Quote of the week

"Life engenders life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich."

– Sarah Bernhardt, French stage actress

Spring Fest and Egg Hunt – Registration opens Monday

Celebrate the spring season with us at Spring Fest! We'll have a petting zoo, children's crafts, photos with the big bunny, a Menlo Park Fire fun zone and our annual Egg Hunt. Advance tickets are required to participate in the Egg Hunt. All other elements of Spring Fest are free and do not require tickets. Tickets will be available online starting Monday, March 2, at 9 a.m. Egg Hunt tickets are available to incorporated City of Menlo Park residents at no charge (limit one ticket per resident child) and $5 per child for non-residents. Join us on Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Burgess Park, 701 Laurel St. Learn more.

Recreation classes – Spring enrollment dates announced

The City of Menlo Park hosts a wide range of high-quality recreation classes for all ages at reasonable rates, including fitness, dance, sports, gymnastics, music, drama, arts and crafts, lifelong learning and more. Learn more.

Spring enrollment opens:

• Thursday, March 12, for hyperlocal residents
• Saturday, March 14, for Menlo Park residents
• Wednesday, March 18, for non-residents and unincorporated

Spring Swim Lesson registration begins tomorrow

Registration for spring swim lessons at Burgess and Belle Haven Pools opens tomorrow, March 1, at noon. The session runs from March 16–May 31. Classes meet once per week on the same day and time selected during registration. Resident rates are available for Menlo Park residents. Scholarships and Belle Haven hyperlocal resident discounts are available at Belle Haven Pool. Learn more.

Belle Haven Community Resource Fair

Come with your family and friends to connect with local organizations and agencies that support strong and vibrant neighborhoods. Enjoy light refreshments, free activities and a welcoming educational atmosphere on Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more and see a list of participating organizations. 

Important note: Please consider taking public transportation or allow additional time for parking due to construction at Kelly Park. Learn more.

Nature's way at Bedwell Bayfront Park 

Spring (and migrating sea birds) will soon be back at Bedwell Bayfront Park. This beautiful open space park and preserve is a great way to take in some sun, catch some views and revel in the natural world around us. With 160 acres of open space nestled within the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the park offers a wide range of daytime outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, running, bicycling, dog walking, bird watching, kite flying, photography and hilltop views. The park has an extensive trail system, most of which is unpaved; some park trails are steep and narrow. Park gates open daily at 7 a.m. and close at sundown. All park visitors should follow all rules and safety protocols posted on signage. Learn more.

Spring Adult Softball – Last call for registration

Get out on the grass for our Spring Adult Softball League! Our leagues are open to all skill levels, so come join us out on the softball diamond, make some new friends, throw the ball around and have fun. Games will take place at Nealon Park from March 23–May 28. The Co-ed League is on Monday evenings and the Men's League is on Wednesday evenings. Team and free agent registration is open now.

Community Funding Program closes this Thursday

The City of Menlo Park is accepting applications for its Community Funding Program, which supports eligible community organizations and nonprofit agencies addressing local human service needs. Funding is available for basic services, community enrichment and community health programs. Using the City's Community Funding Policy, the City Council will allocate limited resources to priority community needs. Submitting an application does not guarantee funding. Applications are due by Thursday, March 5. Learn more.

Menlo Park Senior Center's March Lunch Menu and NEW drop in activities

For active older adults ages 60 and older, check out the March lunch menu at the Menlo Park Senior Center. Freshly prepared, nutritionally balanced meals are made with local ingredients and paired with health, recreational, social, cultural and educational programs, plus opportunities for conversation and fun! Free, reliable transportation service is available. Join us Monday through Friday from morning to early afternoon at Menlo Park Senior Center, 100 Terminal Ave. See the menu.

The Menlo Park Senior Center is now offering a drop-in Social and Creative Activities class designed to support wellness and connection. This weekly class provides seniors ages 60 and older with engaging activities that promote creativity, movement, technology literacy and fine motor skills. Join us on Tuesdays from 10–11:30 a.m. at the Event Hall at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave.

Reserve a picnic area for your spring celebration

Looking for the perfect picnic area for your next outdoor celebration or gathering? The City of Menlo Park has several picnic areas in beautiful park settings throughout the City that are perfect for all kinds of springtime fun in the sun. Check availability and reserve the picnic area of your choice online or by contacting us via email at [email protected], phone at 650-330-2200 or in person at City recreation facilities. Learn more.

More free literary and cultural programs 

These free literary and cultural programs received funding support from Friends of Menlo Park Library.

• Library Makes. Join us for an afternoon craft in the Makerspace! Participate on Saturdays through March 14 from 2–3:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
• California Book Group. Join us to discuss Melanie Benjamin's The Girls in the Picture, a novel about the friendship between actress Mary Pickford and screenwriter Frances Marion. Participate on Sunday, March 1, from 3–4:15 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
• Melanated Women Read. Melanated Women Read is a book discussion group by and especially for Black women. This month, we'll discuss The American Queen by Vanessa Miller. Join us online via Zoom on Monday, March 2, from 6:30–8 p.m. Learn more.
• Garden Talk: Starting Plants from Seed. Join us online to learn how to start seeds now for spring planting, seed selection, timing and whether to start early in containers or directly sow. Participate online via Zoom on Wednesday, March 4, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Learn more.
• Music with Shabang Steel Drums. Imagine the sand between your toes as you enjoy the engaging Caribbean steel drum music of Harry Best & Shabang! Join us on Saturday, March 7, from 1–2 p.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
• African Drum Circle with Mister Boom Boom. Step into the circle and feel the beat in Mister Boom Boom's African Drum Circle, an immersive, hands-on musical journey. Participate on Sunday, March 8, from 11–11:45 a.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
• National Civil Rights Museum: Declassifying King. In July 2025, an executive order declassified over 243,000 files related to the assassination of Dr. King. Learn about Dr. King's final moments in 1968 and the subsequent investigations and inquiries into his death. Join us online via Zoom on Monday, March 9, from 6–7 p.m. Learn more.

Check out more free community programs
The above was just a sample of the many free activities hosted by the City of Menlo Park this week. Check out the community events calendar to see them all!