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Hundreds of residents flocked to downtown Menlo Park on July 24 as businesses stayed open late and local artists performed free live music for the debut of Fourth Fridays, a new effort to revive a typically quiet Friday night scene and draw foot traffic back to local merchants and restaurants.
Businesses including Mademoiselle Collette, Feldman’s Books, Gallery House and Gitane stayed open later as musicians performed at several locations from 6 to 9 p.m.
The event was hosted by Downtown Menlo Fund, a nonprofit founded in 2025 by Marnie Foody, Ben Eiref, Paul Charrette and Laura Melahn to support downtown. Melahn is also a candidate for Menlo Park City Council
LeVant Dessert owner Maya Fezzani said Friday nights in Menlo Park are typically a “ghost town.”
“The city is really not helping us. We used to have so many events before COVID. Since COVID, we have not had anything,” Fezzani said. “I think Menlo Park deserves a nice, vibrant atmosphere.”
Before the pandemic, the city hosted a summer block party that closed a stretch of Santa Cruz Avenue to cars and featured live music and entertainment. Fourth Fridays is intended to help bring that energy back to downtown.
“We could not be happier about how the first Fourth Fridays is going. The Members (band) has the community dancing in the plaza. Bistro Vida is full. Roma is full. And overall Santa Cruz Ave is bumping,” Melahn said during the event.
Afterward, she said the event reflected the vision behind the Downtown Menlo Fund.
“That’s the whole idea: Bring people out to enjoy the town together. When we started the Downtown Menlo Fund, we imagined a more lively future for downtown. Now, so many people are working together to make that happen. … Come on out Aug. 28 for Round 2!” Melahn said in an email after the event.
Main Stage
Cover bands The Members and The Wanderers performed sets on the main stage at the pedestrian plaza in the 400 block of Santa Cruz Avenue, which the City Council intends to turn into a community gathering space.
Santa Cruz Avenue
In addition to performers in stores and at the pedestrian plaza, several acts were spread out through downtown. PAX Duo played saxophone and guitar in front of Café Vivant and singer and guitarist Norman Kahan performed near the former Pharmaca space.
Balloon artist Steven Koehler made swords and animals for children in front of Cheeky Monkey.
Gallery House
Gallery House stayed open three hours later than usual, hosting a performance by Los Altos singer-songwriter Corrie Dunn and serving refreshments from 6 to 8 p.m.
Steve Shpall, a photographer who is part of Gallery House, said the gallery was hoping to increase its awareness.
“For us, this is about promoting people coming into the gallery to see it and learn that there’s an art gallery downtown. We want them to think about coming back when they’re looking for art,” Shpall said.
He said that while the gallery may only see a couple of people all day, over 30 people had already visited in the first hour of the music.
“I think that people really are craving community connection … coming to a gallery where there are beautiful things and music — it just enlivens your spirit and brings us together,” Carol Garsten, a jewelry artist who organized the music at Gallery House, said. “It’s good for economic vitality. It’s also great for the community.”
Mademoiselle Colette
Gaby Castro plays the guitar and sings on the sidewalk of Santa Cruz Avenue in downtown Menlo Park on July 24, 2026. Photo by Michael Molcsan. 
Barbara Sampaeo, second from the right, poses for a portrait with their coworkers behind the counter of Mademoiselle Colette in downtown Menlo Park on July 24, 2026. Photo by Michael Molcsan.
Mademoiselle Colette manager Barbara Sampaio said her team is thrilled about the event. “This is really nice for us. We’ve been getting a lot of visitors: a lot of longtime clients have been coming in for some desserts and new clients as well,” Sampaio said.
Singer-songwriter Gaby Castro-Moroder performed original songs along with covers of pop hits in front of the store.
Bow Wow Meow
In addition to staying open later, Bow Wow Meow offered free samples of dog supplements, including liquid pumpkin, goat’s milk and beef bone broth.
“It’s definitely a good way to get the word out on our products. A lot of dogs that stopped by have been sampling our liquids, and pretty much, it’s been a 10 out of 10. All dogs really like it!” Bow Wow Meow manager Sam Orrego said.
Other businesses
Feldman’s Books hosted Melodious Thunk and Gitane had a performance by Dave Nesbitt Jazz Band.
Bistro Vida and Bar Loretta owner Ali El Safy said his restaurants had 40 to 50 more patrons than on a typical Friday night.
“The whole community is now coming out to support the restaurants and other businesses too,” El Safy said.
Fourth Fridays returns to downtown Menlo Park on Aug. 28 and Sept. 25, with businesses expected to stay open late and free live music planned throughout downtown.
People hug and dance while The Members band plays music on Santa Cruz Avenue in downtown Menlo Park on July 24, 2026. Photo by Michael Molcsan. 
Norman Kahan plays the guitar and sings on the sidewalk of Santa Cruz Avenue in downtown Menlo Park on July 24, 2026. Photo by Michael Molcsan. 
PAX Duo, Patrick Kelly, left, and Xavier Maximus Clark play on the sidewalk of Santa Cruz Avenue in downtown Menlo Park on July 24, 2026. Photo by Michael Molcsan.
