In May, the Peninsula comes alive with vibrant farmers markets offering a bounty of fresh, locally grown produce. This is an especially exciting month for food enthusiasts, as it marks the start of peak season for many fruits and vegetables in the Bay Area. Here's a guide to the farmers markets in and around San Mateo, along with a look at what's in season this month.

Farmers Markets in San Mateo

25th Ave. Farmers' Market

College of San Mateo Farmers' Market

Farmers Markets Nearby

Belmont Farmers Market

Burlingame Fresh Market
Farmers Market at the Peninsula Jewish Community Center
Foster City Farmers Market
Millbrae Farmers Market
San Carlos Farmers Market

What's in Season in May?

May is a delightful month for seasonal produce in the Bay Area, as summer tree fruits and other produce start to come into season. Here's what you can expect to find at your local farmers market:

Tips for Shopping at Farmers Markets

To make the most of your visit to the farmers market:

Whether you're a seasoned market-goer or a first-time visitor, Bay Area farmers markets offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fresh, local produce and connect with the community. Happy shopping and eating!

Doktor Kaboom! – Santa Rosa, May 16

Oakland Greek Festival – Oakland, May 16-18

Alice in Wonderland by Diablo Ballet – Walnut Creek, May 16, 17

SF Jazz Family Matinees – San Francisco, May 17

Family Tour at the de Young Museum – San Francisco, May 17

SkyJam Festival – Richmond, May 17

Wildlife Hike (Free) – El Sobrante, May 17

Kitten Nursery Shower – Burlingame, May 17

Open Cockpit Day at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlo, May 17

South Bay AANHPI Festival – San Jose, May 17

Super Scaly Critters – Los Gatos, May 17

Pride Picnic – Santa Cruz, May 17

Boardwalk Drone Show – Santa Cruz, May 17

Model Railroad Show – Walnut Creek, May 17, 18

Creative Patchwork – Morgan Hill, May 17, 24

The Aristocats Kids – Pleasanton, May 17-25

Wildflower Hike – Clayton, May 18

Family Dance (Free) – Berkeley, May 18

Cal Sailing Club Open House – Berkeley, May 18

Marin Greek Festival – Novato, May 23-25

The Sound of Music by Berkeley Rep – Berkeley, May 23 - June 29

Meet the Reptiles, Amphibians and More! – Los Altos Hills, May 24

Carnavale – San Francisco, May 24, 25

Oklahoma Kids – Danville, May 24, 25

The Little Mermaid – Palo Alto, May 24, 25

San Ramon Art & Wind Festival – San Ramon, May 25, 26

Memorial Day Bike Parade and Picnic – Tiburon, May 27

Parents Night Out at Axe – Oakland, May 30

San Jose Greek Festival – San Jose, May 30 - June 1

Matilda Jr – Danville, May 30 - June 8

Bay Area Book Festival (Free) – Berkeley, May 31

Seaside Story Hour (Free) – Redwood City, May 31

Dinosaur Train Days – Santa Rosa, May 31 & June 1

Curiodyssey First Friday Nights - San Mateo, May 2

First Friday at Chabot Space & Science Center – Oakland, May 2

Legally Blonde Jr – Pleasanton, May 2

Friday at The History Museum (Free) – Redwood City, May 2

Slavic Festival – San Francisco, May 2-3

Penguins & Pajamas Sleepover at Cal Academy – San Francisco, May 2, 9, 30

Home Depot Kids Workshop – Across Bay Area, May 3

de Youngsters Day Out (Free) – San Francisco, May 3

A Day at The Ranch – Pt. Reyes Station, May 3

Spring Fling at Slide Ranch – Muir Beach, May 3

Color Me Mine Kids Night Out – Alameda, May 3

May Fete Parade – Palo Alto, May 3

Percussion Discussion – Walnut Creek, May 3

Santa Clara University PowWow – Santa Clara, May 3

Kids Day – Santa Cruz, May 3

Marin Irish Festival – San Rafael, May 3, 4

Fun on the Farm (Free) – San Ramon, May 3, 10, 17, 31

Environmental Center Open House (Free) – Cupertino, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Math Quest (Free) – San Francisco, May 4

