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.     

Fall 2019 events

Halloween Hoopla   


Saturday, October 26, 2019
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.   
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.

Spooky Carnival  


Saturday, October 26, 2019
Noon to 3 p.m.
Bring your family and friends to the Onetta Harris Community Center for the annual Halloween Spooky Carnival, a Menlo Park tradition since 2008. Enjoy fun and exciting games to play, yummy snacks, face-painting, a costume contest, candy guess and more! Don’t forget to wear your costume and prepare for a spooky good time.

Winter 2019 events

Tree Lighting  

 
Friday, December 6, 2019
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Visit Fremont Park for the Holiday Tree Lighting presented by the City of Menlo Park and the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce. This holiday favorite event brings the Menlo Park community together to ring in the holiday season. Come enjoy live entertainment, a photo booth, and the lighting of the holiday tree. If you have been good boys and girls, Santa just might make a special appearance. 

Breakfast with Santa  


Saturday, December 7, 2019 
7:30-11:30 a.m.
Join us the first Saturday in December for our annual Breakfast with Santa event at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center. Don't forget to bring your camera so you can get a great photo of your child with Santa. Bring an unwrapped toy for the Fire Fighters' Toy Drive and receive $1 off your ticket price. Activities are co-sponsored by the Menlo Park Rotary Club and the Menlo Park Fire District. 


Santas workshop

Santa's Workshop  

Friday, December 13, 2019 
5 p.m.-7:30 p.m.Held at the Onetta Harris Community Center located at 100 Terminal Avenue

Join us for a festive time at Santa’s Workshop as children decorate cookies, make crafts, take pictures with Santa, and leave with a special gift. Holiday Entertainment will be provided by children enrolled in dance classes at OHCC. Everyone must pre-register. Sign up online through EGOV or in person at the OHCC front desk indicating which wave. Wave 1 will be held from 5-6:30. Wave 2 will be held from 6-7:30pm

Additional information


Facebook

Join us on Facebook 


If you would like get the latest updates on Menlo Park events, then be sure to “Like” us on Facebook. Be the first to receive up-to-date information on Summer Concerts, Menlo Movie Series, parades, holiday events, sing-alongs, performing arts and MORE! Enjoy event photos and learn about what’s happening in Menlo Park by liking the official page of Menlo Park special events.  
Special Events Monthly

Special Events Monthly newsletter

If you haven't signed up for our Special Events Monthly Newsletter, then head over to Notify Me to receive information on Menlo Park Recreation Updates. Receive monthly information on event and programs occurring in Menlo Park for all ages.

Performing Arts 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.

Special Event Permits

Special event permits 

 


Special events play an important role in building community and creating vibrancy within Menlo Park. For information on holding community events in the City of Menlo Park, such as festivals, fun runs, concerts, carnivals, and block parties, please visit our special event permits page. Our goal is to help event organizers plan a safe and successful event creating minimal impacts to the surrounding neighborhoods.