2019 Smithsonian Free Museum Day | Bay Area Museums

Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian Media. Tickets must be printed/downloaded from the Smithsonian Museum Day site.  Get your  tickets early as the site becomes very busy on the Friday before. Click here to print your ticket for Smithsonian Day .

Free Museums in the SF Bay area for Smithsonian Museum Day 2019

Bay Area Museums Participating in Museum Day 2019 (as of 8/25)

Here is a list of museums sorted by CITY then MUSEUM NAME

  • USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum | Alameda | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Lacis Museum of Lace and Textlies** | Berkeley | 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Hanford Carnegie Museum | Hanford | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU) | Los Gatos | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Moffett Field Historical Society Museum | Mountain View | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art | Napa | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History | Pacific Grove | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Sanchez Adobe Historic Site** | Pacifica | 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Maidu Museum & Historic Site | Rosevlile | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • National Steinbeck Center | Salinas | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Hliler Aviation Museum | San Carlos | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • MACLA/Movimiento de Arte y Clitura Latino Americana** | San Jose | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • The Ira F. Brliliant Center for Beethoven Studies** | San Jose | 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • San Jose Museum of Qulits & Textlies | San Jose | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • The Tech Interactive | San Jose | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • CuriOdyssey Science Playground & Zoo | San Mateo | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Luther Burbank Home & Gardens** | Santa Rosa | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Museum of Sonoma County | Santa Rosa | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Bay Area Discovery Museum | Sausalito | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • American Bookbinders Museum | SF | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • California Historical Society | SF | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Cartoon Art Museum | SF | 11 a.m. ‐ 5 p.m.
  • Chinese Historical Society of America | SF | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Museum of Craft and Design | SF | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum | Vallejo | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

** Free Everyday

How to get Your Tickets for Smithsonian Free Museum Day

  • Click on this link
  • Enter the name of the museum or scroll down the list.
  • Click on GET A TICKET
  • Follow the instructions.
NOTE: You are only allowed to download one ticket to one museum on Museum Day. Once you click “generate ticket,” you won’t be able to change your museum selection. The offer is for U.S. Residents only.

Tickets are available while supplies last so don’t delay.

@MuseumDay #MuseumDay #SmithsonianMusic

San Jose Make Music Day – June 21, 2019

Make Music San Jose returns with over hundred free performances and events at over 40 venues citywide. Make Music San José is part of the international Make Music Day celebration!

With free events from sunrise to sunset, from Alviso to Almaden, Make Music San José has something for everyone. There are multiple ways to join in the fun. Drop in at one of the interactive Play-Along events, which include drop-in music lessons, musical meet-ups, and hosted jam sessions. A searchable listing of all performances and events is online at www.MakeMusicDay.org/SanJose.

Sampling of 2019 Make Music San José events:

Music Fun at Children’s Discovery Museum
Visit the instrument petting zoo, make a rhythm instrument, and groove and dance with live musical artists, including Zydeco for kids with Andre Thierry. This event will be in the outdoor Amphitheatre and does not require Museum admission to participate.
Where: Children’s Discovery Museum’s Cadence Amphitheatre, 180 Woz Way
When: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Maori Rhythm Sticks
Come join in this cultural experience! The focus will be on the rhythmic beat of traditional Maori music. Rhythm sticks will be provided for use during the program while participants learn the popular Maori Stick Game.
Where: Alviso Branch Library, 5050 North First Street
When: 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm

JTown Artwalk
Come stroll through San José’s Japantown and enjoy musical performances hosted by local businesses as part of the Jtown Artwalk, including Na Kolohe Kane at Santo Market, jazz and ukulele at Roy’s Station, and taiko drumming throughout Japantown.
Where: Japantown, San José
When: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Summer Solstice Yoga and Sound Healing
Join Conscious San José and Be the Change Yoga for a free community yoga class of 108 sun salutations, set to live music and sound healing with musicians Father Earth and 5150 Shaman.

Where: San José City Hall Plaza, 200 East Santa Clara Street
When: 7:00 am to 9:00 am

Gooood Morning San José with Mariachi Azteca
Wake up to summer with coffee and a serenade by Mariachi Azteca roving between the cafés located along the Paseo de San Antonio downtown.
Where: Paseo de San Antonio between Market and Fourth Streets
When: 9:00 am to 10:00 am

Piano in the Park
Come out and play the piano by the lake. A piano will be at Almaden Lake Park all day for visitors to play on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is made possible with support from the Office of San José Councilmember Johnny Khamis.
Where: Almaden Lake Park, 5949 Winfield Blvd
When: All Day!

