The best things to do in the South Bay this June revolve around the region’s rich art, music and culture. Outdoor festivals, maker markets and county fairs round out the calendar, along with June’s yearly celebrations like Gay Pride Month, Father’s Day and Juneteenth.
We’ve done the deep research for you on the best things to do in the South Bay including museums, cultural events, food tours, athletic events, hikes and more. Speaking of food, we also have an extensive list of our best restaurants in the South Bay, and if you’re planning a weekend, the best places to stay.
The South Bay is sunny and warm this month. There may be a few hot days that inch into the 80s in areas like San Jose, while coastal towns along the Peninsula should stay milder, with maybe even a bit of cool fog à la June gloom.
Featured photo: Half Moon Bay Wine and Jazz Fest by Lèzanne Fourie.
Half Moon Bay Wine and Jazz Fest
Date TBD
In the beautiful oceanside city of Half Moon Bay, a weekend of libations and improvisations awaits you. This relatively new music festival takes place on historic Main Street, which musicians and wine vendors will line with tents and plenty of tunes. There are evening concerts — including one on May 31 that highlights the jazz history of San Francisco’s Fillmore District, AKA the “Harlem of the West” — and a full day of great music during the outdoor fair on June 1. And for the other titular component of this festival: you can look forward to wines from nearly 50 vintners.
More info: hmbwineandjazzfest.com
SJMADE Fest
Dates TBD
Over 200 artists, designers and makers from around San Jose come to History Park for this festival of local creatives and their fans. Admission is free! Beyond the countless items for sale from talented makers, there’s also the “Moveable Feast” marketplace of food vendors. Need to take a rest from all the shopping? Have a seat in the lounge full of kittens, brought by the rescue group Mini Cat Town.
More info: sanjosemade.com
San Mateo County Fair
Dates TBD
San Mateo County Fair boasts its, ahem, fair share of the typical activities: thrilling rides, carnival games and mouth-watering fried food. But this award-winning fair goes even further with exciting events and interesting exhibitions. There are cultural days and special events, like Pacific Islands Day on June 1 and el Día de la Feria on June 9. Add to that the Great American Duck Race, the Juggers Racing Team’s interactive racing exhibit and a number of free family activities, and you’ve got a great fair to kick off your summer.
More info: sanmateocountyfair.com
SubZERO Festival
Dates TBD
Street meets geek at this festival for all things subcultural. If you’re DIY, indie, totally niche or just love unique art and music, this is the festival for you. Now 15 years running, SubZERO takes place in San Jose’s SoFA District and hosts local makers, installation artists, film screenings and live music on both Saturday and Sunday from 5–11 p.m. Want a taste of the offerings? Think custom arcade games. Typewritten poems written on the spot. Pirate rock bands jamming out on the street. It’s all fair game.
More info: subzerofestival.com
Downtown Redwood City Car Show
Date TBD
Walk amongst sporty hot rods and classic cars of yesteryear at this fourth annual car show on Redwood City’s Courthouse Square. A total of 150 pre-screened cars participate in this show, and all flavors of automobiles can be seen, from muscle cars to exotic luxury vehicles to that old pickup that your grandfather always kept spotless. Spectators get in for free, and all can enjoy food vendors, wine and beer. Check it out from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More info: redwoodcitydowntown.com
Event Venues
Looking to see what’s happening right now in the South Bay? Our comprehensive list of venues below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
