With wildfires in Canada creating smoky skies there and along the East Coast, I’m extra grateful for clear night skies and clean, crisp air coming through open windows. While I don’t have the ultimate view of the night sky amid suburban light pollution, I find it calming to go outside late at night when everything is quiet and still and see what constellations or planets I can spot.
For those who want to take stargazing to new heights, Peninsula Astronomical Society (PAS) hosts free observing sessions Friday nights and Saturday mornings at Foothill College’s observatory. Here, PAS volunteers are trained to operate equipment and translate the science behind the stars for visitors of all ages.
Founded in 1949, the club also hosts star parties and a public lecture series, and for only $25 a year its paying members help support the public programming. Amelia Wu’s profile of PAS is the latest in our series about clubs and groups in Silicon Valley that foster community. Find a fellow amateur astronomer and head to the observatory for a fun and free Friday night excursion.
Julia Brown
Six Fifty Editor
editor@thesixfifty.com
Meet the Silicon Valley club where amateur astronomers come to nerd out over the night sky
For over 75 years, Peninsula Astronomical Society has drawn amateur astronomers, curious newcomers and those prone to tilting their heads at the night sky in wonder.
A wine bar and a Coastside brewery’s expansion are bringing new life to downtown Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay Brewing has opened a second location, while Lab and Hound Wine Bar and Tasting Room is slated for an August debut.
‘A full-on treasure hunt’: The stories behind Peninsula estate sale finds
Ever wonder what’s inside some of the Peninsula’s most intriguing homes? Estate sales offer a rare peek inside, and the chance to discover one-of-a-kind treasures.
Congrats to Stephanie L., who was the first reader to correctly identify where last week’s photo was taken (it’s Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance headquarters at McClellan Ranch Preserve in Cupertino!).
The first person to reply to this email with the correct place where the below photo was taken will win a gift card from The Six Fifty and a shoutout in our next newsletter!
Get ready for the last weekend of World Cup soccer with our guide to watch parties and festivities.
Pear Slices: July 17-31 The Pear Theatre’s annual festival of brand-new bite-size plays by local writers (members of the Pear Playwrights Guild) returns.
Music@Menlo: July 17-Aug. 8 Boasting more than 60 in-person and online events, Music@Menlo’s annual chamber music festival includes mainstage concerts, artist-curated recitals, talks and master classes.
Margo Price: July 18 Country and folk musician Margo Price, who surprise-released “Days of Unrest” this month, makes a tour stop at the Guild.
Open Sauce: July 18-19 Explore more than 500 intriguing maker projects – from robots to rideable model trains and much more – exhibited at this “mad science fair.”
Four Shillings Short: July 18 The longtime Celtic, folk and world music duo Four Shillings Short kicks off its final U.S. tour in Palo Alto.
Walking Tour of the Purissima Old Town Site: July 25 Take a docent-led tour of what was once the site of the Purissima Old Town settlement, hosted by Coastside Land Trust.
Swap Don’t Shop: July 26 Craving a wardrobe update that’s easy on the wallet and the planet? Bring clothes to trade at Little Green’s free potluck-style clothing swap.
Filoli’s Art Walk: July 25-26 Local artisans showcase their wares in Filoli’s garden, along with food trucks and hands-on art activities for kids.
Heritage Fire San Mateo: July 26 Taste food and drinks from notable Bay Area chefs at this “walk-around feast” and vote for your favorite dish of the day. The chef whose dish earns the most votes is named “Heritage Hero” and goes on to a national competition.
Plan Ahead:
Indie Author Week: July 27-31 Fireside Books & More hosts local independent authors offering book signings, meet-and-greets and sales during the afternoons and evenings.
A Walk With Wine 2026: July 30 Stroll the streets of downtown Burlingame while sampling wines and listening to live music, with around 30 local merchants participating.
Island Vibes: July 31 Island-inspired live music and tropical flavors are on the menu for the July Summer Nights event at Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company, along with craft beer, food trucks and local vendors.
World Dog Surfing Championships: Aug. 1 Surf’s up! Watch sporty canines ride the waves at this competition, which also includes a pet wellness fair, mobile pet adoptions, a beach dog fashion contest and more.
Bair Island Volunteer Work Day: Aug. 8 Help weed out invasive plants and/or plant native species at Bair Island at this event, co-hosted by Peninsula Open Space Trust and San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory.
San Mateo County Parks Foundation Photo Contest: Through Aug. 10 Enter photos that show off the beauty of San Mateo County Parks for a chance to win prizes and have your photography featured in the foundation’s publications.
West Coast Asian Foodie Festival: Aug. 15-16 Find a huge array of Asian foods, cultural performances, a family-fun zone and an expo-only tasting zone.
Hello Kitty Café Truck: Aug. 22 Sanrio fans will want to keep an eye out for this truck selling Hello Kitty merchandise at Hillsdale Shopping Center (North Block Plaza at the roundabout near Cinepolis and Flores).
The Spirit of ’76: Through Nov. 8 The Los Altos History Museum’s exhibition reflects on America’s 250th anniversary, with an emphasis on civic engagement.
This hidden San Mateo County flower farm has a 24-hour farm stand and weekly tours
Forever Bloom Farm grows nearly 300 varieties of flowers on 5 acres in Pescadero’s ‘Sunshine Valley’
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