The Arts & Culture Fest and Takahashi Market's 120th Birthday
A strong weekend downtown. Saturday brings the free Arts and Culture Fest, then classic cars cruise El Camino that evening. Sunday, Takahashi Market throws a free party for its 120th birthday. Plus the Dine and Discover passport runs downtown through Oct 25.
A good weekend to be downtown. Saturday is the Arts and Culture Fest, a free day of art, music, and food across downtown, and that evening classic cars take over El Camino for the End of Summer Cruise. Sunday, Takahashi Market celebrates 120 years with a free block party. And the month-long dining passport is still running if you want a reason to try somewhere new. Here is what is worth your time.
Out this weekend
September Arts & Culture Fest
A free, day-long downtown celebration of art, music, dance, poetry, and food, with live mural painting, cultural performances, and local artists.
San Mateo End of Summer Car Cruise
Classic and custom cars cruise a two-mile stretch of El Camino Real, turning around at Hillsdale Mall on one end and 3rd Ave on the other. It is a cruise rather than a car show, so the cars keep moving. Free to watch from the sidewalk.
Takahashi Market 120th Anniversary
The beloved Hawaiian and Japanese market celebrates 120 years, 1906 to 2026, with a free party in its parking lot. Taiko from the San Mateo Buddhist Temple, live Hawaiian music by Pomaika’i, hula, food from their kitchen, raffles, and remarks from the Mayor. The market is closed that day, so use the nearby garages.
Trivia & Karaoke All Week
Trivia at McGovern’s and O’Neill’s midweek, plus karaoke at Blue Moon and McGovern’s most nights. The usual downtown rhythm.
All month downtown
Dine & Discover Downtown Passport
Check in at downtown restaurants through the Vibemap app to earn points, unlock badges, and win prizes, including a $500 grand prize.
That is the week around town. We refresh this every week, so check back for what is next.