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Love & Sports Downtown in February

Can you believe it’s February already? Buckle up because here we go! In January we had live music and karaoke and Stand-Up in our neighborhood, as well as our spectacular Lunar New Year celebration. The Downtown San Mateo Farmers Market returned following a holiday break.

This month will be a fun one, starting with our San Mateo Sports Warm Up and local businesses showing the Big Game. Valentine’s Day Weekend is a perfect time to enjoy a meal or drink with your valentine or galentine, and don’t forget that the Downtown San Mateo Farmers Market happens every Sunday.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on all the great things we have planned for 2026.

Just a reminder that DSMA.org has an Events Calendar, Restaurant Guide, Deals and Promotions page, a Walking Tour, and an archive of our past newsletters.

Thank you for your support of our small business community!

San Mateo Sports Warm Up

Kick off your SUPER weekend at our San Mateo Sports Warm Up on Saturday, February 7, from 1–3 pm! We’re bringing the big-game energy to the heart of Downtown with a free, family-friendly afternoon featuring a very special appearance by the back-to-back State Champion CSM Bulldogs! Come meet and greet some players from the College of San Mateo’s football team before testing your own skills on the Perform for Golf putting green, foosball and ping pong tables, the San Mateo Parks & Rec mobile games, and more. For those looking for a unique challenge, don’t miss a live demo from the Belmont Brass Wrists Arm Wrestling club! 

This community celebration is made possible through a generous partnership with Perform for Golf, and it’s the perfect way to soak up the Bay Area’s championship vibes just one day before the Big Game. Special thanks to the San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of San Mateo, the City of San Mateo’s Parks and Recreation Department, CSM, and the Brass Wrists! 

*Event details may change in case of inclement weather. Activities are first come, first served, while supplies last

Where to Watch the Big Game

The San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce and DSMA have put together a (not comprehensive) list of businesses that will show the Big Game on Sunday, February 8.

See the list on our Events Calendar on DSMA.org.

Lunar New Year Recap

We celebrated Lunar New Year Downtown on Saturday, January 24.

We were especially excited to welcome 

Lion Dance ME, an award-winning Lion Dance troupe, as part of our third annual Lunar New Year event.

Lion Dance ME performed for the community on B Street, and visited participating businesses to spread good luck and blessings for the new year, and pose for photos. There were also community booths and family-friendly activities, red envelopes, and giveaways.

Thank you to our co-sponsor, Florian Orthodontics, and supporters, The City of San Mateo and City of San Mateo Parks and Recreation!

HEAD WEST Marketplace

HEAD WEST Marketplace is returning for a second year of marketplaces — and the first date is right around the corner! You’ll want to be sure that this fun event on Saturday, March 21, is on your calendar.

The Marketplace will be held on the third Saturday of each month, March-December. Apply now to join the HEAD WEST Family of local makers, crafters, artists, designers, and small biz merchants for 2026 dates.

• February 1 – Gratitude Meditation (Chill Spot Rendezvous)
• February 1 – Learn How to Soil Block for Seed Starting (San Mateo Arboretum Society)
• February 1 – Full Moon of Purity: Meditation, Chanting and Sound Healing (Tree of Life Healing Center for the Soul)
• February 1 – Wildstyle Karaoke (McGoverns)(every Sunday)
• February 2 – Secret Movie Series (Cinemark Century 12)
• February 2 – Swing Social (Motion Arts Center)
• February 3 – Trivia Tuesdays (McGoverns)(every Tuesday)
• February 4 – Sunset Trivia (O’Neill’s)(every Wednesday)
• February 6 – Karaoke (Chill Spot Rendezvous)(every Friday)
• February 6 – First Friday Dinner Dance (Peninsula Italian American Social Club)
• February 6 – Latin Night Social Party (Motion Arts Center)(every Friday)
• February 7 – Mixology 101 Class (Fogbird)
• February 7 – Milonga Tango Party (Motion Arts Center)(every Saturday)
• February 7 – Wedding First Dance Workshop (Motion Arts Center)
• February 7 – Live Music: An Evening with Tomorrow’s Lie (McGoverns)
• February 14 – Valentine’s Heels Workshop (Motion Arts Center)
• February 14 – Valentine’s Dinner Dance (Peninsula Italian American Social Club)
• February 14 – Valentine’s Day Couples Only Bachata Class (Motion Arts Center)
• February 20 – Trivia Night (Main Library)
• February 22 – Community Free Mat Pilates: Magic Circle – Strength & Control (Lucent Pilates)
• February 22 – The Librarians: Film Screening and Discussion (Main Library)
• February 23 – Cooking Demo Dinner (Peninsula Italian American Social Club)
• February 28 – Community Coffee with Council Member Lisa Diaz Nash (3 Bees Coffee)
• February 28 – Cocktail Masters Class (Fogbird)
• March 14 – Save the Date: Ukelele Jam with Makule
• March 21 – Save the Date: HEAD WEST Marketplace
• April 26 – Save the Date: Downtown San Mateo Boba Day

North B St.

