Free family day
No-ticket or likely-free events that work well as the anchor for a low-cost weekend plan.
Open this plan →San Francisco Bay Area family weekend planner
Updated August 12, 2026
The weekend of August 14–16 brings Stern Grove Festival in San Francisco (Saturday) and Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa (Saturday), plus National Honey Bee Day Celebration and Qixi Festival. Every listing below comes from the organizer's own calendar, with times, venues, and official links — and the free ones are marked.
303 family events across 44 San Francisco Bay Area cities this weekend — 222 likely free. Biggest clusters: library (132), museum (68), park (57).
Stern Grove Festival: Public Enemy
Free outdoor concert at Stern Grove; confirm lottery and entry details before going.
Sat · 12:00 PM · Santa Rosa
Free
Sonoma County Fair (Saturday)
The Sonoma County Fair is open all weekend at the Sonoma County Fair and Event Center in Santa…
Sat · 10:30 AM · Livermore
Free
National Honey Bee Day Celebration
Del Valle
Qixi Festival
Sunnyvale Public Library
Sat · 5:00 PM · CA
Bliss Festival
Outdoor Plaza
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No-ticket or likely-free events that work well as the anchor for a low-cost weekend plan.
Open this plan →Shorter, earlier programs with age signals that are easier for little kids.
Open this plan →Libraries, museums, makerspaces, and indoor culture picks for weather or low-energy days.
Open this plan →A tighter cluster in one city so the day does not become a cross-Bay drive.
Open this plan →Generated August 12, 2026 from official event sources
85 events · 61 free
Select programs will be on break until September.
Free Official ↗Take a little detour with Summer Escape at Bowes — our annual snapshot of what’s new at the Art & Architecture Library, presented with a seaside breeze.
Official ↗All children's programs on break during August.
Free Official ↗Transit maps hold a unique place in both the urban environment and the cultural zeitgeist, often transcending their utilitarian purposes to…
Official ↗Animal, Vegetable, nor Mineral is the first large-scale solo museum exhibition of Manila-born, Los Angeles-based artist Miljohn Ruperto (b. 1971).
Official ↗Daily otter feedings, shark talks, and kid-focused tours.
Official ↗7.5-acre indoor + outdoor museum designed for kids under 10.
Official ↗Branner Earth Sciences Library & Map Collection exhibit series: Oceans In the 2025–2026 academic year, Branner Library’s exhibit series…
Official ↗This event is in the "Baby - Preschool" group This event is in the "Adult" group Cafecito para Mamás at Bayer Farm Friday, August 14, 2026…
Free Official ↗is a multimedia exhibition that begins with a score for a performance and unfolds as a series of interventions that engage accessibility as an artistic material.
Official ↗Hands-on exhibits and daily art and science programs for kids 0-10.
Official ↗Hands-on science museum with native California animals.
Official ↗This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group This event is in the "Adult" group This event is in the "All Ages"…
Free Official ↗Stanford University Libraries presents Ginsberg at 100: Selections from the Allen Ginsberg Papers at Stanford, on view in the Peterson…
Official ↗Indoor museum and play space designed for babies through age 5.
Official ↗Small zoo plus rides and play areas designed for younger kids.
Official ↗Curated by Associate Curator of European Art, Patrick R. Crowley, JANE! celebrates the aesthetic and affective excesses of Jane Stanford,…
Official ↗brings together rare books, facsimiles, woodblocks, broadsheets, illustrated books, typewriter materials, and other objects from the East Asia Library’s collections.
Official ↗Walking zoo plus aerial gondola and train through the California Trail.
Official ↗Daily live talk at the African penguin colony.
Official ↗Weekend animal encounters, Children's Zoo, family carousel.
Official ↗Stanford Libraries now holds an 1883 edition of a rare book, Les laboureurs: poème tiré de Jocelyn, whose pages (text and ornaments) were…
Official ↗Join friendly library staff for storytime every Friday morning.
