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

Be a community partner today! Check out the Sponsorship Brochure and all wonderful events you can sponsor this year:

Please contact Brandon Parra at bparra@cityofsanmateo.org or call (650) 522-7432 for more information!

  1. Winter
  2. Spring
  3. Summer
  4. Fall

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.

Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting Ceremony

ATTENTION: Event changes have occurred. Please view the event page for more information!

An annual event where San Mateo lights up Central Park for families to enjoy Free Activities: Arts & Crafts, Cookie Decorating, holiday music, and meet Puffball the Polar Bear! This year, this event falls on Saturday, December 7th, 2019 from 5-8pm. The Tree Lighting is on Saturday, December 7th from 4-5pm! Join us for performances, Central Park tree lighting and the arrival of Santa via the Fire Department!

Holiday Festival of Dance

An annual event where San Mateo parents, children, instructors, volunteers, and City employees bring our Holiday Festival to life!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park Re-Opening Celebration

Join us on Saturday, January 25 at 3pm at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park as we celebrate park improvements including the new synthetic turf athletic field, new basketball court surface and more! This event is free and will have a soccer penalty kick contest, test your pitch on the baseball radar gun, and sports agility activities!