Free things to do in the Bay Area

3 PM – 5 PM·Main Library TeenZone, Oakland

Create your own virtual pet at this special edition of Teen Crafternoons for National Sewing Month! Drop by the Main Library TeenZone on Wednesday, September 2nd between 3:00-5:00pm. We'll have all the materials you need to make your own handmade felt tamagotchi. Hand sewing lessons included! For youth in 6th-12th grad…

3 PM – 4 PM·Brentwood, Brentwood

Take a break and have some fun after school at the Brentwood Library every Wednesday! This program, open to tweens and teens in grades 6-12, features a mix of games, crafts, snacks and opportunities to meet new friends. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!

3:30 PM – 5 PM·Eastmont Branch, Oakland

Teens! Every Wednesday afternoon after school, come to the Eastmont Branch TeenZone. Play video games projected up on our giant wall screen, meet and hang-out with friends, and while you're at it, grab a snack! Get accessibility information .

5:45 PM – 6:45 PM·Calabazas, San Jose

Looking to make new friends and have fun at the same time? Teen Craft & Connect (ages 12–18) is a welcoming weekly program created to help teens hang out, get creative, and build real connections in a friendly, relaxed setting. September 16 - Bedazzling mirrors September 23 - Decorating tote bags September 30 - Jewelry…

Dublin, Dublin

Banned Books Week is October 4-10, 2026 Celebrate Banned Books Week all month long at the Dublin Library! Take a chance on an unknown book that has been banned or challenged somewhere in the world. You won't be able to tell what the book is, but we'll provide some info on the cover. Check it out, unwrap, and enjoy! Eac…

2:30 PM – 4:30 PM·Fruitvale Branch, Oakland

Get creative and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us! Teens are invited to explore hands-on crafts inspired by the rich traditions, art, and heritage of Hispanic and Latinx communities. Whether you are looking to learn something new, express your creativity, or spend time with friends, these fun and engaging prog…

4 PM – 8 PM·San José Public Library · San Jose

TeenHQ Theater is ready to hold its 18th open casting call for its 18th production! In acknowledgement of the chillier Fall months to come, TeenHQ wants to do a chillier production. Audition to join the cast of our first thriller! We are still narrowing down the choice for the play, but we'll have it once audition time…

4 PM – 6 PM·Prewett, Antioch

Hey Teens! Got something to say? Want to write poetry, drop bars, make music, or just get creative with others who understand where you’re coming from? Youth Arts Connection is your space to do all that and more. These free workshops at the Prewett Library are led by local artists with powerful voices in poetry, music,…

Biblioteca Latinoamericana, Children's Area & Teen Room, San Jose

Looking for a fun activity this Halloween? Stop by the branch for our spooky season scavenger hunt! We'll have a bunch of spooky-themed (but not-that-scary) paper creations hidden between our bookshelves, think you can find them all? Drop in, grab a scavenger hunt clue card and begin exploring Biblioteca Latinoamerican…

2 PM – 4 PM·Lakeview Branch, Meeting Room, Oakland

If you are a teen looking for a place to chill, Lakeview library is the place to go! We have gaming and art every week! If you aren't into either, you can always work on homework or just hangout with your friends. We have music playing and good vibes. We also provide a light snack. Come by and check us out. Get accessi…

3:30 PM – 5 PM·Asian Branch, Oakland

Teens! Come join us at Asian Branch Library every Friday afternoon from 3:30-5PM to play Nintendo Switch games! No registration is required, just show up and have fun! Get accessibility information .

7:30 PM – 9:30 PM·CCRMA Courtyard · Palo Alto

CCRMA celebrates the start of the 2026 season with its annual Transitions: two evenings of outdoor, under-the-stars concerts showcasing music from the CCRMA community and beyond. Feast your ears on immersive 3D sounds played on our multichannel system (24.6 speakers!) in the Courtyard outside the Knoll. Each evening’s…

Biblioteca Latinoamericana, Children's Area & Teen Room, San Jose

Looking for a fun activity this Halloween? Stop by the branch for our spooky season scavenger hunt! We'll have a bunch of spooky-themed (but not-that-scary) paper creations hidden between our bookshelves, think you can find them all? Drop in, grab a scavenger hunt clue card and begin exploring Biblioteca Latinoamerican…

11 AM – 4 PM·Biblioteca Latinoamericana, San Jose

Join us as Biblioteca Latinoamericana celebrates 50 years of serving the community. The anniversary celebration will honor the founders who established the library in 1976 and recognize Amigos de la Biblioteca with a special commendation. Guest Speakers Matt Mahan, Mayor, City of San José Anthony Tordillos, Councilmemb…

11 AM – 4 PM·Exact parking location TBA · Pleasanton

Join Zippy in the Kids Zone at Pleasanton Palooza, presented by the Pleasanton Downtown Association! Stop by for books, recreation, and family fun at this free street fair featuring live music, vendors, entertainment, and the BMX Bike Fest.

12 PM – 1 PM·Pacifica Sharp Park, Pacifica

In honor of World Mental Health Day on Saturday, October 10, personalize your own wellness kit by decorating a pencil pouch and filling it with items to help support your mental health throughout the day. All materials provided. This program is intended for tween and teens (ages 10+). No registration required.

