San Carlos Hometown Days
Hometown Days 2025 is the Official Centennial Celebration of San Carlos
A Look Back at Hometown Days 40th Year Anniversary
FESTIVAL INFORMATION
CENTENNIAL SPECIALS
Extended Hours
May 16-17, Friday-Saturday, Extend to 9:00 PM | Burton Park
This year, San Carlos Hometown Days 2025 is going bigger, brighter, and later. For the first time ever, Hometown Days is extending the fun until 9:00 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday—because why should the good times end when the sun goes down?
That means more rides, more food, more music, and yes, more time to soak in all the centennial magic.
Light Show
May 16, Friday, 9:00 PM | San Carlos Youth Center Wall
Just when you think it’s time to head home… think again! They’re bringing the wow factor with a centennial light show projected onto the San Carlos Youth Center on Friday (May 16) at 9:00PM. It’s history… with lasers.
Drone Show
May 17, Saturday, Before 9:00 PM | Central Middle School Grounds
Look up above Central Middle School on Saturday (May 17) at 9:00PM, as we’re aiming for the sky—literally. Watch a centennial drone show that’ll make you forget fireworks ever existed. It’s a light show 100 years in the making.
Community Stage
Performances on Saturday, May 17, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday, May 18, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Youth Center
The Community Foundation of San Carlos is proud to announce its sponsorship of a Community Stage this year during Hometown Days! Come to the Youth Center to see local performers, including from Broadway Babies, the San Carlos Children’s Theater, as well as local dancers and jazz musicians. Performances are on Saturday, May 17 from 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday May 18 from 10 am to 5 pm. Click below to see performing bands and their schedule:
HOMETOWN DAYS PARADE
May 17, Saturday, 9:40 AM – 11:00 AM | Laurel Street Pedestrian Plaza
The Big Parade and Even Bigger Fun
Grab a coffee and your comfiest lawn chair because the iconic Hometown Days Parade steps off at 9:45 a.m. along San Carlos Avenue and Laurel Street. Bonus: the Adult Community Center is offering free VIP parade viewing with coffee and donuts—just register in advance!
Please click on the information below to know more:
Parade Rules
General Rules
- An adult must accompany participants under the age of 6 years.
- All floats should carry a fire extinguisher and provide hand supports or barriers for those riding on the float.
- Parade participants should not sit on the sides or tailgates of vehicles.
- Groups may hand out items to the audience along the parade route, but throwing of objects is STRICTLY PROHIBITED!
- Walking groups are encouraged to walk in an orderly fashion.
- Please be considerate of residents along the parade route.
- Entries that include small children should provide wagons, strollers or carry them if they become tired.
- The parade goes on rain or shine as well as sun or heat! Be prepared for any type of weather.
- Be sure to have lots of water on hand for the marchers in your group!
How to Enter the Parade
- FOR PEDESTRIANS MARCHING IN THE PARADE – Access to the Cedar Street staging area is located at the Arroyo Street police barrier. (See map)
- FOR CARS DRIVING IN THE PARADE – Access to the Cedar Street staging area is located at the police barrier at Cedar Street and Arroyo. You may enter from the South going North on Cedar Street ONLY! (See map)
- FOR BIG VEHICLES DRIVING IN THE PARADE – Lineup is along Cedar Street immediately south of Orange Avenue. The ONLY access will be from the intersection of Arroyo Street and Cedar Street traveling North on Cedar. (See map)
- Parade participants should be DROPPED OFF IN THE DESIGNATED AREA ON ARROYO STREET ON THE CORNER OF CEDAR STREET and walk in to find their group. The only vehicles allowed to enter the lineup area will be those that are part of the parade.
- PLEASE NOTE THAT CEDAR STREET (FROM ORANGE AVENUE TO ARROYO AVENUE) WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC OTHER THAN PARADE PARTICIPANTS AND PARADE STAFF FROM 7:00 a.m. TO 12:30 p.m. This section of Cedar Street will also be closed to on-street parking as well.
While on the Parade
- Hometown Days Parade is a walking parade. We hope to have a constant flow and forward motion during the duration.
- Do not stop in front of the judges stand in order to perform.
- Maintain a length of three feet behind the group in front of you.
- If you have a mechanical failure, please move your vehicle to the side of the road so that other groups can pass by.
- If your group consists of several vehicles, maintain a distance of one and one-half car lengths between them.
- If you are driving a vehicle, the number on the car should be displayed in the upper right-hand front window. This number is extremely important. Please do not exchange it with anyone. It is the only way you are identifiable to announcers and judges.
- ALL ENTRIES ARE ASKED TO COMPLETE THE PARADE BY TURNING RIGHT ON CEDAR STREET IN THE END AND DISBANDING NEAR THE STAGING AREA WHERE YOU BEGAN.
