Special events

More than providing residents with venues for fun, play and celebration, community events and concerts create opportunities for participants to become connected to their community. There are major events held throughout the year along with summer concerts and outdoor movie nights. Be sure to "Like" us on Facebook and get the most update-to-date information on events occurring in Menlo Park. Below you will find general information on many of our annual events occurring in Menlo Park, please visit our city calendar for specific details. You can also read below to learn how you can sign-up for or Special Events Monthly newsletter.

Kite Day

Saturday, May 5, 2018
Noon to 3:00 pm
Since our first Kite Day in 1988 there has been no better place to fly a kite in Menlo Park, then Bedwell Bayfront Park. Come enjoy kite flying, a hot dog lunch, jump houses, face-painters, and cool down with a ice cold snow cone. If the wind is just right, you'll catch a glimpse of "Mega Fish", a 46-foot giant kite. Kite Day is held in conjunction with San Mateo County’s Streets Alive! Parks Alive! and is co-sponsored by the Menlo Park Kiwanis.

Fourth of July Parade and Celebration

Wednesday, July 4, 2018
11:45 am to 2:30 pm
This is the Fourth of July Parade and Celebration you have heard so much about. Decorate you bike, tricycle, or wagon and parade with us down Santa Cruz Avenue from downtown (corner of Chestnut Street and Santa Cruz Avenue) to Burgess Park. The Parade starts promptly at 11:45 am. Once at Burgess Park, you and your family will enjoy live music, bounce houses, rock walls, facepainting, crafts, games and food.

Summer Concert Series - Fremont Park

Wednesdays June 13 to August 8
6:30 to 8:00 pm
Join us at Fremont Park to listen to some of the best local bands. The Summer Concert Series features a variety of musical styles from Jazz to Country to hits of today and yesterday. Bring your picnic blanket and dinner, and of course there is always room for dancing. No concert on Wednesday, July 4, 2017. If you would like your band to be considered for our series, please complete a Band Application.

Menlo Movie Series

Fridays August 3 to September 21
Start time varies
Welcome Menlo Park's newest community event for all ages. Launched in 2014, the Menlo Movie Series features free movies in Downtown Menlo Park. Be sure to bring a chair, blanket, and some snacks to enjoy, but most of all, don't forget to bring the family. Enjoy a night of watching the stars, under the stars. All movies are subject to change. Parental discretion advised. Movies are held on Curtis Street at Santa Cruz Avenue.

Halloween Hoopla

Saturday, October 26, 2018
11:00 am to 2:00 pm

The annual Halloween Hoopla Parade and Trick-or-Treat is held the Saturday before Halloween each year. Come in costume and participate in the parade to Fremont Park. Participants will receive a bag to trick-or-treat through Downtown Menlo Park at participating stores. Fremont Park will also host carnival games, crafts, and magic show. Activities are co-sponsored by the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce and Cheeky Monkey Toys.

Burgess Park Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 20, 2018
10:00 am to Noon
Each year the Bunny visits the Burgess Park with toys and candy filled eggs for girls and boys ages 8 and under. The Burgess Egg Hunt festivities start with bounce houses, crafts, and pictures with the Bunny. Be sure not to miss photos opportunities with the fire trucks and maybe take a ride on "Old Tom", an antique fire engine. Activities are co-sponsored by the Menlo Park Firefighters Association and Menlo Park Fire District.

Kelly Park Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 20, 2018
10:00 am to Noon
Since 2009, the Egg Hunt at Kelly Park has delighted the residents with crafts, a jelly bean guess, magic show, music, and photo opportunities with the Bunny! Bring the family and enjoy a fun-filled morning as the kids scramble for plastic eggs filled with goodies. Activities are co-sponsored by Fire Station 77 and the Menlo Park Fire District. The Kelly Park Egg Hunt is coordinated by the staff of the Onetta Harris Community Center.

Performing Arts Center

The City of Menlo Park organizes events at the Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center, a 492 seat theater. We work with local performing arts organizations to support 55-day of programming in the theater each year. Programs include movie sing-alongs, variety shows, author lectures, ballet, chamber music, theater, dance, opera, jazz, and other musical performances. The City also offers the Menlo Park Grant for the Arts, designed for organizations looking to perform in a professional-grade theater.