This weekend in Bay Area: San Mateo County Fair 2011

The San Mateo County Fair runs from June 11th - 19th, 2011.

live music, livestock education, famous fair food & drink and all the Fair flair you've come to expect from the San Mateo County Fair!

Concert Headliners Include: Air Supply, The Four Tops, Tower of Power, Grand Funk Railroad, Pablo Cruise and Dia de la Feria performances throughout the grounds.
Purchase season passes for $22 to enjoy the fair for all nine days.

San Mateo County Fair
June 11-19, 2011
2495 S. Delaware (at 25th Ave.)
San Mateo CA


Insider tip:
Come before 11am for FREE this coming Saturday, 6/11/2011
FREE PARKING AND FREE ADMISSION as long as you enter before 11am on 6/11/2011
Fun activities for kids and adults

This weekend in Bay Area: June 4-5, 2011

For a fun free activities for kids this weekend, check out the following:

SAN FRANCISCO

Union Street Eco-Urban Festival FREE
Saturday, June 4 - Sunday, June 5, 2011 10 am-6pm
Union Street ~ Gough to Steiner
San Francisco, CA
One of the city's biggest free festivals, showcasing 150 arts and crafts booths, 25 gourmet food booths, two stages of live entertainment and bistro style cafes along the city's fashionable Union Street. The festival also features an eco-zone featuring dozens of green exhibits and displays.

PENINSULA

Foster City Arts and Wine Festival FREE
Saturday, June 4, 2011 – Sunday, June 5, 2011 (11am – 7pm)
Leo J Ryan Memorial Park, Shell Blvd. and E. Hillsdale, Foster City, CA.
Carnival rides, fun for kids and the whole family!!
Live entertainment, a talent show, arts and crafts, fun festival food, and walks along the lagoon.
FREE admission and FREE parking at Parkside Towers(1001 East Hillsdale Boulevard, Foster City).. Discount Carnival tickets may be available from the Chamber of Commerce before the beginning of the festival.

EAST BAY

Chocolate and Chalk Art Festival FREE
Saturday, June 4, 2011 10AM-5PM
Kids and adults can enter a FREE contest to participate in chalk drawings. Then sample chocolate ($10 for 10)
Live Music, Arts & Crafts, Chalk arts, Clowns, and Chocolate!!

Berkeley World Music Festival  FREE
Saturday, June 4, 2011 starting at 12 pm
various locations in Berkeley
A continuous schedule of performances will take place in Telegraph Avenue cafes and shops, near UC campus, and in People’s Park. The Festival showcases the Bay Area region's vibrant world music scene.

Memorial Day Weekend in Bay Area 2011

Here are some fun activities to go to with kids in Bay Area this weekend:

SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco Carnaval Parade + Festival FREE
Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Harrison Street between 16th and 22nd Street
San Francisco, CA
Carnaval Grand Parade: Sunday, May 29, 9:30 a.m.
Begins at Bryant & 24th Streets, proceeds down Mission to 17th Street
Games, Face Painting, Dance show, learn to play from professional drummers
West Coast’s largest annual multi-cultural celebration.


EAST BAY

San Ramon Art & Wind Festival FREE

Sunday, May 29 and Monday, May 30 10 am – 5 pm
San Ramon Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd
San Ramon, CA
Kite flying demo, kids activities, arts & crafts, live entertainment
The San Ramon Art & Wind Festival blows into town on May 29 & 30 in San Ramon Central Park. The festival includes over 200 arts & crafts booths, entertainment on 3 stages, kite-flying demos, free kite making workshops, kids' activities


NORTH BAY

Caledonia Street Spring Faire – FREE
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Caledonia Street/ City Hall
420 Litho Street
Sausalito, CA
The Caledonia Street Spring Faire in Sausalito (May 29, 2011) is a free event that provides five blocks of fine arts and crafts, fun festival food and family entertainment. Art, Music, Dance, Delectable Fare, and a Fun & Festive children’s Area. With over 100 fine arts and crafts vendors, food and entertainment, this event is truly for the entire family. The Faire has a strong focus on music and dance performances with international flair on three stages of live entertainment. The show will go on rain or shine.