Glider Discovery Day – San Carlos, May 4

Mother’s Day Tea – Redwood City, May 4

Riparian Habitat Tour – Cupertino, May 4

Peninsula School Spring Fair – Menlo Park, May 4

Neon Scorpion Hike – Clayton, May 3, 4, 10, 11

Wizard of Oz by Fantasy Forum – Walnut Creek, May 8-10

Stanford Powwow – Stanford, May 9-11

Tinker, Code & Create at The Exploratorium – San Francisco, May 10

Family Farm Day at Slide Ranch – Muir Beach, May 10

Habitot Mobile Museum – Berkeley, May 10

Brian Scott Magic – Berkeley, May 10

Scout-o-Rama – San Jose, May 10

Storytime: Crickwing – Los Gatos, May 10

Math Festival – Sunnyvale, May 10

Birds and their Nests – Los Alto Hills, May 10

2nd Saturday on the Farm – Watsonville, May 10

Hawaiian May Day Festival – Pleasanton, May 10-11

Willy Wonka Kids – Danville, May 10-18

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical – San Francisco, May 10-25

Blankets and Blockbusters: Moana (Free) – San Francisco, May 11

Mother’s Day Tea at Falkirk – San Rafael, May 11

Kids’ Carnival at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, May 11

Mothers’ Day Brunch at Roaring Camp – Felton, May 11

Storytime at the Foster Museum – Palo Alto, May 11, 18

Marine Science Sundays at The Marine Mammal Center – Sausalito, May 11, 25

Sustainable Sewing for Teens – Ross, May 12

Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, I was a busy working parent juggling career demands, family responsibilities and the dreaded, never-ending to-do list. Even now, managing our home, planning meals and keeping up with everything my family needs takes serious time and energy. That’s where AI has been a game-changer for me.

What Is AI, and How Can It Help Parents?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been around for a long time, and featured in many sci fi movies, but only in the last few years has it become more of an everyday support. Think of it as a super-efficient assistant that can answer questions, generate ideas and help streamline your workload. For busy moms, this means less time spent researching, planning and/or agonizing over decisions - and more time spent with your family.

How I Use AI as a Mom

Since incorporating AI into my daily life, I’ve found so many useful ways to help me stay organized, save time and reduce stress. Here are some of the most valuable ways I use it:

1. Meal Planning for the Whole Family

I used to spend too much time trying to come up with varied, healthy meal ideas that worked for my husband, toddler and myself. AI now helps me create meal plans that consider our dietary preferences and my son’s daycare lunches. It even helps me generate shopping lists so I don’t forget ingredients!

Prompt to try: “Create a weekly meal plan with easy, toddler-friendly lunches and family dinners. No bell peppers or curry.”

Bonus: Tell your AI tool what you have in your fridge and pantry and ask it to use what you have on hand. 

2. Quick Answers to Parenting Questions

From developmental milestones to weekend entertainment, sometimes I just need a quick answer without scrolling through endless search results. AI helps me find solutions fast - whether it’s a new activity to entertain my toddler or ideas for handling a nap transition.

Prompt to try:“ My 15-month-old is dropping to one nap. How should I adjust his schedule?”

Note: for any medical advice, please verify with a Doctor before proceeding with treatment.

3. Time-Saving Household Organization

Between managing a home and keeping up with my son’s needs, I’m always looking for ways to simplify. I’ve used AI to create structured weekly routines, decluttering checklists and even strategies for getting my husband more involved in household tasks.

Prompt to try: “Help me create a weekly home organization routine that includes meal prep, laundry, and daycare drop-offs.”

4. Personal Goals & Self-Care

Being a mom doesn’t mean I want to lose sight of my own goals. Whether it’s finding ways to be more active, planning a girls’ trip or picking up golf (so I can play 18 holes with my dad by 2026!), AI helps me break down my goals into actionable steps.

Prompt to try: “Create a simple weekly workout plan for a busy mom, including walking and light strength training.”

