Bay Area Family Weekend Guide: September's Best Activities

This September, the Bay Area is buzzing with exciting family-friendly events. From cultural celebrations rich in Chinese traditions to educational science exhibits and fun-filled outdoor adventures, this weekend offers diverse choices for families. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in traditional culture or hoping to spark creativity and curiosity in your kids, these activities are sure to make your weekend unforgettable. Let’s take a look at some of the best events happening this weekend!

1. SF’s 2024 Chinatown Lion Dance Festival

• Date: Sunday, September 22, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Location: Chinatown San Francisco Portsmouth Square

• Cost: Free

• Event Details: Experience the exhilarating moments of traditional lion dance performances. Skilled dancers will move through the streets to the rhythm of drums, bringing good luck and fortune to the audience. This cultural and community festival will present a truly captivating performance.

2. Harvest History Festival

• Date: Saturday, September 21, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Location: Heritage Park (771 Rengstorff Ave., Mountain View, California 94043)

• Cost: Free

• Event Details: Celebrate Mountain View’s agricultural history at the 6th Annual Harvest History Festival. This family-friendly event features live music by The Stragglyrs, children’s activities like bubble shows, puppet shows, face painting, cartoon drawing, and art projects. You can also visit the historic immigrant house and enjoy gardening demonstrations. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Mountain View and the City of Mountain View, this event is free and open to the public.

3. Children's Book Festival

• Date: Saturday, September 21, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Location: Children’s Fairyland (699 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland 94610)

• Cost: $17

  Event Details: Get ready to fill your book bags, little bookworms! On September 21, Children’s Fairyland will host its annual Children's Book Festival. Over 30 talented authors, illustrators, and educators will gather to share carefully curated children's literature. This year’s keynote speakers include Aida Salazar, Annie Barrows, Innosanto Nagara, Nidhi Chanani, Viet Thanh Nguyen, and Minnie Phan. Visitors can enjoy live readings, watch art demonstrations, buy books, and even get them signed.

When it comes to outdoor activities, one must-have for a comfortable experience is the Alvantor Screen House Gazebo. Not only is this tent lightweight and portable, but it also offers plenty of space, making it perfect for camping, picnics, and backyard parties. Its mosquito netting ensures you can enjoy the outdoors without pesky bugs, and its UPF 50+ sunshade top protects you from harmful UV rays. The best part? It’s easy to set up—just toss it in the air and it pops open! With its hassle-free setup and convenient storage, this Alvantor Screen House Gazebo will elevate your outdoor experience no matter which activity you choose.

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4. San Jose Reid Hillview Airport Community Day

• Date: Saturday, September 21, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Location: 2500 Cunningham Ave, San Jose

• Cost: Free

• Event Details: This is one of Silicon Valley’s coolest aviation, science, and community festivals! The event includes displays of classic and vintage planes, robot exhibits, cultural camps, Girl Village, a Disaster Alley emergency vehicle display, remote control airplane shows, and more. There will also be educational exhibits, career information booths, and an electric vehicle display. Enjoy live performances including dance, music, and stunt shows.

5. Free Rides on SF's Open-Air Boat Tram

• Date: Sunday, September 22, 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM

• Location: Embarcadero, 4 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA

• Cost: Free

• Event Details: Hop on San Francisco’s famous open-air boat tram and experience Muni’s traditional summer service. This vintage tram, built in the 1930s, will run on the F Market line, shuttling between the Ferry Building and Fisherman’s Wharf. Besides the boat tram, other vintage trams from places like Melbourne and Milan will also be in operation. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience San Francisco’s unique transit culture and scenic city views.

6. Bubble Bonanza

• Date: Saturday, September 21

• Location: Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA 95018

• Cost: Starting from $29.63

• Event Details: All aboard the bubble-filled circus train! As you travel through the redwood forest, countless bubbles will float through the air. You’ll also meet bubble characters and watch acrobatic performances on the train. Tickets include a circus show at Bret Harte Hall featuring stilt walkers, jugglers, dancers, and the world-famous bubble magician, Tom Noddy.

7. Niles Canyon Railway Ride

• Date: September 21 (Diesel Train), September 22 (Steam Train)

• Location: Sunol Depot

• Cost: Diesel Train: Adults $25, Seniors (62+) and Children (3-12) $15

        Steam Train: Adults $30, Seniors (62+) and Children (3-12) $20

• Event Details: Take a historic ride aboard a steam or diesel locomotive for a round trip lasting 1 hour and 20 minutes. The train includes open-air cars and closed-window coaches, offering a comfortable ride. You’ll also find snack cars serving pre-packaged snacks and drinks to enhance your journey.

This weekend, the Bay Area offers an abundance of family-friendly activities. Whether you’re exploring Chinese culture, diving into the world of science, or enjoying the beauty of nature, every family is sure to find something exciting. Don’t forget to bring along the Alvantor Screen House Gazebo, your perfect companion for outdoor events, giving you a comfortable, breezy private space while enjoying the scenery and activities. Have a great weekend and enjoy these fantastic family adventures!