Best events in
San Mateo

For events and things to do in San Mateo, CA, the city's calendar offers a mix of suburban charm and lively downtown energy. Its scene balances large-scale performances and annual festivals with intimate, neighborhood-focused gatherings. From community events in Central Park to nightlife along B Street, San Mateo provides a diverse range of activities.

Start an evening in walkable downtown San Mateo with dinner, then catch a live music or comedy set at a neighborhood spot like The Swingin' Door.
Find major performances at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center or attend annual celebrations like the Bay Area Aloha Festival at the San Mateo County Event Center.
Enjoy family-friendly activities at CuriOdyssey's science exhibits, browse local goods at the College of San Mateo's farmers' market, or attend a show at the campus theatre.

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Popular in San Mateo

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Workshop: Practical AI for Real Estate Agents

Today • 2:00 PM

San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® (SAMCAR)

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Singles Hike (San Mateo)

Sunday • 12:30 PM

Laurelwood Park

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USA TAIWAN Global EXPO - Bay Area, CA

Sat, Nov 7 • 10:00 AM

San Mateo County Event Center - EXPO Hall

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San Mateo County Veterans

Mon, Nov 9 • 11:30 AM

San Mateo Elks Lodge #1112

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Central Park Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Tue, Nov 10 • 4:00 PM

San Mateo Central Park

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The Bougie Brunch: An Archival Collective

Sat, Nov 28 • 11:00 AM

Golden Moon Studios

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2026 State of the County with Supervisor Noelia Corzo

Wed, Dec 9 • 6:00 PM

2495 S Delaware St

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Country Winter Formal w/ Line Dancing Lisa & DJ Shivers

Fri, Dec 18 • 6:00 PM

Peninsula Italian American Social Club

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Workshop: Practical AI for Real Estate Agents

Today • 2:00 PM

San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® (SAMCAR)

Check ticket price on event

Singles Hike (San Mateo)

Sunday • 12:30 PM

Laurelwood Park

Check ticket price on event

USA TAIWAN Global EXPO - Bay Area, CA

Sat, Nov 7 • 10:00 AM

San Mateo County Event Center - EXPO Hall

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San Mateo County Veterans

Mon, Nov 9 • 11:30 AM

San Mateo Elks Lodge #1112

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Central Park Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Tue, Nov 10 • 4:00 PM

San Mateo Central Park

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The Bougie Brunch: An Archival Collective

Sat, Nov 28 • 11:00 AM

Golden Moon Studios

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2026 State of the County with Supervisor Noelia Corzo

Wed, Dec 9 • 6:00 PM

2495 S Delaware St

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Country Winter Formal w/ Line Dancing Lisa & DJ Shivers

Fri, Dec 18 • 6:00 PM

Peninsula Italian American Social Club

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Online Events

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SAMHAIN SÉANCE: Ancestral Collaboration with Pam Grossman & Janaka Stucky

Sunday • 6:00 PM EST

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 AM MST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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SAMHAIN SÉANCE: Ancestral Collaboration with Pam Grossman & Janaka Stucky

Sunday • 6:00 PM EST

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 AM MST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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This Weekend

Halloween Latin Night Dance Party in San Mateo!

Tomorrow • 7:00 PM

Motion Arts Center

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Sips & Sounds - Live Music - Pinstripes, San Mateo, CA

Tomorrow • 6:30 PM

Pinstripes San Mateo

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Halloween party with Live Russian and Worldwide dance hits

Saturday • 9:00 PM

55 43rd Ave

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Boo-tanical Terrarium Workshop - Halloween Themed!

Saturday • 1:00 PM

Luludi Living Art - San Mateo

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San Mateo Farmers' Market Compost Volunteer/ Voluntariado de Abono Orgánico

Saturday • 8:30 AM

San Mateo Farmers' Market

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Singles Hike (San Mateo)

Sunday • 12:30 PM

Laurelwood Park

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North Central Historical Walking Tour and Cleanup

Sunday • 9:00 AM

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center

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Halloween Latin Night Dance Party in San Mateo!