Free Official ↗This is a free community program. Please consider supporting the Gardens of Golden Gate Park with a recommended donation of $5-20. Your…
Free Official ↗Hora de cantos y juegos para bebé Storytime in Spanish and English for babies and toddlers We will sing, sway, clap, read and move together…
Free Official ↗This event is in the "Baby - Preschool" group Family Storytime in Giorgi Park Friday, August 14, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:15am Offsite…
Free Official ↗1,000 Ways to Hold is the culmination of a year-long participatory project by Stanford Arts’ 2025–26 Visiting Artist Erika Chong Shuch, rooted in conversation and clay.
Free Official ↗This children’s program has two shows: 11-11:30am with a repeat show 12-12:30pm.
Free Official ↗Stay-n-Play a while, right after our Bilingual Baby Bounce Unstructured play in a group is a great way to build social and emotional skills by spending time together!
Free Official ↗This event is in the "Baby - Preschool" group This event is in the "Adult" group Baby Village Friday, August 14, 2026 at 11:30am - 12:30pm…
Free Official ↗This exhibition celebrates Auguste Rodin’s relentless pursuit to convey complex emotions, diverse psychological states, and pure sensuality through the nude.
Free Official ↗This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group This event is in the "Adult" group This event is in the "All Ages"…
Free Official ↗Community Craft Circle, work on your knitting, crochet, embroidery, or any craft you like!
Free Official ↗Connecting people to social services, county mental health and more.
Free Official ↗Public Tours: Cantor Highlights Explore the highlights of the Cantor's permanent collection on a public tour that leads you through a…
Free Official ↗Please join us at the American Canyon library for our tabletop gaming club where members of the community can play a wide array of tabletop…
Free Official ↗Daily dive demonstration in the 212,000-gallon Philippine Coral Reef tank.
Official ↗Hands-on science exhibits across all six galleries; weekend has extra demos.
Official ↗in the Children's Section! Reading Assistance for Children with Teen Volunteers! Come on down to the Vacaville Cultural Center Library’s…
Free Official ↗Let's get in a game of bones! Join us for some casual dominoes games every Friday from 3-5pm in the 1st Floor Commons! Everyone’s welcome,…
Free Official ↗A weekly chess meet-up for all ages and levels.
Free Official ↗Explore the World of Maps at the David Rumsey Map Center Join us for a guided tour of the David Rumsey Map Center at Stanford Libraries.
Official ↗Curious about what’s inside a computer? Join us for this hands-on program where kids can take apart e-waste like CPUs, monitors, and mice…
Free Official ↗Story of a Seed! Learn about seeds and plant some to take home with you! Ages 5 and up. Seeds are full of potential. Let's go on a journey…
Free Official ↗Our Library Grandparents are warm, enthusiastic volunteers who love to read to children.
Free Official ↗Celebrate national dog month with us and paint your own furry-friend-inspired rock design.
Free Official ↗Live Music by Ashley Mehta, DJ set by BRIIZA, Locking Dance Lesson with Chaz, and Gallery Chats from Friday Night at OMCA comes alive with…
Free Official ↗Join us Friday, August 14 for our Special Member Lounge!
Free Official ↗Join us for FREE family fun near you on a giant outdoor screen.
Free Official ↗Enjoy an outdoor movie during a beautiful summer evening in Howarth Park!
Official ↗While our storytimes and children's programs are on a short break through August, we're already looking forward to welcoming you back in September!
Free Official ↗Three-month activation on the eastern side of Ross Street between Mendocino Avenue and the private parking lot exit behind 427 Mendocino Avenue.
Official ↗Take a stroll and enjoy successive pages from a children’s story along your path.
Free Official ↗All children's storytimes will be on a brief break during August.
Free Official ↗141 events · 115 free
Presented by the Friends of the Vacaville Library The Friends of the Vacaville Library are having a special sale for our members!
Free Official ↗All children's programs on break during August.
Free Official ↗is a hands-on family event that allowed children to explore a variety of vehicles up close and in one pace.
Official ↗Animal, Vegetable, nor Mineral is the first large-scale solo museum exhibition of Manila-born, Los Angeles-based artist Miljohn Ruperto (b. 1971).
Official ↗Daily otter feedings, shark talks, and kid-focused tours.
