Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, San Carlos, CA

Local schools, colleges, and museums, along with the city and the National Endowment for the Arts, present this...

Local schools, colleges, and museums, along with the city and the National Endowment for the Arts, present this month-long event, whose goal is to promote a love of books and to combat illiteracy. The entire community participates in readings, book discussions, film screenings, children's storytelling, and a street festival. Notable authors are brought in to speak as part of the activities, and panels confront issues like censorship and freedom of expression.

Hours: October 2012

Northern California does the Fourth up right at this event-packed celebration of our nation's independence. Early on, a...

Northern California does the Fourth up right at this event-packed celebration of our nation's independence. Early on, a pancake breakfast benefits local firefighters, and then, a fun run gets the blood pumping. Mid-morning, a spectacular parade shows off patriotic spirit, complete with floats and bands. Great food is part of the good times, along with entertainment, arts and crafts, and children's activities. Finally, as a crowning glory, fireworks are set off above the Port of Redwood City, illuminating everything and everyone in their (often chilly) nighttime glow.

Hours: Wed, Jul 4, 2012: 9am

For many decades, this fair has been a mainstay in the community, and approximately 140,000 people attend it annually....

For many decades, this fair has been a mainstay in the community, and approximately 140,000 people attend it annually. Agriculture has traditionally been its focus, complete with exhibits highlighting farm animals and pets, gardens, food preservation, and more. These days, you'll also find carnival rides, concerts, contests, arts and crafts, and a chili cook-off. Community spirit runs strong at the fair, and fun is had by all.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Mon, Jul 9, 2012 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 Wed, Jul 11, 2012 Thu, Jul 12, 2012 Fri, Jul 13, 2012 Sat, Jul 14, 2012 Sun, Jul 15, 2012 Mon, Jul 16, 2012 Tue, Jul 17, 2012

If you're mesmerized by the beauty that geological forces produce, don't miss this annual event. It brings together rock...

If you're mesmerized by the beauty that geological forces produce, don't miss this annual event. It brings together rock hounds from all over the area, who compare notes on their finds, their searches, and their knowledge. Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks are on show, and folks can buy beautiful crystals, pyrite, magnetite, and other entrancing specimens. Good for the whole family.

Hours: September 2012

There's no better way to kick off the holiday season than at this engaging event. Beginning right after Thanksgiving and...

There's no better way to kick off the holiday season than at this engaging event. Beginning right after Thanksgiving and lasting eight days, its activities include evening galas, dinners, dancing, holiday teas, and children's programs. The "At Home Shopping" event is ideal for finding unique holiday gifts with a Filoli touch -- wreaths, accessories, decorations, and crafts. A regional tradition.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Fri, Nov 23, 2012 Sat, Nov 24, 2012 Sun, Nov 25, 2012 Mon, Nov 26, 2012 Tue, Nov 27, 2012 Wed, Nov 28, 2012 Thu, Nov 29, 2012 Fri, Nov 30, 2012 Sat, Dec 1, 2012

Benefiting scholarship funds at Cañada College, this popular festival also pays tribute to a stand of long-lived...

Benefiting scholarship funds at Cañada College, this popular festival also pays tribute to a stand of long-lived olive trees that distinguish the campus. The event was instituted in 1998 and now includes food stands, arts and crafts vendors, and sellers of olives and olive oil. Live music is also part of the festivities, along with children's activities and a silent auction. In addition, the event coincides with the beginning of the school's performing arts slate.

Hours: October 2012

Friends of the Menlo Park Library have sponsored this annual book fair for over 40 years. Each year, for one weekend in...

Friends of the Menlo Park Library have sponsored this annual book fair for over 40 years. Each year, for one weekend in September, more than 50,000 used books are put up for sale, and the selection ranges from children's books to videos and CDs. All proceeds go toward library programs, and items are reasonably priced.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Sat, Sep 15, 2012 Sun, Sep 16, 2012

Sponsored by the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce, this festival of fine arts has 100-plus artisans displaying works along...

Sponsored by the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce, this festival of fine arts has 100-plus artisans displaying works along Santa Cruz Avenue. Watercolors, oils, photographs, and etchings are sold at very good prices, and artists from all over the state come to exhibit.

Hours: Sat, Jul 21, 2012: 10am - 6pm Sun, Jul 22, 2012: 10am - 6pm

With 80,000 visitors, 200 exhibitors (in a juried art show), 20-plus gourmet food vendors, and multiple bands, it's no...

With 80,000 visitors, 200 exhibitors (in a juried art show), 20-plus gourmet food vendors, and multiple bands, it's no wonder that this Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event is considered one of California's top festivals. For two days in July, Santa Cruz Avenue closes to automobile traffic and becomes one huge party. Admission is free, but bring plenty of cash to purchase food and beverages!

Hours: Sat, Jul 21, 2012: 10am - 6pm Sun, Jul 22, 2012: 10am - 6pm

For more than two decades, this festival has brought together over 100 artists and craftspeople to exhibit their wares...

For more than two decades, this festival has brought together over 100 artists and craftspeople to exhibit their wares in downtown Menlo Park. Live music and crowds complete the scene, which is bustling, fun, and family-oriented. You can find very reasonably priced works as well as unique art pieces that would not be easy to find elsewhere.

Hours: Sat, Mar 24, 2012: 10am - 5pm Sun, Mar 25, 2012: 10am - 5pm