Pre-Parade Bike Roll
It’s a bike parade! Come show off your bikes & riding wheels and we’ll roll down the route as a group, just before the Hometown Days parade. Pace will be slow. Costumes, decorations and pinwheels encouraged!
Meet your fellow rollers between 9:15 to 9:30 a.m. in the Wheeler Plaza parking lot on Laurel Street, before taking off together at 9:40 a.m. The bike parade ends in Burton Park.
Questions? Email sancarlosbikes@gmail.com
ACC Free VIP Seating with Coffee and Donuts
Tired of the mad dash for a good spot on Laurel Street during the Hometown Days Parade?
The Adult Community Center (ACC) has got you covered – literally, with free premiere reserved seating right on San Carlos Avenue! That’s right, no more balancing on curbs or peeking over tall heads. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy a front-row seat as the floats roll by and the bands bring the beat.
Doors open at 9:00 a.m. sharp, giving you time to sip some complimentary coffee, grab a donut or two, and chat with your fellow parade fans before the big show starts. It’s a VIP vibe without the VIP price tag.
Want in? Just swing by the ACC front desk to reserve your spot. These premium parade seats go fast, so don’t wait until the last marching band hits the street.
More info on announcer locations and others coming soon!
PET PALOOZA
May 18, Sunday, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Burton Park
Calling All Pet Owners
Who’s got the top dog (or cat… or lizard) in town? Find out at the Hometown Days Pet Palooza!
Its alot of tail-waggin’ fun at this year’s San Carlos Hometown Days Pet Palooza, where pets of all shapes, sizes, and species get their moment in the spotlight. We’re rolling out the (grass) carpet for every fabulous furball, feathered friend, and scaly sidekick ready to strut their stuff!
Be sure to preregister to catch your spot in the parade and a chance to win awesome prizes in a variety of fun categories.
Schedule
Check time 9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Palooza 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Awards 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
ROTARY FUN RUN & PANCAKE BREAKFAST
May 18, Sunday, 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Downtown San Carlos & Les Mundell Grove (for Pancakes)
Pancake Breakfast
Everyone’s invited to Les Mundell Grove (right behind the San Carlos Youth Center, at Burton Park) on Sunday, May 18, starting at 8:00 a.m. for a Rotary Club–hosted Pancake Breakfast that’s fluffier than your favorite pair of running socks.
$10 per person, no registration needed, and yes—they take both cash and card.
This is your chance to fuel up, cheer on the runners, or just enjoy some quality carbs in the park with friends, neighbors, and the whole San Carlos community.
Bruce M. Paris Memorial Rotary Club Fun Run
Lace up those sneakers, stretch out those hammies, and trot your way through one of the most feel-good events of San Carlos Hometown Days—the Bruce M. Paris Memorial Rotary Club Fun Run!
Happening Saturday, May 17th, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM this beloved 5K/10K race isn’t just about breaking personal records—it’s about raising money for student scholarships and other amazing community causes. So every step you take is doing some real good (yes, even the huffing and puffing ones).
The top finishers in each race will take home bragging rights and some shiny medals for placing 1st through 3rd. But don’t worry, everyone walks away a winner here—with a commemorative Fun Run t-shirt and a heart full of hometown pride.
ART CONTEST
Deadline is May 9, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | San Carlos Youth Center
What Does San Carlos Mean to You?
As part of our city’s big 100th birthday bash, San Carlos is inviting its youngest creatives to grab their crayons, brushes, tablets—or anything else that makes art happen—and tell us: What does San Carlos mean to you?
Every child has a unique view of our little city. And we want to see it!
Coloring Contest | TK to 5th Grade
For all budding Picassos in TK through 5th grade! Centennial-themed coloring pages will be sent out in every classroom at San Carlos School District schools, the Charter Learning Center, and Saint Charles School. You can also download a copy to print at home from cityofsancarlos.org/hometowndays.
Let those crayons fly—color outside the lines if you must! This one’s all about showing off what makes San Carlos special to you.
Art Contest | 6th to 12th Grade
For our slightly older students, those in grades 6 through 12 are invited to create original artwork based on the same theme: What San Carlos means to you.
Winners (grades 6–12) will be recognized at the May 27 San Carlos City Council Meeting and have their masterpieces displayed at City Hall from May 19 to June 30.
How to Submit Your Work
All coloring pages and art entries must be dropped off at the San Carlos Youth Center between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., April 1 through May 9. Everything submitted will be showcased during Hometown Days weekend!
Awarding
Winners will be announced on Sunday, May 18, on the Grass Stage.
Art Entry Guidelines (Grades 6–12)
- Max size: 12″ x 18″
- Must be mounted on paper with a 1–2″ border
- Canvas, cloth, and framed art accepted
- Up to 2 pieces per student (but only one can win)
- Acceptable mediums: oil paint, acrylic, watercolor, tempera, chalk pastel, pen and ink, charcoal, oil pastel, colored pencil, collage, fiber, and digital art (but please print it!)
