San Mateo Area Events
November 2025
Santa's Tree Lighting Show - Hillsdale Shopping Center 2024
Date: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: North Block Plaza, Hillsdale Shopping Center, San Mateo, CA
Official Event Page: https://samceda.org/events/santas-tree-lighting-show
Details: This festive event features a spectacular aerial artist performance and a special visit from Santa Claus. The community gathers to celebrate the holiday season as the large Christmas tree at Hillsdale Shopping Center is lit, accompanied by music and festive cheer. Suitable for families and all ages.
Holiday Art Show & Concert
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
Location: San Mateo County History Museum, Redwood City, CA
Event Page & Details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-holiday-art-show-and-concert-tickets-1804122231159
Details: A free community event showcasing local artists' artwork and live music performances to celebrate the holiday season. Visitors can enjoy exhibits, performances, and support local culture. The event is family-friendly and free to attend.
december 2025
Winter Wonderland at Central Park & Recreation Center
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Central Park & Recreation Center, 50 E. 5th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401
Official Event Page: Winter Wonderland - City of San Mateo Special Events
Event Description:
San Mateo’s beloved Winter Wonderland returns with festive lights, holiday music, cookie decorating, crafts, photo opportunities, and more family-friendly activities. Enjoy a magical evening that brings community members together to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
8th Annual Holiday Boutique & Artisan Craft Fair
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: 725 Tulane Ct, San Mateo, CA 94402
Event Details:
Crafts, cookies, and charity come together at this community event featuring handmade holiday items perfect for gifting. Support local artisans and enjoy festive activities in a warm, inviting environment.
Official Social Media Announcement:
8th Annual Holiday Boutique - Instagram Post
december 2025
San Mateo On Ice 2025-2026
Date: November 2025 through January 2026
Time: Varies (Check website for daily hours)
Location: Downtown San Mateo, 131 W 25th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403
Official Event Page: https://sanmateo.gov/onice
Details: San Mateo On Ice is a popular outdoor ice skating rink located in the heart of downtown San Mateo. Open through January, the rink offers a festive atmosphere with seasonal music and holiday decorations, making it a perfect winter activity for families and ice skating enthusiasts of all ages. Skate rentals and skating lessons are available.
IlluminOdyssey - Winter Light Experience at CuriOdyssey
Date: December 2025 (specific dates vary)
Time: Evening hours, typically 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: CuriOdyssey Museum, 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401
Official Event Page: https://curiodyssey.org/illuminodyssey
Details: IlluminOdyssey is a captivating winter light experience at the CuriOdyssey Museum, featuring immersive holiday light displays set among the museum's natural exhibits and outdoor grounds. Visitors enjoy a magical journey filled with colorful lights, enchanting decorations, and seasonal activities suitable for all ages. Tickets and event details are available on the official site.
january 2026
MLK Freedom Run 5K/10K/Half Marathon
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
Location: San Mateo, CA (Bay Trail, S Grant St)
Official Event Registration & Details: MLK Freedom Run Registration on RunSignup
This community run honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy with multiple race distances (5K, 10K, Half Marathon) along scenic Bay Trail routes in San Mateo.
Poetry Out Loud – San Mateo County Finals
Date: February 2026 (Exact date TBD)
Location: San Mateo County, CA
Official Information: Poetry Out Loud - San Mateo County, CA
This statewide poetry recitation contest features high school students competing for honors, celebrating art and literature as a community cultural event organized by the County of San Mateo.
February 2026
Project Read-Book Club
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: San Mateo Public Library, Main Library, Laurel Room
Event Details & Official Link: Project Read-Book Club - San Mateo Public Library
Description:
Join this monthly in-person book discussion group designed for adults looking to improve reading skills, enjoy interesting books, and connect with other learners in a supportive and encouraging environment. Project Read also offers literacy tutoring and additional programs to support adult learners in the community.
San Mateo County Polar Plunge
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:15 PM
Location: Coyote Point Beach, San Mateo, CA 94401
Event Details & Registration: San Mateo County Polar Plunge
Event Description:
Join the invigorating and charitable Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics programs in San Mateo County. Participants take a chilly winter dip to raise funds for inclusive sports, health, and leadership programs benefiting children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Family-friendly and costume-friendly event to make a splash for a great cause.