Official ↗7.5-acre indoor + outdoor museum designed for kids under 10.
Official ↗Young readers are invited to read to a certified listening dog.
Free Official ↗is a multimedia exhibition that begins with a score for a performance and unfolds as a series of interventions that engage accessibility as an artistic material.
Official ↗Hands-on exhibits and daily art and science programs for kids 0-10.
Official ↗Need specific assistance or have a general computer question?
Free Official ↗Hands-on science museum with native California animals.
Official ↗When Saturday, August 15, 10am-5pm Sunday, August 16, 10am-4pm Where San Francisco County Fair Building — Hall of Flowers About the Show FREE admission, all ages!
Free Official ↗When Saturday, August 15, 10am-5pm Sunday, August 16, 10am-4pm Where San Francisco County Fair Building — Hall of Flowers About the Show FREE admission, all ages!
Free Official ↗When Saturday, August 15, 10am-5pm Sunday, August 16, 10am-4pm Where San Francisco County Fair Building — Hall of Flowers About the Show FREE admission, all ages!
Free Official ↗Free Saturday family walks at the wildlife refuge visitor center.
Free Official ↗Shine with PRIDE at Fairyland Family-friendly PRIDE fun with a dash of fairy dust and a whole lot of love!
Free Official ↗Songs, books, and movement for young kids.
Free Official ↗The Friends of the Calistoga Library will be now accepting book donations on the first and third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Free Official ↗Stanford University Libraries presents Ginsberg at 100: Selections from the Allen Ginsberg Papers at Stanford, on view in the Peterson…
Official ↗Indoor museum and play space designed for babies through age 5.
Official ↗Small zoo plus rides and play areas designed for younger kids.
Official ↗Working farm and 1600 acres of trails. Feed animals, picnic, hike.
Official ↗Curated by Associate Curator of European Art, Patrick R. Crowley, JANE! celebrates the aesthetic and affective excesses of Jane Stanford,…
Official ↗brings together rare books, facsimiles, woodblocks, broadsheets, illustrated books, typewriter materials, and other objects from the East Asia Library’s collections.
Official ↗Walking zoo plus aerial gondola and train through the California Trail.
Official ↗Daily live talk at the African penguin colony.
Official ↗Weekend animal encounters, Children's Zoo, family carousel.
Official ↗Earn Service Hours Meetings take place on the third Saturday of each month. *No meeting in JULY Ages 13-17 join the JFK Library's Teen…
Free Official ↗Stanford Libraries now holds an 1883 edition of a rare book, Les laboureurs: poème tiré de Jocelyn, whose pages (text and ornaments) were…
Official ↗Monarch Butterfly Logistics Monarch Butterfly Logistics: Propagating plants and building butterfly waystations.
Free Official ↗Friends of the Library Bookstore Come visit Words of Wonder, the new bookstore within the Vacaville Cultural Center Library, run by the…
Free Official ↗Play chess and make friends. All ages and skill levels welcome. Join the "It's Your Move Chess Club." Drop-in for chess for all ages and…
Free Official ↗Come join us every third Saturday of the month for the Drop-in Bike Clinic!
Free Official ↗Join us for fun stories and songs in the Central Children's Room on the 4th Floor of the Central Branch!
Free Official ↗Join a family tour at the de Young. The theme of the tour is “water.”
Official ↗San Francisco County Fair Building — Garden Club Room About the Program Registration includes all materials.
Official ↗Kids aged 7-10 learn sewing skills with Library Clerk Julia.
Free Official ↗1,000 Ways to Hold is the culmination of a year-long participatory project by Stanford Arts’ 2025–26 Visiting Artist Erika Chong Shuch, rooted in conversation and clay.
Free Official ↗Adoption Event Purrfect companions await!
Free Official ↗The Family Art Making table offers a hands-on art project developed by practicing artists on select Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm.
Free Official ↗Join Kababayan Kids as they read a Tagalog-English bilingual book at the Springstowne Library!
Free Official ↗Young yogis will stretch their bodies, minds, and hearts with yoga and mindfulness activities and games.
