FESTIVALS

Daffodil Daydreams - Demonstrations, Tours, Family Activities

Presented by Filoli at Filoli

February 24-February 26, 2012

Join Filoli as they begin their 36th year and celebrate the spectacular flowering of Filoli. Daffodils lead the floral parade each spring and at Filoli nearly a million bulbs burst into bloom. They are one of the easiest and hardiest of the garden flowers, giving you more with each passing year. From the smallest to the largest, whether planted in a formal flower bed or naturalized in a field, you'll enjoy their cheerful annual display. Filoli is an American Daffodil Society Display Garden

Plant Clinic

Presented by The San Mateo Arboretum Society at Central Park - San Mateo

March 4, 2012

The Master Gardeners are available to answer your questions, from general information to advice about specific problems. You may bring samples of your plants for better diagnosis. Use a Ziploc or similar baggie to carry your sample. If you suspect insect damage, try to include some insects so they can be correctly identified.

For this program, please meet at the Kohl Pumphouse in San Mateo's Central Park.

Getting to Know Your Bees - Sunday Garden Seminar

Presented by The San Mateo Arboretum Society at Central Park - San Mateo

March 4, 2012

Today's speaker will be expert beekeeper Richard Baxter. For this free program, open to the public, please meet at the Kohl Pumphouse in San Mateo's Central Park.

Battle Sails and Adventure Sails -Tall Ships in Redwood City

Presented by The Historical Seaport

February 25-March 4, 2012

The Tall Ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftan are visiting Redwood City from February 23rd to March 7th.  The three-hour Battle Sails feature the recreation of a typical 18th century naval skirmish involving two ships. Both vessels will fire real cannon charged with real gunpowder, but no cannon balls.

Guests are encouraged to verbally taunt their adversaries and they have a chance to take the helm of a real tall ship, conditions permitting. Three-hour Adventure Sails

Spring Farm Tour

Presented by Friends of Deer Hollow Farm at Deer Hollow Farm

March 17, 2012

Visit the animals in their pens and learn about homestead farming during the annual Deer Hollow Farm tours. Meet the new farm babies: a calf, goats, piglets, lambs, and chicks. Spend some time with the cow, pigs, goats, rabbits, sheep, ducks and chickens. Walk through the large vegetable garden and century-old farm buildings, and visit the Nature Center for exciting hands-on learning.

Sponsored by the nonprofit Friends of Deer Hollow Farm, the tours are about an hour and

Niles Canyon Railway Train Rides - Sunol Departure, 1st and 3rd Sundays

Presented by Niles Canyon Railway at Niles Canyon Railway - Sunol Depot

February 5-March 18, 2012

Scenic train rides are offered between Niles and Sunol on the historic Niles Canyon Railway. The history of trains in Niles Canyon dates back to the building of the original transcontinental railroad, and the current passenger service has been in operation since 1988.

The trains have enclosed coaches, open cars, and covered open cars for your selection. Seating is first-come, first-served, and the trains operate in any weather. The trip time is forty minutes each way, while a

Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast in San Bruno

Presented by San Bruno Lions & San Bruno Rotary Club at San Bruno City Park

March 31, 2012

Held in San Bruno City Park, this fun family event is Project PRIDE's 33rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast. There is a charge for the optional all-you-can-eat breakfast, but children's activities and the Easter Egg Hunt are free.

Plant Clinic

Presented by The San Mateo Arboretum Society at Central Park - San Mateo

April 1, 2012

The Master Gardeners are available to answer your questions, from general information to advice about specific problems. You may bring samples of your plants for better diagnosis. Use a Ziploc or similar baggie to carry your sample. If you suspect insect damage, try to include some insects so they can be correctly identified.

For this program, please meet at the Kohl Pumphouse in San Mateo's Central Park.

Beautiful, Well-Behaved Bamboo - Sunday Garden Seminar

Presented by The San Mateo Arboretum Society at Central Park - San Mateo

April 1, 2012

Bamboo expert Bob Steward will address this lovely garden option. For this free program, open to the public, please meet at the Kohl Pumphouse in San Mateo's Central Park.

