Here are this month’s top family activities around the Bay Area.
July 8
“Moulin Rouge”
THROUGH JULY 13. Baz Luhrmann’s film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Recommended for ages 12 and up. $68.50 and up.
Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose
July 11
“Hello, Dolly!”
THROUGH JULY 20. Join the indomitable Dolly Gallagher Levi, a turn-of-the-century matchmaker, as she orchestrates delightful romantic escapades in this jubilant musical in a beautiful outdoor setting. 8pm. From $40 adult, $13 child.
Woodminster Amphitheater, Joaquin Miller Park, 3450 Sanborn Drive, Oakland
woodminstersummermusicals.csstix.com
Yerba Buena Children’s Garden Series
See Ka-Hon, a high-energy ensemble displaying the astounding versatility of the humble cajón, a simple wooden box usually played by a percussionist seated atop it. 11am and 12pm. FREE.
Children’s Garden, Yerba Buena Gardens, 799 Howard St., San Francisco
ybgfestival.org/childrens-garden-series
July 12
Los Altos Art and Wine Festival
ALSO JULY 13. Enjoy arts and crafts from makers around the country, food and drink, all day free concerts on two stages and entertainment for children all weekend in the Kidzone. 10am-6pm. FREE admission.
July 13
MakerSpace: Rainbow Scratch Art
Create art in conjunction with the exhibit “ArtNow 2025: Dreamscapes.” 10am-4pm Thu.-Sun. FREE with admission of $10, under 18 FREE.
NUMU, 106 E. Main St., Los Gatos
numulosgatos.org/events/scratch
July 17
“The Movie Music of Hans Zimmer”
The San Francisco Symphony, conducted by Sarah Hicks, returns for its sixth year at Frost, highlighting scores from films including “The Lion King,” “Interstellar,” “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Dune.” Also July 16 and 18 at Davies Symphony Hall. “How to Train Your Dragon” with live symphony accompaniment is scheduled for July 26 and 27 at Davies. 7:30pm. $40 and up.
Frost Amphitheater, Lasuen Street, Stanford
July 18
“Balloon Museum”
THROUGH SEPT. 7. Experience “EmotionAir: Art You Can Feel,” a unique exhibition that explores the profound relationship between art and emotions through the captivating medium of inflatable art, with interactive installations, emotional projections and performance art. $42.50 and up adults, $32.50 and up children.
The Palace of Fine Arts, 3601 Lyon St., San Francisco
tickets.balloonmuseum.world/emotion-air-san-francisco
July 19
Fairyland Summer Sleepovers
ALSO AUG. 9. Camp out at Children’s Fairyland and enjoy rides, special performances, puppet shows, storybook sets, dinner, popcorn and a continental breakfast. Bring your own tent and sleeping bag. 5:30pm-8am Sun. $75 per person.
Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland
fairyland.org/event-calendar/family-summer-sleepover-1/2025-07-19
20
Trapeze Arts at the Lawrence
Les Aerielles acrobats will soar through the air and celebrate the human body and what it can do when put to music. 12, 1 and 2pm. $5, 2 and under FREE.
The Lawrence Hall of Science, 1 Centennial Drive, Berkeley
lawrencehallofscience.org/events/trapeze-arts
July 25
Magical Summer Concert
See Andy Z perform a family-friendly concert as part of this summer series. 6pm. FREE.
Magical Bridge Playground, Mitchell Park, 3700 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
magicalbridge.org/upcoming-events
July 26
San Rafael Festival of the Arts
Enjoy live music, fine arts and crafts by talented artisans, street painting demonstrations, food trucks and wines and local craft beer. 11am-6pm. FREE.
Falkirk Cultural Center, 1408 Mission Ave., San Rafael
sanrafaelfestivalofthearts.com
July 27
Family Sunday Fundays in Union Square
Drop in for S.T.E.A.M. activities for kids ages 5-12 led by Maker Studio Kidz and/or local museums. 11am-2pm. FREE.
Union Square, Post and Stockton streets, San Francisco
visitunionsquaresf.com/park-programs
29
“MJ”
THROUGH AUG. 3. This four-time Tony award winner tells the story of the making of Michael Jackson’s “Dangerous” World Tour, with hits including “Beat It” and “Billie Jean,” as well as earlier Jackson 5 songs. Recommended for ages 8 and up. $63.50 and up.
Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose
30
Santa Clara County Fair
THROUGH AUG. 3. This year’s fair, “Still Hare and Kicking,” will feature carnival rides, shows and entertainment, favorite fair foods and more. There will be a half-mile parade with floats, music and more on Aug. 2 at 6pm. See website for details.