Why AI Works for Busy Moms

I know some people might feel hesitant about using AI, but for me, it’s been a way to lighten my mental load. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by decision fatigue, I can get quick, personalized suggestions and focus more on what really matters - spending time with my son, staying present and finding joy in everyday moments.

If you’re a busy mom looking for ways to simplify your life, I highly recommend giving AI a try. Start with a few prompts and see how it helps you save time and stress. You might be surprised at just how much of a difference it makes!

First observed in 1958, National Library Week, sponsored by the American Library Association, occurs each April. In 2025, it is celebrated April 6-12.

The San Mateo Public Library Foundation is spotlighting the programming that the Library offers, including many special events. There are quite a few kid- and family-friendly activities, including:

• Any time during March 1 - April 9, go on a self-paced scavenger hunt that involves visiting one or all three branches of the San Mateo Public Library (with a chance to prizes).
• On April 6, bring the whole family to check out all the library-related programming and performances at a festival in the main library, including storytime, a magic show, puppets, and music.
• On April 7, SF Shakes will be performing a shortened version of Romeo and Juliet geared toward students.
• Also on April 7, enjoy the first-ever Library Night with the SF Giants!
• Parents, test your knowledge at Trivia Night on April 11.
• To wrap it all up on April 12, bilingual educator and performer José-Luis Orozco will host an afternoon of community fun including live music and the winners of the children's poetry contest and scavenger hunt will be announced.

More details can be found at: www.sanmateocelebrates.com. Burlingame has events too!

After the week is over, visit the San Mateo Public Library to take advantage of its regular offerings. Did you know that you can:

• Attend book clubs and other meetups, as well as storytimes (including baby, toddler, family, and many more)
• Take your kids to watch movies (including after school movie clubs and Saturday morning cartoons)
• Sign up for crafting and other classes
• Borrow a California State Parks Pass and equipment (backpack kit and child carrier backpack kit)
• Access free seeds from the seed bank to plant in your garden
• Get assistance with your computer or electronic device from Tech Help
• Use or borrow various equipment, such as sewing machines, induction stove kits, portable photo studios, and lots more
• Reserve museum passes through Discover and Go

All of this is available for free, as long as you have a library card!

Free First Tuesday at the Conservatory of Flowers - San Francisco, April 1

Spring in the Garden at Cal Academy - San Francisco, April 1 – 28

First Thursday at SFMOMA - San Francisco, April 3

Curiodyssey First Friday Nights - San Mateo, April 4

Academy Day at Cal Academy - San Francisco, April 4

Spring Wildflower Hike at Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve - Redwood City, April 4-5

Home Depot Kids Workshop – Bay Area, April 5

San Francisco International Chocolate Salon - San Francisco, April 6

Egg Adventure Hunt – Belmont, April 8

Waitress – San Jose, April 11-20

Bug Day at the Randall Museum - San Francisco, April 12

Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival – San Francisco, April 12-13, 19-20

ZooKids – Oakland, April 12, 26

Marine Science Sundays – Sausalito, April 13, 27

Trains and Planes at Hiller – San Carlos, April 14

Eggstravaganza - San Mateo, April 19

Holi SplashOMania – Fremont, April 19

Elephant & Piggie's "We are in a Play!" Jr. – Palo Alto, April 24 – May 11

Once Upon A Mattress – San Jose, April 24-27

Cow Palace Spring Fair – Daly City, April 24-27

Earth Day Cleanup – San Mateo, April 26

Kids Night at the Museum – Santa Rosa, April 26

DogFest – San Francisco, April 26

Cal Sailing Open House – Berkeley, April 26

The Princess and the Frog – Palo Alto, April 26, 27

We are fortunate to have a wonderful group of members who have volunteered their time to serve on the SMPC Board. It’s a fun group to work with and a great way to make more parent/community connections. If you’re interested in helping out, we’re still looking for members to be part of one of the most teams, Events! Contact events@sanmateoparentsclub.org if interested.

