Quote of the week

"But, ah me! where is the faultless human creature who can persevere in a good resolution, without sometimes failing and falling back?"

– Wilkie Collins, The Woman in White

Bailar!

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 on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at Kelly Park, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

Librarian picks – Dark academia reads for October

Usher in autumn's dark otherworldliness with a dark academia-themed read. The dark academia genre often features romanticized versions of gothic collegiate institutions and libraries as backdrops for highly intelligent main characters navigating mysteries, magic, adventures and love. These reads are perfect for pairing with colder weather, a dark academia music playlist and a mug of tea.

• Dark academia for adults
• Dark academia for teens

11th Annual Storytelling Festival

Our 11th Annual Storytelling Festival continues with Roopa Mohan presenting Kasturba Gandhi. More than just the wife of the famed political and spiritual leader, Kasturba Gandhi was an activist, freedom fighter and an inspirational figure. Roopa Mohan's performance will capture Kasturba Gandhi's trials and triumphs in her journey from child bride to freedom fighter in South Africa and India. Join us on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 1–2 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

Halloweek events

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
Trunk-or-Treat is a safe and fun way to bring joy to children and families while fostering community spirit. Instead of going door-to-door, kids 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.

Costumes for Kindness

We're holding a costume drive for students in kindergarten through eighth grade! Your donation can help make a child's Halloween unforgettable. Donations will go directly to KIPP Elementary and Middle School students. Drop off your new or gently used costumes during business hours at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 700 Alma St., or the Arrillaga Family Gymnasium, 600 Alma St., between Sept. 27 and Oct. 23. Learn more.

Family Fun Night at Burgess Pool

Join us for Family Fun Night at Burgess Pool and soak up the fun! Dive into a magical adventure with an evening of water games, music and family fun. The Wading Pool will be open for the little ones to enjoy. No registration is required. All the fun is included with your regular Open Swim admission. Join us on Friday, Oct. 2, from 4–6 p.m. at Burgess Pool, 501 Laurel St.! Learn more.

Breathe California

Breathe California of the Bay Area, Golden Gate and Central Coast fights lung disease in all its forms and works with communities to promote lung health. Join Breathe California for a free presentation to learn about the effects of tobacco use, secondhand smoke exposure, its effects on communities and neighborhoods and what you can do to reduce exposure. Participate on Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, Sequoia Room, 700 Alma St.

More free literary and cultural programs 

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

• Cozy Coloring Corner. Bring your own materials and join us to color or sketch in the library! We'll provide coloring sheets and colored pencils and put together a still life for you to try your hand at. All levels are welcome. Join us on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 2–3:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

• Sci-Fi Fantasy Book Group. Join our Science-Fiction & Fantasy Book Group online or in person to discuss The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Participate on Monday, Sept. 28, from 6:30–7:45 p.m. online via Zoom or in person at Belle Haven Library, 100 Terminal Ave. Learn more.

• Election 2026: Pros and Cons. Get the details of this year's election issues during a presentation by the League of Women Voters of South San Mateo County. Join us on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 6–7:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Learn more.

• 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.

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!