Free things to do in Palo Alto, CA

12 PM – 1 PM·Anderson Collection, 314 Lomita Dr, Stanford, CA 94305 · Palo Alto

Sketch in the Anderson Collection galleries with provided pencils and supplies, free, all ages.

2 PM – 3 PM·Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford, CA 94305 · Palo Alto

Casual in-gallery conversations and a spotlight tour of a single object in the JANE! exhibition at Cantor Arts Center, followed by open discussion, free.

8 AM – 5 PM·Arrillaga Alumni Center, 326 Galvez St, Stanford, CA 94305 · Palo Alto

2026 Stanford Food Summit (Arrillaga Alumni Center) — Faculty, researchers, clinicians, students, and staff showcase food, health, sustainability, engineering, education, business, and policy projects across Stanford.

7:30 PM – 9 PM·Braun Music Center, 541 Lasuen Mall, Stanford, CA 94305 · Palo Alto

Livia Sohn and guest pianist Bernadene Blaha perform Respighi's Cinque Pezzi and Shostakovich's Sonata for Violin and Piano at Braun Music Center, free admission.

1 PM · 3 PM·Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford, CA 94305 · Palo Alto

Guided tours at Cantor Arts Center explore three to four themed artworks with a Stanford student or volunteer guide, offering contemplation and conversation; free, first‑come.

2 PM – 3 PM·Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford, CA 94305 · Palo Alto

Casual in-gallery conversations and a spotlight tour of a single object in the JANE! exhibition at Cantor Arts Center, followed by open discussion, free.

1 PM – 2 PM·Mitchell Park Library, Midtown Room, Palo Alto

Mindfulness meditation sessions led by Buddhist nun Phuong Pham include 30‑minute sitting, 15‑minute releasing, and 15‑minute group sharing in Mitchell Park Library’s Midtown Room, ages 14+.

10 AM – 11:30 AM·Meet at 1005 Bryant Street (corner of Bryant and Addison) · Palo Alto

Explore the tree-shaded Professorville, Palo Alto’s first historic district on the National Register of Historic Places, meeting at 1005 Bryant Street.

9 AM – 12 PM·Lagunita BBQ Pit , Lomita Drive, Stanford CA 94305 · Palo Alto

Volunteer at Lagunita BBQ Pit for a Halloween‑themed trash pick‑up and invasive‑weed removal, protecting salamander habitat; wear protective gear and costume for prize.