Quote of the week

"Sisters, All Hallows' Eve has become a night of frolic, where children wear costumes and run amok!"

– Winnifred Sanderson (Bette Midler), Hocus Pocus (1993)

Costumes for Kindness

Two dressed up in costumes holding a jack-o-lantern

We're holding a costume drive for students in kindergarten through eighth grade! Your costume donation can help make a child's Halloween unforgettable. All usable donations will go directly to Samaritan House for children in need of a costume. We will also accept brand-new costumes for donation to the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health. Learn more.

Drop off your costumes by Friday, Oct. 23, to:

  • Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 700 Alma St.
  • Arrillaga Family Gymnasium, 600 Alma St.
  • Menlo Park Police Department, 701 Laurel St.

Bailar! Today from 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Menlo Park residents line dancing in hats

Join us for Bailar! a family-friendly afternoon of music, dancing and cultural connections. You’ll enjoy a Kids Zone, dancing, live dance performances, local business recognitions and a showcase of unique cars. Participate today, Oct. 3, from 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at Kelly Park, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

11th Annual Storytelling Festival

Open book on top of other books stacked horizontally

Everyone is invited to our 11th Annual Storytelling Festival!

California's Spanish Past
Understand our land's Spanish period. Our guest presenter will give us a deeper look into our state's Spanish past! Join us on Monday, Oct. 5, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

Indigenous Peoples History and Storytelling
Join the Tri Valley Native American Center to learn the importance of Indigenous Peoples Day as they incorporate Native American storytelling and education in this session about our nation's ancestors. Participate on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 6–7 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

Halloweek events

Pumpkins in a pool, with one making a big splash while kids in bathing suits wait on the edge of the pool

Spooky season has arrived! The City of Menlo Park invites you to these frightfully fun, family-friendly events for all the mini ghouls, ghosts and goblins to enjoy.

Halloween parade and carnival
Come in costume for a festive parade through downtown Menlo Park, where kids can trick-or-treat at local merchants' booths. And, new this year, bring your dog in disguise to join the fun as part of our "Howl-o-ween Walkers" section. Then enjoy crafts, carnival games and entertainment by award-winning duo Lori and RJ. Admission is free. Join us on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at Fremont Park at Santa Cruz Avenue and University Drive. Learn more.

Pumpkin Splash
Wear your swimsuit and join us for a floating pumpkin patch! Admission is $12 and includes a pumpkin, decorations for the pumpkin, a goody bag and additional time for swimming. Visit the website, call or visit Belle Haven Pool or Burgess Pool to reserve your spot today! Participate on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Pool, 100 Terminal Ave., or from 1:30–3:30 p.m. at Burgess Pool, 501 Laurel St. Learn more.

Trunk-or-Treat
Instead of going door-to-door, trick-or-treaters will go from car-to-car, with each vehicle's trunk decorated in a creative and festive Halloween theme. Admission is free. Join us on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 4:30–6 p.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

Garden Talks: Perennial Edibles

Hands holding a large, green artichoke

Join us online for some great gardening advice. Plant once, harvest year after year! Our gardening experts will share information about vegetable and fruit plants that will produce for years. Participate online via Zoom on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Learn more.

More free literary and cultural programs 

People playing a game with dice and pawns

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

  • NEW! Adult Tabletop Gaming Meetup. Adults, we're starting a monthly gaming meetup just for you! Drop in and enjoy a range of games, from well-known classics to newer entries and even role-playing games. Bring in a game of your own to share, if you like! Meet new people and play a round or two. Join us on Sunday, Oct. 4, from 2–3 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 will discuss Dealing with the Dead by Alain Mabanckou. Join us online via Zoom on Monday, Oct. 5, from 6:30–8 p.m. Learn more.

  • Library Makes. Crochet Coasters. Join us for an afternoon crafting crochet coasters in the Makerspace! Participate on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 2–3:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Community Campus, Makerspace, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

  • Co-writing Workshop. Join us for fun prompts, free writes and literary community! While this is not a class, it's a chance to connect with other writers to discuss and share creative works with like-minded people. Participate on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 2–3 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

  • Fiction Book Group. Join our Fiction Book Group online via Zoom to discuss The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 6:30–7:45 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!