San Jose Taco Festival of Innovation

Presented by Moveable Feast at History Park

April 14, 2012

The feast day will be filled with tastings, art, and performances with a standardized taco price of $2 from over twenty-five of the best food trucks from San Jose to San Francisco. Short rib tacos, nacho tacos, Vietnamese shrimp tacos, and even ice cream tacos will be on the day’s menu. Tacos in the competition will be voted on by attendees. Finalists will be judged by a celebrity panel and prizes will be awarded based on quality and presentation.

While food is the main

Ice Skating - Public Sessions

Presented by Winter Lodge at Winter Lodge

September 26, 2011-April 15, 2012

The Winter Lodge is the first and only permanent outdoor ice rink west of the Sierras, a popular Palo Alto tradition established in 1956. Enjoy skating under the open sky, then warm your toes by one of the fireplaces in the clubhouse or outdoors. These open sessions are available for all ages.

Spring Break Riding Camps - Webb Ranch

Presented by Webb Ranch and Family Farm

April 2-April 20, 2012

The Webb Ranch Riding School offers a comprehensive program for beginning and intermediate riders. Have you seen how much a rider can improve in one riding lesson? Imagine what a whole session can do!

Webb Ranch offers a series of Holiday, Spring and Summer riding sessions for children ages 7 to 18. Each riding day starts at 9am and finishes by 12pm.

During these sessions, the riders will learn grooming, saddling, bridling, and (of course) riding. All groups will learn both

Spring Farm Tour

Presented by Friends of Deer Hollow Farm at Deer Hollow Farm

April 21, 2012

Visit the animals in their pens and learn about homestead farming during the annual Deer Hollow Farm tours. Meet the new farm babies: a calf, goats, piglets, lambs, and chicks. Spend some time with the cow, pigs, goats, rabbits, sheep, ducks and chickens. Walk through the large vegetable garden and century-old farm buildings, and visit the Nature Center for exciting hands-on learning.

Sponsored by the nonprofit Friends of Deer Hollow Farm, the tours are about an hour and

34th Annual Family Spring Parade

Presented by City of Mountain View

April 28, 2012

The Recreation Division invites you to join the 34th Annual Spring Family Parade, "Rock-It to the Future!". Be part of a community-wide event that will focus on innovations for the future, sustainability, robotics and music. All community groups are encouraged to participate in this fun spring event! Grab your friends, neighbors and colleagues, decorate your vehicle or float and join us!

New float contest! Floats will be judged during the parade and winners will be

22nd Annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show

Presented by Miramar Events

April 28-April 29, 2012

There's nothing quite like the Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show -- Half Moon Bay's massive celebration of mechanical ingenuity, power and style. It's a whimsical, fascinating, amusing, curious and absolutely unique show and tell spectacle featuring 2,000 magnificent driving, flying and working machines from the 20th and 21st centuries. The world's coolest cars of every era and style, model-T fire engines, vintage busses, custom motorcycles, tricked out trucks, sleek streamliners,

The Rivers of Chocolate Festival

Presented by EHC LifeBuilders at The Mountain Winery

April 29, 2012

Please join us for an afternoon of fine wine, chocolate, and savory tastings while enjoying live music, bidding on live and silent auction items, and helping a good cause. On April 29, 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, CA for Rivers of Chocolate, the premier wine, chocolate and savory tasting event.

Rivers of Chocolate benefits the programs of EHC LifeBuilders--one of the leading provider of shelter and services for homeless adults, families and

Plant Clinic

Presented by The San Mateo Arboretum Society at Central Park - San Mateo

May 6, 2012

The Master Gardeners are available to answer your questions, from general information to advice about specific problems. You may bring samples of your plants for better diagnosis. Use a Ziploc or similar baggie to carry your sample. If you suspect insect damage, try to include some insects so they can be correctly identified.

For this program, please meet at the Kohl Pumphouse in San Mateo's Central Park.

Plant Progation Made Easy - Sunday Garden Seminar

Presented by The San Mateo Arboretum Society at Central Park - San Mateo

May 6, 2012

Our speaker will be gardening expert James Kern. For this free program, which is open to the public, please meet at the Kohl Pumphouse in San Mateo's Central Park.