Erika Reed President I live in Brisbane and have 1 daughter who is 22 months old. I have been the President for a little over a year. I was drawn to the club as a new mother because I was looking to make new parent friends who were going through the same crazy phase of life as myself. This is an all-volunteer organization and when the club was looking to fill roles, I felt compelled to step up. I've found many friends and support by joining and serving on the board. I loved our Trunk or Treat event at Halloween where I decorated my trunk like a farm - it was perfect for my toddler who had a blast going around to the different cars! For parents, I've especially loved the Little Llamas book club and trivia night!	Stephanie Hamilton Vice President My husband Victor and I are from Houston, TX and moved to San Mateo in 2021. We have one adorable 20-month-old named Alice and another baby girl on the way (due April 11th!). As VP, I support our members and volunteers wherever needed - but I am mainly focused on our yearly Preschool Fair! We maintain extensive info on our local preschools, so please feel free to contact me if you're going through the childcare selection process. This is one of the biggest benefits of being a part of the club! When I joined SMPC around this time last year, I was just trying to get out of the house with the baby to avoid going stir-crazy. But since then, my entire family has made great new friends, and I've found a lot of personal fulfillment participating in the Parents Club and local community. I hope the SMPC is able to do the same for you. We try to make it to every club event, so come say "Hi!" if you see us!
Wenjia Zhao Treasurer I live in San Mateo city, near Hillsdale. I have a toddler son who’s turning 3 in April! As Treasurer, I help the club manage its expenses, process reimbursements and payments, monitor its budget, and handle any other financial matters. I really enjoyed the events and wanted to help out. I’ve been a member of the Board since September 2023. My favorite SMPC event is the Highlands Pool Party! We really like the shallow kiddie pool, and the food at the party has been really tasty.	Sarah Portnov Fundraising I live in San Mateo. I have three kids - Alina (7), Stas (4.5), & Anya (2.5) I am the fundraising chair & I've been on the board for 2 years. I wanted to get more involved in the community & make some new friends. I love the Moms' Night Out events! Parents Trivia Night was really fun & the magic show in the park was a favorite for my family.
Luna Wei Membership I live in San Mateo with 1 child who is 11 months old. Just joined this February as membership coordinator so I've been on the board for just under a month! I joined because I want to invest in the causes and community I want to see more of. I actually haven't yet attended any official SMPC event but the playgroup I'm a part of has been so active and has organized their own events which have been so enriching to attend. We've done a 2025 vision planning event and floral arrangements that have been my favorites. It's an amazing group of parents.	Haidee Pang Playgroups/Parent Pairings/ Book Club I live in San Mateo and I have a 21-month-old boy named Mason. I am the Bookclub/Playgroup Coordinator and just recently started being in this position for a few months. I felt very isolated as a stay at home mom and thought this would be a great way to meet new people and be a part of something. Still learning the ropes but really excited to give back to this wonderful community! My favorite event has to be the CuriOdyssey party! It had everything I could ask for in an event: great food, awesome conversation, super fun science installations, and a raffle! Definitely cannot be beat.
Jeanette LeFevre Communications I live in San Mateo and have one son, Elliott, who is 17 months old I'm Communications co-chair so the newsletter and all things blog! I just joined the board this year because I want to be more involved and meet more local families! I've really enjoyed the parents night out but looking forward to more fun events in the future!	Elizabeth Wright Communications I live in San Mateo and have an 18-month-old daughter, Sophia. With Jeanette, I produce the monthly newsletter and write regular blog posts. I just joined in January because I really appreciate everything that the Club does and wanted to give back some time. Plus, it’s a fun group to work with! I think the Winter Party at CuriOdyssey has been my favorite event, though Trunk or Treat and some of the playgroup events are close seconds.
Xiao Li Social Media & Promotions Advertising & Discounts Hi! I'm Xiao Li, and I live in San Mateo. I had my first baby last November, and he’s now almost four months old. I am the Social Media and Advertising Coordinator and have been on the board for about six months. I first discovered the club while I was pregnant and looking for a local community of expecting parents and families. Since then, I’ve met many wonderful friends and families through both the board and the club. I’m grateful for such a welcoming and supportive community. So far, my favorite event has been the Ice-cream Social. Since my baby is still little, I haven’t had the chance to participate in many events yet, but I’m looking forward to bringing him to more activities in the years to come.	Hailey Weiss Community Service Coordinator I live in San Mateo and have one kiddo aged 2. I joined the board this year as the Community Service Coordinator and I was drawn to the role because I love meeting members of my community and giving back. My favorite SMPC events are the Moms Night Out and casual park events where kiddos get to run around and play together.
Olivia Allen-Price Events I live in San Mateo and have one son, Sullivan, who is 4, and another boy due in May. This is my second year as an events coordinator. I joined the board because I enjoyed the SMPC events I attended as a member and had ideas about some fun things the club could do! I see my service on the board as a way to invest in my community, and help make San Mateo an even better place to raise a family. Last year's Trunk or Treat event was such a display of creativity! From the costumes everyone wore, to the creative ways they decorated their cars. It was fun to share Halloween fun with the youngest members of our community, who might not be able to stay up late enough to try trick-or-treating door to door!	Ekta Badiyani Webmaster I live in Foster City and have 2 kids – a 4 year old and a 1 year old I'm the webmaster/tech admin on the board and have been on the board since 2022. Fellow board members and being involved in the community drew me to join the board. Lemos Farms' fall/Halloween event was my favorite. Great fun for the kids and adults!