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
Saturday, May 17, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Burton Park
Get Ready to Toss Like A Boss
Calling all backyard champs and bean bag legends—San Carlos Hometown Days is bringing back the Cornhole Tournament for its second epic year! Join us Saturday, May 17th at Burton Park, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM and show off your tossin’ skills.
Grab your buddy and register as a team of two. Each team is guaranteed at least 2 games.
Got questions? Send them over to the San Carlos Athletics team at athletics@cityofsancarlos.org.
Spots may fill up faster than a perfect four-bagger, so don’t wait too long to sign up!
LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE
FRIDAY
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | MADSEN FIELD STAGE
Andy Z
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | BURTON PARK STAGE
San Carlos Education Foundation
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | MADSEN FIELD STAGE
Mercy & The Heartbeats
SATURDAY
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM | MADSEN FIELD STAGE
Bay Area Beats
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | BURTON PARK STAGE
Jim Stevens & Friends
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | MADSEN FIELD STAGE
Decaf Jazz
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | BURTON PARK STAGE
19th Avenue Roadwork
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | MADSEN FIELD STAGE
E-Ticket Band
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | BURTON PARK STAGE
Burnin’ Vernon
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | MADSEN FIELD STAGE
Carnaval
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | BURTON PARK STAGE
Splick, Da’Groove, and
The Everyday People
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | MADSEN FIELD STAGE
Mustache Harbor
SUNDAY
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | MADSEN FIELD STAGE
Bay Area Beats
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | BURTON PARK STAGE
West Bay Community Band
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | BURTON PARK STAGE
Steam Donkey
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | MADSEN FIELD STAGE
Flight of Ulysses
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | BURTON PARK STAGE
Jokers & Thieves
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM | MADSEN FIELD STAGE
The Pandemics
3:00 PM – 5:30 PM | BURTON PARK STAGE
The Cheeseballs
COMMUNITY STAGE
It’s local. It’s lively. And it’s off the charts.
As a proud sponsor of the Centennial Hometown Days, the San Carlos Community Foundation is jazzed to team up with the City of San Carlos to debut a new showstopper: The Community Stage.
Located inside the Youth Center Gym, this stage is rolling out the red carpet for two full days of the most amazing, must-see local talent – from charming choirs to dazzling dancers, and even a performance by a master calligrapher..
Performers
SATURDAY
10 AM – 5PM
Frequency of Apple | 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM
SC Children’s Theater | 12:00 PM – 12:15 PM
Coastside Dancers | 12:45 PM – 1:00 PM
Emily Bender’s Singers | 1:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Sara Murphy’s Singers | 2:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Avanthika Swaminathan | 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Aiden McGuire | 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Mr. Sato – Calligraphy from Omura, Japan | 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
SUNDAY
10 AM – 5PM
San Carlos Jazz Band | 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Chicken Fried Steak | 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Dance Expressions | 12:00PM – 12:15 PM
Drum Circle Club | 12:45 PM – 1:00 PM
Casa Círculo Cultural | 1:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Heartbeat Dance Academy | 2:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Broadway Babies & Kids | 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
American Chinese Youth Performing Arts | 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM
San Carlos Sitaras | 4:30 PM – 4:45 PM
RIDES & GAMES + WRISTBANDS
In celebration of our Centennial year, the organizers are offering Ride & Game Wristbands. Wristbands will be available for online pre-sale only. For more information, please visit:
Game On at Hometown Days – Centennial Edition!
Ready, aim… splash! The games at this year’s San Carlos Hometown Days are bringing serious fun and a little friendly competition to Burton Park. From the high-stakes drama of the Dunk Tank (where local celebs may find themselves suddenly soaked), to the thrill of Axe Throwing (yes, real axes—don’t worry, safety first!), there’s something for every kind of player.
Kids can giggle their way through classics like Lollipop Toss and Fishing for Trash, while future athletes take their best shot at Soccer Shoot Out, Football Toss, and Penalty Shots. Want something a little craftier? Drop by Mobile Arts & Activities or the always-bubbly Slime & Bubbles booth.
And for the nostalgic at heart—Dime Toss, Duck Pick, and Teacup Toss are waiting. So bring your game face (and maybe a towel), because the games at Hometown Days 2025 are back and better than ever!