• Each month, Amici’s has 20% off items of the month. Check out their Instagram page for February’s specials

• Anatolian Market‘s cafe section is now open and serving delicious Turkish breakfast and more (8am-6pm)

• Baking Arts & Coffee’s Summer Teen Baking Camps are now open for registration (Baking Camp, Bread Camp, French Pastry Camp) are now open for registration. For adults, the class calendar is open through April, with more classes being added regularly

• Beem Light Sauna‘s After Dark is an exclusive, after-hours, event-only booking—giving you full access to every room at Beem Light Sauna San Mateo. Designed for private gatherings, celebrations, and unforgettable wellness moments with your favorite people

• Chill Spot Rendezvous had a rough start to the new year. A vehicle crashed through its storefront and then it was burglarized. Please show them some love during their soft reopening by enjoying their homemade ice cream, finger foods, and light plates

• EV Auto Service is offering free alignment with the purchase of four new tires until Saturday, February 28

• Holly Roser Fitness can work with you on custom classes and corporate events

• Nandi Yoga is under new ownership. Diane McIntyre has been involved with Nandi since 2018. Read more here

• Try your first group class at RockSaltPilates for just $20. More info here

• SimplyCake makes custom cakes, including wedding cakes

• Taishoken will be on KQED’s Check Please! Bay Area on Thursday, February 26

• Applications are now being accepted for the Tri Counties Bank Scholarship Program. The application deadline is Wednesday, February 25. Find details here

• Welcome to the neighborhood: Izumi Matcha, O2 Valley, Whisper

Storm & Flood Preparedness

Sandbag stations are now open! Find information about sandbags, and preparation and safety tips on the City’s Storm & Flood Preparedness page

Age-Friendly Businesses Downtown

Congratulations to our newly certified Age-Friendly Businesses Downtown! We’re proud to recognize these local businesses for their commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and excellent service for all generations. By taking steps to make their spaces more welcoming for older adults, they’re helping us build a more vibrant and age-friendly community for everyone. This page has more information about the program and the full list of certified businesses. Downtown businesses are: Baking Arts & Coffee, Chill Spot Rendezvous, Footwear etc., Peninsula Family Service, Porterhouse, San Mateo Lock Works, Site for Sore Eyes

Free Downtown Parking

Parking is FREE Downtown on Sundays and after 6pm every day. Find more information here. (Please note that this does not apply to private lots)

Pedestrian Scrambles on B St.

Pedestrian Scrambles are active at 1st & B St., 2nd and B St., and 3rd and B St. A pedestrian scramble temporarily stops all vehicular traffic, and allows pedestrians to cross an intersection in every direction, including diagonally, at the same time

Daylighting Law and Red Curbs

To improve visibility and keep families safe, the City is adding red curbs near schools and crosswalks in line with California’s new Daylighting Law (AB 413).  Find more information here

• Mercury News – 9 special bowls: Ramen worth chasing down around the Bay Area (HiroNori)
• The New York Times – The 23 Best Restaurant Dishes We Ate Across the U.S. in 2025 (Daeho)
• Palo Alto Online – Ring in the Year of the Horse in Silicon Valley with lion dances, festivals and special events (Lunar New Year)
• Palo Alto Online – Asian fusion brunch restaurant from former Sweet Maple chef debuts (Whisper)
• San Francisco Chronicle – The Now List: 25 Bay Area Restaurants of the Moment (Tai Er)
• San Mateo Daily Journal – As downtown San Mateo restaurants shut down, several new ones plan to open early this year (Johnny’s, Reposado, Whisper)
• San Mateo Daily Journal – Kiddo Adventure is a place to play in San Mateo
• San Mateo Daily Journal – Community-focused shop suffers setback from crash, burglary (Chill Spot Rendezvous)