Tomorrow • 7:00 PM

Motion Arts Center

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Sips & Sounds - Live Music - Pinstripes, San Mateo, CA

Tomorrow • 6:30 PM

Pinstripes San Mateo

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Halloween party with Live Russian and Worldwide dance hits

Saturday • 9:00 PM

55 43rd Ave

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Boo-tanical Terrarium Workshop - Halloween Themed!

Saturday • 1:00 PM

Luludi Living Art - San Mateo

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San Mateo Farmers' Market Compost Volunteer/ Voluntariado de Abono Orgánico

Saturday • 8:30 AM

San Mateo Farmers' Market

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Singles Hike (San Mateo)

Sunday • 12:30 PM

Laurelwood Park

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North Central Historical Walking Tour and Cleanup

Sunday • 9:00 AM

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center

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Food & Drink events

Trivia Night @ Pinstripes

Tuesday • 6:00 PM + 51 more

36 Hillsdale Mall

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San Mateo Social Club Monthly | Foodies + New Friends

Sat, Nov 21 • 7:00 PM + 11 more

Restaurant of the Month

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Drinksgiving - Pinstripes, San Mateo, CA

Wed, Nov 25 • 7:00 PM

Pinstripes San Mateo

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The Bougie Brunch: An Archival Collective

Sat, Nov 28 • 11:00 AM

Golden Moon Studios

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Trivia Night @ Pinstripes

Tuesday • 6:00 PM + 51 more

36 Hillsdale Mall

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San Mateo Social Club Monthly | Foodies + New Friends

Sat, Nov 21 • 7:00 PM + 11 more

Restaurant of the Month

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Drinksgiving - Pinstripes, San Mateo, CA

Wed, Nov 25 • 7:00 PM

Pinstripes San Mateo

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The Bougie Brunch: An Archival Collective

Sat, Nov 28 • 11:00 AM

Golden Moon Studios

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Points of Interest near San Mateo

Coyote Point Recreation Area

Seal Point Park

Frequently asked questions about San Mateo

What are some free events in San Mateo?

San Mateo offers several recurring free events, particularly in its parks. The Central Park Music Series provides free concerts, and the San Mateo County History Museum has Free First Fridays. CuriOdyssey also hosts a popular Monthly Night event with music and food trucks.

Where can I find live music events?

The Swingin' Door is a great spot for regular live music in a pub setting. For larger concerts and performances, check the schedule at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center. The annual San Mateo County Fair also features a full lineup of musical acts.

Are there family-friendly things to do in San Mateo?

Yes, San Mateo has many activities perfect for families. CuriOdyssey offers interactive science exhibits and a small zoo. The city also hosts Movies in the Park, and the College of San Mateo farmers' market is a popular weekend outing.

How is the nightlife in downtown San Mateo?

Downtown San Mateo has a lively and walkable nightlife scene. Pubs like O'Neill's or McGovern's host weekly trivia and karaoke nights. The area also has cocktail bars and venues with live entertainment events perfect for a night out.

Do you have any date night ideas in San Mateo?

A great date night could involve dinner downtown followed by a show. Consider a performance at the College of San Mateo Theatre or go dancing at Motion Arts Center's weekly Latin Night Dance Party. A walk through Central Park's Japanese Garden is also popular.

Which major annual festivals happen in San Mateo?

The San Mateo County Event Center hosts the region's largest annual events. The San Mateo County Fair is a major attraction with food, rides, and entertainment. The center is also home to the Bay Area Aloha Festival, which celebrates Pacific Islander culture.

What kind of outdoor activities are popular near the Bay Trail?

The Bay Trail is a hub for outdoor recreation in the Shoreview neighborhood. Residents and visitors frequently use the waterfront trail for walking, jogging, and cycling. Nearby parks also offer spaces for picnics and enjoying views of the San Francisco Bay.

Where can I find dance classes or social dance events?

Motion Arts Center is a primary destination for dance in San Mateo. The studio offers a variety of dance classes for different skill levels and hosts a weekly Latin Night Dance Party, which is a popular social event for the community.