Indie Bookstore Day giveaways, games and more

The literary landscape in Silicon Valley has seen some new additions in recent years with the openings of nonprofit shop Peninsula Books in Daly City, Los Altos romance bookstore A Novel Affair and Fireside Books & More in Redwood City, which have joined indie cohorts like Kepler’s Books and Linden Tree Books.

These spots are among more than 2,000 bookstores in all 50 states celebrating the 13th annual Independent Bookstore Day this weekend.

Held on the last Saturday of April, local independent bookshops participate by hosting author talks, selling and giving away exclusive items, discounting books and carrying limited-edition merchandise.

This year, additional events include a “Bridgerton”-themed weekend, literary trivia, banned book bingo, a stuffy sleepover and a sip and shop. Book your Saturday plans with your bibliophile bestie while you still have time.

Julia Brown
Six Fifty Editor
editor@thesixfifty.com

Independent Bookstore Day brings giveaways, exclusive literary items and author talks to Silicon Valley shops

This year, additional Independent Bookstore Day events include a “Bridgerton”-themed weekend at A Novel Affair in Los Altos, a sip and shop at Peninsula Books and literary trivia at Kepler’s.

These 8 new eateries are coming to downtown Palo Alto

Downtown Palo Alto’s dining scene is constantly shifting, with old businesses shuttering and new ones moving in. With recent closures of popular restaurants such as Son & Garden and Sushirrito, new eateries are set to take their place. Here are eight restaurants joining the neighborhood.

Review: A dream weaver at Stanford’s Cantor Arts Center

A new exhibition at the Cantor Arts Center explores how Maine artist Jeremy Frey takes an innovative approach to a traditional art form.

Congrats to T. Alonso, who was the first reader to correctly identify where last week’s photo was taken (it’s “Tilted Donut #5” by artist Fletcher Benton in Palo Alto!).

The first person to reply to this email with the correct place where the below photo was taken will win a prize from The Six Fifty and a shoutout in our next newsletter!

Where are we? (Photo by Magali Gauthier)

Looking for more fun things to do? Check out our Earth Month events roundup and our guide to free clothing and book swaps, plant exchanges and more!

Día de los Niños/Día de los Libro s: April 25 The Mountain View Library celebrates Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros (Day of the Children/Day of the Books) in Pioneer Park, with dance performances by Raices de Mexico.

Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival: April 25-26 The 42nd annual free festival features live entertainment, Japanese food, kids’ activities – including a petting zoo and pony rides – a manga books truck and cosplay meetup and more.

50th Annual Wildflower Show: April 25 The Santa Clara Valley chapter of the California Native Plant Society hosts a milestone celebration for its annual wildflower show with hundreds of native wildflowers and plants on display and a variety of activities for all ages.

Night at the Library: April 25 Solve a literary mystery after hours at the Redwood City Library at a fundraising event featuring puzzles, food, cocktails, prizes and “literary spirits.”

Pacific Coast Dream Machines: April 26 Half Moon Bay’s airport is host to a festival highlighting around 2,000 driving, flying and working machines from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Stay in Bloom: May 1-2 Musician/producer Dabin returns to Frost Amphitheater for another iteration of the Stay in Bloom festival, featuring multiple artists over the two-day event.

May Day Music & Art Festival: May 2-3 Two days of live music, food and drink vendors, art installations and more come to Pie Ranch for this celebration of spring. There is even the option to camp on-site Saturday evening.

Release the Rage: May 3 San Mateo County Pride Center hosts “Release the Rage: A Queer Community Exhale” at Ryder Park, featuring inflatable clown punching bags, stress-ball making, dancing and a community art project.

NUMU First Free Sundays: May 3 New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU) offers free admission on the first Sunday of the month, including guided tours.

Old Woodside Store Day: May 3 Travel back in time to get a sense of Peninsula life in the 1800s. Woodside Store’s annual free family day focuses on local history, with hands-on activities, games and live music.

Plan Ahead:

Jane Austen Readers’ Theatre: May 8 Hear local actors read the works of Jane Austen aloud during free monthly performances at The Yard coffee shop.

Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival: May 9 California winemakers will present their wines all along Half Moon Bay’s Main Street while a variety of jazz musicians and groups perform, including Jesús Diaz Y Su QBA, the Marcus Shelby Nonet, the Stella Heath Sextet and Rabiah Kabir.

Woodside-Atherton Garden Club Plant Sale: May 9 Find California native plants, drought-tolerant species, vegetables, herbs, perennials, succulents and specialty plants propagated from members’ gardens for sale.

The Corner Laughers: May 15 Bay Area indie-pop band The Corner Laughers (featuring The Six Fifty’s assistant editor) plays an intimate acoustic duo show at Little Green in celebration of the group’s new album.

Jasper Ridge Farm Animals at The Reading Bug: May 23 Meet live animals from Portola Valley’s Jasper Ridge Farm at a special animal-themed story time at The Reading Bug.

Hitchcock at the Stanford Theatre: Through May 31 The ever-popular films by the “Master of Suspense” return to Palo Alto’s Stanford Theatre, which also offers what must be the best movie ticket and concession prices around.

The rain is gone and wildflowers are in bloom. Here’s how you can spot them on the Peninsula
Find flowers at these local hot spots and learn how to help preserve them before you go

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