2025 Special Events Work Plan
Community Services Department - Recreation Division
January 2025
Support Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Event (Partner: Youth Community Service) Monday, January 20 1:00PM – 3:00PM
Mitchell Park Community Center
February 2025
Hearts and Harmony Dance - NEW
Friday, February 14 4:00PM -6:00PM
Mitchell Park Community Center
This is a community dance event for all generations to celebrate togetherness with music in a social setting. Children through seniors are encouraged to attend - no partner needed. Music and refreshments provided.
Palo Alto Puzzle Hunt
Month of February
Throughout Palo Alto
The 4th annual Palo Alto Puzzle Hunt previously scheduled for May was moved to February for 2025. This four-week contest is filled with puzzles for family and friends to solve together throughout Palo Alto.
March 2025
Around the World in One Day Cultural Festival - NEW
Saturday, March 29 10:00AM -1:00PM
Lucie Stern Community Center
A festival day to celebrate the rich diversity of Palo Alto. Cultural groups will be invited to share and celebrate their heritage through information booths, arts, crafts, music, and dance.
Food trucks featuring various foods from around the world will be at the event. Musical and dance performances from the various groups will take place throughout the event.
April 2025
No events are scheduled in April due to May Fete Parade planning.
May 2025
101st Annual May Fete Parade and Festival
Saturday, May 3 10:00AM – 1:00PM
University Avenue to Heritage Park
Annual parade to celebrate the youth of Palo Alto. Featuring floats, marching bands, and various community groups and local schools. Parade ends with activities in Heritage Park.
Chance to showcase groups, teams, neighborhoods, or extracurricular activities. Residents of Palo Alto are encouraged to participate in the parade or join as spectators along the parade route.
June 2025
Movie Nights in the Park
June 6 and 20 Sunset
Mitchell Park
July 2025
Fourth of July Chili Cook Off and Summer Festival
Friday, July 4 11:00AM – 3:00PM
Mitchell Park
Annual event featuring a fun and competitive chili cook off with prizes. Free chili tasting, live music, food trucks, and games and activities for kids such as inflatables and crafts. All ages are welcome.
Support Third Thursday Event – NEW (in 2024)
Thursday, July 17 6:00PM – 9:00PM
California Avenue
Celebrate Parks and Recreation month with recreational games and activities as well as informational booths. The Recreation Division leads the activities for the theme of Summer Fun & Games.
Movie Nights in the Park
July 11 and 18 Sunset
Mitchell Park
August 2025
Cornhole Tournament – NEW
Friday, August 22 12:00PM – 6:00PM
California Avenue (tentative)
Tournament style play where teams pre-register. Residents, day-time employees, and visitors are the target audience.
Movie Nights in the Park
August 1 and 15 Sunset
Mitchell Park
September 2025
Pancakes in the Park – NEW
Saturday, Sept 20 9:00AM – 11:00AM
Mitchell Park
Individuals and families will be encouraged to attend to enjoy a pancake breakfast and meet new neighbors. Pancakes cooked by members of the Police and Fire Departments (tentative).
Games, activities, and live entertainment will also be provided.
October 2025
Moonlight Run (Partner: Palo Alto Weekly)
Friday, October 3 5:30PM – 9:30PM
Baylands Athletic Center
This family-friendly race offers a 5K Walk, 5K Run, and 10K Run under the Harvest Moon in the Baylands Nature Preserve.
Fall Pet Parade - NEW
Saturday, October 11 10:00AM -12:00PM
Location to be determined
A chance for residents to dress their pets in their finest costumes and celebrate the Fall Season with a parade.
Jack-O-Jaunt pumpkin carving contest
Friday, October 24 6:30PM – 8:30PM
Lytton Plaza
Community members can carve a pumpkin for display at the annual Jack-o-Jaunt. Prizes given to the scariest, cutest, and most creative jack-o-lantern. The winner of each category receives a gift card to a Palo Alto business of their choosing.
November 2025
Support for Veteran’s Day Event (Partners: Office of Emergency Services, Stanford, Legion of Honor)
Tuesday, November
11 Time to be determined
Location to be determined
This event recognizes the service and contributions of the Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Friendsgiving (Partner: Magical Bridge Foundation)
Date to be
determined
Time to be determined
Lucie Stern Community Center
A welcoming and inclusive community dinner to offer thanks and meet new people.
December 2025
Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday, December 5 5:30PM – 7:00PM
Lytton Plaza
Event for the whole family for a festive evening filled with live music, crafts, and winter treats.
Support for Cal Ave Holiday Tree Lighting Event
Saturday, December
6 10:00AM – 12:00PM
California Avenue
Event for the whole family with the opportunity to support Cal Ave businesses.
Holiday Decorating Contest
December 16 - 20
Palo Alto homes and businesses
Palo Alto residents and businesses are encouraged to decorate the exterior of their homes or business in holiday-themed décor.