March 2026
Samaritan House Gala 2026: Hats Off to Ending Hunger
Date: Friday, March 13, 2026
Location: San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront, 1800 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA 94010
Event Schedule:
- VIP Reception: 5:00 PM
- General Reception: 5:30 PM
- Ballroom Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Event Details:
Join Samaritan House's annual fundraising gala supporting their mission to assist low-income individuals and families in San Mateo County. This black-tie event features Southern-inspired cuisine, signature cocktails, a live auction, inspiring program, and live entertainment. It celebrates community, hope, and empowerment for neighbors in need.
Official Event Page: Samaritan House Gala 2026
Additional Info & Tickets: Gala FAQ & Tickets
Project Read-Book Club
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: San Mateo Public Library, Main Library, Laurel Room
Event Details & Official Link: Project Read-Book Club - San Mateo Public Library
Description:
This monthly book discussion group is designed for adults to improve reading skills, explore interesting books, and connect with fellow learners. The group offers a supportive environment facilitated by the Project Read literacy program, helping adults gain better reading and communication skills.
April 2026
San Mateo County Private Track & Field Meet
Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Woodside Priory School, 302 Portola Road, Portola Valley, CA 94028
Event Details & Official Link: San Mateo County Private Track & Field – SONC
Event Description:
A competitive track and field meet for local schools and community athletes in San Mateo County. Events include sprints, middle distance, relays, jumps, and throws. This is a key community sports event fostering youth athletics and school team participation.
Project Read-Book Club
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: San Mateo Public Library, Main Library, Laurel Room
Event Details & Official Link: Project Read-Book Club - San Mateo Public Library
Description:
This monthly book discussion group supports adult learners in improving their reading skills while enjoying engaging literature in a supportive community setting. Project Read also provides literacy tutoring and resources to help adults gain confidence and independence in reading and writing.
may 2026
Plant Sale & Craft Fair
Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: San Mateo Garden Center, 605 Parkside Way, San Mateo, CA 94403
Event Details & Official Link: Plant Sale & Craft Fair | San Mateo Garden Center
Event Description:
Join the community for this annual free event featuring a wide variety of plants for sale, garden clubs, vendor booths offering unique garden-related items, and kids’ activities including a scavenger hunt and gardening table where children can take home a free small plant. Enjoy live music, raffle prizes, and the beauty of the gardens in spring bloom.
Participating Clubs & Vendors:
- Garden Study Club
- Gold Coast Cymbidium Society
- Mid-Peninsula Art Club
- Peninsula Orchid Society
- San Mateo County Rose Society
- Sei Boku Bonsai
- SF Begonia Society
- And more—check back closer to the event!
This event is family-friendly and perfect for gardening enthusiasts of all ages. It’s held near Beresford Park and 28th Avenue in San Mateo and is a great way to support local garden organizations and enjoy a day outdoors.
may 2026
Latin Night Dance Party
Date: Every Friday in May 2026
Time:
- 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Latin Motion Fundamentals (All Levels Class)
- 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Salsa Beginner Level Class
- 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Bachata Beginner Level Class
- 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM: Social Dance Party with Live DJ
Location: Motion Arts Center, 217 South Claremont Street, San Mateo, CA 94401
Event Details:
Join a vibrant weekly dance party featuring Salsa, Bachata, and Cumbia music with beginner-friendly dance classes led by experienced instructors Tristan, Rhazel, and Jesica. Enjoy an unforgettable night of dancing and fun on a beautiful hardwood floor in a spacious, air-conditioned studio with colorful ambient lighting and high-quality sound.
Ticket Pricing:
- $30 for single class session (includes social dance party)
- $55 for two classes same day (includes social dance party)
- $15 for dance party only (discounted $10 for students with membership or special passes)
No partner necessary, all skill levels welcome. Snacks and light drinks are provided.
Official Event Link: Downtown San Mateo - Latin Night Dance Party
More Info: Motion Arts Center Latin Night Dance Party
June 2026
San Mateo County Fair
Date: Friday, June 5 – Sunday, June 14, 2026
Location: San Mateo County Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo, CA 94403
Event Website: San Mateo County Fair
Event Details:
The San Mateo County Fair is an annual event featuring carnival rides, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Highlights for 2026 include a new drone light show after the last main stage performance on May 30, 31, and June 1. The fair runs daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, except closed on June 2 and 3.
What to Expect:
- Carnival rides and games
- Live concerts and performances
- Food and beverage vendors
- Exhibitions and contests
- Activities for all ages
This event is a beloved community tradition and offers something for everyone to enjoy over ten days in early June.https://www.instagram.com/p/DQNVq78En3p/