Spring Farm Tour

Presented by Friends of Deer Hollow Farm at Deer Hollow Farm

May 19, 2012

Visit the animals in their pens and learn about homestead farming during the annual Deer Hollow Farm tours. Meet the new farm babies: a calf, goats, piglets, lambs, and chicks. Spend some time with the cow, pigs, goats, rabbits, sheep, ducks and chickens. Walk through the large vegetable garden and century-old farm buildings, and visit the Nature Center for exciting hands-on learning.

Sponsored by the nonprofit Friends of Deer Hollow Farm, the tours are about an hour and

Repotting Orchids When Horticulturally Challenged - Sunday Garden Seminar

Presented by The San Mateo Arboretum Society at Central Park - San Mateo

June 3, 2012

This annual favorite is presented by the Peninsula Orchid Society. For this free program, open to the public, please meet at the Kohl Pumphouse in San Mateo's Central Park.

The Dream Mile 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon 2012

Presented by Vibha - Help Them Grow at Hellyer County Park

June 10, 2012

Dreammile is a family friendly run which includes following fun activities.

* Professionally Timed
* Free T-Shirt to all runners
* Free Food
* On-site Massage
* Music, Carnival, Face Painting,
* Henna/Mehendi..and a lot more fun.

Fremont Festival of the Arts

Presented by Fremont Chamber of Commerce

August 4-August 5, 2012

The Fremont Festival of the Arts hosts a wide variety of activities and entertainment for the entire family: over 700 top-quality artisan booths delight the most discerning shoppers, music lovers enjoy continuous music featured on three stages, children are thrilled with the many games and activities found in “Kid City”, and Gourmet Marketplace offers gourmet specialties for the discerning cook.

Palo Alto Festival of the Arts

Presented by Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce

August 25-August 26, 2012

The Palo Alto Festival of the Arts is celebrating their 31st annual event on University Avenue in beautiful downtown Palo Alto. This festival highlights the work of more than 300 talented artisans, from paintings to photography, ceramics and jewelry to unique sculptures, and much more. Artists featured at this year’s event come from all over the country, as well as throughout the Bay Area, bringing hundreds of one-of-a-kind art pieces and artisan crafts presented in an awe-inspiring

Antique Autos in History Park

Presented by Santa Clara Valley Model T Ford Club at History Park

September 9, 2012

The 12th Annual Antique Autos in History Park is presented by the Santa Clara Valley Model T Ford Club and History San Jose. This event fills History Park with 200 antique autos, fire equipment, bicycles and motorcycles of all makes from 1900 to 1945. Also located on the grounds will be the Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association. There will be antique crafts demonstrated and antique collectibles displayed. A Dixieland band will provide music. This year the featured vehicles will be 1

5th Annual Luna Park Chalk Art Festival

Presented by Luna Park Business Association at Backesto Park

September 22, 2012

The 5th Annual Luna Park Chalk Art Festival will be held at Backesto Park in San Jose on Sept. 22. If you are interested in being an artist, vendor, volunteer, or sponsor, please contact Steve Gordy or visit our website. Reserve your spot early. This is an arts festival you don't want to miss!

ZERO1 Biennial

Presented by ZERO1: The Art & Technology Network

September 12-December 8, 2012

The ZERO1 Biennial, distributed throughout Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area, is North America’s most significant showcase of contemporary work at the nexus of art and technology. Established in 2006, the ZER01 Biennial has presented the work of over 500 artists from 50+ countries, commissioned 80 original works of art, attracted over 100,000 visitors from around the world, and contributed $20 million in economic revenue to the region.

