Each month we highlight performances, poetry readings and open mics, arts and culture classes for children, teens, adults, and seniors, arts exhibitions and arts-related holiday celebrations. Our goal is to promote the essential and joyful events that our artists and arts/culture organizations provide for our community! ENJOY!
Submit events by the 20th of each month to:
https://bit.ly/SMCArtsandCultureEventsCalendar
January 1 - 5, 2025
Make It Main Street
Dates: 1/2/25 • Time: 5:00 PM
Host: Make it Main Street
Description: Please join Speakers Space HMB to enjoy words from Daly City Youth Poets Laureate. Open mic to follow the reading.
Location: Inkspell Books, 621 Main Street, Half Moon Bay
Cost: Free
Create Alebrijes
Dates: 1/3/25 • Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Host: Menlo Park Library
Description: Create Alebrijes: Join us for a fun hands-on art experience for adults and youths alike: create your own fantastical creature! Alebrijes are are brightly-colored Mexican folk art sculptures, made of papier mache or wood. Rachel-Anne Palacios of Devika's Palacio Multicultural Folk Art will help us make our own version of an alebrije with modeling clay. Let your imagination go wild!
Location: Belle Haven Library, Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave., Menlo Park
Cost: Free but registration is requested
Kathak Dance Classes!
Date: 1/5/25 • Time: 9:30 AM
Hosts: Noorani Dance
Description: Winter/Spring Session registration is OPEN! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, join us this winter to experience the beauty and rhythm of Kathak. Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Ages: 5 and up. Sign up today! https://www.care.com/connect/nooranidance/pro
Location: 3925 Bohannon Drive, Menlo Park
Cost: See website for pricing
January 6 - 12, 2025
Jazz Dance Classes
Date: 1/7/25 • Time: 7:00 PM
Host: Motion Arts Center
Description: Are you ready to elevate your dance skills? Introducing our brand-new Jazz classes for all levels at Motion Arts Center!
Location: 217 South Claremont Street, San Mateo
Cost: $30
Half Moon Bay Writing Club
Dates: 1/7/25 • Time: 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM
Host: Half Moon Bay Library
Description: This is dedicated time to work on your own writing projects in the company of other writers. There are no prompts, nothing will be read aloud, and no feedback will be offered. We will simply enjoy conversation about our creative practice and one hour of writing together.
Bring your preferred writing tools (e.g. notebook, laptop, post-it notes, it’s up to you).
Location: 620 Correas Street, Half Moon Bay
Cost: Free
Community Poetry Open Mic Series
Dates: 1/8/25 • Time: 6:00 PM
Host: Burlingame Library
Description: Join us for an evening of poetry at the library with featured reader, Sally Ashton! Come share a poem or two or sit back and listen. The Open Mic will be followed by a reading and book signing by Sally. Light refreshments will be provided. All poets, poetry enthusiasts, and the poetry curious are welcome.
Please register if you will be sharing your poetry, if you would just like to listen, no need to register.
Location: 480 Primrose Road, Burlingame
Cost: Free
Tribute to Jeff Beck
Dates: 1/10/25 • Time: 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Host: Club Fox
Description: Eric Barnett presents a TRIBUTE TO JEFF BECK featuring STU HAMM and current and former members of STARSHIP, TOWER OF POWER, Y&T, and more!
Location: 2209 Broadway, Redwood City
Cost: Tickets $30 - $35
Art Open House
Date: 1/11/25 • Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Host: Redwood City Parks & Art Foundation
Description: This event is open to all and the last chance to see the current exhibition and meet the next cohort of artists which includes 4 high school students.
Location: CZI Community Space, 801 Jefferson Ave, Redwood City
Cost: Free but registration is required
Jeff Sanford’s Cartoonjazz Orchestra
Date: 1/11/25 • Time: 7:30 PM
Host: Pacifica Performances
Description: From the beloved Saturday morning antics of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck in the 40s and 50s to today’s inspired anime, this group expresses wild swings of energy and emotion, explosive triumphs, and deserved defeats.
Location: The Mildred Owen Concert Hall, 1220 Linda Mar Boulevard, Pacifica
Cost: Tickets: Adults $25, Children $12
Solo exhibition: “Our Hearts Pulse Together”
Dates: 1/12/25 • Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Host: M Stark Gallery
Description: Na Omi J. Shintani makes art as a way to connect and heal during times of trauma, chaos, and uncertainty, expressing her relationship with her ancestors and culture. The show is up from January 11 - February 16 - Reception on January 12.
Location: 727 Main Street, Half Moon Bay
Cost: Free
Reverón Piano Trio
Date: 1/12/25 • Time: 6:00 PM Pre-concert talk, 7:00 PM Concert
Host: Music at Kohl Mansion
Description: Reverón Piano Trio has quickly established itself as one of the most important chamber music ensembles from Latin America. The trio shares a true passion in the performance of works by Latin American composers and introducing audiences to this rich repertoire of contemporary and standard works.