My San José Song by San José Chamber Orchestra
San José Chamber Orchestra and partners will be performing original songs inspired by San José and submitted by the public as part of the My San José Song project. San José’s own Jackie Gage will be closing out the day with her song “A Secret Place”, which debuted at the 2018 San José Jazz Summerfest. www.mysanjosesong.org
Where: San José City Hall Rotunda, 200 East Santa Clara Street
When: 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, and 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm

Harmonica Lessons with Aki Kumar
Grab your kids and friends and come out for free harmonica lessons.  San José blues harmonica super star Aki Kumar, known for his unique blend of blues and Bollywood, will give beginner harmonica tips and lead you in a harmonica jam. Free harmonicas courtesy of Hohner Harmonicas.
Where: San Pedro Square Market, 87 N San Pedro Street
When: noon to 1:00 pm

Do You Know San José? – Make Music San José Edition with the SJZ Boom Box
Enjoy an evening of music and games at Meadowfair Park with the San José Jazz Boom Box and Needle to the Groove Records featuring performances by Miguel Kultura, Marinero, and Valley Wolf. The San José Public Library Maker(space) Ship will also be out with music-related science experiments. This is event is part of the Viva Parks Neighborhood series by the San José Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services
Where: Meadowfair Park, Barberry Lane at Corda Drive
When: 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm

All events are free and open to the public. Check out the full listing of events at www.MakeMusicDay.org/SanJose. Additional events and performances will be taking place at libraries, community centers, coffee shops, parks, paseos, and even at the Mineta San José International Airport.

Thank you to the City of San José Office of Cultural Affairs for a great day!

Summer Movie Preview 2019: Summer Movies for Kids, Teens and Families

A month-by-month list, my summer movie calendar for 2019.  This list is movies for kids, tweens, teens and families from Toy Story 4 to Men in Black: International. I try not to tease people with movies coming out in April or May because most families are have enough to deal with summer plans, summer school, finals, graduations, etc, etc, etc. So if you want the May movie calendar, you can find it here.  I’ve included movies ratings were possible, and will update this calendar as possible.

Summer Movie Preview 2019: Summer Movies for Kids, Teens and Families

For those of you (us!) looking for Artemis Fowl (Disney), which was scheduled for August 2019.  The release date has been moved to May 2020.

Summer Movies for July, July and August 2019

 JUNE 2019

Dark Phoenix coming to movie theaters summer 2019.Dark Phoenix |  PG-13 | 7 June 2019
This is the story of one of the X-Men’s most beloved characters, Jean Grey, as she evolves into the iconic DARK PHOENIX. During a life-threatening rescue mission in space, Jean is hit by a cosmic force that transforms her into one of the most powerful mutants of all. Wrestling with this increasingly unstable power as well as her own personal demons, Jean spirals out of control, tearing the X-Men family apart and threatening to destroy the very fabric of our planet. The film is the most intense and emotional X-Men movie ever made. It is the culmination of 20 years of X-Men movies, as the family of mutants that we’ve come to know and love must face their most devastating enemy yet — one of their own.

 

The Secret Life of Pets 2 coming to movie theaters summer 2019.The Secret Life of Pets 2 | PG | 7 June 2019
Continuing the story of Max and his pet friends, following their secret lives after their owners leave them for work or school each day.

 

 

 

Men in Black International coming to movie theaters summer 2019.Men in Black: International | 14 June 2019
The Men in Black have always protected the Earth from the scum of the universe. In this new adventure, they tackle their biggest, most global threat to date: a mole in the Men in Black organization.

 

 

Toy Story 4 coming to movie theaters summer 2019.Toy Story 4 | G | 21 June 2019
Woody has always been confident about his place in the world, and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. So when Bonnie’s beloved new craft-project-turned-toy, Forky, declares himself as “trash” and not a toy, Woody takes it upon himself to show Forky why he should embrace being a toy. But when Bonnie takes the whole gang on her family’s road trip excursion, Woody ends up on an unexpected detour that includes a reunion with his long-lost friend Bo Peep. After years of being on her own, Bo’s adventurous spirit and life on the road belie her delicate porcelain exterior. As Woody and Bo realize they’re worlds apart when it comes to life as a toy, they soon come to find that’s the least of their worries.

 JULY 2019

Spider-Man Far from Home coming to movie theaters summer 2019.Spider-Man: Far From Home | 7/02/19| Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.

 

 

 

The Lion King coming to movie theaters summer 2019.The Lion King | 7/19/19
Disney’s “The Lion King, journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.

 

 AUGUST 2019

Fast & Furious Presents Hobbs & Shaw coming to movie theaters summer 2019.Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw | PG-13|  8/02/19
Ever since hulking lawman Hobbs, a loyal agent of America’s Diplomatic Security Service, and lawless outcast Shaw, a former British military elite operative, first faced off in 2015’s Furious 7, the duo have swapped smack talk and body blows as they’ve tried to take each other down. But when cyber-genetically enhanced anarchist Brixton gains control of an insidious bio-threat that could alter humanity forever — and bests a brilliant and fearless rogue MI6 agent, who just happens to be Shaw’s sister — these two sworn enemies will have to partner up to bring down the only guy who might be badder than themselves. TICKETS

 

Brian Banks
Brian Banks (2018) |
PG-13  | 8/9/19
A football player’s dreams to play in the NFL are halted when he is wrongly convicted and sent to prison. Years later, he fights to clear his name within an unjust system. TICKETS

 

 

Dora and the Lost City of Gold coming to movie theaters summer 2019.Dora and the Lost City of Gold | PG | 8/9/19
Having spent most of her life exploring the jungle, nothing could prepare Dora for her most dangerous adventure yet — high school. Accompanied by a ragtag group of teens and Boots the monkey, Dora embarks on a quest to save her parents while trying to solve the seemingly impossible mystery behind a lost Incan civilization.  TICKETS

 

 

The Angry Birds Movie 2 coming to movie theaters summer 2019.The Angry Birds Movie 2 | PG | 8/14/19
Red, Chuck, Bomb and the rest of their feathered friends are surprised when a green pig suggests that they put aside their differences and unite to fight a common threat. Aggressive birds from an island covered in ice are planning to use an elaborate weapon to destroy the fowl and swine way of life. After picking their best and brightest, the birds and pigs come up with a scheme to infiltrate the island, deactivate the device and return to their respective paradises intact. TICKETS

 

Overcomer coming to movie theaters summer 2019.Overcomer | PG| 8/23/19
Life changes overnight for basketball coach John Harrison and the high school where he and his wife teach when they learn the largest manufacturing plant in town is shutting down. Uncertainty swirls as hundreds of families depart, leaving John fearful for the future of his family and his team. Forced to coach a sport he doesn’t even like, John is inspired by an unexpected friendship, and an unlikely athlete pushing her limits on a journey toward discovery. With newfound resolve and the support of the community, Hannah and her coach challenge the impossible in the biggest race of her life. TICKETS

 

Playmobil The Movie coming to movie theaters summer 2019.Playmobile: The Movie | NR | 8/30/19
When her younger brother Charlie suddenly disappears into the magical, animated universe of PLAYMOBIL®, Marla embarks on the adventure of a lifetime to bring him home. Setting off on an incredible journey through new and exciting themed worlds, Marla teams up with various strange and heroic companions, including: Del, a crazed food truck driver; Rex Dasher, a suave and fearless secret agent; a loyal and endearing robot; a hilarious fairy-godmother, and many others! TICKETS

 

Sources: IMDB, The Movie Insder, Studio web sites.

Disney On Ice Into the Magic 2023

Disney On Ice Into the Magic comes to the Bay Area October 19-22, 2023 at Oakland Arena and October 26 – 29 at SAP Center.

Disney on Ice San Jose Dates and Times

GET TIX EVENT/SHOW DATE | TIME DAY
Disney On Ice Mickey's Search Party 10/24/2024 | 7 pm Thu
[*] PreShow - Wayfinding with Moana and Special Guest Mickey 10/24/2024 | 6 pm Thu
Disney On Ice Mickey's Search Party 10/25/2024 | 7 pm Fri
[*] PreShow - Wayfinding with Moana and Special Guest Mickey 10/25/2024 | 6 pm Fri
Disney On Ice Mickey's Search Party 10/26/2024 | 11 am Sat
[*] PreShow - Wayfinding with Moana and Special Guest Mickey 10/26/2024 | 10 am Sat
Disney On Ice Mickey's Search Party 10/26/2024 | 3 pm Sat
[*] PreShow - Wayfinding with Moana and Special Guest Mickey 10/26/2024 | 2 pm Sat
Disney On Ice Mickey's Search Party 10/26/2024 | 7 pm Sat
[*] PreShow - Wayfinding with Moana and Special Guest Mickey 10/26/2024 | 6 pm Sat
Disney On Ice Mickey's Search Party 10/27/2024 | 1 pm Sun
[*] PreShow - Wayfinding with Moana and Special Guest Mickey 10/27/2024 | 12 pm Sun
Disney On Ice Mickey's Search Party 10/27/2024 | 5 pm Sun
[*] PreShow - Wayfinding with Moana and Special Guest Mickey 10/27/2024 | 4 pm Sun
[*] Character Meet & Greet Updated 9/27/24

The timing is excellent for parents! Let your kids wear their princess, engineer, and other costumes to Disney on Ice, Thomas and Percy’s Halloween Party, the NorCal Ren Faire, and other Halloween events.

Ticket prices range from $20-$100 for regular tickets. $25 for the upper level, $25-$55 for the mid and lower level, and $75-$100 for the first two rows.  These prices are approximate and may change depending on the date and location. 

Who Will Perform at Disney on Ice Into the Magic?

Into the Magic, will feature songs and characters from four Disney movies: Disney’s Moana, Frozen, Coco and Beauty and the Beast, and of course Mickey and Minnie Mouse. 

Pre-Show: Frozen Fun With Anna & Elsa

Glide into the frozen world of Arendelle and interact with two of the most beloved sisters in Disney history – Anna and Elsa!

Enhance your Disney On Ice show ticket with a preshow Character Experience that includes games, a sing-along, crafting, and interactive time with Anna and Elsa.

Bring your personal device for photo opportunities with Anna and Elsa.

Frozen Fun With Anna & Elsa is available as an add-on experience to Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic. Ages 2 & up require a ticket.  [Ticket Link]

Disney On Ice 2023 Discount Codes

Ticketmaster: 2 For 1 Tickets | Save 50% when you buy two tickets (excluding fees). Use offer code: TMN241
Ticketmaster: Me+3 4-Packs | Look for the Me+3 or 4-Pack link in the seat selection window. Buy 3 Get 1 Free [LINK]
Ticket discount offers often change and are not guaranteed.

Look for more discount codes on CelebrateFamily.us Family Fun Events Coming Soon

2018 Holiday Skating Rinks in the SF Bay Area

Where to Find Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Around the Bay Area

Holiday time means outdoor skating rinks!  Here is our list of San Francisco Bay area outdoor skating rinks for 2018.  Holiday planning tip: San Jose’s Downtown Ice is open through January 27, 2019 for fun during the BCS Championship game and the NHL All Star game. New for 2018:  holiday rinks at Cal Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, Civic Center in San Francisco and Bumper Ice sessions in San Mateo. and  Please check the respective website to confirm dates as sometimes there are private events booked.

Downtown Ice San Jose

San Jose Downtown Ice at Circle Palms

November 16 – January 27, 2019. Downtown Ice will become call it “Championship Ice” Jan. 4-7 for the BCS Championship Game on Jan 7 and will be open until Jan 27 for the NHL All Star Game at SAP Center. Admission is $15 for children 10-under and military and $17 for skaters 11-older.  Those who bring their own skates will be admitted for $10.  Hours and specials are posted at http://downtownicesj.com.  San Jose Downtown Ice is ‘all you can skate’ (as opposed to buying a ticket for a ‘session’).  Season pass $80 includes skating once a day throughout the season.