Under the thematic Seeking

Judith Selby Lang's LawnBowls Installation

Presented by Palo Alto Art Center and Palo Alto Art Center

February 1, 2012-February 1, 2013

The acclaimed Palo Alto Art Center will present Bay Area artist Judith Selby Lang's LawnBowls, the next new temporary site-specific installation in its series exploring art in public and community spaces. Opening February 1, 2012, LawnBowls will be installed on the grounds of the Palo Alto Lawn Bowls Club, 474 Embarcadero in Palo Alto, through February 2013. Lang's work has been celebrated for its striking focus on the relationship between humans and the environment. LawnBowls

Daly City Farmers' Market

Presented by California Farmers' Markets Association

February 9, 2012 - Ongoing

A fixture in the community since 1991, the Daly City Farmers' Market is held in the West side of the parking lot at Daly City’s Serramonte Center, behind Target. It features different delicious seasonal crops throughout the year.

De Anza Flea Market - 1st Saturdays

Presented by De Anza College at De Anza College

December 3, 2011 - Ongoing

The De Anza Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month, rain or shine, in Campus Parking Lots A and B. When the weather is good, this huge event will typically draw approximately 15,000 to 20,000 shoppers. It began as a small effort by the students of De Anza College to raise money for the student body decades ago and has grown into an established community event, attracting vendors and patrons from throughout the state. The Flea Market is still a student enterprise, with

San Jose Flea Market

Presented by San Jose Flea Market

January 2, 2010 - Ongoing

Smack-dab in the heart of Silicon Valley, the global center of technological innovation, sits a bustling 120 acre land bastion of "no tech" businesses that host more than four million visitors a year. The San Jose Flea Market opened its gates in 1960, and its property now encompasses about 1,000 small buildings, 1,000 open-air stalls, and all sorts of amenities.

At this event, you can find an enormous variety of collectibles... arts, crafts, comic books, belt buckles,

Bicycle Sundays

Presented by San Mateo County

November 6, 2011 - Ongoing

On Sundays, Cañada Road is closed between the Filoli entrance and Highway 92 allowing for non-motorized activities including jogging, bicycling, hiking, roller-skating, and walking (Strollers are welcome, but no ball/frisbee activity allowed). Cañada Road between Edgewood Road to the Filoli entrance will remain open to vehicles.

Restrooms are available at nearby Edgewood Park and Preserve, approximately 1.2 miles away, as well at the Pulgas Water Temple and Filoli

Pleasanton Farmers’ Market

Presented by City of Pleasanton at Pleasanton - Downtown

March 5, 2011 - Ongoing

The Pleasanton Farmers’ Market is located at Main Street and West Angela Street in downtown Pleasanton and operates every Saturday throughout the year, rain or shine. The Market features the season’s freshest fruits and vegetables, all California-grown and sold to you by the farmers that planted, nurtured and harvested the crop.

While shopping the market, take a moment to help your friends and neighbors in need by participating in the Open Heart program. The Pleasanton

South First Fridays - Art Walk

Presented by South First Fridays at SoFA District

November 4, 2011 - Ongoing

South First Fridays is an eclectic evening of arts and culture in downtown San Jose's SoFA District every first Friday of the month. During this event, many venues host opening receptions with special programming and live music. Participating art venues include Anno Domini, MACLA, San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles, SLG Art Boutiki and Gallery, Phantom Galleries, and more.

Campbell Farmers' Market

Presented by City of Campbell

December 5, 2010 - Ongoing

A stroll through downtown Campbell on a Sunday morning can bombard the senses with the aroma of fresh kettle corn, bread, fruit, flowers, and live music. For many residents, the Campbell Farmer's Market is a weekly ritual where they enjoy a mix of local growers, bakers, artisans, florists and specialty foods.

Rodin Sculpture Garden - Public Tours

Presented by Cantor Arts Center at Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University

October 30, 2011 - Ongoing

The Cantor Art Center’s collection of Rodin bronzes is the largest in the world outside Paris, second only to the Musee Rodin. More than fifty works by Rodin are on view inside the Center, mostly cast bronze, but also works in wax, plaster, and terra cotta. Twenty bronzes, including The Gates of Hell -- which Rodin worked for two decades to complete -- are outside in the Sculpture Garden. The Burghers of Calais are nearby on campus. The garden is open 24 hours a day, is

Docent-Led Tours

Presented by Gamble Garden at Gamble Garden

June 30, 2010 - Ongoing

Guided tours of the Gamble House and surrounding buildings as well as the Elizabeth F. Gamble Gardens and grounds are included in this historical and horticultural docent-led tour.

