Quote of the week

Now, if there's a smile on my face
It's only there trying to fool the public
But when it comes down to fooling you
Now, honey, that's quite a different subject
But don't let my glad expression
Give you the wrong impression

Really, I'm sad 
Oh, I'm sadder than sad 
You're gone, and I'm hurtin' so bad
Like a clown, I pretend to be glad 
Now there's some sad things known to man
But ain't too much sadder than 
The tears of a clown
When there's no one around.

– Smokey Robinson, Steve Wonder and Hank Crosby

Join the parade! See the circus! Have a picnic! 4th of July

The City of Menlo Park invites you to celebrate the 4th of July with a people parade, community picnic and free circus performances. Bring a picnic basket and blanket and get ready for a memorable day of family fun, entertainment, games and prizes. 

New! Event details

• Date: Friday, July 4, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. 
• Location: Burgess Park, 701 Laurel St.
• People parade: Decorate your wagons and strollers! Line up at 10:45 a.m. in the parking lot at 600 Alma St. (between the library and gymnasium). See the parade route.
• Picnic: Bring a blanket and a picnic basket and join the community picnic on the big lawn.
• Food trucks: Onsite with food for purchase starting at 11:30 a.m. 
• Complimentary treat: Starting at 1 p.m. during the community picnic. Visit the Dessert Token Booth onsite to receive your dessert token (1 per person, while supplies last)
• Circus: Set up your blankets and watch the vibrantly colorful Circus Bella Company (show for all ages). Two free performances at noon and 2 p.m.

Admission is free, but advance registration is highly recommended to receive important event information and the chance to win some very cool prizes.

Swim all summer long with a family pass

Dive into fun at Belle Haven Pool and Burgess Pool with a Summer Open Swim Family Pass. Whether you're cannonballing into the deep end or lounging in the sun, this pass is your all-access ticket to affordable family fun all season long. One great deal — two great pools. Unlimited summer memories for up to five family members. Don't miss out—get your pass today. Learn more.

Summer Concert Series begins July 9

Get ready for an incredible summer of music and fun at Fremont Park and Karl E. Clark Park with the City of Menlo Park Summer Concert Series! Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and pack all your favorite picnic essentials as you enjoy music at twilight with your family and friends. All concerts start at 6 p.m. The series begins on July 9 and runs weekly through Aug. 13. See specific dates, locations and bands.

Summer recreation programs

Learning is a lifelong adventure! The City of Menlo Park hosts a wide range of high-quality recreational classes, including fitness, dance, sports, gymnastics, music, drama, arts, crafts, cooking and much more. Check out our Activity Guide to learn more about summer recreation programs, including:

• Volleyball clinic for beginners. This five-week volleyball class is designed for fifth and sixth grade beginners. Each week will focus on a different fundamental skill, starting with a lesson and drills and ending with a fun game every session. The goal is to build a knowledge of basic skills for those just starting and have fun while doing it. The final week will end with a friendly tournament and mini-games to bring all the skills together. Check the Activity Guide for additional information and fees. Join us on Wednesdays from July 2–30 at the Arrillaga Family Gymnasium, 600 Alma St. Learn more.
• Drop-in chess play. For ages five–adult. Whether you're a grandmaster or just learning the basics, our friendly and welcoming environment is perfect for all levels. Drop in to play casual games, learn new strategies or simply enjoy the company of fellow chess enthusiasts. There is a $3 drop-in fee. Participate on Thursdays from 6–9 p.m. at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 700 Alma St. Learn more.

“Friends and Family” special event at Menlo Park Senior Center 

For adults ages 60 and older and their friends and families. Join us for a special event with freshly prepared lunch and good company at Menlo Park’s amazing new multigenerational center, Belle Haven Community Campus. Friends and family must be accompanied by an adult age 60 or older. 

Advance tickets are required! Tickets will not be sold at the door and space is limited. Tickets are available for purchase in-person only at Menlo Park Senior Center and are $2.50 for seniors and $10 for family and friends. Join us on Friday, June 27, at noon at the Menlo Park Senior Center at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

Free literary and cultural programs  

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

• Summer Reading Game. The Summer Reading Game has officially started! Track your reading and win great prizes (while supplies last). Check out a book in person or check out our eBooks and other electronic resources. Learn more.
  
