We reviewed 550+ Bay Area event sources to pick the 31 best things to do in the Bay Area between August 15 and August 21. Updated daily.
to see a personalized list by location, interest, and age group.
Highlights for August 15 – August 22
Creek Detectives: Family Rangers (Butano State Park, 1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CA)
Volunteers guide families to discover creek life and the ecosystem beneath the water at Butano State Park. Saturday, August 15, 11 AM–1 PM. Open to families; no registration needed.
Family Pride Weekend (Children's Fairyland)
Family‑friendly Pride celebration with face painting, crafts, live performances and inclusive activities at Fairyland. Sunday, August 16, 10 AM–4 PM. All ages; free admission.
1,000 Ways to Hold (Anderson Collection, 314 Lomita Dr, Stanford, CA)
Pairs sit together to shape ceramic bowls while reflecting on what they have held, a participatory art experience across campus. Saturday & Sunday, August 15–16, 11 AM–5 PM. Free. No registration required; suitable for all ages.
Open: Art Lab (BAMPFA Calendar)
Open studio where visitors can experiment with mixed media and create art in a free lab setting. Sunday, August 16, 11 AM–7 PM. Free. All ages welcome; drop‑in, no reservation.
Sound Bath (The Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek, CA)
Guided sound bath session using resonant tones to promote relaxation in the garden setting. Tuesday, August 18, 6 PM–7 PM. $35–$52. Bring a mat; meditation class for all ages.
Baylands Explorations (Palo Alto Baylands, 2560 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, CA)
Docent‑led walk exploring the science and nature of the Baylands, focusing on how plants and animals survive the salty habitat. Thursday, August 20, 9:30–11 AM. Ages 6+; no registration required.
Sunset Sessions – Concert Series (RUTH BANCROFT GARDEN)
Free live music concert featuring Brad Parese with food and drink options at the garden plaza. Thursday, August 20, 5:30–7:30 PM. Free. Live music; food and beverages available for purchase.
Bay Area Comics and Comix Exhibition (King Library, San Jose)
Exhibit tracing the history of Bay Area comic books from the 19th century to modern times. Monday, August 17 – Saturday, August 22. Free. Teens and adults; explore comic history.
Our best picks: things to do in the Bay Area — August 15–21
Sunday, August 16
BRUSHY PEAK - Join a naturalist on a hike in Brushy Peak to see how some animals and plants adapt to the hot August weather. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for moderate hills on this 3-mile loop along exposed dirt and gravel trails. 8-10am, Sunday, August 16th Distance of Hike: 3 miles Elevation Change: 0 - 500 ft T…
Join Greenbelt Alliance for a scenic hike along the San Francisco coast.
Join Oakland Public Library in downtown Oakland for a full day of celebration. More than a single event, Oakland Pride reflects the city's culture, resilience, and creativity with a vibrant parade, local artists, and community programming. Pride is rooted in connection, health, and inclusion while supporting LGBTQ+ Oak…
Walk Lick Observatory's Eastside to see the iconic Shane Telescope. Enjoy a history lecture, stargazing & expert-led portable telescopes.
SUNOL - As the sun sets over Sunol, the night shift begins! Join us for a magical evening watching local bats emerge from their bat houses and take flight on their nightly hunt. Discover why these fascinating creatures are some of nature's most incredible neighbors. Pack a picnic and enjoy it before the start of the pr…
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Monday, August 17
Express your creativity by painting your own 3D-printed design! A new design will be featured each week and pre-printed using our 3D printer at the front desk. During the program, watch the following week's design being printed live, learn how 3D printing works, and ask the staff your questions while you paint. All sup…
Join us for a creative and relaxing evening at our Paint & Sip on Monday August 17th at 5:00pm in the Mount Diablo Room, a perfect blend of artistry and enjoyment! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to try something new, this event is all about unwinding, expressing yourself, and having fun. We’ll provide…
Join the Sunnyvale Public Library and the Peninsula Astronomical Society for an evening under the stars! This family-friendly event will take place at the Foothill Observatory at Foothill College, where members of the Peninsula Astronomical Society will guide visitors through a tour of the night sky. Visitors will be a…
Tuesday, August 18
Join us for a mesmerizing bubble show with Sterling Bubbles. For children and families. Please arrive on time. Space is limited Generously sponsored by the Friends of Cupertino Library. For accessibility accommodations (ex. ASL), please fill out the online form at sccld.org/accessibility 7+days prior to the event. If y…
John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators assassinated the 16th President in April 1865. We’ll investigate their plans, capture, and execution.
