NOVEMBER 2-8, 2026
Circus days, new discoveries and a Sunday filled with music.
Hi friends,
November begins with a circus tent going up in Redwood City, a museum campus celebration and garden projects that look ahead to spring. Sunday brings jazz in Palo Alto and a Día de los Muertos gathering in Courthouse Square.
Here are 10 event picks for November 2-8, a useful library appointment and nine weekly markets. Pick an outing, bring a friend, and make a little room for something new.
- Lisa
01 · YOUR WEEK, CLOSE TO HOME
5-6pm · Registration required
Main Library, Laurel Room, 55 West Third Avenue
Practice reading, writing, speaking and listening in this level 2 class. Contact Project Read at 650-522-7848 to register and ask about placement.
Details & registration →
1-4pm · Drop-in assistance
Main Library, second floor, 55 West Third Avenue
Bring a family-history question to the genealogy reference desk. Drop in, or email librarian@smcgs.org to arrange an appointment and describe the help you need.
Details & registration →
6:30-7:30pm
Main Library, 55 West Third Avenue
Join fellow readers to discuss John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. The listing gives conflicting room names, so check with the library desk when you arrive.
Details & registration →
November 6-8 · Select a performance when booking
Big top at the Downtown Library parking lot, 1044 Middlefield Road
The Italian family circus returns for its November run. Make opening weekend a family outing and choose your showtime through the organizer’s ticket link. Seating and prices vary by performance.
Details & registration →
10am-2pm · Rain or shine
History Museum campus, 2200 Broadway
Celebrate the museum campus with music, new exhibits, children’s crafts and short talks. Music begins at 10am, the ribbon cutting is at 10:30am, and exhibits and activities open at 11am.
Details & registration →
10am-noon · Free; registration required
Gamble Garden, 1431 Waverley Street
Learn to turn kitchen scraps into compost in this hands-on workshop. Palo Alto residents may receive one compost or worm bin per household while supplies last. Register before attending.
Details & registration →
2pm ASL-interpreted matinee · Tickets required
Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Road
Palo Alto Players brings Wednesday Addams and her unconventional family to the stage. This matinee includes ASL interpretation; select seats marked “i” for interpreter sightlines. Recommended for ages 8 and up, with dark humor and innuendo.
Details & registration →
10-11:30am · Paid registration
Gamble Garden, 1431 Waverley Street
Plant two containers with Jacqueline from Phamily Peony Garden. The class includes planting bags, soil and 28 bulbs selected for staggered spring blooms. Check registration availability before making plans.
Details & registration →
2pm · Tickets listed at $20
Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Road
Spend Sunday afternoon with trumpeter Brandon Woody and Upendo. The artist lists one set at 2pm; check the linked page for ticket updates before heading over.
Details & registration →
3-8:30pm · Community celebration
Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway
Celebrate remembrance and community with altars, music and dance. Casa Círculo Cultural’s 2026 theme draws on the traditions of Tlaxcala, Mexico. Follow the organizer for the performance lineup.
Details & registration →02 · GOOD TO KNOW
Wednesday, November 4 · 2:30-4:30pm appointment window
San Mateo Main Library, third-floor Computer Lab
Book a 30-minute appointment to learn how to download library eBooks. Bring your device and library card number. A useful way to get set up for reading at home or on your next trip.
Details & registration →03 · FRESH LOCAL FINDS
November brings a seasonal change: Thursday’s Burlingame market has ended, but its Sunday market continues. Mountain View uses its alternate location on November 8, listed below.
8am-1pm
Broadway, 200-300 blocks
8am-1pm
Arguello Street, between Broadway and Brewster
9am-1pm
1700 West Hillsdale Boulevard
8am-noon
Gilman Street, between Forest and Hamilton
9am-1pm
El Camino Real at O’Neill Avenue
9am-1pm
Chestnut Street at Crane Street
9am-1pm
Park Road at Burlingame Avenue
9am-1pm
California Avenue
9am-1pm
November 8: Hope Street lots 4 and 8, between Evelyn Avenue and Villa Street. No entry before 9am.
Details checked October 31, 2026. Follow organizer links for current availability and updates. Cover and market banner are editorial illustrations; event and library thumbnails are organizer imagery. Snowflakes on the cover are decorative.