Science Saturday – San Francisco, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Back to the Future: The Musical – San Francisco, March 1-9

Planetarium Shows at DeAnza College – Cupertino, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Magnificent Magnolias - San Francisco, March 1 - April 22

Butter Makin' at Ardenwood Fremont, March 1

Peninsula Camp Fair – Palo Alto, March 2

Open Cockpit Day – Oakland, March 2

Lunar New Year 5K/10K Run/Walk – San Francisco, March 2

Storytime Science for Kids: March Mathness - San Francisco, March 2, 9, 16

Kids Pasta Making Class – San Jose, March 4
Free First Friday at the History Museum – Redwood City, March 7

Camelot and Camelittle – San Carlos, March 7-9

Holi Festival – Milpitas, March 8

Giant’s Fan Fest – San Francisco, March 8

Noe Music Kids – San Francisco, March 8

North Bay Science Discovery Day – Santa Rosa, March 8

Family Nature Adventures: Bees – Oakland, March 8

Second Saturday on the Farm – Watsonville, March 8

Zoo Kids – Oakland, March 8, 22

Penguins and Pajamas Sleepovers at Cal Academy – San Francisco, March 8, 14

Tuck Everlasting by PYT – Mountain View, March 8-16

Marine Science Sundays – Sausalito, March 9, 23

Straw Rocket Workshop – San Carlos, March 9, 30

Bay Area Garden Railroad – San Carlos, March 15

Model Railroad Show – Walnut Creek, March 15

St. Patrick’s Day Parade – San Francisco, March 15

Family Fun at Happy Hollow – San Jose, March 15

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration – Dublin, March 15, 16

Flying Leprechaun Skydive – San Carlos, March 16

Family Farm Days at Slide Ranch – Muir Beach, March 15, 22

Celtic Celebration – Hayward, March 17

Reading with Dogs at Pup Plaza – San Jose, March 20

Family Cycling Workshop - Castro Valley, March 22

One Grain of Rice – Palo Alto, March 22, 23

Nowruz Around the World – San Jose, March 24

Boardwalk Fun Run – Santa Cruz, March 29

Spring Family Fun Day – Santa Rosa, March 30

Lunar New Year Celebration – Redwood City, Feb 1

Children Discovery Museum Lunar New Year – San Jose, Feb 1

Santana Row Lunar Year Celebration – San Jose, Feb 1

Filoli at Lunar New Year – Feb 1-12

Planetarium Shows at DeAnza College – Cupertino, Feb 1, 8, 22

Lunar New Year – Belmont, Feb 2

Black History Month at Children’s Fairyland – Oakland, Feb 2-23

Home Depot Kids workshop – Foster City, Feb 3

StarLab Planetarium – San Carlos, Feb 8

Noe Music Kids – San Francisco, Feb 8

Valentine’s Fun Run – Campbell, Feb 8

Family Fun Days – Around The World– Los Altos, Feb 22

Family Nature Adventures – Oakland, Feb 10

Adventures of Tom Sawyer – San Jose, Feb 14-23

Chinese New Year Parade – San Francisco, Feb 15

Fun on the Farm – San Ramon, Feb 15, 22

Penguins and Pajamas Sleepovers at Cal Academy – San Francisco, Feb 15, 28

Marine Science Sundays – Sausalito, Feb 9, 23

Reading with Dogs at Pup Plaza – San Jose, Feb 20

Silicon Valley Auto Show – Santa Clara, Feb 21-23

Little Red Riding Hood – Palo Alto, Feb 22-23

Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook Off – Santa Cruz, Feb 22-23

