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Concert in the Park Recap and Summary of Upcoming Events (Laura Armanino, Recreation Program Manager)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Commission receive a recap of the Concert in the Park event at Orange Memorial Park and review upcoming events.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Concert in the Park Recap
Concert in the Park, the City’s largest annual event produced by the Parks and Recreation Department, took place on Saturday, September 12. From 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., guests were able to enjoy the Family Fun Zone, visit the Vendor Village, enjoy a variety of food options from an assortment of food trucks and food booths, and purchase beer and wine from the South San Francisco Friends of Parks and Recreation. In addition, guests were entertained by the El Camino High School Jazz Band, GenenTonix acapella group, South City Folk Jam, Mercy and the Heartbeats, and of course, Grammy Award-winning band, Kool & the Gang!
The 2026 event was made even more special thanks to a $250,000 donation from Genentech in celebration of their 50 years in South San Francisco. Genentech was recognized as a Presenting Partner at the event. In-kind and monetary donations were also received from Kaiser Permanente, The Daily Journal, GFI Entertainment, Stuart Event Rentals, and Parking Company of America. Staff will share a verbal recap of the 2026 Concert in the Park at the meeting.
Upcoming Events
Shortly following the successful completion of Concert in the Park, staff quickly move on to the next fall lineup of events.
October 17 | Halloween Extravaganza
Join us for yet another spooktacular time at our Annual Halloween Extravaganza on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Orange Memorial Park in South San Francisco! Admission is free. Community members are invited to come in their best costume and embrace the festive fun. This family-friendly event is packed with exciting activities for all ages.
November 7 | Holiday Boutique
The 45th Annual Holiday Boutique and Maker’s Fair will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Library | Parks and Recreation Center at 901 Civic Campus Way. Admission is free. Visitors will have the opportunity to browse a variety of unique, handcrafted items, including jewelry, ceramics, holiday crafts, and more. Complimentary beverages and candy canes will be available to help promote the holiday spirit.
November 21 | Thanksgiving Fun Run
The 53rd Annual South San Francisco Thanksgiving 5K Fun Run will take place on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the Oyster Point Marina and Bay Trail. The run will begin at 9:00 a.m. Registration began on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 and will close on Friday, November 13, 2026. Participants who register by November 1 can purchase the 2026 Thanksgiving Fun Run t-shirt as part of their registration. Continuing the practice implemented last year, all participants must pre-register by Friday, November 13. With the growing number of participants at the event each year, this change eases event day administration and coordination with the race timer. Registration is $12.00 for adults 18 years of age and up. $8.00 for ages 13-17 years old. Free for 12 and under. Participants will be awarded prizes for top finishers in each age group as well as entered into an opportunity drawing for prizes after the race concludes.
December 5 | Santa Comes to Town
Santa Comes to Town will take place on Saturday, December 5, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at City Hall located at 400 Grand Avenue. Santa will be making his magical entrance aboard one of South San Francisco's fire engines. Families will be able to take their own photo with Santa as part of their visit. This event is free to the public. Please dress appropriately to wait outdoors as this event is rain or shine.
December 12 | IPP Wreath Making
The annual Holiday Wreath Workshop will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at the Joseph A. Fernekes Recreation Building at 781 Tennis Drive. This workshop is a fundraiser for Improving Public Places.
Two Sessions:
• Morning Session (Family-Friendly): 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Ideal for all ages.
• Afternoon Session (Adults Only): 1:00pm to 3:30pm. - Enjoy wine as you create your masterpiece.
Important Details:
• Workshop fee: $30 (resident)/$35.75 (non-resident). Register early! $35/$40 on the day of the event, space permitting.
• Families can work on one wreath together or enroll more participants to create additional wreaths.
Take Home Kits:
• Wreath kits are available for those DIY crafters who already know how to make a wreath and prefer to construct their masterpiece at home. Host your own wreath-making holiday party at home with family and friends by purchasing a kit for each person!
December 19 & 20 | Nutcracker
The South San Francisco Parks and Recreation's SSF Civic Ballet will be performing a timeless classic, The Nutcracker. This year will feature three performances on Saturday, December 19 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 20 at 1:00 p.m. at the South San Francisco High School Theater. Tickets will be available to purchase in December.
CONCLUSION
Staff is looking forward to our upcoming events. Staff welcomes discussion and feedback from the Commission.