Thursday, July 16, 2009

Summer Activities in Downtown San Mateo

Downtown San Mateo has “All the Ingredients” to Cure Those Summertime Blues

For many people, summertime equals down time and many Bay Area residents are looking for fun, inexpensive ways to keep busy. Downtown San Mateo offers just the thing; the Central Park Music Series is a free weekly concert series happening every Thursday night, from 6-8 pm. The event is a great way for individuals and families to cool off in the warm summer evenings by listening to hot musical performances.

“The Central Park Music Series is a favorite among many people of San Mateo and the Peninsula in general,” said Kelly Mitter, Executive Director of the Downtown San Mateo Association. “At every concert you’ll find families sprawled out on picnic blankets and people dancing to the music. The City of San Mateo wanted to provide a line-up that offers a different and unique musical genre every week, so we can safely say there really is something for everyone.”

At each concert there are raffle drawings, with gift certificates and donations provided by local Downtown San Mateo merchants. Many of the 130 Downtown restaurants offer specials and to-go boxes for customers to enjoy while watching the performances.

Band Line Up
Thursday, July 16: Mark Russo and the Classy Cats meld the Jazz and Swing, mixing in a bit of Latin, to create a sound that is uniquely their own.
Thursday, July 23rd: Kaweh offers a diverse range of Latin music, including Flamenco, Rumba and Salsa
Thursday, July 30th: Molly’s Revenge will transport you to merry Ireland with a blend of Celtic music that interprets classic favorites with a current twist.
Thursday, August 6th: Sila and the Afrofunk Experience will close the series with heavy Afrobeats and socially consciously lyrics.

Central Park has a variety of activities to keep people entertained during the day, as well. Sporty types can make use of the large tennis courts and walking paths, whiles families can let the kids loose at the huge playground and children’s train. The park also boasts the treasured Japanese Tea Garden, which is open to the public Monday-Friday from 10am – 4pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11am-4am. Guests can come and watch the Koi feedings which happen weekdays at 11am and 3pm.

For those looking for a whole day of fun, check out the Festa Italiana Street Fair, happening Sunday, July 26th from 10am to 5 pm on South B Street between Tilton and Second Avenues. Sponsored by the Festa Foundation, this annual festival features live music, art displays, delicious Italian cuisine, a chalk art gallery and the highly anticipated bocce ball tournament. The festival will kick off at 10 am with a parade that travels down B Street and ends at the main stage in front of the Peninsula Italian American Social Club.

For additional information, please contact the Downtown San Mateo Association at 650-342-5520 or email events@dsma.org. For press inquiries or assistance, please contact The Larose Group at 650-548-6700 or email lstigge@prmagic.com