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San Mateo Local
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Movies in the Park, an Orchid Clinic, and a Low-Key Labor Day Weekend

Updated September 1, 2026

Your guide to Labor Day weekend around town: an outdoor movie in Central Park on Friday, a Master Gardener plant clinic and orchid talk on Sunday, five-dollar popcorn at Cinemark, plus the usual downtown trivia and karaoke. The bigger September events return the following week.

A calm holiday weekend downtown, which is its own kind of nice. An outdoor movie Friday, a plant clinic and cheap popcorn Sunday, and free parking Sunday and after 6pm all weekend. The bigger September events return the following week.

Out this weekend

Movies in the Park

Friday · Central Park

An outdoor movie night in Central Park to start the long weekend. Bring a blanket and settle in.

The Art of the Arch: Backbend Workshop

Saturday · Nandi Yoga

A guided backbend workshop at Nandi Yoga downtown. A good Saturday reset.

Growing Orchids & Master Gardener Plant Clinic

Sunday · San Mateo Arboretum Society

An orchid-growing talk alongside a Master Gardener plant clinic at the Arboretum. Bring your plant questions.

$5 BYOBucket at Cinemark

Sunday · Century San Mateo 12

The BYOBucket deal is back: up to 400 ounces of popcorn for five dollars, no movie ticket required.

Friday Night Out

Friday · Downtown

Two ways to spend Friday: a Latin social dance party at Motion Arts Center, or the monthly Friday dinner dance at the Peninsula Italian American Social Club.

Trivia & Karaoke All Week

Tuesday–Sunday · Downtown

Trivia at McGovern's and O'Neill's midweek, plus karaoke at Blue Moon and McGovern's most nights. The usual downtown rhythm.

Coming up downtown

Dine & Discover Downtown

September 10–30 · Downtown

A month-long dining passport: check in at downtown restaurants through the Vibemap app to earn points and win prizes.

September Nights on B Street

Sept 10 & 17 · 6–8pm · B Street

B Street closes to traffic for live music, food, and a kids zone. Pure Ecstasy (Motown and R&B) on the 10th, Neon Velvet (Top 40) on the 17th.

HEAD West Marketplace

Saturday, Sept 19 · 11am–5pm · B Street

The maker's market returns to B Street with local makers, crafters, artists, and designers. Third Saturday of the month.

That is the week around town. We refresh this every week, so check back for what is next.

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