Location: 2750 Adeline Drive, Burlingame
Cost: Tickets: $62 (adult), $60 (senior, 62+) and $30 (age 30 and under)
January 13 - 19, 2025
Coastside Community Open House
Date: 1/13/25 • Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Hosts: Office of Supervisor Ray Mueller and Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Description: Join us for this Open House for Nonprofits, Arts & Culture Organizations, and the philanthropy community.
Location: 270 Capistrano Road, Half Moon Bay
Cost: Free but please RSVP by sending an email to: gquiney@smcgov.org
Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra: Lunar New Year Concert
Date: 1/15/25 • Time: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Host: East Palo Alto Library
Description: Come join us in celebrating the Lunar New Year as we present a joyful, live concert performed by the Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra! The musicians will play classic folk pieces with unique Chinese instruments.
Location: 2415 University Avenue, East Palo Alto
Cost: Free
Life Drawing with Costumed Model
Date: 1/17/25 • Time: 1:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Host: Madrone Arts
Description: Life drawing is the process of drawing from the human form. During this studio session, working from a live clothed model, artists will have an opportunity to practice figurative drawing basics like scale, shape and proportion as well as gesture and emotion. Attendees should bring their own drawing supplies, easels and, if you’d like, a cushion for a chair. All levels of artists are welcome. Appropriate for ages 14 up, however children 14 - 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location: 216 Stage Rd, Pescadero
Cost: $25
Painting Iridescent Feathers
Dates: 1/19/25 • Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Host: Madrone Arts
Description: Join us for an afternoon learning the art of painting realistic iridescent feathers with painter Gloria Caro. The class focus will be on hummingbirds that have reflective feathers in shades of blue and teal. A complete list of required materials will be provided upon registration. All levels of painters welcome. Painters under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Instruction is available in English and Spanish.
Location: 216 Stage Rd, Pescadero
Cost: $125
January 20 - 31, 2025
Lunar New Year Celebration
Date: 1/25/25 • Time: 10:30 AM
Host: South San Francisco Library
Description: This year's special guests include a lion dance performance by LionDanceME and storytime by Charlotte Cheng, author of Roar-Choo!, Night Market Rescue and BoBo’s Colorful Chinese New Year! The storytime will be followed by a meet and greet along with art activities. Stay for a year of the snake craft making in the Community Room.
Location: LPR Banquet Hall, Library | Parks & Recreation Center, 901 Civic Campus Way, South San Francisco
Cost: Free
Lunar New Year Celebration
Date: 1/25/25 • Time: 3:00 PM
Host: Burlingame Public Library
Description: Join us for a special Celebration featuring Lion Dancers on the Front Lawn of the Main Library. This program is funded by the Burlingame Library Foundation.
Location: 480 Primrose Rd, Burlingame
Cost: Free
Golden Bough
Date: 1/25/25 • Time: 7:30 PM
Host: Pacifica Performances
Description: Join local favorites Paul Espinoza, Margie Butler, and Kathy Sierra for a special tribute concert to Scotland’s favorite son – Robert Burns.
Location: The Mildred Owen Concert Hall, 1220 Linda Mar Boulevard, Pacifica
Cost: Tickets: Adults $25, Children $12
Chinese Calligraphy
Date: 1/26/25 • Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Host: East Palo Alto Library
Description: This workshop is designed for adults, integrating the basics of calligraphy, cultural stories, and creative art-making. Participants will not only learn the beauty of calligraphy but also explore the rich traditions of Chinese festivals through hands-on activities.
Location: 2415 University Ave., East Palo Alto
Cost: Free
Lunar New Year with Perry Yan
Date: 1/28/25 • Time: 6:30 PM
Host: Redwood Shores Library
Description: Join us for a Lunar New Year Kick Off program. During a special Pajama Storytime, Magician Perry Yan will join us for a Lunar New Year Program. Free books and give aways available while supplies last.
Children of all ages and must be accompanied by an adult
Location: 399 Marine Parkway, Redwood City
Cost: Free
A John Williams Celebration
Date: 1/29/25 • Time: 2:30 PM
Host: The Peninsula Symphony
Description: Join us for an epic John Williams Celebration, featuring iconic scores from legendary films like Jaws, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T. and Superman. Experience the magic and adventure of Williams' timeless compositions performed live. These concerts promise to transport you through cinematic history with music that has defined generations.
Location: San Mateo Center for the Performing Arts, 600 N Delaware St, San Mateo
Cost: Tickets $50
Five Women Wearing the Same Dress
Date: 1/31/25 • Time: 7:00 PM
Host: Coastal Repretory Theatre
Description: Alan Ball's glib, bitingly funny look at weddings and well-to-do Southern culture, Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, has more substance than all the taffeta and crinoline suggests. With modern sensibility, the show pulls back the mask on recognizable stereotypes, revealing contemporary women grappling with age-old issues.
Location: 1167 Main Street, Half Moon Bay
Cost: Tickets $17- $32