A ribbon cutting on horseback isn’t something you see every day, but at Bear Creek Stables it felt perfectly fitting. Under a long-term agreement with Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Friends of Bear Creek Stables marked their first official day managing operations on July 1 with a celebration that honored both the past and the future of this historic site.
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“We wanted to commemorate the hard work, dedication and advocacy that went into keeping the stable doors open even as most stables throughout the state have closed,” said volunteer Rachel Parakh.
Nestled within Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, the stables have been in operation since the 1930s and offer access to miles of scenic trails. The Friends group plans to expand classes, programs and boarding. www.friendsofbearcreekstables.org
Los Gatos Rotary Club is hosting a blood drive for Stanford Blood Center on Aug. 22, :30 a.m.-2 p.m., at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 20 University Ave. While donors will receive a co‑branded SF Giants/Stanford Blood Center jersey, locals don’t necessarily need incentives to give.
“Our last blood drive was so successful that the Stanford Blood Center asked us to host another,” Rotary’s Lissa Kreisler says.
Walk‑ins are welcome, or you can schedule an appointment at sbcdonor.org.
Jazz on the Plazz continues every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Los Gatos Town Plaza. The summer-long outdoor concert series features jazz, soul and Latin music as well as food, drinks and dancing. Arrive early for good seating, or you can reserve a seat. Upcoming shows include Full Spectrum Big Band (Aug. 5), Smoked Out Soul (Aug. 12), Paula Parker’s Fantastic Machine (Aug. 19) and Gunhild Carling (Aug. 26). www.jazzontheplazz.com
Another beloved tradition, Los Gatos Music in the Park, continues its Sunday concerts from 5-7 p.m. on the Civic Center lawn. Since 1988, this free summer series has brought families together for an easygoing afternoon of music and community. This year’s lineup includes The Bent Peter Band (Aug. 2), Lindsay and the Cheeks (Aug. 9), Miko Marks (Aug. 16), and Harry and the Hitmen (Aug. 23). For sponsorship information, contact Neal Turley at [email protected].
New Museum Los Gatos invites the community to the opening reception of “New Additions 2026” on Thursday, Aug. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m. The exhibition highlights artworks and historical artifacts donated to the museum, celebrating the generosity of regional artists, collectors and keepers of history. Guests can enjoy refreshments, meet donors and hear the stories behind the pieces in NUMU’s permanent collection.
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Feeling creative? NUMU is also offering a two‑day papier-mâché fish workshop with artist Jess Gilliam. On Saturday, Aug. 15, participants will build and shape their sculptures, which will dry overnight at the museum. On Sunday, Aug. 16, at 1 p.m., they’ll paint and finish their whimsical hanging fish—part sculpture, part playful art.
Celebrate our nation’s sesquicentennial by participating in “Handwriting the Constitution” at NUMU on Thursday, Aug. 20, 12:15-1:15 p.m. Participants will transcribe portions of the U.S. Constitution onto large whiteboards using black markers—a quiet, reflective way to honor history.
Vasona Lake County Park continues its free outdoor movie nights as part of the Santa Clara County’s summer series. Community block parties begin at 6 p.m., with movies starting at dusk. On Saturday, Aug. 15, they’ll screen “The Wild Robot” on the playfield lawn, 333 Blossom Hill Road. Bring blankets, snacks, and your favorite movie‑night crew.
Los Gatos Thrives’ Monday Morning Movie series continues Aug. 3 with “Spider‑Man: No Way Home” at the CineLux Los Gatos Theatre. For $10 you’ll get coffee and pastries, thanks to Teri Hope of Los Gatos Roasting Company, and the movie. Organizer Tom Picraux says, “The purpose is to provide a social occasion and to support our beautiful theater. It’s a deal and a lot of fun.” www.losgatosthrives.org
Runners, take note: the Los Gatos Rotary Great Race returns Saturday, Sept. 26, at Vasona Lake County Park. It’s a beloved tradition and a good reason to start training now.
If you have business or social news about Los Gatos, I’d love to hear from you: [email protected].
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