San Mateo on Ice - San Mateo, open until January 12th

SF Chamber Orchestra's New Year's Day Concert – San Francisco, January 1

Chanukah Train – Santa Cruz, January 2

First Friday at Chabot: Blast Off – Oakland, January 3

First Friday at CuriOdyssey – San Mateo, January 3

First Friday at SM County History Museum – San Mateo, January 3

Community Game Night – San Jose, January 3

Fun on the Farm – Berkeley, January 4

Wake up the Farm – Fremont, January 4

The Physics Show – Los Altos Hills, January 4, 5, 11, 12

Glider Discovery Day – San Carlos, January 5

Storytime at the Foster Museum (Free) – Palo Alto, January 5, 19

Starlight Night at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, January 9

Puppylocks and the 3 Bears Puppet Show – Mill Valley, January 11

Berkeley Math Festival – Berkeley, January 11

Roundtable Reading: Breadcrumbs – Berkeley, January 11

Chinese New Year Traditions (Free) – Dublin, January 11

Second Saturday at Gamble Garden (Free) – Palo Alto, January 11

Lunar New Year Celebration (Free) – Palo Alto, January 11

El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos / Three Kings Day – San Jose, January 11

Storytime: Over in a River Flowing Out to the Sea – Los Gatos, January 11

2nd Saturday on the Farm – Watsonville, January 11

Planetarium Shows – Cupertino, January 11, 18, 25

Air Power Adventure at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, January 12

Naturalist Storytime – Berkeley, January 13

Aesop’s Fables – Mountain View, January 17, 18

Penguins and Pajamas Sleepovers at Cal Academy – San Francisco, January 17, 31

Music for Families ~ San Francisco, January 18

Finding Nemo by Pleasanton Youth Theater – Pleasanton, January 18

Music for Families – San Francisco, January 18

Lunar New Year Lion Dance – San Francisco, January 18

Black and Brown Comix Art Festival – San Francisco, January 18

Richmond District Lunar New Year (Free) – San Francisco, January 18

Super Soccer Stars Demo Class (Free) – San Francisco & Palo Alto, January 18

Giants FanFest Tour – Napa, January 18

Napa Lighted Art Festival – Napa, January 18-February 16

Harlem Globetrotters – San Jose, January 18

Family Fun at Happy Hollow – San Jose, January 18

Harlem Globetrotters – San Francisco, January 19

Super Soccer Stars Demo Class (Free) – San Francisco, January 19

Lunar New Year Celebration (Free) – Santa Rosa, January 19

Little Saigon Lunar New Year Festival (Free) – Oakland, January 19

MLK March – San Francisco, January 20

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Day – San Francisco, January 20

Health & Wellness Festival – San Francisco, January 20

Martin Luther King Jr. Parade – El Cerrito, January 20

Lunar New Year at Children’s Fairyland – Oakland, January 24-26

Family Art Making – San Francisco, January 25

Lunar New Year Celebration at SF Zoo – San Francisco, January 25

Lunar New Year Festival – Santa Rosa, January 25

Lunar New Year Fest (Free) – Benicia, January 25

Salamander Search at Sanborn – Los Gatos, January 25

Lunar New Year Community Day (Free) – San Jose, January 25

Giants FanFest Tour – San Jose, January 25

Lunar New Year Festival (Free) – Millbrae, January 25-26

Beauty and the Beast – Palo Alto, January 25-26

James and the Giant Peach – San Francisco, January 26-March 1

The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Palo Alto, January 29-February 16

Lunar New Year Celebration – San Jose, January 31