  
• Middle Grade Book Group. Middle Grade Book Group is an in-person group for kids ages six–12 who are interested in reading chapter books. Join us to discuss this month's book, The Best At It by Maulik Pancholy on Saturday, June 21, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
  
  
• Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Group. Join us online to discuss Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle. The Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Group meets online on the fourth Monday of each month. Participate online via Zoom on Monday, June 23, from 6:30–7:45 p.m. Learn more.
  
  
• Summer Puppetry Festival – Documentary Screening: I Am Big Bird. An affectionate portrait of Caroll Spinney, the beloved puppeteer responsible for creating worldwide icons out of Sesame Street's Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch for over 45 years. Watch with us on Tuesday, June 24, from 6–7:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
  
  
• Dance of India: Bharatanatyam. Join us out on the library lawn to learn about a classical Indian dance style and maybe try a few moves yourself! Join us on Thursday, June 26, from 10:15–11 a.m. on the Menlo Park Library Lawn, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
  
  
• Global Language Storytime: Spanish. Babies, toddlers and their grown-ups are invited to join us for a fun-filled Spanish-language storytime! Participate on Friday, June 27, from 11:30 a.m.–noon at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.
  
  
• Summer Puppetry Festival: The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Join us for a classic tale of a six-foot wizard, an enchanted broom, an impish imp and a magical cat that make for a mesmerizingly different version of the sorcerer's tale! Join us on Sunday, June 29, from 11–11:45 a.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.
  
  
• Garden Talk: Caring for Succulents. Join our experts to learn about the many varieties of succulents and how to grow and propagate them. Participate on Wednesday, July 2, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. online or in person at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. 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!

Community organizations and nonprofits: Apply for the Community Funding Program 

The City of Menlo Park annually provides monetary support to eligible community organizations and non-profit agencies whose programs respond to the human service needs of our community in three categories:

• Basic services – Activities include, but are not limited to, services and civic engagement for the homeless, seniors, youth and low-income individuals and families such as subsistence programs, healthcare initiatives and rental assistance.
• Community enrichment – Activities that promote community enrichment, including, but not limited to, educational and recreational programs and initiatives that promote social equity and engagement.
• Community health – Activities include, but are not limited to, programs or projects that support Menlo Park residents’ well-being, preserve natural resources, improve indoor and outdoor air quality or increase community environmental sustainability.

Applications are due by Friday, July 18. Eligible organizations are encouraged to visit our webpage to learn more and apply.

Solar panel installation at Menlo Park Library   

On June 17, the City of Menlo Park began installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic panels at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. The work is expected to last approximately eight weeks (Monday–Friday from 7 a.m.–3 p.m.). Library hours of operation will not be affected. However, there may be some noise and construction equipment staged around the building. Thank you for your understanding as we make these improvements. Learn more.

Underwater tile work at Belle Haven Pool

The T-markings at the bottom of a swimming pool provide a visual cue for lap swimmers that they are approaching the edge of the pool. A specialist in underwater tiling and plaster will be scuba diving at Belle Haven Pool to reposition the T-markings at the bottom of the performance pool (deep pool). The current T-markings were installed by the pool builder one meter from the edge of the pool. However, the common standard for T-markings is two meters from the edge. The scuba diver is moving the T-markings to the common standard of two meters from the edge of the pool. The work is set to begin on Thursday, June 19, and will last approximately two weeks. The pool will remain open to the public during the work, aside from rotating individual lane closures. Learn more about Belle Haven Pool.

Parks and Recreation Commission meeting

The Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) is comprised of civic-minded Menlo Park residents who advise the City Council on matters related to City programs and facilities dedicated to recreation. PRC meetings are open to the public and public comments are welcome. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, at 6:30 p.m. at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 700 Alma St., and will also be available online via Zoom. See the meeting agenda and details.

Register your block party for National Night Out 2025

Aug. 5 is National Night Out, a nationwide community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and crime prevention by inviting neighbors out to mingle at neighborhood-centric block parties from 5–10 p.m. It's a great chance to meet your neighbors, City staff and Menlo Park police officers!