This weekend in Bay Area: Hometown Days, Arts & Festivals, DooF-a-Palooza, Maker Faire, Asian Heritage Celebration

Here are some fun FREE activities for kids and family in the Bay Area for the weekend of May 20-22, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO

7th Annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration FREE

Saturday, May 21, 2011 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Civic Center/Little Saigon District
Larkin and McAllister Streets
San Francisco, CA
Live performances, children’s area, Asian American artists, scrumptious food, fun activities for family and friends.





PENINSULA

San Carlos Hometown Days at Burton Park FREE
May 20-22, 2011
Burton Park, San Carlos
Unique San Carlos tradition that features a parade on Saturday, May 21st at 9:45 am, as well as 2 stages of live music, food, entertainment and fun for the entire family all weekend long.
The Kiwanis "Pasta In The Park" Steak Dinner, the Rotary 10-K Fun Run, High School Battle of the Bands, Society Skate Park, kids attractions, Pet Parade, beer & wine garden, fantastic food, the Marketplace.

Maker Faire
May 21–22, 2011
San Mateo Event Center
2495 S Delaware Street
San Mateo, Ca
From arts and crafts to feats of engineering, great place to learn something new.
This event is not free, admission fee ranges from $5-$25, but worth checking out, if your kids are into making things.

A La Carte & Art Festival FREE
May 21-22, 2011 – 10am to 6pm
Castro Street, Mountain View, California
Live music, arts and crafts show with 200 of the west coast’s top artists showing their latest handcrafted wares, artisan specialty food purveyors, health and wellness displays, an organic and green products showcase, home and garden exhibits, festive food and drink with premium wine, microbrews, margaritas and mojitos, a farmers’ market with fresh seasonal produce, a classic car show, kids’ amusements in the Tons of Fun Zone.

NORTH BAY

YouthFest Fair and Concert FREE
Saturday, May 21, 2011 11:00am–4:00pm
Depot Plaza, Miller Ave & Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Live music and educational scavenger hunts for youth of all ages will support the United Nations Millennium Development Goals to reduce world poverty. Activities for pre-school age children will be at Old Mill Park. Youth will learn about solutions to global issues and vote to move community donations to the causes they care about.

EAST BAY

DooF-a-Palooza FREE

Sunday, May 22, 2011 • 10 am – 5 pm
Jack London Square, Oakland
Food and family festival for children of all ages and adults festivals.
Face Painting, Carnival, Pony rides, food vendors, contests, games, entertainment and fun hands-on activities with growers, chefs, purveyors, businesses, and cookbook authors.

Bay Area Paddlefest FREE (12 and under)
Saturday-Sunday, May 21-22, 2011
Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area
Fremont, CA
Try out canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding.
Take classes from professional instructors, play games and spend the day enjoying paddlesports. This is a great chance to introduce your kids to a healthy, active, outdoor sport that they can enjoy for years.

Mother's Day Weekend in Bay Area 2011

Here's a list of Mother's Day activities in Bay Area this weekend (most of them are free)


SAN FRANCISCO

Spring Family Festival at Asian Art Museum

Sunday, May 8, 2011 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin St
San Francisco, CA
Celebrate Mother’s Day in Bali at the Asian Art Museum. “Meet” Balinese goddesses and hear stories about their role in Indonesian culture. Make masks, learn Balinese and Japanese dances, and create shadow puppets among other things. Sun., 10:30 am – 4:30 pm. $17/adult; children 13 and under free. All ages

Dolores Park Cinco de Mayo FREE
Saturday, May 7, 2011 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Dolores Park
18th and Dolores Sts
San Francisco, CA
Cinco de Mayo in Dolores Park starts with a Zumba-thon exercise class so you can sample all the food vendors with impunity. Dance off pan de dulce with music and performances from local artists throughout the day. The Kids Zone includes arts and crafts, balloon art, magic tricks.

