Last night I found myself admiring the stillness in the suburbs as I headed home from happy hour with co-workers in Palo Alto. A chorus of crickets harmonized in the warm August air with a nearly full moon rising.
It reminded me of something Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District interpretive specialist Katie Renz said in an interview recently about how getting a facilitated connection to nature through a docent enables you to learn how and where to look for animals and plants outdoors, and then you “start noticing things in the natural world that maybe you never noticed before.”
Katie was among the people I spoke with for an article about sunset and night hikes on the Peninsula. Local organizations are hosting docent-led evening walks throughout the rest of the summer into fall.
The special nighttime excursions give attendees the chance to access areas that aren’t otherwise open to the public at that point in the evening – or at all. They learn about local ecology and creatures that emerge when it’s dark out, from moths and bats to owls and bobcats. Find out where these sunset strolls and night hikes are happening and what you should know before you hit the trail in my latest feature.
Seeing things in a whole new light,
Julia Brown
Six Fifty Editor
editor@thesixfifty.com
As the sun sets, these Peninsula preserves and landmarks come alive for guided walks
Docent-led events teach hikers about local ecology, animals and artwork while providing exclusive after-hours access.
From the Hello Kitty Cafe to Alamo Drafthouse, Westfield Valley Fair has an assortment of new food and drink offerings – plus plenty more to come
Within the last few months, Westfield Valley Fair has unveiled a movie theater with local brews on tap, a Hello Kitty Cafe serving afternoon tea and a Mongolian barbecue spot in its food court. Later this year, a food complex celebrating pan-Asian cuisine and a Michelin-recommended Japanese noodle restaurant are expected to open.
Anderson Collection show offers ‘journey’ toward the future
Highlighting innovative and diverse artists, ‘The Journey Continues’ exhibit hints at how the Anderson Collection might continue to grow.
Congrats to Valerie Cordova of South San Francisco, who was the first reader to correctly identify where last week’s photo was taken (it’s The Mountain House in Woodside!).
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!
Find more summer events in our August guide to things to do around Silicon Valley.
Victorian Days: Aug. 9 Learn about life during the 1800s at this celebration of the Victorian era, featuring a tea party, historical reenactors portraying wealthy Peninsula residents of the past, a fashion show and crafts.
Fine Art in the Park: Aug. 9-10 More than 150 artists showcase their work at this annual festival at Lincoln Park in Los Altos. Food and beverages from local favorites will be available to purchase.
Bay Area Aloha Festival: Aug. 9-10 Celebrate the spirit of aloha at this festival presented by the Pacific Islanders’ Cultural Association, featuring entertainment, food, kids’ activities, community booths and more.
Shakespeare in the Park: Aug. 9-24 San Francisco Shakespeare Festival brings its free Shakespeare in the Park production of the romantic comedy “Two Gentlemen of Verona” to Redwood City for three August weekends of open-air theater.
KFJC Record Swap: Aug. 10 Foothill College’s dining hall is home to the legendary campus radio station’s record swap. Find vinyl, CDs, cassette tapes, posters and other musical memorabilia and merch.
Hip-Hop Day: Aug. 16 Daly City hosts its annual celebration of hip-hop, featuring DJ sets, a breaking competition, live entertainment and more.
Weird Al Yankovic: Aug. 22 The one and only Weird Al plays at Shoreline Amphitheatre, along with the “saddest clowns in town,” Puddles Pity Party.
Plan Ahead:
Bay Area Lebanese Festival: Aug. 23 The annual celebration of Lebanese culture returns to downtown Redwood City with food, entertainment, vendors and more.
Dog Days of Summer Maker Market: Aug. 23 Find treasures from local artisans and small businesses, refreshments and live music at Little Green’s August maker market.
Winnie M. Li: Aug. 23 Author and activist Winnie M. Li comes to Books Inc. Palo Alto to celebrate her new novel “What We Left Unsaid.”
Kings Mountain Art Fair: Aug. 30-Sept. 1 The Labor Day weekend favorite features arts, crafts, activities and treats under the redwoods, with all proceeds going to the Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Brigade and elementary school.
OceanCiders Anniversary: Aug. 30 The outdoor cider bar by the sea celebrates its second anniversary with all-day music, cider and bites from Alebrijes Oaxacan Kitchen.
Belmont Greek Festival: Aug. 30-31 Enjoy Greek food and beverages, live music, dancing and craft boutiques at the 53rd annual festival over Labor Day weekend.
Springline Pickleball Club: Through Aug. 31 Springline in Menlo Park is hosting a pop-up pickleball club for the month of August that’s open to the public.
Meet the furry, feral cats of Silicon Valley
Two volunteers gave us an inside look at a decades-long quest to humanely rein in (and care for) the Bay’s homeless felines
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Redwood City attorney sues ‘First Amendment auditors’ after Menlo Park disputeApril 2, 2026 11:31 am
