Here are some fun places which have events, classes, lectures and performances

Palo Alto has some cool places to visit. Here are some of my favorites.

La Toque de Cindy (Cooking Classes). OK, to be completely transparents, this is the cooking school I run. Hoping you can make come set up a private cooking event or come to one of my classes/camps

Sur La Table. (Cooking Classes). I like to give a shout out for this cooking school. It’s a competitor of mine, no doubt, but it’s near and dear to my heart as I’ve taught classes there and so enjoyed my students and co workers. While you are there, get your knives sharpened for free. Not really an event but I highly recommend shopping their for their beautiful stemware.

Taste Buds Kitchen (Cooking Classes). This cooking school in midtown specializes in teaching young kids now to cook.

Downtown Farmer’s Market (Food). This farmer’s market is open 8-noon on Saturday’s in back of the Post Office on Hamilton. I’ve shopped there for years (actually decards)

California Avenue Farmer’s Market. (Food) This is the new kid on the block but it’s much larger than the downtown market.

Wednesday Night Hop (Dance) Join the swing dance party in downtown Palo Alto. Come for a lesson or just for the fun. For those a bit apprehensive about joining they offer a “Tasters” class for newbies.

The Friday Night Dancers (Dance) Ballroom dance lessons and then open dances are held at Cubberley Pavilion. This includes swing, hustle, rumba, tango, waltz, etc.

Palo Alto Adult School. (Classes) Palo Alto High School turns into a great place to take classes once the teens head home. Some classes are very unique such as the glass blowing ones. These are a real bargain with enthusiastic teachers.

Enjoy Catalog. (Classes) The City of Palo Alto offers a variety of classes here. I’ve taken Pilates and a Broadway Sing a Long class. Most are held at Lucie Stern

Palo Alto Art Center (Art) Classes). Let your creativity thrive by signing up for an art class there. They have a fantastic ceramics set up. They host a glass pumpkin sale in the fall and the famous class and glass festival a bit before that. I met a wonderful stained glass artist there who has designed some terrific windows for my house.

Fiery Arts glass blowing classes (Art) Palo Alto High School offers glass blowing classes to the public on weekends. A very unique art class!

Palo Alto Players (Performing Arts, Theater). Okay, I’ll be honest, I’m both a subscriber and a volunteer to this community theater. I guess that tells you now much I enjoy their shows. Come volunteer, see a show or audition to be in one.

West Bay Opera (Performing Arts, Opera). If you want to see opera in a cozy theater, this is a very unique opportunity. This opera company performs classics like “Madame Butterfuly” and also lesser known works.

Theatreworks (Performing Arts, Theater) This professional theater company performs one show a year at Lucie Stern.

Stanford Theater. (Movies) This unique movie theater plays golden oldies and greets you with a live organ performance. It’s annual showing of “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a hit every Christmas Eve.

Aquarius Theater. (Movies). Once a hub bub of movie going activity, this theater is the last one in Palo Alto showing current releases. Come out to support it and hop across the street for dinner. It has cushy seats with pull outs to rest your legs. If you’re hankering for something more than popcorn, this theater offers unique items such as beer and wine. Tickets are $7 on Tuesdays.

United Nations Film Festival UNAFF (Movies). This ia a documentary film festival with films from around the world. The focus is on support for human rights.

Trivia Night at The Patio (Trivia). Gather a team together to play trivia here on most Wednesday’s from 7-9.

Trivia Night at Rose and Crown. (Trivia) This trivia competition is held on Tuesday’s just steps away from the trivia night venue at The Patio. This has a difference vibe in Palo Alto’s oldest bar. There is stiff competition from the bevy of Stanford Grad students who come to play.

Trivia Night at Mike’s Diner Bar, formerly Miek’s Cafe (trivia) Head to midtown on Monday’s at 7 for trivia night at Miek’s.

Club Night at the Patio (Music). Thursday thorugh Saturday from 10pm to closing there is a DJ here. The best bargain is Thursday with no cover charge. Take note of their dress code – no flip flops!

Meyhouse Jazz (Music) This Turkish restaurant not only serves great food but offers live jazz music to its customers

La Boheme Live Jazz (Music) On Fridays, this restaurant offers live jazz music to it’s customers. Their chocolate souffles are not to be missed!

Thursdays Music at Italico (Music). This Italian restaurant is more know for it’s Michelin Bib Gourmand rating but Thursdays live music is played here.

Third Thursdays (Music) California Ave in Palo Alto opens its public space to music in a festive environment once a month. This comes your way by the same team providing this entertainment the first Friday in Los Altos.

Books Inc (Author Events) This bookstore offers numerous author events. Visit this unique bookstore selling not only books but games, puzzles, magazines and cards. 

POST Peninsula Open Space Trust (Outdoors) Headquartered in Palo Alto yet spanning the Peninsula and South Bay, this organization buys up private land and transforms it into public space. Enjoy their hiking trails and field guide on your own or join one of their events.

Canopy (Garden) this organization’s mission is to grow urban tree canopy in Midpeninsula communities for the benefit of all. You can volunteer with them. Or go on one of their tree walks, plant a tree or join their other events.

Repair Cafe (Misc) Free repairs to your “stuff” in an effort to keep it out of the landfill. Volunteer if you’re good at fixing things or just come with your “stuff” to get fixed.

Creche Exhibit (Holiday) This is a lovely display of creche sets from the homes of local families. Visit this early December as this ends way before Christmas.

Artifactory Holiday Fair (Holiday) I remember when Artifactory had a permanent space downtown. They are still going strong virtually and you can purchase fantastic hand made items each year at their fair.

Christmas Tree Lane (Holiday) Usually held the last 2 weeks of December. The houses on 1700-1800 Fulton Street, are fantastically decorated each Christmas. When my kids were young we gathered a group to walk down the street singing Christmas carols.

Four Seasons Hotel (Holiday) This hotel in East Palo Alto offers events such as holiday dinners and often outdoor skating and festive mountain shalet decor. Also a New Years Eve dinner.