Free Bay Area Events For Families This Weekend (6/25-6/26)
Free and fun family-friendly event choices abound throughout the Bay this weekend. From jazz and folk festivals, flea markets and health fairs to African-American and Mexican heritage celebrations, we have you covered. For more event ideas, be sure to check out CBS SF's Events section.
San Francisco
Jazz Mafia Symphony, Stern Grove Festival
Sunday, June 26, 2011, 2:00 p.m.
Stern Grove
19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard
San Francisco
Bay Area ensemble Jazz Mafia Sympony will fill Stern Grove on Sunday afternoon with the sounds of their "genre-defying fusion of jazz, funk, hip-hop, electronica, and symphonic music," while presenting the world premiere of their delightfully named new work, Symphony No. 2, The Emperor Norton Suite celebrating San Francisco's legendary eccentric. Also featuring Chali 2na of Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli fame.
The 35th Annual San Francisco Free Folk Festival
June 25-26, 2011
Noon to 10 p.m.
Presidio Middle School
450 30th Ave
San Francisco
Head to San Francisco's Richmond District for a folk extravaganza this weekend, featuring two full days of music and dance workshops, concerts, dance parties, crafts, vendors, formal and informal music-making, and "just plain fun for the whole family". All ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in any and all events and workshops they fancy -- or just listen and stomp your feet and clap your hands!
8th Annual SF Pride Family Garden 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Noon 5 p.m.
Larkin and Grove Streets
San Francisco (The south playground at Civic Center)
San Francisco will be dominated by a slew of Gay Pride events this weekend, and on Sunday, families can enjoy their very own little space amidst the festivities, featuring art activities, face painting, and a playground. Last year, the playground was reportedly overflowing with families.
Treasure Island Flea
June 25 - 26, 2011
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Avenue of the Palms, Treasure Island
Take the kids on a big treasure hunt on Treasure Island at the second edition of the new Treasure Island Flea. There are one-of-a-kind gems to suit every taste at this event, which features new, vintage, and handmade merchandise, indie designs, home decor and garden, antiques and collectibles, specialty foods, and crafts.
East Bay
Berkeley Juneteenth Festival
Sunday, June 26, 2011
10 am to 6 pm
Adeline Street, from Alcatraz to Ashby
Berkeley
The main stage at Berkeley's Juneteenth Festival incorporates the best of the African American experience: African drumming, jazz, blues, neo-soul, gospel, rhythm and blues, and reggae, showcasing local talents along with up and coming acts. Additionally, novice entertainers will grace the community stage. The festival also features art activities for children, a health fair, a basketball tourney, and historical exhibits.
Marin
Mexican Arts Festival
Saturday, June 25th
Noon to 5 p.m.
San Geronimo Community Center
6350 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
San Geronimo
Music and dance, make-your-own tortillas, hands-on arts and crafts, and jumpee castles are among the many fun and low-cost activities for kids at this bilingual celebration of Mexican culture. There will be live entertainment from Los Cenzontles, along with performances by local community members involved in San Geronimo Community Center's new Revivir la Cultura Mexican arts program. Bring a blanket and have a picnic!
South Bay
Festival in the Park
Saturday, June 25
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hellyer County Park
985 Hellyer Avenue
San Jose
In addition to learning about health, safety, and green living, kids can take part in a Teddy Bear Clinic, Kayaking and Stand-up Paddleboarding on the lake and 30' climbing wall, along with live entertainment, face painting, jump houses and a watermelon-eating contest. There will also be lots of free giveaways, including water, water bottles, juice bars and reuseable grocery bags while supplies last.
Leanne Maxwell is the mother of a toddler who loves checking out the many kidcentric activities the Bay Area has to offer. She's also a freelance writer, designer, and all-around web enthusiast. You can find her over at leannemaxwell.com.
