San Carlos Hometown Days 2026
MAY 15
FRIDAY
4:00PM - 9:00PM
SCEF Celebrates Music
4:00PM – 9:00PM
MAY 16
SATURDAY
10:00AM - 9:00PM
Bike Parade
9:40AM
Hometown Days Parade
9:45AM
San Carlos Charter School Derby
Shortly After Parade
Adult Cornhole Tournament
3:00PM – 6:00PM
MAY 17
SUNDAY
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Rotary Pancake Breakfast
8:30AM – 11:30AM
Rotary Fun Run
8:30AM – 11:30AM
Rotary Fun Run Awards
10:30 AM
Pet Palooza
11:20AM – 11:45AM
About Hometown Days
FESTIVAL INFORMATION
HOMETOWN DAYS PARADE
May 16, Saturday, 9:40 AM – Onwards | 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!
SCC DERBY RACE
May 16, Saturday, Shortly After the Parade | Arroyo Hill to Burton Park
This photo is AI Generated
Where Student Creativity Hits the Ground Running
The San Carlos Education Foundation and San Carlos Charter are rolling out something new this year at Hometown Days… and it’s going to race straight into the spotlight.
Say hello to the SCC Derby Race.
Students are in the driver’s seat for this one. Some are getting hands-on in class, designing and building their own derby cars from the ground up, while others are adding their creative spin with artwork and media to bring the whole event to life.
Mark your spot on May 16, 2026. Right after the Hometown Days Parade, these student-built cars will zoom down Arroyo Hill toward Burton Park for what’s sure to be a wheel-y fun highlight of the day.
But it’s not just about the finish line. This derby is where STEM comes out to play. Students put physics, math, and engineering into action as they design, test, tweak, and try again. It’s real-world problem solving, with a little friendly competition mixed in, turning big ideas into something you can actually watch roll downhill.
Curious to learn more or thinking about bringing the Derby to your own school? Drop a line at info@scefkids.org and get the wheels turning.
PET PALOOZA
May 17, Sunday, 11:20 AM – 11:45 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 11:20 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Awards 11:20 a.m.
ROTARY FUN RUN & PANCAKE BREAKFAST
May 17, Sunday, 8:30 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, starting at 8:30 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 Sunday, 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
San Carlos Youth Center
Unleash your creativity in the Hometown Days Coloring Contest (Grades TK-5) and Ryan Greco Memorial Art Contest (Two divisions: Grades 6-8 & 9-12). Enter your coloring page or original artwork by May 8th to have your art displayed throughout Hometown Days, receive a Hometown Days ribbon, and have a chance to win a prize!
Grand Prize Ryan Greco Memorial Art Contest finalists will also receive a proclamation at the May 26th City Council meeting and have their original artwork displayed at City Hall May 29-June 30! Coloring pages will be passed out at each school the week of March 30.
For more information or questions, please email zvanvorst@cityofsancarlos.org.
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
Saturday, May 16, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Burton Park
Get Ready to Toss Like A Boss
Grab your partner and get ready to toss some fun your way at the 3rd Annual Hometown Days Cornhole Tournament.
We’re throwing bags on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 3:00–6:00 PM. Teams of two will compete, and everyone is guaranteed at least two games, so no one gets board too quickly. Plus, each participant scores a complimentary beer glass, because staying hydrated is serious business.
And here’s something fresh this year…
Introducing the 1st Annual Family Cornhole Tournament at Burton Park, happening the same day. This one’s all about keeping it in the family. Teams will include one parent or guardian and one child (ages 10–17), with at least two games guaranteed per team.
Got questions? Toss them over to athletics@cityofsancarlos.org.
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
More information coming soon
EVENT MAP
FESTIVAL BOOTHS
Food Vendors
Apisol
Beyond the Border
Brisket Prime
Cousins Maine Lobster
Fairy Bites
Fusion2Go
Gim Belly
Made Out Of Dough
Melina’s Kitchen
Mister Softee
Paleta Planeta
San Mateo Gymnastics, Pizza
Soft Drinks by Kiwanis Club
San Carlos Lions, Hot Dogs & Hamburgers
Sonoma Teriyaki
Sunshine in a Cup
Yummy Kitchen SJ
The Chinita Baker
The Rotary Club of San Carlos, Pancake Breakfast
Wise Jun Kombucha
Something Yummy
Marketplace Vendors
Information Booths
San Mateo County Sheriffs
San Carlos Fire Department
CERT
Community Foundation of San Carlos
California Clubhouse
Friends of Edgewood
Girl Scouts of Northern California
Healthy Cities Tutoring
Healthy Kids, Happy Planet
HIP Housing
San Carlos History Museum
Office of Ray Mueller
Rebuilding Together Peninsula
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
Art Bias
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