Mother's Day Marina Green 5K
Sunday, May 8 starting at 9
Marina Green
San Francisco
Take a run on Marina Green. Kids are welcome for their own run.
Cost: $3-5 (kids' 1/2 mile run is free)

Mother's Day Brunch at The Westin St. Francis
Sunday, May 8 10:00a to 2:00p
at The Westin - St. Francis, San Francisco, CA
Indulge mom with a special Mother's Day brunch buffet featuring an array of delectable selections such as: a meat carving station with prime rib and honey baked ham; made to order omelets; sushi and a seafood station; fresh fruit and cheeses; a selection of house made desserts and much more. Brunch is available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; $67.50 adults; $33 for children ages 12 and younger.

PENINSULA

Almost Mother’s Day Kid’s Concert FREE
Saturday, May 7, 2011 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Courthouse Square
2200 Broadway St
Redwood City, CA
Kids’ concert with Bay Area favorite Andy Z and the Andyland Band. Make crafts for your mom and bounce around in the inflatable playland.

89th Annual May Fête FREE
Saturday, May 7, 2011 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Downtown
University Ave
Palo Alto, CA
March in the 89th Annual May Fête parade. Kids can march in a costume, on their bikes, trikes, scooters, skates and anything else with wheels (non motorized) or come with your four-legged friends. Reading and Literacy Fair on Lytton Plaza from 9-11am featuring great books, literacy groups, our local library and friends groups. After the parade, hang out at the PiE Fair, sponsored by Partners in Education. Enjoy food, music, and games from 10:00 – 1:00 pm at Addison School

Mother's Day Celebration at Hidden Villa
Sunday, May 8 from 3-5
Hidden Villa Farm
26870 Moody Rd
Los Altos Hills, CA
Concert with Chelle and Friends at this Mother’s Day concert. Bring a blanket and picnic snack, and make some crafts for “Mom.” Free face painting and a visit to the farm.
Cost: $15/person

SOUTH BAY

LGPNS Fantasy Faire
Saturday, May 7, 2011 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Los Gatos Civic Center Lawn
110 E Main St
Los Gatos, CA
The 22nd annual LGPNS Fantasy Faire includes all those things that children’s fantasies are made of: pony rides, petting zoos, games, and music.

NORTH BAY

Summer Program Kick Off and Bike Rodeo FREE
Saturday, May 7, 2011 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
San Pablo Park
2800 Park St
Berkeley, CA
Get a taste of the amazing City Recreation programs that kids and adults can enjoy this summer! There will a Bike Skillz Course, circus performers, dunk tank, and free helmets! Bring your bike, scooter, skateboard, and helmet.

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Saturday, May 7, 2011 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Bay Area Discovery Museum
557 McReynolds Rd
Sausalito, CA
Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno will perform a free outdoor dance performance, followed by the wonderful music of Mariachi Los Cachorros, or The Puppies. Make a paper flower or a “tin” ornament as a recurerdo or remembrance of the day.

Upcoming Events: Safety Fair May 1, 2011 at Stanford Shopping Center

Safety Faire
Sunday, May 1, 2011Noon -4 PM
Stanford Shopping Center


Get Prepared: Recent Disasters have shown us that you need at least one week’s worth of water, food and supplies for yourself, your family and pets. Is your family ready to survive on its own without external services?

Learn how to prepare yourself and your family in advance for any disruptive event that could happen such as natural disasters, crime waves, terrorism or pandemics. Emergency response vehicles, safety demonstrations, activities for children and exhibitor booths.  Learn how to use a fire extinguisher, build an emergency kit and build a family plan. And, emergency supplies will be available for purchase.

Click here for more details about this community safety event.

This weekend in Bay Area: Earth Day 2011 Freebies

To celebrate Earth Day, many places are offering freebies on Earth Day.  The highlight includes:

Disney Store: receive a FREE Reusable Shopping Bag on Friday, 4/22, when you bring in and recycle 5 plastic shopping bags! 

