Here are this month’s top family activities around the Bay Area.
May 1
“Unseen Oceans”
THROUGH SEPT. 7. Embark on a journey from sunlit ocean surfaces to their inky depths, encountering mysterious deep-sea creatures as well as the scientists and technologies that are revealing our blue planet as never before in this new exhibit. Included with admission of $49 and up adults, $45 and up ages13-18, $39 and up ages 3-12, 2 and under FREE.
California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco
May 2
Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Celebration
Honor and celebrate Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander culture with family-friendly activities and performances. 6pm. FREE.
Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore
Slavic Festival
ALSO MAY 3. Enjoy Slavic folk dancing and music, sample classic dishes and desserts, shop for handmade gifts and enjoy the Kids’ Corner on Sat. for face painting, games and prizes. 5pm-1am Fri., 11am-10pm Sat. $15 adults, $10 under 25, under 13 FREE.
2460 Sutter St., San Francisco
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/slavic-festival-2025-tickets-1066229995619?aff=elcs
3
Marin Irish Festival
ALSO MAY 4. Experience Irish dance, music and heritage with four stages of entertainment including a dance competition and storytelling, more than 40 craft vendors, sheep and sheepdog demonstrations, Irish food and more. 10am-6pm. $30 adults, $15 ages 5-11, 4 and under FREE.
Lagoon Park, Marin County Fairgrounds, 110 Armory Drive, San Rafael
Japantown Kodomo no Hi Children’s Day Festival
There will be games and prizes, craft activities, face painting, bounce houses, and cultural and live stage performances for the community to enjoy. Children are encouraged to wear kimonos or other Japanese clothing.11am-4pm. FREE.
Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, 1840 Sutter St., San Francisco
Palo Alto May Fete Parade
The theme of this year’s parade is “Grow Together,” with floats, booths, food trucks, and games and prizes for kids. 10am-1pm. FREE.
University Avenue to Heritage Park, 300 Homer Ave., Palo Alto
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Events-Directory/Community-Services/May-Fete-Parade
4
Downtown Cinco de Mayo Parade and Festival
Start the day with a parade featuring floats, local performers and community groups celebrating Mexican culture, then attend a festival at 11am with food, live music, cultural performances, dance and family-friendly activities. 9 am-10pm. FREE.
Santa Clara Street and St. James Park, San Jose
Folkloreada Festival
The sixth annual festival brings culture to life through the vibrant art of folklórico dance, plus food trucks, arts vendors and fun activities for all ages. 12-6pm. FREE.
Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose
9
“The Magical Music of Harry Potter in Concert”
Hear live music from the films performed by The Magical Film Orchestra and Choir, with stunning light effects, lasers and magical surprises, including a guest from the films who shares behind-the-scenes stories. 4pm. $45.93-99.49.
Calvin Simmons Theatre, 10 10th St., Oakland
fevo-enterprise.com/event/HJK-HP
“The Wizard of Oz”
THROUGH MAY 11. Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble presents a 45-minute version of the classic tale for ages 3-6. An ASL performances is scheduled for May 10 at 1pm. 6:30pm. $16.
Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
10
Second Saturdays at Gamble Garden
Enjoy guided nature tours for adults, nature hunts for families, family nature crafts and more.10am-2pm. FREE; registration required.
Gamble Garden, 1431 Waverley St., Palo Alto
gamblegarden.org/gamble-resources/secondsaturday
11
“The Perondis Stunt Dog Experience”
Join Chris and Suhey Perondi and their world-famous stunt dogs performing incredible stunts, comedy antics and fetching athletic feats. 3pm. $25-65.
Bankhead Theater, Livermore
16
“Frozen Jr.”
THROUGH MAY 25. Playful People Productions presents multiple casts of children ages 4-12 in this Disney favorite featuring songs from the movie. Ticket prices TBA.
Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Ave., San Jose
Oakland Greek Festival
THROUGH MAY 18. Enjoy the sights, sounds and flavors of Greece at this popular festival started in 1972. See website for details.
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, 4700 Lincoln Ave., Oakland
San Carlos Hometown Days
THROUGH MAY 18. This family-fun festival celebrates San Carlos with a parade, live entertainment and delicious food and drink. 10am-5pm. FREE.
