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Downtown Heats Up in August

There’s fun for everyone during summertime in Downtown San Mateo. In July, our neighbors enjoyed the new weekly Downtown San Mateo Farmers Market, our monthly HEAD WEST Marketplace, a Downtown Historic Walking Tour, the Central Park Music Series, and Bay Area Fit Fest.

Come hang out with us in August! The Downtown Express is returning for its second year, and, of course, there are more concerts at Central Park, another HEAD WEST Marketplace, Central Bark, and the Downtown San Mateo Farmers Market. Summers in Downtown San Mateo are a busy time.

Remember that you can find an Events Calendar, Restaurant Guide, Deals and Promotions page, and a Walking Tour on DSMA.org.

Thank you for supporting our small business community..

Downtown Express

All Aboard The Downtown Express!

We’re back on track to bring smiles to Downtown San Mateo with FREE train rides and treats. Join us on Sunday, August 3, from 12-2pm at the Downtown San Mateo Farmers Market at 4th Ave. and Ellsworth. Thank you to our event sponsor, Florian Orthodontics, and to Chill Spot Rendezvous and Cold Stone Creamery for providing summer treat coupons for kids who attend! 

*Treat coupons are for kids only, and are first-come, first-served while supplies last. Terms and conditions may apply. Event details may change due to inclement weather.

Central Park Music Series

Enjoy summer nights with free concerts in the park on Thursdays . Music, food vendors, kid-friendly activities, fresh air, and sunshine! Due to the construction of the Central Park Playground, the event is being held on Fitzgerald Field.

• Thursday, August 7 – 6-8pm Mitch Woods and his rocket 88’s (Jump Swing/Boogie Woogie)
• Thursday, August 14 – 6-8pm Electric Rodeo (Country/Rock)

You can find more information here.

Central Bark

The second annual Central Bark event will take place in Central Park, San Mateo, on Sunday, August 17, from 12-3pm. 

Celebrate our furry friends with an afternoon packed with vendors, fun activities, and lively entertainment. Proceeds from this event support San Mateo PAL youth programs.

See this page for details on contests, raffles, and more.

HEAD WEST Marketplace

The monthly HEAD WEST Marketplace returns to B Street on Sunday, August 17. Held on the third Sunday of every month through December, from 11am-5pm, it’s a great event.

Shop small with amazing local makers, merchants, crafters, designers, and artists. From plants and stained glass, to vintage clothing and artisanal tea — there’s something for everyone.

HEAD WEST is always FREE. All are wlecome, and it’s pet and kid-friendly. Plus: Live music!

Apply here to be part of the Marketplace.

• August 1 – First Friday Dinner Dance (Peninsula Italian American Social Club)
• August 1 – Latin Night Social Party (Motion Arts Center) (every Friday)
• August 2 – County of San Mateo 21st Annual Disaster Preparedness Day (Event Center)
• August 2 – Cinema & Chill (Chill Spot Rendezvous) (every Saturday)
• August 2 – Mixology 101: Classic Cocktails (Fogbird)
• August 2 – Milonga Tango Party (Motion Arts Center) (every Saturday)
• August 3 – Downtown San Mateo Farmers Market (every Sunday)
• August 3 – Gratitude Meditation (Chill Spot Rendezvous)
• August 3 – Downtown Historic District Walking Tour (San Mateo Heritage Alliance)
• August 3 – The Downtown Express
• August 3 – San Mateo-Toyonaka Sister City Youth Baseball Exchange Double-Header (Central Park)
• August 3 – Learn the Benefits of Summer Pruning Fruit Trees & Shrubs (San Mateo Arboretum Society)
• August 3 – Karaoke (McGovern’s) (every Sunday)
• August 4 – Swing Social (Motion Arts Center)
• August 5 – Pop and Go Puppets! (Main Library)
• August 5 – Trivia Tuesdays (McGovern’s) (every Tuesday)
• August 6 – Summer Movie Clubhouse (Cinemark Century 12)
• August 7 – Music Bingo: General Song List (Chill Spot Rendezvous)
• August 7 – Central Park Music Series: Mitch Woods and His Rocket 88s
• August 10 – Master Gardener Plant Clinic (San Mateo Arboretum Society)
• August 10 – PIASC Annual Picnic (Peninsula Italian American Social Club)
• August 11 – Paws for Tales (Main Library)
• August 12 – Music Bingo: Golden Oldies (Chill Spot Rendezvous) (2nd and 4th Tuesday)
• August 14 – Central Park Music Series: Electric Rodeo
• August 16 – Wedding First Dance Workshop (Motion Arts Center)
• August 16 – Cocktail Masters – Advanced Mixology (Fogbird)
• August 17 – HEAD WEST Marketplace
• August 17 – Central Bark (Central Park)
• August 17 – Hot August Nights (Peninsula Italian American Social Club)
• August 18 – Juneteenth Film Festival: Mama (Main Library)
• August 22-23 – Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy (Peninsula Italian American Social Club)
• Save the Date – September 5 – Movies in the Park (Central Park)
• Save the Date – September 11, 18 – September Nights on B
• Save the Date – September 28 – September Arts & Culture Fest

• Enjoy 20% off Amici’s Pesto Pizza and Spinach Salad in August. Offer valid on pick-up and delivery orders during the month of August only via their website or mobile app
• Curry Pizza House is staying open later (Sun-Thurs until 10pm, Fri-Sat until 11pm)
• Elements Massage is now offering skincare services
• L&L Hawaiian Barbecue offers catering
• Motion Arts Center adds new classes every month. Check out their schedule here
• Host your next event or private party at Nakoko. Ask at the counter or email them
• Welcome to the neighborhood, Nakoko, TAI ER

• Join the City of San Mateo on Monday, August 4, at 6:30pm for a community meeting on the Train Horn Quiet Zone Program at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center. Learn about the City’s efforts to reduce train horn noise and get updates on proposed changes at local rail crossings
• Ever wonder how the City works behind the scenes? Join San Mateo’s free City Services Academy for a hands-on look at local government in action. Apply by Wednesday, August 6. Space is limited, applications close once capacity is reached
• Reminder: There are new Pedestrian Scrambles at 1st Avenue & B Street, 2nd Avenue and B Street, and 3rd Avenue and B Street. A pedestrian scramble temporarily stops all vehicular traffic, and allows pedestrians to cross an intersection in every direction, including diagonally, at the same time
• San Mateo is offering FREE compost at the Corporation Yard (1949 Pacific Blvd.) and Anchor Rd/Bay Trail Lot (Anchor Rd at 3rd Ave./J. Hart Clinton Dr.). Self-service—bring your own shovel & containers. Give your garden a boost! Details here
• The City is rolling out red curb marking in support of California’s new Daylighting Law (AB 413). Painting work is starting this summer near schools to help keep kids and families safe. Red curbs will be added near crosswalks to improve visibility and prevent blocked sightlines. Starting January 1, 2025, parking became prohibited within 20 feet of unmarked and marked crosswalks (or 15 feet with curb extensions), even if no red curb is present. See more details here

• Joysauce – Inside the Oldest Asian American Bookstore in the United States (Asian American Curriculum Project)
• Mountain View Voice – Savor summer fun with these July and August events in Silicon Valley (Central Park Music Series, Citywide Yard Sale, HEAD WEST)
• Palo Alto Online – Sushirrito co-founder launches Colander Kitchens, a San Mateo restaurant primed to offer at least a dozen original concepts