Starbucks, Bring in a travel cup and receive a free coffee or tea at participating stores

National Parks Bring your whole family to National Park for FREE  have free admission now through Sunday, April 24 

For more freebies, Green Picks blog has compiled the lists here

This weekend in Bay Area: Celebrate Earth Day 2011

SAN FRANCISCO
Earth Day SF 2011 (FREE)
Saturday, April 23, 2011, 10am to 6pm.
Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco, CA (Downtown)
A multi-cultural music festival and sustainable living roadshow featuring international keynote speakers on multiple stages and eco-zones filled with prominent sustainability activists and workshop leaders, nonprofit organizations, green businesses, indigenous community leaders, civic agencies and youth empowerment groups.

Earth Stroll 2011 — An Earth Day Celebration at Crissy Field (FREE)
Saturday, April 23, 2011, 10am to 3pm
Crissy Field Center, 1199 East Beach Drive, San Francisco, CA
Interactive family adventure with activity stations, eco-games and animals antics. Earth Stroll will go on rain or shine. Meet live animals, play parachute games, and test your riding skills in a bike rodeo. The event is free, open to all ages, and highlights simple things you can do to create a healthier planet—and a healthy you. Donate $5 and receive a special Crissy Field 10th Anniversary Commemorative Passport. This is an official event of National Park Week.

California Academy of Science Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 23 – Sunday, April 24, 2011
California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA (Golden Gate Park).Visit the Spring to Life exhibition featuring chirping chicks and Egg Alley; see Fragile Planet in the Planetarium; chat with artist Michael Bartalos, the sustainable inspiration behind Handle with Care; and participate in family activities like Earth Day Storytime at the Early Explorers Cove, the Family Nature Crafts Station, and more.

EAST BAY
Berkeley Earth Day 2011
Saturday April 23, 2011, 12pm to 5pm.
Civic Center Park, Martin Luther King Way and Allston Way, Berkeley, CA.
Cultural performers, speakers and resources to link individuals and groups with each other in community based ecological activities.

Easter Egg Hunt 2011 in Bay Area

Here are list of Easter Egg Hunt in Bay Area for the weekend of April 23-24, 2011.
For a list of the previous weekend Easter Egg Hunt activities (April 16-17, 2011) click here



SAN FRANCISCO 

San Francisco - Spring Eggstravaganza 

Saturday, April 23, 2011, 11am – 3 pm

Sharon Meadow in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

(Valet bike parking provided by the San Francisco Bike Coalition (Located near 2nd entrance)

Egg hunts, carnival rides, giant inflatables, arts & crafts, entertainment, food for sale. $5 per person

San Francisco Union Street Spring Celebration and Parade

Sunday, April 24, 2011 10:00 AM to 5:00 pm (Parade begins at 2:00 PM)

Union Street ~ Gough to Fillmore

San Francisco, CA

Kids activities include a bouncing booth, climbing wall, petting zoo, and pony rides. There will also be live music, a hat contest, art cars and vintage

PENINSULA 

San Mateo – EGGSTRAVAGANZA (FREE)

Saturday, April 23, 2011, 9am -1pm

Central Park, San Mateo, CA

San Mateo’s signature springtime community event and largest egg hunt, arts and games, puppets, entertainment, community parade. Free (but if you want the Rotary pancake breakfast at 9am it’s $7 adults, $4 child.)

9am-11am Pancake Breakfast ($7 adult and $4 child); 9am- 1:00pm Art & Games, Mini Egg Hunt (0-3 yrs); 9:30am: Entertainment; Creepy Critters 9:30am: Egg Hunts (4 different hunts throughout the day); 10:30am Community Parade; 11am Entertainment by Andy Z (music); 12pm Entertainment by Magic Mike.

Redwood Shores - EGGSTRAVAGANZA (FREE)
Saturday, April 23, 2011 1pm
Marlin Park, Redwood Shores
Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Bunny, and more. Bring your basket

Foster City – Easter Egg Hunt at Ryan Park(FREE)

April 23, 2011, 1pm. Egg hunt starts at 2pm.

Ryan Park, Foster City, CA.