LIST OF GAMES
SUPER SLIDE
ROCK WALL
BERRY-GO-AROUND
FUNHOUSE
Dime Toss
Mobile Arts & Activities
Fishing for Trash
Lollipop Toss
Ping Pong Shoot
Hot Wheels Track
Slime & Bubbles
Duck Pick
Soccer Shoot Out
Teacup Toss
MakerMobile
Tennis Hit
Penalty Shots
Axe Throwing
Mini Golf
Football Toss
Dunk Tank
Rope Bridge & Balance Platform
Lacrosse Shoot
Teddy Bear Clinic
Prize Wheel
EVENT MAP
FESTIVAL BOOTHS
Food Vendors
Beer Gardens
Beyond the Border (Catering)
Brisket Prime
Cousins Maine Lobster
Pizza by San Mateo Gymnastics
Dark Rise Coffee
Fire and Slice (Pizza)
Pancake Breakfast by Rotary Club
Fusion 2 Go (Chinese)
Gim Belly (Filipino)
Hawaiian Breeze Shave Ice
Made Out Of Dough (Pastries)
MBs Place (Burgers, Sandwiches, Chilli…)
Hot Dogs & Hamburgers by Lions Club
Mister Softee (Soft Ice Cream)
Soft Drinks by Kiwanis Club
Paleta Planeta (Mexican Paleta)
Peter’s Kettle Corn (Popcorn)
Pinto Cocina Mexicana
Respectable Bird (Fried Chicken)
Sam’s Chowder Mobile (SUNDAY) (Seafood)
Sugar Butter Love (Toffee & Brittle)
Yummy Kitchen SJ (Chinese)
Marketplace Vendors
Champagne & Waffles
Cynthia’s Treasure Chest (Costumes, Parties, Kids Clubs)
E BY ELFIE
Del Crisol Jewelry
Fascinating Face & Body Paint
One Step Beyond, Inc. (Service for Intellectual Disabilities)
Peaceful Clay (Whimsical, Functional ceramics)
Verso Braiding
Youth Advisory Council Thrift Store
Box Paper Scissors (Handmade Paper Crafts)
Coming Home (Life Coaching)
Transformative Glass (Decorative Fused Glass)
Lily’s Natural Soaps & Essentials
Li’s International Trading (Charms & Accessories)
Information Booths
San Mateo County Sheriffs
San Carlos Fire Department
CERT
Community Foundation
AbleCloset MELP
Belmont Runners
California Clubhouse
Fixin’ San Mateo County
Friends of Edgewood
Girl Scouts of Northern California
Healthy Cities Tutoring
Healthy Kids, Happy Planet
HIP Housing
Murphy Music Camps
San Carlos History Museum
Office of Ray Mueller
Rebuilding Together Peninsula
Row House Belmont
San Carlos Library
San Carlos School District
Sequoia Healthcare District
Sequoia Village
Star Vista
Summit Prep Charter High School
Civic Garden Club of San Carlos
San Carlos Charter School
San Carlos Maker Mobile
Unified Climate Action
Central Middle School Environmental Club
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Information
What is Hometown Days?
Hometown Days is a family-fun festival where San Carlos gathers to celebrate their hometown with a fun parade, talented live entertainment, and delicious food and drink!
Where Is Hometown Days?
Hometown Days is located at Burton Park in San Carlos. 900 Chestnut St, San Carlos CA, 97070. See you there!
Is There an Entrance Fee?
There is no entrance fee for Hometown Days.
What are Hometown Days Hours?
Hometown Days will be open from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM on both Saturday and Sunday. However, this 2025, hours will be extended up to 9:00pm for Saturday.
Who do I Contact for More Information?
Email the San Carlos Parks & Recreation events division at events@cityofsancarlos.org or call (650) 802-4127 for more information!
Parking
Where Can I Park My Car?
Street Parking around Burton Park only. Parking is very limited. We recommend carpooling or biking. Bike valet will be provided.
Where Can I Park My Bike?
Bike valet will be provided at the Burton Park tennis courts. Enter through the northeast corner gate of the tennis courts. 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
Games at Hometown Days
How do I play games?
Tickets are required to play games! Each game requires a certain number of tickets. Ticket requirements will be shown at each game.
How Do I Get Tickets for Games?
Tickets are for sale! $1 for 1 ticket. We recommend buying in bulk. Tickets can be purchased at marked booths.
Are There Prizes for Games?
Some games offer prizes, other games do not. Game operators are not required to give away prizes. They are only required to provide a fun game!
Pets at Hometown Days
Are Pets Allowed?
On-leash pets are welcome at Hometown Days! Please keep in mind that this festival is loud and many areas can be crowded, so some pets may prefer to stay home.
Dining at Hometown Days
What are the Food & Drink Options?
Water and other beverages are available in a number of locations throughout Burton Park, indicated on our Event Map. Water fountains can also be found. Check out our Dining Options page for a listing of available food!
Is Alcohol Allowed?
Beer and wine will be sold in various beverage booths throughout Hometown Days. Outside alcohol is not allowed.
Rotary Club Activities
Where is the Rotary Club Fun Run Located?
TBA. Check back here soon.
Where is the Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast Located?
TBA. Check back here soon.
RESOURCES