1 PM – 2:30 PM·San Lorenzo, Greenhouse Community Room, San Lorenzo

Celebrate Latino Heritage Month! Teens, join us for Slurp N Paint with Artist Daisy ! Enjoy slushy drinks, paint, and celebrate Latino culture through art! While supplies last!

7:30 PM – 9:30 PM·CCRMA Courtyard · Palo Alto

CCRMA celebrates the start of the 2026 season with its annual Transitions: two evenings of outdoor, under-the-stars concerts showcasing music from the CCRMA community and beyond. Feast your ears on immersive 3D sounds played on our multichannel system (24.6 speakers!) in the Courtyard outside the Knoll. Each evening’s…

Biblioteca Latinoamericana, Children's Area & Teen Room, San Jose

Looking for a fun activity this Halloween? Stop by the branch for our spooky season scavenger hunt! We'll have a bunch of spooky-themed (but not-that-scary) paper creations hidden between our bookshelves, think you can find them all? Drop in, grab a scavenger hunt clue card and begin exploring Biblioteca Latinoamerican…

12 PM – 5 PM·Albany, Edith Stone Room, Albany

This fun, family-friendly, all-ages event celebrates Banned Books Week with something for everyone! Scheduled Events : Community Center Main Hall 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Meet the Authors Tabling event with guest authors 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Banned Books Drag Bingo w/Ms. Sweet Nothing A guaranteed fun time! 2:15 PM – 2:30 P…

1 PM – 3 PM·Biblioteca Latinoamericana, Community Room, San Jose

Could a prehistoric creature really have survived in Loch Ness? Is Bigfoot actually prowling the forests of the Pacific Northwest? How would a Mothman fly anyway? Get ready to explore the lore and science that lurks behind our favorite cryptids in our spooky season STEAM Sunday. After learning the history and science t…

2 PM – 4 PM·Belmont, Twin Pines Park 1 Twin Pines Ln, Belmont, CA 94002, Belmont

Join Belmont's Poet Laureate for a unique outdoor experience that combines a scenic hike at Twin Pines Lake with a poetry workshop. Participants will draw inspiration from nature, engage in guided writing exercises, and explore the connection between movement, observation, and storytelling. Whether you're an experience…

2 PM – 4:30 PM·Main Library TeenZone, 2nd floor , Oakland

Teens! Do you like games that involve worldbuilding, narrative, and strategy? Come and meet other teens and play the fun Magic the Gathering (MtG) game Commander . Open to new and experienced players. All teens aged 12-18 welcome. All materials provided (including snacks!).

7:30 PM – 9:30 PM·Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills, California

Hidden Villa welcomes the San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) for an evening viewing of the planets, stars, galaxies and other heavenly bodies. This free event introduces the public to the use of optical aids such as binoculars and telescopes, along with the chance to ask experienced SJAA members questions about a…

Biblioteca Latinoamericana, Children's Area & Teen Room, San Jose

Looking for a fun activity this Halloween? Stop by the branch for our spooky season scavenger hunt! We'll have a bunch of spooky-themed (but not-that-scary) paper creations hidden between our bookshelves, think you can find them all? Drop in, grab a scavenger hunt clue card and begin exploring Biblioteca Latinoamerican…

3 PM – 4 PM·Vineland, Information Desk, San Jose

Celebrate Banned Books Week with two fun scavenger hunts. Kids can explore the Children’s Room to uncover clues about challenged favorites, while teens and adults can test their knowledge with a banned book quest of their own. Discover stories once silenced—and the joy of finding them again. Please pick up a scavenger…

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM·Hillview, Teen Room, San Jose

Are you an expert at video, board, and card games? Do you want to demonstrate your skills, or just want to learn the basics? Or maybe you'd like to sink the 8 ball at a game of pool? Join us in the Teen Room at the Hillview Branch Library if you want to play video, board, and card games, play some pool, or just hang ou…

7 PM – 8:30 PM·JCCSF, 3200 California Street, San Francisco, CA

Join a heartfelt conversation about food, hospitality, and how the simple act of gathering around the table helps us build community and feel at home with each other.

Virtual Library, San Francisco Public Library

Main Library TeenZone, Oakland

Let Books Be: Protect the Freedom to Read Celebrate your freedom to read at the 2nd Annual Banned Books Teen Read-a-thon. From Tuesday, October 6th through Friday, October 9th, drop in to the Main Library TeenZone and curl up with a banned book anytime from opening to closing. American Library Association's (ALA) Offic…

Biblioteca Latinoamericana, Children's Area & Teen Room, San Jose

Looking for a fun activity this Halloween? Stop by the branch for our spooky season scavenger hunt! We'll have a bunch of spooky-themed (but not-that-scary) paper creations hidden between our bookshelves, think you can find them all? Drop in, grab a scavenger hunt clue card and begin exploring Biblioteca Latinoamerican…

Calabazas, San Jose

Play bingo with banned and challenged books during Banned Books Week. Mark off squares featuring titles that have faced censorship, from classics to modern favorites. A fun way to celebrate intellectual freedom and every reader's right to choose their own books. Pick up your bingo card at the information desk to partic…