Short 5 minutes (or less) Chocolate Egg Hunt. Easter Bunny is there to make sure that no child leaves with an empty basket. Foster City Lyon’s Club. Free.

Menlo Park – Egg Hunt (FREE)

Saturday, April 23, 2011, 10am – 12 pm

Burgess Park, 701 Laurel St, Menlo Park, CA

Egg Hunt, ride on Old Tom the firetruck and take a photo with the Bunny. Crafts, Jelly Bean Guess. Eggs are filled with candy and small toys. Free.

Bunny visits at 10am; Egg Hunt 10:30am for the 2 and under, 10:45am for 3-4 year olds, 11am for 5-6, 11:15am 7-8 year olds.

Mountain View – Easter Egg Hunt at St. Timothy’s(FREE)

Saturday, April 23, 2011, 11am.

2094 Grant Rd, Mountain View, CA.

Egg hunt by age group, visit and photo opp with Bunny. Bring your own basket to collect eggs. If it rains, the hunt will be held indoors. Free.

EAST BAY

Berkeley – Eggster Egg Hunt & Learning Festival(FREE)

Saturday, April 23, 2011 from 10am-3pm)

Campanile Esplanade (also known as the clock tower) on the UC Berkeley campus

Berkeley, CA.

Eggster Egghunt and Learning Festival, the largest free egghunt in Northern California, is run by a non-profit student organization to benefit the local children’s organizations Habitot and George Miller Center. No food will be available (other than the candy in the eggs), so bring a snack or picnic lunch. All activities and egg hunts are free.

Berkeley's Spring Egg Hunt Extravaganza in Willard Park

April 23, 2011, 10am – 1pm

2730 Hillegass Ave, Berkeley, CA.

Features different hunts for four age groups. Kids aged 1 to 7 will hunt for eggs, and 8 to 10-year-olds will hunt for treasures. There will also be a petting zoo, a visit with the Spring Bunny, arts and crafts, and a kid's carnival with prizes. Participants will receive a basket to collect all their goodies in. $5

Oakland – Great Easter Egg Hunt (FREE under 5)

Saturday, April 23, 2011, 8:30am – 12 pm

Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA.

Meet the bunny, multiple egg hunts and activities. Bring your own basket. Bags provided. Free Golf Clinic for Youth and Adults after hunt.

Egg Hunts begin promptly at: 9:30am for kids 7 and older; 9:45am for kids 6 and younger. Golf clinic 10am & 11am.

Adults: $5 Ages 5-12: $2 Under 5 Free.


NORTH BAY

Fairfax – Easter Egg Hunt (FREE)
Bolinas Park, Fairfax, CA.

Fun, family  event sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Commission. Egg hunt is for children 8 and younger. (Bring a basket.) Music by James K from 11am–noon. Free.

Petaluma – Sunrise Rotary Easter Egg Hunt (FREE)

Saturday, April 23, 2011, 10am to 12pm

Petaluma Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma, CA

Easter Egg Hunt for children 12 and under, children’s activities, beverages and snacks and a visit by the Easter Bunny. Free admission/participation.

San Anselmo – Children’s Egg Hunt (FREE)
Saturday, April 23, 2011, 11am
Memorial Park, San Anselmo, CA
Activities and prizes for for kids ages 7 and younger. Egg and Candy hunt. Two kids age groups. Bunny sighting. Summer camp fair held on the upper lawn at Memorial Park from 10:30 am–2:30 pm

Sausalito – Spring Easter Egg Hunt and Parade (FREE)
Saturday, April 23, 2011, 10am-12pm
Caledonia Street/Dunphy Park, Sausalito, CA
Parade led by the Easter Bunny, old-fashioned egg hunt, crafts for the kids, live entertainment, and an Easter bonnet contest
Parade at 10am. Egg hunt at 10:15am.. Easter bonnet contest at 11 am.
Parade begins at the fire station at the corner of Johnson and Caledonia Streets

