by Clair Handy, Mary Pope-Handy | Jul 25, 2026 | Events, Irrelevant Fun, Kids, LG Lifestyle, Los Gatos Art & Entertainment, Los Gatos Events, Los Gatos History, Parks, Visiting Los Gatos
This weekend enjoy some family-friendly fun and local history at Oak Meadow Park with back-to-back celebrations for National Carousel Day and Billy Jones Day!
National Carousel Day: July 25th
Today, Saturday July 25th 2026, is National Carousel Day! To celebrate, take a ride on the historic (and beautifully restored) W.E. “Bill” Mason Carousel. Come learn about the history of this centenarian ride from carousel volunteers, or just enjoy the music of the band organ, the lights, the art, and festivities. Did you know that each horse has a name? Not only that, you can learn a little about each horse (or even adopt one) by visiting the Carousel Horses page on the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad website.
Hear a little more about what to expect from Will Whitney here: https://fb.watch/IAOlcNzb5Z/ And adults and older kids may enjoy reading about the preservation project, covered in this Los Gatan article by Amanda Senior earlier this year: In the workshop with carousel restorer Cheryl Stuermer.
Billy Jones Day: Last Sunday in July
The last Sunday of July is Billy Jones Day, also this weekend on July 26th! This annual celebration “honor[s] the man who started it all by doing things the way he did on his ranch.” (BJWWR) That means all rides (on both the train and carousel) are an open donation instead of their usual fee – donate as much or as little as you like to support the nonprofit, Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, Inc., that is keeping these rides running and open to the public, and preserving them and their history for the next generation.
This year they’re going full-steam ahead and firing up all the locomotives plus one guest steam enegine for the event!
Both days, the train and carousel will be on their usual summer weekend hours, running from 10:30am – 4:30pm. The Snack Shack will be open both days from 11:00am – 3:30pm. There may be a fee of $6 to park at the Oak Meadow Parking lot if there is an attendant at the booth, however the lot can fill up early on summer weekends, so plan accordingly!
by Clair Handy, Mary Pope-Handy | Jul 15, 2026 | Downtown Los Gatos, Events, LG Lifestyle, Los Gatos Art & Entertainment, Los Gatos Events
Summer 2026 is flying by, and Los Gatos is having a season of music to remember! The last couple of years have transformed Los Gatos’ free music scene, with some favorites returning and new events to look forward to, while others have taken their last bow.
The staples of Los Gatos’ summer music scene, Jazz on the Plazz and Music in the Park, are back with performances from long-time favorites. Knowing that you are as excited about these as I am, I have compiled a calendar of free outdoor music events for us all! (Not all artists and schedules have been announced, so please check the official event websites for the latest news).
Below please find a compilation of the 2 different Los Gatos free musical concert series, 2 festivals with live performances, and a few one-day events featuring local bands. As always, the information below is believed to be reliable, but as with any concert or outdoors event it may be subject to change, so double check the website (and the weather) prior to going and always read the rules, especially if you plan to picnic. Hope to see you there!
Note: This post is often updated twice in the season, once before all bands are announced, and again with the complete lineups for all of the events mid-season. Some events have now passed, but there’s still plenty more coming. We’ll see you there!
2026 Summer Concert Series: Free Music and Fun in Los Gatos
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by Clair Handy, Mary Pope-Handy | May 1, 2026 | Downtown Los Gatos, Events, Food & Drink, LG Lifestyle, Los Gatos Art & Entertainment, Los Gatos Events
If you enjoyed The Promenade of previous years, check out the newest event in town!
This year the Town of Los Gatos adopted a new ordinance to establish an Entertainment Zone, and your first opportunity to enjoy it is at the first ever GOLD Thursday on May 7, 2026!
The Entertainment Zone allows businesses operating in the C-2 Downtown Zone with appropriate permits to sell alcohol to patrons who may carry their beverage out within the Entertainment Zone during Town approved and permitted Special Events. So 21+ adults can grab a sip and wander the event to enjoy shopping, dining, music and more!
GOLD Thursday
GOLD Thursday (#GOLDThursday) is the latest addition to the lineup of summer entertainment here in beautiful Los Gatos, and will continue on the first Thursday of the month from now through October. In addition to extended hours and Entertainment Zone drinks, there will be live music and entertainment and special promotions.
