Translate: 简体中文 | Español | Tagalog

May 30, 2026

Quote of the week

"Life has puffed and blown itself into a summer day, and clouds and spring billow over the heavens as if calendars were a listing of mathematical errors."

– Zelda Fitzgerald, American novelist, artist and socialite

Summer activities – Last call

Learning is an adventure that yields lifelong benefits! The City of Menlo Park hosts a wide range of high-quality classes for all ages at reasonable rates, including fitness, dance, sports, gymnastics, music, drama, arts and crafts, education and more.

Enroll now

Juneteenth Celebration

Join us as we celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Attendees will enjoy resources and vendors, family activities, food for purchase and free treats, plus cultural entertainment, including storytelling and a Caribbean music performance by Asheba, Myke tha Kidd and Menlo Park Soul Line Dancers. Participate on Friday, June 19, from 5–8 p.m. at Belle Haven Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover

Bring your plush stuffie to the library as you join us for an evening storytime. Then, say goodnight to your stuffed friend and go home for the night. When you pick up your toy the next day, you'll learn all about their overnight adventures at the library! Join us on Friday, June 5, from 5:15–5:45 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave., or Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St.

Summer Reading Game starts in two days

Sign up for the Summer Reading Game and start reading on Monday, June 1. The Summer Reading Game will help keep your reading skills sharp through the summer months as you discover great books, enjoy in-person and online activities and earn prizes sponsored by Friends of Menlo Park Library. Players of all ages are welcome to join and can win free books by signing up and completing reading challenges through Aug. 31. Learn more.

Summer event lineup

4th of July community parade, picnic and circus
Back by popular demand! The City of Menlo Park invites you to celebrate the 4th of July and America's 250th anniversary with a community parade, picnic and free, all-new performances by Circus Bella. Bring a picnic basket and blanket, join the parade and get ready for a memorable day of celebration and entertainment. Please register in advance to receive important event information and the chance to win prizes. Join us on Saturday, July 4, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Burgess Park, 701 Laurel St. Admission is free. Learn more.

Summer Concert Series begins July 8
Get ready for an incredible summer of music and fun at Fremont Park and Karl E. Clark Park with the City of Menlo Park's Summer Concert Series! Grab your lawn chairs, blankets and all your favorite picnic essentials to enjoy music at twilight with your family and friends. All concerts start at 6 p.m. The series begins on Wednesday, July 8, and runs weekly through Wednesday, Aug. 12. See the performance schedule. 

Garden Talk: Citrus Tree Care
Learn which citrus trees will thrive in our area, how and where to plant them and common problems and diseases. Join us online via Zoom on Wednesday, June 3, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Learn more.

Summer Flavorings and Herbs in Your Garden
Join us for a special in-person, hands-on edition of our Garden Talk on the library patio, featuring an outdoor demonstration on growing herbs and flavor combinations. Some small samples will be available to take home. Participate on Saturday, June 6, from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

Visit a California State Park — get free passes at your library

Did you know library cardholders can check out a California State Parks Pass? The pass provides free vehicle day-use entry for one passenger vehicle. Plan your next hike or take your family to the beach. Visit any of the 13 participating State Parks in San Mateo County! Learn more and view a complete list of all participating State Parks.

One Book, One Coast with George Takei tomorrow

One Book, One Coast, the largest book club on the West Coast, wraps up with a special visit from George Takei, author of They Called Us Enemy. Participate via livestream tomorrow, May 31, from 2–4 p.m. Reserve your spot and learn more.

Apply for the Youth Advisory Committee 

The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) seeks to engage future leaders of Menlo Park by encouraging youth to take an active leadership role in the community. The YAC advises the Parks and Recreation Commission and City staff on activities, events and programs to meet the needs of youth and teens in the community. Students enrolling in grades nine–12 who live within Menlo Park City limits or are attending a Menlo Park high school are invited to apply to serve a one-year term from September 2026 through May 2027. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 17. Learn more.

More free literary and cultural programs 

These free literary and cultural programs received funding support from Friends of Menlo Park Library.

• Storytime. Join us for 30-minute-long storytimes at the library. Children and their caregivers will enjoy interactive early learning, featuring stories, songs and fun! 
  • Belle Haven Library – Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m., Fridays at 5:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:15 a.m.
  • Menlo Park Library – Thursdays at 10:15 a.m., Fridays at 10:15 a.m. and Saturdays at 11:15 a.m.

• Library Makes. Join us for an afternoon of crafts in the library. This week's craft is sashiko. Participate on Saturday, May 30, from 2–3:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

• Melanated Women Read. Melanated Women Read is a book discussion group by and especially for Black women. This month, we will discuss These Heathens by Mia McKenzie. Join us online via Zoom on Monday, June 1, from 6:30–8 p.m. Learn more.

• Music with the Carlitos Medrano Trio. Take a musical journey to Cuba with the Carlitos Medrano Trio. Join us on Saturday, June 6, from 1–2 p.m. at the Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
• Blake Maxam: The Magic of Ahs! Get ready for a magical time, as Blake Maxam astounds and amazes children of all ages with a show full of laughter and surprises. Participate on Sunday, June 7, from 11–11:45 a.m. at Belle Haven library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
• California Book Group. Join our California Book Group to discuss Fuzz by Mary Roach. Participate on Sunday, June 7, from 3–4:15 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
• Pronouns 101. Become a pronoun pro at our Pronouns 101 workshop. Participate on Monday, June 8, from 6–7:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
• Fiction Book Group. Join us online to discuss Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. Participate online via Zoom on Tuesday, June 9, from 6:30–7:45 p.m. Learn more.

Check out more free community programs
The above was just a sample of the many free activities hosted by the City of Menlo Park this week. Check out the community events calendar to see them all!

See more free programs