As the new school year brings busy times for parents and students alike, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and Mountain View offer a variety of relaxing activities ideal for family outings. Following is a roundup of upcoming events.
First Fridays
6-8 p.m. the first Friday of every month
Downtown Los Altos
Monthly First Fridays are sponsored by Los Altos Forward, a group of volunteers dedicated to promoting vibrancy in downtown Los Altos. Shops remain open late and offer complimentary refreshments, discounts and in-store activities while live music fills the streets.
For more information, visit losaltosfirstfriday.org.
Los Altos Fall Festival
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 1 and 2
Downtown Los Altos
The annual Los Altos Fall Festival, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, features more than 150 arts and crafts booths and activities for all ages. The festival is located in the South Parking Plazas between First Street and San Antonio Road. Highlights include the Children’s Alley with games and rides, food from local restaurants and a classic-car show.
For more information, visit losaltoschamber.org.
Recreation with Rocks
Peninsula Gem and Geology Society Show
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 22 and 23
Los Altos Youth Center
1 N. San Antonio Road
Recreation with Rocks, the annual Peninsula Gem and Geology Society Show, features a display of the group’s lapidary – or gem-polishing – talents, along with an opportunity to purchase handcrafted jewelry, gemstones and fossils from a variety of dealers. The show includes raffle and door-prize drawings, and children receive a free prize wheel ticket.
Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for youth 12-18 and free for children under 12 accompanied by an adult. Oct. 22 visitors may return Oct. 23 at no charge with receipt.
For more information, visit pggs.org/show.htm.
Mountain View Monster Bash
4-8 p.m. Oct. 28
Community Center/Rengstorff Park
201 S. Rengstorff Ave.
Bring friends, family and a blanket to the free Mountain View Monster Bash. The event features an outdoor movie – Hotel Transylvania 2 – as well as Halloween-themed games, music and light refreshments. The movie is scheduled to begin at approximately 6:30 p.m.
For more information, visit mountainview.gov.
Halloween Spooktacular
Noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 31
Downtown Los Altos
Local children are invited to trick-or-treat at participating stores during the Los Altos Village Association-sponsored Halloween Spooktacular. The annual event features face painting, games, crafts, balloon art and, of course, plenty of candy.
For more information, visit downtownlosaltos.org.
Holiday Stroll
5-9 p.m. Nov. 11
Downtown Los Altos
The Los Altos Village Association’s annual Holiday Stroll is an opportunity for residents to enjoy holiday shopping in a festive atmosphere as carolers stroll the streets. Roasted chestnuts and beverages will be available for purchase, and more than 50 downtown shops are scheduled to participate. Complimentary carriage rides are available 5-9 p.m.
For more information, visit downtownlosaltos.org.
Belly Dance and Music Association Festival
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 12
Hillview Community Center, Multipurpose Room
97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos
The annual Bay Area Belly Dance and Music Association Festival features dancing, live music, refreshments and vendors from throughout the Bay Area selling dance accessories. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, $7 for children under 12 and $5 for performing dancers. Proceeds support future events and Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence, a San Jose-based agency serving Santa Clara County.
For more information, visit babdama.org.
Festival of Lights Parade
6 p.m. Nov. 27
Downtown Los Altos
The Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade has been a holiday tradition for more than 35 years. The family-friendly event – staged on Main and State streets – features colorful holiday-themed floats; local school marching bands; illuminated, costumed characters; and an appearance by Santa Claus, complete with sleigh and reindeer.
For more information, visit losaltosparade.com.
Holiday Barn Lighting
2-5 p.m. Dec. 4
Westwind Community Barn
27210 Altamont Road,
Los Altos Hills
Enjoy cookies, hot cider and wine, seasonal games and crafts, pony rides and a petting zoo at the annual Westwind Community Barn event. Local student groups are scheduled to perform carols and holiday music, and the local Pony Club and 4-H students will demonstrate horse grooming and horse management skills.
For more information, visit losaltoshills.ca.gov.
Community Tree-Lighting Celebration
5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 5
Civic Center Plaza
500 Castro St., Mountain View
Don’t leave those cameras at home, because Santa Claus will appear at this year’s Mountain View Community Tree-Lighting Celebration. Enjoy holiday music, refreshments and lights. Admission is free, but guests are encouraged to bring a can of food to donate to Community Services Agency.
For more information, visit mountainview.gov.
Caroling in the Hills
7:30-9 p.m. Dec. 22
Los Altos Hills Town Hall
26379 W. Fremont Road
Enjoy drinks and treats before joining neighbors to spread holiday cheer in Los Altos Hills. Carolers should wear warm clothes and bring a flashlight.
For more information, call Scott Vanderlip at 948-6455 or email [email protected].
Holiday Carriage Rides
Downtown Los Altos
5:30-9 p.m. Dec. 16-18, 21-23, 26 and 27
The Los Altos Village Association offers horse-drawn Holiday Carriage Rides through Los Altos festive downtown during the holiday season.
For more information, visit downtownlosaltos.org. r