Upcoming event: Easter Egg Hunt in Fox Theatre, Redwood City

Saturday 4/23/2011 11am & 1pm
Fox Theatre
Redwood City, CA

Fox Theatre in Redwood City is having it's first Easter Egg Hunt this year.
Grand prize for finding the Golden Egg.
There's a fee in attending this event, but
you can get it half price through here

For a list of FREE egg hunt events this weekend, go here

This Friday in Palo Alto: Earth Day at Gamble Gardens (FREE) & Children's Easter Party

Friday, April 15th, 2:00 - 4:00PM
Gamble Gardens
1431 Waverley St
Palo Alto, Ca
To celebrate Earth Day, Gamble Garden has special activities for families and children with simple garden activities including a garden scavenger hunt and art projects, and then enjoy juice and cookies.

Also check out their popular Childen's Easter Party for next weekend
Gamble Gardens Children's Easter Party
This annual party is full of fun arts and crafts, puppet show, and egg hunt.
Saturday, April 23rd from 9:30am

 

This weekend in Bay Area: Easter Egg Hunt 2011

The following are Easter Egg Hunt activities in Bay Area for the weekend of April 16-17, 2011.

For a list of next weekend Easter Egg Hunt places, you can go here

PENINSULA

Los Altos Easter Egg Hunt FREE

Saturday, April 16, 2011 10 am -12pm

State and 2nd Streets, Los Altos

Meet the Easter Bunny, Easter Egg hunts (limit 5 eggs per child), Jelly Bean contest, crafts and face painting.

South San Francisco – Egg Hunt FREE

Saturday, April 16, 2011, 10am

Orange Memorial Park/picnic area (Orange Park Shelter), Orange Ave, South San Francisco, CA

Easter Egg Hunt for children 8 years of old and younger. Hidden prizes, meet the Easter Bunny. Free.

Two hunts occur at the same time for children ages 3-5 and 6-8.

San Bruno Annual Easter Egg and Pancake Breakfast FREE

Saturday, April 16, 2011 9am-12am

San Bruno City Park

Chamber of Commerce Pancake Breakfast will be from 9-11am. Egg hunt begin at 11am.

SOUTH BAY

Los Gatos – Bunny Fun Hunt FREE

Saturday, April 16, 2011, 10am – 1pm. Egg hunts, by age, start at 10:15am.

Los Gatos High School (front lawn)

Los Gatos, CA.

Carnival Games, Food Booths, Fun Jumps, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo and Much More. Egg Hunt is free – Bring Your Basket. Free.

Cupertino – Easter Egg Hunt FREE

Saturday, April 16, 2011, 11am – 3pm

Memorial Park, 10185 N. Stelling Rd, Cupertino, CA.

Stories, balloons, face painting, puppet show, music, story, jump house,arts & crafts, games, prizes. Free.

San Jose – Egg Hunt at Mayfair

April 16, 2011, 11am – 2pm

Mayfair Community Center, 2039 Kammerer Ave, San Jose, CA 95116

Egg hunt, Bunny visit, arts and crafts, carnival games, face painting. Bring a basket. Egg hunts by age: 2-3 yrs 11:30am, 4-5yrs 12pm, 6-8yrs 12:30pm, 9-10yrs 1pm. Cost $5 for one egg hunt and 10 carnival game tickets.

This Weekend in Bay Area: Cherry Blossom Festival

The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival is said to be the second largest festival outside of Washington, D.C. to celebrate the blooming of cherry blossoms; and held at one of three remaining Japantowns in the United States.

Saturday and Sunday April 9-10 and April 16-17, 2011.

Where: Post Street between Laguna and Fillmore Streets.

What: There will be food booths, cultural performances, martial arts, live bands, the annual Queen Program, and more.

The Grand Parade will be held on April 17, beginning at City Hall and concluding in Japantown.

FREE Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Cone Day Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's!


When: April 12, 2011, 12 to 8pm

Where: At participating locations. You can check at their store locator which locations are participating: http://www.benjerry.com/scoop-shops/scoop-shop-locator/index.cfm

And you stand in line as many times as you like
We love their Chunky Monkey flavor, Cherry Garcia..