Event-specific offers, as well as year-round promotions, can be accessed through the Los Gatos Perks Pass on your phone, no app required.
The Chamber of Commerce calendar details state the event runs from noon to 10pm, but some businesses may offer all-day perks. Live music and entertainment are scheduled from 5pm to 8pm. See you there!
by Mary Pope-Handy | Feb 6, 2026 | Los Gatos Art & Entertainment, Los Gatos Events
Valentine’s Day in Los Gatos!
It’s February and, for couples, that means it’s time to plan your Valentine’s Day! And what better place to celebrate your love than in the Valley of Heart’s Delight (Silicon Valley’s old nickname), or more specifically, in the Gem of the Foothills – our very own LG! Here we’ll give you some ideas on how to celebrate a romantic Valentine’s Day in Los Gatos.
Valentine’s Day on a tight budget: picnic with your sweetie
Los Gatos is filled with beautiful parks, and lately we’ve had some sunny days between stormy ones! If you want or need to be frugal, get a simple assortment of cheeses, crackers, grapes and wine and enjoy a picnic at Vasona Park or your favorite of any one of the lovely parks in town. It’s affordable, easy, and you can enjoy some romantic views.
How about an unhurried walking tour of Los Gatos?
Stroll through scenic downtown Los Gatos. The “village” area is full of neat shops with an enchanting feel. Head over to Old Town too, and while there, walk across the pedestrian bridge between Old Town and Forbes Mill. There is something about being still on this little bridge with the world passing by underneath that’s very special. Have a look at the old mill. This was the first commercial venture in Los Gatos – and it’s tucked away, off the beaten path. . . . But easy to find if you know what to look for.
You might also consider doing the “LOST Gatos” historic walking tour – just share a pair of earbuds or put it on speaker. Download the free app to enjoy the various self-guided tours.
Valentine’s Day Lunch in town
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by Mary Pope-Handy | Oct 11, 2022 | Events, Los Gatos Art & Entertainment, Los Gatos Businesses, Los Gatos Events
This weekend will be the first Los Gatos Beer and Wine Walk, and it promised to be a popular event! We’ve had Spring Wine Walk and Fall Wine Walk, but this is the first such event in town that includes beer.
Particulars of the Los Gatos Beer and Wine Walk 2022:
- Date is Saturday October 15, 1 – 4 pm
- Location is downtown Los Gatos
- Tickets are $50 each if paid in advance, or $55 the day of the event if not sold out
- The event will be on, “rain or shine”
- Must be 21 to participate
For all of the details, please see the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce’s website
Related:
Los Gatos Wildcat Theatre – presentations in October 2022
Visit the Los Gatos farmer’s market!
List of Los Gatos neighborhoods – list with links to articles on each
OktoberFest LG
by Mary Pope-Handy, Clair Handy | Jan 5, 2022 | Events, Food & Drink, Irrelevant Fun, LG Lifestyle, Los Gatos Art & Entertainment, Los Gatos Events, Los Gatos Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, Wineries, Pampered in Los Gatos
While the annual CrabFest is postponed another year, the Rotary Club of Los Gatos is continuing a new tradition with their 2nd annual Virtual WineFest & Auction! Save the date for Saturday, January 29th at 5pm!
This year’s event centers around gourmet bites and Argentinian wines (or try the non-alcoholic selection) guided by sommelier Joe Chiodo. Tickets include a Wine Tasting Kit for 2 with curbside pick-up from Rootstock Wine Bar prior to the event. Evening entertainment includes a live performance by Lavender Fields.
And as always, the main event is the charity auction! Proceeds benefit the Rotary Charities foundations, and this year the “Raise the Paddle” auction item benefits Los Gatos House of Hope, West Valley Community Services, and Peninsula Food Runners to help fight hunger and food insecurity locally.
Virtual WineFest & Auction
For ticket sales, event details and updates, contact the event team, or donate directly check the Los Gatos Rotary website and Virtual WineFest & Auction event page. Each ticket is for a 2-person tasting experience at a cost of $150.
The event is also posted on the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce event calendar with easy links to save the date on your virtual calendar and view a video promotion for the event.
This weekend enjoy some family-friendly fun and local history at Oak Meadow Park with back-to-back celebrations for National Carousel Day and Billy Jones Day!