Do you have a reluctant reader? Sign your child up for a session to practice reading with a therapy dog at the library. Studies show that children who may not want to read in front of their peers are much less anxious with an animal present. Children don't perceive animals as judgmental, and reading to an animal helps…
Enchantments is a magic and circus show that celebrates wonder, illusion and those magical moments. Library staff may take photos, videos, or audio recordings at our events. Please tell us if you do not wish to be photographed, video-recorded, or audio-recorded. We will always respect your requests! An ASL (American Si…
Wednesday, August 19
The California Room’s exhibit “Bay Area Comics and Comix” presents the history of American comic books, highlighting the participation of the San Francisco Bay Area. The exhibit displays comic books and materials illustrating our journey from 1842’s The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck to the arrival of the modern comic b…
BIG BREAK - Embark on a guided kayak adventure to discover Big Break! Learn about the Delta’s rich ecology and natural history while paddling through scenic waterways. A perfect blend of exploration, education, and outdoor fun. Kayaks, safety gear, and paddle instruction provided. Come by yourself or with a partner! Ad…
Phantom of the Universe: The Hunt For Dark Matter 25 minutes Ages 8 and up An exciting exploration of dark matter, from the Big Bang to its anticipated discovery at the Large Hadron Collider. The show will reveal the first hints of its existence through the eyes of Fritz Zwicky, the scientist who coined the term “dark…
Spend your summer evenings at Stafford Park with ten weeks of free live music! The 2026 lineup kicks off with the vibrant Brazilian jazz sounds of Masha Campagne, followed by a dynamic blend of funk, soul, Latin rock, and beyond. It’s an ideal setting to socialize with friends and family in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere…
Thursday, August 20
Free event! Join us for an exploration of the science and nature of the Baylands. For ages 6 and up. Click link for more details. — Join expert EV docents for an exploration of the science and nature of the Palo Alto Baylands. What makes this habitat so special? How do the plants and animals survive the salty condition…
This spectacular show thrills audiences with impressive science experiments. The event includes foggy dry ice storms and demonstrates how giant beach balls can float in the air. You will be amazed by sizzling, shivering scissors and special bubbly showers!
Join us as author G. Neri talks about his childhood road trip across America. Peak into the heart of America’s history - the good, the bad, and the ugly - with his book, My Bicentennial Summer . The year is 1976 and America is throwing its 200th birthday party. What better way to celebrate than with an 8 thousand mile…
Spend your Thursday evening with free live music by Brad Parese , great drinks, food, and late-night plant shopping at the Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery. Admission to the Plaza and live music is free . Food from D’vine Graze and beverages will be available for purchase, including fresh craft beer from our beverage spo…
Friday, August 21
When: Friday, August 21, 2026 📅Where: 6200 Christie Avenue, Emeryville, CA 94608Movie Begins: Approximately 7 PM 🎞️Admission: FREE 🎉
Get ready for an epic summer! Concerts on the Plaza is back in 2026, bringing you fifteen unforgettable live shows! Friday nights from June to September, from 6 - 7:30 p.m., Downtown Mountain View will pulse with energy as top music acts take the stage, filling the air with incredible sounds. Join your friends, neighbo…
Sunset Fridays, an after-hours event for the whole family, will run on consecutive Fridays* through October 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Playfield Lawn. Guests will enjoy live music, outdoor bars, kid-friendly activities, ambassador animals, and more. Learn more about Sunset Fridays here: sfzoo.org/sf-zoo-sunset-fridays/…
Saturday, August 22
Avast, ye saucy sailors! Come brave the perilous waters of Point Reyes and join us for a rollicking good time at Point Reyes National Seashore's Sea Chantey Sing-along. Meet at the Ken Patrick Visitor Center where we'll raise our voices together in songs of the sea. Bring your arsenal of sea chanteys and your desire to…
Volunteer with Hidden Villa's farm team and help us care for food for the local community.
Break out your tie‑dye and put flowers in your hair to celebrate the Summer of Love at PIER 39 Saturday, August 22 & Sunday, August 23! Featuring 2‑days of live music, merchant specials, activities for the entire family and much more. Enjoy plenty of peace, love & happiness all weekend long with groovy vibes that helpe…
Hosted by the Berryessa Branch Library. Here’s a chance for you to get up close and personal with farm animals such as rabbits, chickens, ducks, a pig, alpacas, goats, and sheep! You’ll get to pet and groom them. Afterward, browse through our library’s collection of books to learn even more about them. The Petting Zoo…
More than 250 fine artists to browse and shop, continuous live music on multiple stages, an Italian Street Painting Expo, kids’ Chalk-a-Lot, play a piano at Chopin & Chandeliers, yummy food and drink, and new this year - Artistry in Action, in which artists will be demoing their techniques live!
Join us for an entertaining comedy and juggling show that the whole family can enjoy featuring the Clown Prince, Unique Derique. For children and families. Please arrive on time. Doors will close at room capacity. Generously sponsored by the Friends of Cupertino Library. For accessibility accommodations (ex. ASL), plea…