The Sunset Garden Tour - Free Self-Guided Tours

Presented by Sunset Magazine at Sunset Magazine Garden

November 7, 2011 - Ongoing

Sunset's garden is open for free, self-guided tours from 9am to 4pm Mondays through Fridays (except holidays and the week before Celebration Weekend in early June). Sunset's headquarters sits upon land that was originally part of a grant to Don José Arguello, governor of Spanish California in 1815. The early-California-style buildings that house our offices reflect that influence. They were designed by Cliff May, father of the California ranch-style home, to bridge indoor and outdoor

California Avenue Farmers' Market - Palo Alto

Presented by California Avenue Area Development Association

November 6, 2011 - Ongoing

Sunday mornings throughout the year, local farmers bring their fresh produce to Palo Alto's California Avenue district for this Farmers'' Market. Sponsored by the California Avenue Area Development Association, it is operated by Urban Village Farmers' Market Association.

Downtown Campbell ArtWalk - Third Fridays

Presented by Downtown Campbell Business Association

November 18, 2011 - Ongoing

Experience the exciting and popular ArtWalk in downtown Campbell every third Friday of the month. Be sure to stop by, visit with the artists in their galleries/studios and view their exciting new work. Featuring several galleries and studios, downtown Campbell is the place for art lovers to be! The Downtown Campbell ArtWalk is a casual, "tour-on-your-own"-style art walk. This is a great opportunity to visit with the artists and view their exciting new works in a

Ohlone College Super Flea Market - 2nd Saturdays

Presented by Ohlone College

February 12, 2011 - Ongoing

The Ohlone College Super Flea Market is held the second Saturday of every month, year-round. Hundreds of vendors each month sell homemade crafts, jewelry, food, tools, gift items, toys, household supplies, collectibles, used items, cosmetics, electronics, food and much more!

San Mateo Farmers' Market

Presented by Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association at College of San Mateo

March 12, 2011 - Ongoing

The College of San Mateo plays host to this farmers' market that has earned a reputation as one of the best farmers' markets on the Peninsula. Visit on a Saturday to find out what all the excitement is about!

Horseback Riding Lessons

Presented by Glenoaks Equestrian Center

August 30, 2011 - Ongoing

Glenoaks Stables offers quality instruction to both youths and adults. Its program teaches students to understand a horse’s natural movement and how we can influence this movement as riders. A solid foundation starts with focusing on gaining control and understanding of one’s own body movements and biomechanics so that the rider can effectively influence the horse’s natural movement.

Group and Private lessons are available, as are Mommy/Daddy and Me Riding Lessons

Saratoga Village MarketPlace - Wednesdays

Presented by Saratoga Chamber of Commerce at Saratoga Village

October 12, 2011 - Ongoing

The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce brings this market to Blaney Plaza as part of its ongoing efforts to bring shoppers to the Village of Saratoga. It invites all Saratoga residents and visitors to drop by and experience first-hand the farm-fresh produce, breads sundries and the wildly popular, freshly-popped kettle corn.

The Saratoga MarketPlace is open every Wednesday at the entrance to downtown Saratoga Village. Park conveniently behind US Bank.

Stock up with fresh produce and

Lemos Farm - Family Fun

Presented by Lemos Farm at Lemos Farm

November 1, 2011 - Ongoing

Lemos Farm has many fun family activities for the public throughout the year. It offers pony rides, train rides, hay rides, a petting zoo, the OK Play Corral, laser tag, and more!

Docent-Led Nature Walk of Edgewood Natural Preserve - Third Saturdays

Presented by Friends of Edgewood Natural Preserve

November 19, 2011 - Ongoing

To display the treasures of Edgewood Natural Preserve all year long, Friends of Edgewood’s trained docents guide nature hikes on the third Saturday morning of each month. The 3-4 mile walks vary according to the docent and the current happenings in the Preserve.

These free walks start atthe Bill and Jean Lane Education Center. Bring water, a hat, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and a snack, if you wish. There is no stop for lunch, but picnic tables are usually available after the