We’re taking next Thursday off for the Fourth of July, so we’re fittingly going out with a bang for the final newsletter of June.

If you’re staying local for the holiday you’ll find plenty to do in the form of parades, performances, barbecues and fireworks. Check out Heather Zimmerman’s roundup for the complete guide to regional festivities.

With the calendar turning to July, restaurateurs are waiting on word from Sacramento to see if the junk fee ban will take effect on July 1. An 11th-hour effort could allow restaurants and bars to continue implementing surcharges as long as they disclose those fees “clearly and conspicuously” on menus or “other display.” So why are restaurant owners using surcharges, and what would they do if they’re banned? Adrienne Mitchel spoke with Peninsula restaurateurs to get their thoughts.

And Karla Kane’s latest feature focuses on 10 pop-up markets held regularly on the Peninsula. These markets give local artisans an opportunity to showcase and sell their wares directly to patrons and also connect with brick-and-mortar retailers that often host these markets. Pick a market (or two), grab a friend and pop by this summer to support small businesses and Bay Area makers. 

Happy 4th 650!

Julia Brown
Six Fifty Editor
editor@thesixfifty.com

Shop at these 10 Peninsula pop-ups for handmade gifts and goods

If you’re looking to spice up your shopping experience by finding unique items while supporting local makers and small businesses, pop-up markets (temporary retail spaces and showcases) may be your perfect match.

Our guide to Fourth of July celebrations on the Peninsula and beyond

There are plenty of ways to celebrate July 4, from local traditions old and new to fireworks and a drone light show. Here’s what’s happening around the Peninsula, Coastside and the South Bay for the Fourth.

Here’s what you need to know about the potential surcharge ban in the restaurant industry

How it could impact Peninsula restaurants, unintended consequences and the bigger issue.

Congrats to Darsy Meghinasso of San Mateo, who was the first reader to correctly identify where last week’s photo was taken (it’s Half Moon Bay Kayak Company in Princeton-by-the-Sea!).

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 Devin Roberts)

Early Bird Jazz For Kids: June 29 A beloved tradition of the Stanford Jazz Workshop, Dr. Dave Hart and the Zookeepers offer a fun, family-friendly introduction to the joys of jazz. 

Apricot STEM Fair: June 29 Folks of all ages can learn about steam-powered trains, the science of roller coasters, how to sun-dry apricots, launching projectiles and more at the Los Altos History Museum’s Apricot STEM Fair. 

San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy: June 29 Catch two California pro soccer teams competing at Stanford. 

Nudie Records Showcase: June 30 Local label Nudie Records hosts a night of music at Winters Tavern in Pacifica, featuring Travesura, Kailey Rocker and Underground River. 

Being Alive: A Sondheim Celebration: Through June 30 TheatreWorks Silicon Valley presents a world-premiere revue tribute to the work of the late musical theater great Stephen Sondheim.

New Kids On The Block: July 3 Still got the “Right Stuff”? Boy band New Kids On The Block has a new album and will be in town to perform as part of their Magic Summer 2024 Tour.

Fireworks with San Francisco Symphony: July 4 The annual Independence Day tradition at Shoreline Amphitheatre returns. 

Bair Island Sunset Walk: July 6 Take an easy sunset stroll around the marshland while spotting wildlife and learning about the area’s ecology and history. 

Smelly Lunchbox Cooking Demo: July 7 Susanna from Smelly Lunchbox will share her recipe for vegetarian chive and egg rice paper dumplings, inspired by Chinese chive boxes. 

Plan Ahead

ACGA Clay & Glass Festival: July 13-14 The Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California (ACGA) presents its annual art showcase at the Palo Alto Art Center. 

Los Altos Art & Wine Festival: July 13-14 Downtown Los Altos’ 45th street festival returns, with live music, art, food and vintages from local wineries. 

Pub in the Park: July 13 Local folk-rock and bluegrass group The Stragglyrs performs in Red Morton Park, while an inflatable British-style pub serves beer and cider. 

Herbal Tea Party: July 19 Make your own herbal tea blend from organic herbs and flowers and enjoy it with a tasty pastry at this Gamble Garden event. 

Music@Menlo: July 19-Aug. 10 The annual classical music festival returns with a theme of “French Reflections.” 

Design a San Mateo County Park Poster: Through Aug. 9 Calling all local artists: San Mateo County Parks Foundation is seeking designs for posters of more county parks: San Pedro Valley Park, Sawyer Camp Trail and Wunderlich Park. 

Jigsaw Puzzling Competition: Aug. 31 Duos will race against each other to complete a 500-piece puzzle the fastest. Prizes awarded to winning teams. Bring a puzzle to trade.

Ms. Lauryn Hill & The Fugees: Sept. 13 Ready or not, Lauryn Hill and The Fugees are bringing The Miseducation Anniversary Tour to Shoreline. Tickets go on sale Friday morning. 

Filoli’s Summer Nights: Through September On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, Filoli hosts food trucks, acoustic music, special pop-ups and garden talks and more, all summer long.

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Julia Brown started working at Embarcadero Media in 2016 as a news reporter for the Pleasanton Weekly. From 2018 to 2021 she worked as assistant editor of The Almanac and Mountain View Voice. Before joining...