Burton Park, 900 Chestnut St., San Carlos
cityofsancarlos.org/hometowndays
Diablo Ballet “Alice in Wonderland”
ALSO MAY 17. Journey down the rabbit hole into an imaginative world as Alice meets unforgettable characters and falls in love with the magic of Wonderland in this new production. Also featured is the Diablo Ballet premiere of Gerald Arpino’s romantic “Reflections.” 7:30pm. $37 and up adults, $30 and up ages 17 and under.
Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
diabloballet.org/alice-in-wonderland
17
“Swan Lake”
ALSO MAY 18. New Ballet presents the iconic love story. “My Very First Ballet,” a special shortened performance for families with toddlers and preschoolers, will take place on May 18 at 11am. $25-111.
Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose
CuriOdyssey Weekend Workshop
In this Marine Marvels workshop, kids participate in fun activities and interactive lessons to learn about creatures that inhabit our oceans, from playful dolphins to mysterious deep-sea dwellers. Ages 5-10.1-3pm. $55; registration required.
CuriOdyssey, 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo
18
Diablo Valley Lines Model Railroad
Visit this permanent H.O. scale layout with more than 4,400 feet of track covering an area of 1,900 square feet and a seaport, electric trolley system, aerial gondola and more. 11am-6pm. $3-6, under 6 FREE.
Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society, 2751 Buena Vista Ave., Walnut Creek
20
“Parade”
THROUGH JUNE 8. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, “Parade” tells the story of a newlywed Jewish couple struggling to make a life in Georgia when the husband is accused of an unspeakable crime. Recommended for ages 13 and up; contains themes of racism, anti-Semitism and white supremacy. No children under 5 allowed. $60 and up.
Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St., San Francisco
24
Bay Area KidFest
THROUGH MAY 26. Enjoy live family entertainment, fascinating traveling attractions,
arts and sports activities, two food courts, arts and crafts vendor and over 20 kid-friendly rides. 10am-6pm Sat. and Sun., 10am-5pm Mon. $10 admission ($9 with canned food item), under 2 FREE.
Mount Diablo High School, 2450 Grant St., Concord
kidfestconcord.com/bay-area-kidfest
Carnaval
ALSO MAY 25. The largest multicultural festival on the West Coast celebrates the Latino, Caribbean and African Diasporic traditions of the Mission District and the San Francisco Bay Area with a parade and festival. 11am-6pm. FREE.
Mission District, Harrison Street between 17th and 24th streets, San Francisco
Memorial Day Freedom Run
Honor, remember and run for freedom this Memorial Day with a 1-mile family fun run, 5K, 10K and half marathon. Starts at 7:30am. $38.10 and up.
Crissy Field, San Francisco
Sensory Storytime for Kids with Special Needs
A welcoming, interactive, sensory-friendly environment designed for children with special needs which includes visuals, interactive preschool-level stories and multi-sensory activities. 11am. FREE.
Livermore Civic Center Library, 1188 S. Livermore Ave., Livermore
https://library.livermoreca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/10515/3923?curm=5&cury=2025
25
Art and Wind Festival
ALSO MAY 26. This annual event features fine arts, crafts and specialty food vendors, three entertainment stages headlining international music, party bands and variety entertainers, children’s shows, gourmet food courts, family amusement zones, professional choreographed kite flying demonstrations and free kite making workshops. 11am-6pm. FREE.
Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon
https://www.sanramon.ca.gov/our_city/departments_and_divisions/parks_community_services/events/art_and_wind_festival
26
Marin County Memorial Day Services
Conducted by Marin County United Veterans Council, the Memorial Day observance will feature music, remembrance program, flag displays and wreath-laying ceremonies. 9am. FREE.
Marin Center Exhibit Hall, 20 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael
31
Bay Area Book Festival
ALSO JUNE 1. The 11th annual festival features indoor and outdoor stages of authors, a robust children’s area and hundreds of exhibitors and food vendors. Details TBA.
Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park and other downtown venues, Berkeley
Walnut Creek Art and Wine Festival
ALSO JUNE 1. Fun for the entire family, with arts and crafts, vendor booths, festival foods, a wide range of wines, a craft beer garden, live music, children’s activities and more. 11am-7pm.
Civic Park, 1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek