This year will be the year to top all years before! the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce has outdone themselves, yet again, in organizing an amazing event for everyone in the SF Bay Area! On Saturday July 19th and Sunday July 20th, Santa Cruz Avenue in downtown Menlo Park will be transformed into one of the most delightful, family friendly summer events the Bay Area has to offer, The 22nd Connoisseurs’ Marketplace!
Let me walk you though the essentials. Santa Cruz Avenue will be closed off from University Ave to El Camino. Ample parking is located in the lots along Oak Grove Ave and Menlo Avenue, both run parallel to Santa Cruz. For the locals, and those so inclined, I say, “Pack up the kids, wagons, bikes, trikes, and head on down!” There will be bike parking areas on the inner corners of Santa Cruz Avenue, throughout the fair. The event does ask that all pets are left at home.
The main music stage will be at Fremont Park, on the corner of Santa Cruz and University. On Saturday July 19th from 5:30 to 8 PM, enjoy an after-hours free concert by Double Funk Crunch. There is plenty of room to picnic and dance! The first food area is also located in this area on Santa Cruz. Walking east the first new item added is the Burt’s Bee “Hive” on the south side of University Drive and Santa Cruz. The Kids’ Fun Zone if located on the northern corner of University and Santa Cruz.
As you meander down the fair, there are artists or all varieties, beverages, and smaller music venues. The food selection is varied and delicious! From Gyros and hawaiian BBQ, to Pupusas and Gumbo, this Marketplace will have it all! At the north corner of Chestnut and Santa Cruz is the Gillette Fusion Tent. They will be having free traditional barber shaves, (among other interesting activities), which are recommended before the BBQ.
The Connoisseurs’ Marketplace and Santa Cruz Avenue come to and end with yet another large food area and a new addition called “Organic Alley“. The Alley, promoting organic and sustainable farming and produce, is located on Johnson Alley and Santa Cruz. You might think of it as the alley you park in when you run the kids to Cold Stone Creamery.
The Connoisseur’s Marketplace runs from 10 AM until 6 PM, both Saturday and Sunday. So, brake out the walking shoes and sunscreen! Saddle up the kids! And come down to Santa Cruz Avenue in Menlo Park for a fun filled family friendly event!
See you there!
