20 epically awesome events to get you out and about this weekend on the Peninsula
Outside Lands, Aloha Festival and a secret comedy show: our picks for August 10–12
Oh, August—the sunny days are shortening already. And if you’re a student or teacher, it’s back to school month, so say goodbye to lazy days and endless enjoyment. But not to worry: here’s your chance to squeeze in some last remnants of fun. (And for the rest of us—party on.)
Island on the Bay
Get in the mood for Hawaiian print and hula dancing because the Pacific Islanders’ Cultural Association is holding its annual Aloha Festival this weekend. In addition to highlighting the best of Pacific Islander music and Polynesian dance, the two-day festival of arts also features arts and crafts vendors, island cuisine and educational exhibits (we’re especially excited for the haku lei-making workshop).
Community bonding
Hang out with the locals and celebrate the completion of the new Arrillaga Family Pavilion and Freidenrich Community Park at the Palo Alto JCC. The opening of the new space has been a process 10 years in the making, so don’t hold back on taking advantage of their fitness demos, magic shows, face painting and carnival games.
Something else worth your attention is Dont Tell Comedy, a secret comedy show that’s coming to Palo Alto this Friday night. How is it secret, you ask? Well, the featured comedians and location are kept under wraps—purchase a ticket and all will be emailed to you on the day of the show.
Keep the kids busy
Grab the kids and head over to the Cantor Arts Center in Stanford University this Sunday for a free, family-focused day of art talks, hands-on crafting and gallery viewing. Or pack a picnic dinner and settle down at Cupertino’s Memorial Park for Cinema at Sundown, where you’ll be able to sing-along to Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Another great outdoor viewing event is the Menlo Viewing Series in Menlo Park, which is playing “Black Panther” this week.
Recommended by Bay Area Parent as one of the Best Shows for Kids this Summer and Theatrius as “a must-see this summer,” Pete the Cat is the perfect musical for younger audiences. The Great Jonathan the Magician, which you can see on Saturday in the Milpitas Library, is another great option for little ones.
Get creative
Get some practice for the upcoming Luna Park Chalk Art Festival in September and make your way over to Joyce Ellington Branch Library, where experienced chalk artists will teach technique and answer questions. Plus, you’ll get a chance to do some chalk painting of your own on the parking lot of the library.
Or learn some art journaling skills at this workshop by artist James Burke, who will teach his tips and tricks for visually documenting your life and exercising your imaginations. And don’t forget to bring your favorite art supplies!
Jam out
It’s August, which means it’s Outside Lands season! Now in its eleventh year, Bay Area’s biggest music festival is kicking off this weekend with a banging lineup of musical talent and amazing eats. Check out our guide to navigating this year’s Outside Lands here.
Another killer music event happening at the same time is the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, which heats up the season with live jazz, blues, salsa, Latin and R&B. And don’t miss the tasty food, wine and micro-brews, and an after-hours club crawl.
For the more low-key music experience, check out Entourage the Band, IndiviDúo, P.S. Acoustic Duo, and Steve and Mary Ellen.
Weekend TLC
De-stress and clear your mind from your long week at work and hit up Avalon in Palo Alto for a unique workshop by founder of Prison Yoga Project James Fox and celebrated yoga photographer Robert Sturman. Or learn the Roll Model Method in this introduction to basic body maintenance using self massage therapy balls.
Something else to give a try is this sound immersion experience, where you’ll be surrounded by the healing vibrations of gongs, singing bowls, native flutes, bells and chimes as you’re guided into a deep meditation. And for those looking to get a breath of fresh air, check out this guided, three to six mile hike into the oak woodlands, hills and natural meadows of Edgewood County Park.
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