Generally cloudy. High 59F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph..
Windy with evening showers evolving to a steady, soaking rain overnight. Low 54F. Winds SSE at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph.
Updated: December 23, 2025 @ 10:53 am
Hundreds of people gather Friday for Music in the Park in San Carlos, part of a Peninsula tradition of summer music.
Every Friday through Aug. 29, hundreds will sway to free live music under the fading sunlight at Burton Park in San Carlos as part of the Peninsula tradition of music in the parks during the summer.
But in San Carlos, a different rhythm plays out behind the scenes: folding chairs, sound checks, food trucks and weeks of strategic planning.
The success of San Carlos’ Music in the Park series rests in the hands of the city staff, volunteers and sponsors who have kept it running since the early 1990s.
Music in the Park has been a summer staple that draws hundreds to its hub park for live performances. However, this year, in honor of the city’s centennial, the concert series has expanded its lineup to 10 concerts and ramped up efforts to keep it running successfully.
“We really aim at bringing the community together,” San Carlos Recreation Coordinator Shannon Petersen said. “It gives meaning to why San Carlos is the ‘City of Good Living.’”
Bands chosen for the summer series are selected through a mix of open inquiries and proven crowd favorites, she added.
“We have a lot of groups reach out who are interested in participating and others who have played at other events throughout the year, who the crowds love and we eagerly invite back,” Petersen said.
Petty Rocks, a Tom Petty cover band, took the stage July 19, and lead singer David Rau said the crowd was electric.
“San Carlos is by far my favorite city to play in — I love it. Although we have been a band for six years, this is our first time at this summer series, but it really is a great setup and we love being outdoors,” Rau said. “This is definitely one of the nicer stages and I love that it is family-oriented. It was a great time.”
Each free concert brings out a few hundred attendees, many of them regulars and families. Some camp out with blankets and snacks, while others gather up front to dance. An ice cream truck draws children from the bustling playground. The smoke from the taqueria truck also pulls a group of hungry diners. The diversity of the summer lineup, which includes 10 groups spanning different genres, is designed to offer something for everyone.
“We come every summer, and it’s something we all look forward to,” San Carlos resident Rachel Chetcuti said, who attended the Petty Rocks concert with her family and friends. “It feels like the whole town shows up, and there’s such a friendly, easygoing vibe here.”
Whether you’re a fan of jazz, rock or family-friendly cover bands, the Music in the Park summer series offers something for everyone. There are weekly events lighting up San Carlos, and residents in other cities across the Peninsula can also find similar concerts, including Foster City, San Mateo and Redwood City.
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