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Special Events
The City of San Mateo hosts and supports a variety of special events throughout the year. Many, like Eggstravaganza, the Holiday Festival of Dance, National Night Out, and the Central Park Music Series, are long-standing traditions that help to build community and provide family-friendly fun for San Mateo residents. More recent events such as the Citywide Yard Sale, Bacon and Brew Festival, and San Mateo on Ice are growing in popularity and provide year-round activities for residents and visitors alike.
In addition to these special events that bring out hundreds of people, smaller events are happening every day at our libraries, recreation centers, parks, in the downtown, and other great locations.
Check out our event calendar for current information about community events of all sizes!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in sponsoring a special event? Click here for more information!
San Mateo on Ice
Celebrate winter and the holiday season at the Bay Area's largest outdoor, seasonal ice rink in Central Park. This festive event is sponsored by On Ice Rinks, which brings cool, family, fun to San Mateo from November through January.
Holiday Magic - Ice Rink Opening and Skating Performances
Join us on November 18, 2019 at 6:00pm for skating performances, Central Park tree lighting and the arrival of Santa via the Fire Department!
Winter Wonderland
An annual event where San Mateo lights up Central Park for families to enjoy Free Activities: Arts & Crafts, Cookie Decorating, Snow, Music and meet Puffball the Polar Bear.
Friday, November 30th & Saturday, December 1st from 5-8pm.
Holiday Festival of Dance
An annual event where San Mateo parents, children, instructors, volunteers, and City employees bring our Holiday Festival to life!
Eggstravaganza
A long-standing springtime tradition in Central Park. Multi-generations of San Mateo families have enjoyed this festive egg hunt and day of activities for years!
Streets Alive! Parks Alive!
Come visit our booth at the College of San Mateo Farmers' Market. Free family-friendly activities will be available!
Spring Dance Show
An annual showcase of dances by our experienced instructors, dedicated staff, and talented student dancers. Check out in Central Park.
Central Park Music Series
A favorite summertime event happening each Thursday night from June through August in Central Park. Grab your friends, pack a picnic, and enjoy an evening of live music.
Citywide Yard Sale
Host your own yard sale or explore San Mateo while shopping for bargains. The Citywide Yard Sale is a win-win for all participants - helping residents resell items they no longer need, bargain hunters find unique treasures, and it's a great community builder too!
National Night Out
An event open to all residents and blocks within the City of San Mateo, this important event hosted by San Mateo's Police Department encourages San Mateo residents to meet their neighbors, build community, and work together for a safer neighborhood.
Bayside Clean-up
Each September hundreds of volunteers from local schools, organizations, and businesses gather in full force to clean up the Bay. This important event removes trash and debris from the San Francisco Bay and supports San Mateo's commitment to protecting the environment.
Movies in the Park
Meet up with friends and neighbors in your favorite park for FREE Friday night movies under the stars. Bring a blanket, a low-back chair, then sit back and enjoy the show!
Health and Wellness Fair
A free annual event held at San Mateo's Senior Center offering resources, screenings, speakers, and demonstrations for seniors and those who care for them.
Fall Festival @ King Community Park
Round up your family and friends and come out to celebrate the Fall season with us! There will be lots of fun-filled games and activities for all ages. The Fall Festival will include inflatables, pick-a-pumpkin patch, music, children's crafts and more. Come on by and play some carnival games and earn some prizes. Click here for the event poster!