Santa Clara – Outdoor Ice Rink at Central Park

November 19 – January 21, 2019.  Located at Central Park in Santa Clara. Ice rink hours are from M-Th 2pm-8pm; Fri 2pm-10pm; Sat 1pm-10pm; Sun 1pm-8pm.  Visit the site for special hours during 12/21-1/7).  Admission per two hour session: $10 Kids (4-12); $15 Adults; Free for (child 3 & under with paid adult).  All-Day Skating Pass (Monday-Thursday on non-holidays) are $15 Kids (4-12); $22 Adults; Free for (child 3 & under with paid adult).  Frequent Skater Pass Youth (4-12) – 1 person for 12 admissions $150, Frequent Skater Pass Adults (13+) – 1 person for 12 admissions $180.  santaclaraonice.com

San Francisco Ice Skating in Union Square

November 7 – January 21, 2019.  Located Ice rink hours are from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., daily. Ice skating sessions in Union Square begin every even hour and last for 90 minutes.  Admission: General Admission $18; Children (Eight and Under) $13; Skate Helper Rental $6; Locker Rental $3.  Free skating lessons are offered every Saturday and Sunday. Space is limited to 50 participants per day, and you must register in advance.  Union Square Ice Rink

Walnut Creek on Ice

November 9 – January 21, 2019.  General admission is $12-$15. Hours vary but most skating begins at 11 am or 12 pm.  Frequent Skater Passes are available to purchase at the rink. Each pass is good for 10 visits at the special price of $109. Family Skate nights on Tuesdays. $35 for a family of 4 includes admission & skate rental (11/13, 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 1/8, 1/15). Frosty & Friends, special skate event for kids on January 12, 2019.  Walnut Creek on Ice

The Little Ice Rink, Alameda

Nov 3 – January 15, 2019.  Located at South Shore Center in Alameda.  General admission $17 for adults (9+), $13 for children. $6 discount if you bring your own skates.  Skate helper rental (Bobby the Seal) $8.  Hours: Monday – Friday 3 pm – 10 pm, Saturday-Sunday 10 am – 10 pm.  Extended weekday hours on school holidays 12 pm – 10 pm. Season Passes $169 – $219. Weekly Performances Every Friday Night at 7:45PM by Skaters from Oakland Sharks Ice! Link

WinterFest at CA Great America, Santa Clara

November 23 – December 31, 2018. $15 per 45 minute session (includes skate rental). Buy 4 or more for $12.50 each.  Check the CA Great America site for specific dates and times.  WinterFest will include live shows, carollers, tree lightings, and other events.  Link

Downtown Ice – Martinez

Unfortunately Downtown Ice Martinez has been  cancelled for 2018.  Hopefully it will be back for 2019.

San Mateo on Ice – San Mateo

November 10 – January 13, 2018. Located in Central Park, San Mateo. $16 per person; $13 for Active military, fire, and police. Must show ID. $5 same day re-entry. $3 all day locker rental-key.  For 2018, San Mateo Ice offers Bumper Car on Ice sessions.  $15 per bumper car.  Bumper Car Sessions run every 20 mins from 12pm-8pm daily.  Daily hours vary, please check their calendar for specific hours. Link

Marin on Ice – San Rafael

November 9 – January 7, 2019. Located in the Oaktree Plaza at North Gate Mall. $15 per person including skate rental. $13 Military, Police, and Fire personnel (Must Show ID). Daily hours vary, please check their calendar for specific hours. $120 for 10 tickets. $5 all day locker rental-key deposit required.  Link

Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center San Francisco

November 7 through January 6, 2019. Located at Justin Herman Plaza, adjacent to Four Embarcadero Center. General Admission $12; Children (8 & under) $7; Skate Rental $5.  Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10am-9:30pm; Friday – Saturday 10am-11:30pm.  Ice skating sessions begin every even hour and last for 90 minutes. Link

Holiday Ice Rink at Cal Academy of Sciences

November 16 through January 6, 2019. Located in the East Garden of the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. Tickets $10 for daytime skating (plus museum admission).  $15 per person/$10 members for skating sessions on Sundays from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm when the exhibits are closed (so on museum admission is required).   Hours: Morning Skate: Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 12:30 pm; Sunday, 11 am – 12:30 pm; Afternoon Skate: Daily, 1 pm – 4:30 pm.  Link

The Winter Park at Civic Center

November 30 through January 6, 2019. Located at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco. Tickets Adults: $20 (all sessions), Children 8 and under: $15 (sessions 4pm, 6pm, 8pm);  Children 8 and under: $5 (sessions 12pm, 2pm). Skate Helper: $6 and Lockers $3.  Parking is $3-$6.  Hours at 12 pm – 10 pm.   Granite Curling Club will offer curling lessons every Sunday. Cost is $20 per person.  Link

Other Discounts and Special Prices for Outdoor Ice Rinks

Groupon.  Also visiting the web sites and subscribing to the newsletter.  And of course, the Local Discount section of CelebrateFamily.us!