REDWOOD CITY, CA – Summer is about to heat up in Redwood City, not just with sunshine but with a full slate of free, family-friendly events designed to bring the community together. Beginning May 30, the city is kicking off its 19th annual summer event season, featuring everything from live music and outdoor movies to cultural festivals, Shakespeare performances, and art shows.
Organized by Redwood City Events, this summer’s programming runs from late May through November, filling local parks and downtown spaces with vibrant, accessible entertainment.
Summer Kickoff Weekend: Music, Beer, and Family Fun
The season starts with Music on the Square on Friday, May 30, followed by the popular Pub in the Park event on Saturday, May 31, held at Red Morton Park. These two events set the tone for a summer full of live music, local talent, and community spirit.
Weekly Event Series to Mark Your Calendar
Redwood City’s summer includes several weekly series running through August:
🎶 Wednesdays: Music in the Park
June 18 – August 20 | 6 PM – 8 PM | Stafford Park
Enjoy an early evening groove at beautiful Stafford Park with performances by local and regional bands.
🎬 Thursdays: Movies on the Square
June 5 – August 28 | Courthouse Square
This year’s movie series features double features every Thursday — a kid-friendly film at 6 PM, followed by the main feature at 8:30 PM. Notable highlights include Despicable Me 4, Inside Out 2, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Special Note: On June 19, the city will host a Juneteenth Celebration featuring Black independent filmmakers in collaboration with Bravemaker Films.
🎸 Fridays: Music on the Square
May 30 – August 29 | 6 PM – 8 PM | Courthouse Square
Live performances by a variety of bands, from Latin funk to rock tributes, every Friday in the heart of downtown. Artists include Carnaval, Groove Ride, Neon Velvet, and Mustache Harbor.
Monthly & Specialty Events to Explore
Redwood City also hosts several monthly event series and one-time community festivals throughout the summer:
🍻 Pub in the Park
Saturdays | May 31, July 12, August 2, September 6 | 11 AM – 4 PM | Red Morton Park
A laid-back afternoon event featuring live bluegrass and Americana music, food trucks, lawn games, and craft beer.
Performers include:
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Wildcat Mountain Ramblers – May 31
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Stragglyrs – July 12
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Purple Mountain Majesty – August 2
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Savannah Blu – September 6
🎨 Art on the Square & Jewelry on the Square
Fridays | June 20, July 11, July 25, August 22 | 5 PM – 8:30 PM
A showcase of local artists, with paintings, handmade jewelry, crafts, and more — all in the heart of downtown.
🎼 Classical Music on the Square
Saturday, June 21 | 7 PM
A performance by the Redwood Symphony, offering a serene evening of classical music for all ages.
Events Just for Kids
🎤 Kids Rock!
Saturdays | June 28, July 19, August 9 | 10 AM – 12 PM | Courthouse Square
A musical experience designed for children and families.
Lineup:
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Andy Z & the Andyland Band – June 28
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Lori & RJ – July 19
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James Henry (Samba2Samba Kids) – August 9
🎶 Sounds of the Shores
Saturdays | June 28, July 19, August 9 | 5 PM – 7 PM | Marlin Park*
A relaxed musical evening by the water, perfect for families.
Bands include:
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Cocktail Monkeys – June 28
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PB&J – July 19
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The Groove Doctors – August 9
Theater, Festivals & Cultural Events
🎭 Shakespeare in the Park – The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Weekends | August 9 – 24 | 6 PM | Red Morton Park*
Enjoy this classic Shakespearean comedy under the stars, performed by a professional troupe. Bring a blanket and a picnic.
🎪 Zoppé Italian Family Circus
Starting November 1 | Redwood City Library Parking Lot
A beloved, ticketed tradition featuring acrobats, clowns, and family fun. Performances include matinee and evening shows.
Major Festivals and Citywide Celebrations
Redwood City also hosts a variety of one-day and multi-day celebrations open to all:
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Friday Night Fundraiser – May 31, 5:30 PM – 8 PM
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Downtown Car Show – June 7, 10 AM – 3 PM
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4th of July Celebrations – Parade at 10 AM, Fireworks Festivities from 6 PM – 10 PM at Port of Redwood City
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Chalk Festival – July 3 & 4, all day downtown
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Picnic en Blanc – August 16
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Lebanese Festival – August 23, 10 AM – 3 PM
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Fiesta Patrias – September 14, 3 PM – 8 PM
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Oktoberfest Redwood City – Extended from September 19–21 and September 23–28, with matinee and evening seatings
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Port Fest – October 5, 11 AM – 3 PM
Important Info and Venues
Most events take place at Courthouse Square (2200 Broadway) in downtown Redwood City, unless otherwise noted with an asterisk (*). Parks like Red Morton Park, Stafford Park, and Marlin Park also host select programs.
All events are free to attend, except for the Zoppé Family Circus and Oktoberfest, which require advance tickets.
Experience Community Through Culture
Redwood City’s summer lineup blends music, film, art, and culture into a season-long celebration of community. Whether you’re enjoying a live concert under the stars, watching a film with your kids, or soaking up the sounds of classical music, there’s something for everyone.
For full schedules, updates, and maps, visit:
🔗 www.redwoodcity.org/events
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