Have fun with your family with these May events taking place around the Bay Area. For even more items, visit our online calendar.
April 30
“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” With Live Orchestra
THROUGH MAY 2. Watch the third film in Peter Jackson’s Oscar-winning trilogy with the score performed live by the San Francisco Symphony and Chorus. 7:30pm Thu. and Fri., 2pm Sat. Tickets start at $275.
Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
May 1
First Fridays
Enjoy free admission, live entertainment and more. 6-9pm. FREE.
San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S. Market St., San Jose
May 2
Museum Birthday Party
The event will feature family-friendly activities and a celebration for the museum’s newly named Discovery Duck mascot. Visitors can wear duck-themed outfits, costumes or their favorite yellow attire. This celebration is the final event in the museum’s series of 35th anniversary celebrations. 11am-3pm. Included with admission of $18, infants FREE.
Children’s Discovery Museum San Jose, 180 Woz Way, San Jose
cdm.org/event/museum-birthday-party
Japantown Children’s Day Festival
Enjoy cultural and live stage performances, games and prizes, craft activities, a bounce house and more. Children are encouraged to wear kimono, yukata or other Japanese clothing. 11am-4pm. FREE.
Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, 1840 Sutter St., San Francisco
jcccnc.org/programs-events/annual-programs/childrens-day-festival
May Fete Parade and Fair
Watch or join Palo Alto’s annual parade on University Avenue, with this year’s theme “Not All Heroes Wear Capes!” Then enjoy booths, games and food trucks. 10am-1pm. FREE.
University Avenue and Heritage Park, 300 Homer Ave., Palo Alto
cityofpaloalto.org/events-directory/community-services/may-fete-parade
WildCare’s Free Family Nature Day
Go on a naturalist-led hike, create a wildlife themed-craft, dissect an owl pellet, use binoculars to watch birds from the patio of the historic Lyford House, meet live non-releasable wildlife and more at this event honoring the legacy of Elizabeth Terwilliger. 10am-2pm. FREE.
Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary, 376 Greenwood Beach Road,
Tiburon
discoverwildcare.org/family-nature-day
May 3
Great Kids Cook-Off!
Kids Cooking for Life invites families and the community to cheer on
the next generation of chefs as they transform surprise ingredients into nutritious, delicious dishes to be judged by local and celebrity chefs. 4pm. FREE.
Donkey & Goat Winery, 1340 Fifth St., Berkeley
kidscookingforlife.org/kids-cookoff-2026
Downtown Cinco de Mayo Parade and Festival
Celebrate the holiday at San Jose’s third annual festival, with entertainment, vendors and more. 11m-8pm. FREE.
1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose
May 6
“Hell’s Kitchen”
THROUGH MAY 24. Alicia Keys’ Tony and Grammy-award winning musical, inspired by her life, is about a passionate 17-year-old girl, the musical mentor who changes her life and the neighborhood that helps her grow. Recommended for ages 8 and up, no children under 5 allowed. $69 and up.
Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St., San Francisco
us.atgtickets.com/whats-on/san-francisco
May 8
Sing-Along Sign Language Story Time
Laugh, sign and sing with Teacher Bill, author of the book “Signs of a Happy Baby.” Seats are limited, and tickets are handed outside 15 minutes prior. 10:15am. FREE.
Fremont Library, 2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
Starlight Movies in the Park
Bring a lawn chair and blankets to watch “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” rated PG. 6:30pm for pre-show activities, movie starts at dark. FREE.
Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach, Eighth Street and Otis Drive, Alameda
May 9
Magic in May
This interactive show by professional magician Brain Scott is full of magic and comedy and is fun for the whole family. Proceeds support Berkeley Playhouse’s education and outreach. 2pm. $25.
Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley
berkeleyplayhouse.org/event/magic-show-2026
San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers
Caroline McCaskey and the SF Scottish Fiddlers, plus more than 65 musicians on fiddles, cellos, guitars, piano and percussion, play a “Stravaig” Spring Concert Series celebrating Scottish music and tradition. 7pm. $32-35, under 12 free with an adult.
The Freight, 2020 Addison St., Berkeley
Scout-O-Rama
Learn about Scouting and enjoy more than 100 hands-on activities for all ages including archery, water rockets, tomahawk throwing, Pinewood Derby racing, life-size mazes and more. There will also be food trucks and live entertainment. $15, FREE to non-Scout families.