Free Official ↗s, August 15, September 5, October 10, 2026, at 11 am in the Children's Room No sign up required Featuring Jamie Gao, published author,…
Free Official ↗Free family-friendly back-to-school resource fair organized by Mission Lotería at the 16th Street and 24th Street Mission BART plazas:…
Free Official ↗Welcome to the STEM Explorers program! In this program, students aged 8-18 are invited to explore various areas of STEM through hands-on…
Free Official ↗Storytime at the Edible Schoolyard Berkeley In partnership with the teachers from the Edible Schoolyard Project, the Berkeley Public…
Free Official ↗This is a free community program. Please consider supporting the Gardens of Golden Gate Park with a recommended donation of $5-20. Your…
Free Official ↗Drop-in family program at Ardenwood Historic Farm: try wet felting with wool from the farm's own sheep and learn how wool becomes fabric.
Free Official ↗This exhibition celebrates Auguste Rodin’s relentless pursuit to convey complex emotions, diverse psychological states, and pure sensuality through the nude.
Free Official ↗Community Singing with Hannah Mayree Hannah Mayree (they/them) is a banjoist and multi-instrumentalist exploring folk music’s Black cultural past and future.
Free Official ↗The Sonoma County Fair is open all weekend at the Sonoma County Fair and Event Center in Santa Rosa: carnival rides, exhibits, food, entertainment, and free live music.
Free Official ↗Come by the Anderson Collection for a free guided tour of our collection!
Free Official ↗Paint an August themed acrylic artwork on a 11x14" canvas!
Free Official ↗Public Tours: Cantor Highlights Explore the highlights of the Cantor's permanent collection on a public tour that leads you through a…
Free Official ↗Let’s paint one of California’s most resilient native plants: cacti!
Free Official ↗Come make art with us. An art day for the whole Community. Every third Saturday of the month outside the Claremont Branch. All ages and…
Free Official ↗Daily dive demonstration in the 212,000-gallon Philippine Coral Reef tank.
Official ↗Hands-on science exhibits across all six galleries; weekend has extra demos.
Official ↗Free RSVP Opening Set from Camilo y los Cruzers The son of Ecuadoran immigrants, Roberto Carlos Lange is a producer and singer-songwriter…
Free Official ↗Hands-on science exhibits with weekend live shows.
Official ↗Free outdoor concert at Stern Grove; confirm lottery and entry details before going.
Free Official ↗Hands-on tech and science exhibits, plus weekend lab demos.
Official ↗Public Tours: Cantor Highlights Explore the highlights of the Cantor's permanent collection on a public tour that leads you through a…
Free Official ↗Learn more about the amazing human body, the organ systems, and why they are important.
Free Official ↗Guided Midpen open-space hike at Skyline Ridge Preserve. 2.5 mile route.
Free Official ↗While our storytimes and children's programs are on a short break through August, we're already looking forward to welcoming you back in September!
Free Official ↗Take a stroll and enjoy successive pages from a children’s story along your path.
Free Official ↗All children's storytimes will be on a brief break during August.
Free Official ↗77 events · 46 free
Animal, Vegetable, nor Mineral is the first large-scale solo museum exhibition of Manila-born, Los Angeles-based artist Miljohn Ruperto (b. 1971).
Official ↗Daily otter feedings, shark talks, and kid-focused tours.
Official ↗7.5-acre indoor + outdoor museum designed for kids under 10.
Official ↗is a multimedia exhibition that begins with a score for a performance and unfolds as a series of interventions that engage accessibility as an artistic material.
Official ↗Hands-on exhibits and daily art and science programs for kids 0-10.
Official ↗Hands-on science museum with native California animals.
Official ↗Free Saturday family walks at the wildlife refuge visitor center.
Free Official ↗Shine with PRIDE at Fairyland Family-friendly PRIDE fun with a dash of fairy dust and a whole lot of love!
Free Official ↗Indoor museum and play space designed for babies through age 5.
Official ↗Small zoo plus rides and play areas designed for younger kids.
Official ↗Working farm and 1600 acres of trails. Feed animals, picnic, hike.
