friendly with live entertainment. Read all about it HERE.

April 1, Easter Egg Cookie Decorating Workshop with Mrs. Fields. A fun springtime activity perfect for kids and families at the Hillsdale Shopping Center in San Mateo. The first 100 children will get to decorate an egg-shaped chocolate chip cookie with colorful frosting and sprinkles to take home.

April 1-4, Photos with the Easter Bunny. The Easter Bunny is hopping back into Macy’s Center Court at the Hillsdale Shopping Center for springtime photo fun from 11am–7pm daily! Bring the whole family and capture sweet seasonal memories with everyone’s favorite fluffy friend.

April 1-12, Downtown Parcade- Mini Golf & Arcade. This 18-hole mini golf course in Redwood City is ready to play, complete with glow-in-the-dark nighttime rounds for an extra challenge. Come sink a hole-in-one, battle for bragging rights, or just press play on a good time, the Parcade is open and ready. Game on!

April 2, Pysanky Egg Dyeing. This popular class is back for another spring in Redwood City! Natalie of Salayi Designs will walk you through Pysanky wax resistant egg dyeing to make your own ornate and colorful eggs for Easter or whatever your pleasure.

April 3, First Friday Nights. On the first Friday of every month parents and kids celebrate together at CuriOdyssey in San Mateo. Swing into the weekend with music, food trucks, animals, and fun!

April 3, San Mateo County History Museum FREE First Fridays. Visit the SMCHM every Friday 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.

April 4, Eggstravaganza! Eggstravaganza returns for it’s 49th year to Central Park in San Mateo! Join the spring bunny for this eggcellent family-fun spring-themed event. Enjoy kid-friendly activities, live entertainment, egg hunts, and more.

April 4, Easter Bunny Arrives by Helicopter! Get an Easter Egg straight from the Bunny and enjoy face painting, a bounce house and slide, and a model train display at Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos.

April 4, Egg Adventure Hunt. Join the annual Egg Adventure Hunt in Belmont where 20,000 eggs and 4 golden eggs will be hidden throughout the park for ages 3-10. Stick around after the hunt to enjoy refreshments and snap photos with the bunny.

April 5, Gratitude Meditation. Whether you are a seasoned meditator or a beginner, this gathering at Chill Spot Rendezvous in San Mateo will provide valuable connection, calming peace, and positivity. Tickets include a free scoop of ultra-premium gourmet ice cream or specialty drink.

April 7, Walk Across Bay Meadows. Enjoy a level, paved walk along two duck ponds, around the meadow, and through beautifully landscaped urban community spaces and gardens. This gentle stroll is a wonderful way to get some fresh air, chat with friends, and appreciate the scenery together.

April 9, Spring Flower Arranging. Grab some friends and have fun with flowers in Woodside. In this laid-back, hands-on experience, Filoli’s Floriculture team will show you how to turn fresh spring blooms and greenery into a gorgeous arrangement to take home.

April 11-12, Heads Up: Expressive Wall-Hanging Heads. Join Clayroom in San Mateo with ceramics artist Kyungmin Park for a two-day workshop focused on creating expressive wall-hanging ceramic heads. All levels are welcome, and no prior figurative sculpture experience is required.

April 12, Airport Runway Run. Don’t miss this rare chance to run on the real Runway at San Carlos Airport. Certified 5K/10K with 2K fun run.

April 12, Visit A Working Regenerative Farm In Woodside. Enjoy a working regenerative farm. Mission Farm is committed to soil health and therefore they use regenerative practices.

April 18, Earth Day 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about environmental resources and discover ways to enhance sustainability in the community at Twin Pines Park in Belmont.

April 19, Earth Day. Celebrate Earth Day with the City of San Carlos from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Wheeler Plaza Parking Lot on Laurel Street.

April 23–May 3, Taste of the Peninsula. Explore the culinary landscape of San Mateo County at this week of special prix fixe menus at hundreds of restaurants. The first half of the festival will focus on the San Francisco Peninsula’s “bayside” restaurants while the second half on the area’s “coastside.”

April 25, City Nature Challenge. Enjoy a public marsh hike at Coyote Point and help catalog plants and animals using iNaturalist. Your observations help scientists better understand the ecosystems around us. Bring your curiosity, your camera, and your sense of discovery.

April 26, Neapolitan Style Pizza. Learn how to make a classic pizza made with hand stretched dough in the Neapolitan style at Baking Arts & Coffee in San Mateo.

April/May 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.