History Park, 635 Phelan Ave., San Jose
svmbc.org/activities/adventure-festival26
May 10
Storytime with Anna
Visit the museum for a special event designed for ages 6 and under with an arts-and-crafts activity, imaginative play, movement and song, and a short nature-themed story. There’s also time to explore the galleries or participate in a scavenger hunt. 10:30am. FREE.
The Foster Museum, 940 Commercial St., Palo Alto
thefoster.org/storytime-with-anna
May 15
Oakland Greek Festival
THROUGH MAY 17. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and flavors of Greece with outdoor food booths, an indoor dining hall, music, dancing and more. 4-10pm Fri., 11am-10pm Sat., 11am-9pm. Sun. $5 admission, ages 12 and under FREE.
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, 4700 Lincoln Ave., Oakland
San Carlos Hometown Days
THROUGH MAY 17. It’s a weekend packed with activities celebrating San Carlos, from a Fri. night concert in the park to a parade at 9:45am Sat., and food, entertainment, shopping, games and attractions all weekend long. 4-9pm Fri., 10am-9pm Sat., 10am-5pm Sun. FREE.
Burton Park, 900 Chestnut St., San Carlos
cityofsancarlos.org/hometowndays
May 16
Ho’oku’i Outrigger Canoe Club Community Day
This is a family-friendly opportunity to meet club members and learn the cultural history of the sport, receive novice instruction and try paddling an outrigger. All ages and activity levels are welcome. 10am-1pm. FREE.
Boathouse at Shoreline Lake, 3160 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View
Laurie Berkner Greatest Hits
Legendary children’s musician Laurie Berkner plays her greatest hits in a solo concert in advance of the release of her 18th album. 11am. $35-89.40.
Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, 3301 Lyon Street St., San Francisco
palaceoffinearts.org/event/laurie-berkner
Marin Irish Festival
ALSO MAY 17. Enjoy a Beltane celebration of Irish music, dance, food and tradition, with an Irish dance competition, seven stage areas of live entertainment, athletic demonstrations, falcons, Irish language workshops, an expansive marketplace, two Irish pubs and more. 10am-6pm. $30 adults, $15 ages 5-11, 4 and under FREE.
Lagoon Park, Marin County Fairgrounds, 110 Armory Dr, San Rafael
May 17
My Very First Ballet: “Giselle”
New Ballet presents a special shortened performance of this world premiere reinterpretation for families with toddlers and preschoolers, with a one-hour run time. 11am. $20.50-90.
Hammer Theatre Center, Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose
May 23
Carnaval SF
ALSO MAY 24. Celebrate “La Copa del Pueblo” and people’s love of “futbol” with a grand parade and two-day festival with five music stages, five DJ block parties, international cuisine, a kids’ zone, skateboarding area and more over 17 blocks. 11am-6pm; parade at 10am Sun. FREE, reserved seating extra.
Mission District, Harrison Street between 17th and 24th streets, San Francisco
May 24
Art and Wind Festival
ALSO MAY 25. This annual event features professional choreographed kite flying demonstrations, a free kite making workshop, fine arts, crafts and specialty food vendors, entertainment, children’s shows, two festival food courts and family amusement zones. 11am-6pm. FREE.
Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon
Bay Area KidFest
ALSO MAY 25. It’s the 35th year for this annual festival with family entertainment, traveling attractions, arts and sports activities, two food courts and over 20 kid-friendly rides. 10am-8pm Sun., 10am-6pm Mon. $10 admission, ages 24 months and under FREE; $10 parking.
Toyota Pavilion at Concord, 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord
kidfestconcord.com/bay-area-kidfest
Free Community Day at SFMOMA
The museum isoffering free public programming and free admission to the entire museum, including the special exhibit “Matisse’s Femme au Chapeau: A Modern Scandal.” 10am-5pm. FREE.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 151 Third St., San Francisco
May 30
Bay Area Book Festival
ALSO MAY 31. The festival returns for its 12th year with the theme “Writing the Future” with conversations with top authors and a lively free outdoor fair on Sun. with exhibitors, storytime spaces, youth and family activities, a food court and more. 11am-5pm. FREE.
Allston Way, Berkeley
baybookfest.org/outdoorfair2026
Janine DeFao is an associate editor of Bay Area Parent.