Official ↗Curated by Associate Curator of European Art, Patrick R. Crowley, JANE! celebrates the aesthetic and affective excesses of Jane Stanford,…
Official ↗brings together rare books, facsimiles, woodblocks, broadsheets, illustrated books, typewriter materials, and other objects from the East Asia Library’s collections.
Official ↗Walking zoo plus aerial gondola and train through the California Trail.
Official ↗Daily live talk at the African penguin colony.
Official ↗Weekend animal encounters, Children's Zoo, family carousel.
Official ↗Stanford Libraries now holds an 1883 edition of a rare book, Les laboureurs: poème tiré de Jocelyn, whose pages (text and ornaments) were…
Official ↗Drop-in family program at Ardenwood Historic Farm: picture books about farms and animals, read aloud in the farmyard with the farm's animal friends nearby.
Free Official ↗1,000 Ways to Hold is the culmination of a year-long participatory project by Stanford Arts’ 2025–26 Visiting Artist Erika Chong Shuch, rooted in conversation and clay.
Free Official ↗This program offers tiered ticketing to encourage greater diversity of participants from the community.
Official ↗Drop-in family program at Ardenwood Historic Farm: hunt for bugs in the farm's garden with a naturalist and learn why garden insects matter.
Free Official ↗Stanford University Libraries presents Ginsberg at 100: Selections from the Allen Ginsberg Papers at Stanford, on view in the Peterson…
Official ↗The Sonoma County Fair is open all weekend at the Sonoma County Fair and Event Center in Santa Rosa: carnival rides, exhibits, food, entertainment, and free live music.
Free Official ↗Earn Service Hours The Library is in need of Teen Volunteers: Homework Help Center each Wednesday from 3:30-5:30PM Tutor kids…
Free Official ↗Come by the Anderson Collection for a free guided tour of our collection!
Free Official ↗Registration is recommended. Walk-ins are also welcome. Coloring sheets aren't just for kids! Come join us to unwind and color at the same…
Free Official ↗Music at the Mansion A Summer Concert Series at Historic Mt.
Official ↗Public Tours: Cantor Highlights Explore the highlights of the Cantor's permanent collection on a public tour that leads you through a…
Free Official ↗Drop-in family program at Ardenwood Historic Farm: explore the farm's pepper patch, taste the difference between sweet and hot varieties,…
Free Official ↗Daily dive demonstration in the 212,000-gallon Philippine Coral Reef tank.
Official ↗Hands-on science exhibits across all six galleries; weekend has extra demos.
Official ↗Hands-on science exhibits with weekend live shows.
Official ↗Learn from a trained docent as you walk among the diverse collection of outdoor sculpture surrounding the Cantor Art Center.
Free Official ↗Free outdoor concert at Stern Grove; confirm lottery and entry details before going.
Free Official ↗Hands-on tech and science exhibits, plus weekend lab demos.
Official ↗Are you hoping to attract more pollinators to your garden?
Free Official ↗Public Tours: Cantor Highlights Explore the highlights of the Cantor's permanent collection on a public tour that leads you through a…
Free Official ↗This program offers tiered ticketing to encourage greater diversity of participants from the community.
Official ↗This program offers tiered ticketing to encourage greater diversity of participants from the community.
Official ↗This program offers tiered ticketing to encourage greater diversity of participants from the community.
Official ↗Jump to the kind of weekend you're after — story time, hands-on science, music, the outdoors, and more.
Read-alouds, story hours, rhyme times, author visits, and book clubs.
Zoos, farms, gardens, and wildlife walks to get up close with the outdoors.
Drop-in making, painting, drawing, and creative studio time.
Concerts, recitals, dance, theater, sing-alongs, and live shows.
Fairs, parades, seasonal celebrations, and big community gatherings.
Science, coding, robotics, building, and other hands-on, curious-kid programs.
Farmers markets, food trucks, tastings, and cooking fun.
Sports, playgrounds, swimming, biking, and run-around energy burners.
Weekly storytimes and library programs: the San Francisco Bay Area library events calendar.