Jokes of the week

Q. What language does the Declaration of Independence speak?
A. American Sign Language, of course!

Q. What did the ink and quill do to celebrate the signing of the Declaration?
A. They broke out in-de-pen-dance, and they've been Benjamin' ever since!

Film Screening: Hamilton

Celebrate America's 250th birthday with a screening of the hit musical! Presenting the tale of American founding father Alexander Hamilton, this filmed version of the original Broadway smash hit is the story of America then, told by America now. Join us on Thursday, July 2, from 2:30–5:10 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

Holiday Closure

City offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day and to support the 4th of July Community Parade, Picnic and Circus. Learn more.

O say, can you see… a parade, picnic and circus!

The City of Menlo Park invites you to celebrate the 4th of July and America's 250th anniversary with a community parade, picnic and free, all-new performances by Circus Bella. Bring a picnic basket and blanket, join the parade and get ready for a memorable day of celebration and entertainment. Learn more.

Event details:

• When: Saturday, July 4, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. 
• Where: Burgess Park, 701 Laurel St.
• People parade: Decorate your wagons and strollers and join the parade! Line up at 10:45 a.m. outside the Arrillaga Family Gymnasium parking lot at 600 Alma St. See the parade route.
• Picnic: Bring a blanket and a picnic basket and join a community picnic on the lawn.
• Food trucks: Select food trucks will have food available for purchase starting at 11:30 a.m. 
• Circus: Set up your blankets and watch in awe as the vibrant Circus Bella Company performs a family-friendly show at noon and 2 p.m.
• Admission: Free! Sign up in advance for the chance to win cool prizes.

The City of Menlo Park hosts the 4th of July Celebration with support from the Menlo Park Police Department, Menlo Park Firefighters Association, American Medical Response and Menlo Swim and Sport. 

4th of July Open Swim

Bring a suit and hit the pool after the circus show because Burgess Pool will be open on the 4th of July! Open Swim in the Instructional/Recreational Pool will take place from 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and in the Wading Pool from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Check the pool schedule here.

Summer Concert Series — Eagles tribute band

Grab your lawn chairs, blankets and 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 July 8 and runs weekly through Aug. 12.

Our first summer concert performance is by the Boys of Summer, an Eagles tribute band known as one of the top touring Eagles tribute bands in America! See other concert dates, locations and bands.

Family Fun Night at Burgess Pool

Join us for Family Fun Night at Burgess Pool, a new monthly community event held on the first Friday of every month! Kick things off on Friday, July 3, from 5–7 p.m. with an evening of water games, music and family fun. The Wading Pool will have extended hours until 7 p.m., giving younger swimmers even more time to splash and play. No registration is required. Come enjoy the fun with regular Open Swim admission. Learn more.

PlayLOCAL!

Celebrate Parks and Recreation Month with us this July! Bike, walk or run to your local park to join us for PlayLOCAL!, an hour of guided outdoor play and games. Attendees can also pack a picnic and bring a blanket to stay and chat with their friends and neighbors afterward. PlayLOCAL! events are from 11 a.m.–noon each Tuesday in July. Plus, join us for a bubbly surprise at the PlayLOCAL! series finale on Saturday, Aug. 8, at Willow Oaks Park. Click any event below to learn more.

• July 7, Nealon Park
• July 14, Karl E. Clark Park
• July 21, Burgess Park playground
• July 28, Sharon Park playground
• Aug. 8, Willow Oaks Park

More free literary and cultural programs 

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

• Summer Puppetry Festival. Pop and Go Puppets: Wildspaces! Scamper Squirrel is in trouble! It appears his tree is about to be torn down by bulldozers. In a forest farce full of shady characters and mistaken identities, Scamper is going to need a lot of help from the audience. Join us on Sunday, June 28, from 11–11:45 a.m. at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

• A Historical Look at the Art of Drag. Explore the cultural history of drag as a powerful form of artistic expression! Join us on Monday, June 29, from 6–7 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

• Global Language Storytime: Thai. Experience a special storytime featuring stories, singing and learning in Thai! Participate on Tuesday, June 30, from 7:15–7:45 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

• Garden Talk: Seed Saving. Learn how to save seeds and make them more adaptable to your own garden! Participate online via Zoom on Wednesday, July 1, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Learn more.

• Teen Tabletop Gaming. Teens in grades six–12 are invited to join us every month for drop-in Dungeons and Dragons and other tabletop roleplaying games. Participate on Wednesday, July 1, from 4–5:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

• Village Rhythms. Join us outside the library for an African Village Celebration with a world-renowned master percussionist. You won't be able to sit still once the drums start playing! Participate on Thursday, July 2, from 10:15–11 a.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 will discuss All About Love by bell hooks. Join us online via Zoom on Monday, July 6, from 6:30–8 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!