What weāre about
š“Ā Our events are all aboutĀ connectionĀ āĀ meeting new friends, exploring new places, and doing fun thingsĀ togetherĀ ā that aren't focused on alcohol or romance.Ā We strive to create a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive space for everyone. Thoughtful behavior is expected, and newcomers are always welcome!
š¢Ā Stay in the loop!
Make sure your Meetup notifications are turned ON so you learn about upcoming events as soon as theyāre announced by email!
š·Ā See ALL our scheduled eventsĀ HERE
š·Ā See our 10,000+ photosĀ HERE
š“ Support Our Group
We rely on annual member donations to cover Meetup fees and occasional venue rentals. If you havenāt donated in 2025, please consider a $10ā$20 cash contribution (with your name) given directly to the event host. New? Enjoy a couple of events first ā then pitch in if it feels like a good fit!
š“Ā Important Notice & Liability Waiver
By participating in any New Beginnings Social Event, you and your guests RELEASE and DISCHARGE the organizers, hosts, and participants from all liability for injuries, illness, damages, death, issues relating to privacy or economic loss arising from activities, advice, or information provided. Participation is voluntary and entirely at your own risk. You are responsible for your safety, belongings, and transportation decisions. Choose carpool drivers carefully and consider leaving valuables at home.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- š¶ San Mateo Thursday Night Music in the Park with Tom Rigney and Flambeau! š¶San Mateo Central Park, San Mateo, CA
š¶ San Mateo Central Park Summer Music Series is Back! š¶
Thursdays | June 26 ā August 14, 2025 | 6ā8 PM (No concert on July 3)
Get ready to dance, mingle, and soak up the summer vibes at one of the Bay Areaās favorite free concert series! Weāre gathering every Thursday evening (except July 3) for seven weeks of live music, dancing, and fun under the open sky. āØš New Location This Year:
Due to playground construction, concerts are moving to Fitzgerald Field (corner of 5th Ave & El Camino Real). Look for our signature sparkly green streamers and friendly hosts wearing Mardi Gras beads!š§ŗ Come Early to Help Us Claim Space!
Weād love your help saving a spot for our big group. Bring a chair or blanket and arrive by 5 PM if you can. If you canāt get there that earlyāno problem! Just bring something to sit on and come when you can.š· BYO Snacks or Grab a Bite There
Food and drinks are available for purchase, or youāre welcome to bring your own picnic. Sharing snacks = instant new friends! šš» July 31 ā Tom Rigney & Flambeau (Cajun, Zydeco & Roots!)
Turn up the heat with Tom Rigney & Flambeau, known for their fiery mix of Cajun, Zydeco, blues, and New Orleans grooves. Rigneyās electrifying fiddle and red boots light up the stage, delivering high-energy tunes thatāll have you dancing in no time. Itās roots music with serious flairādonāt miss it! š„šŖš Expect soulful solos, tight rhythms, and a performance packed with joy and charisma.š¤ 2025 Concert Lineup:
Ā· June 26 ā Native Elements (Reggae)*
Ā· July 10 ā Neon Velvet (90s Tribute)
Ā· July 17 ā Pop Fiction (Dance Party)
Ā· July 24 ā Maya Band (Latin)
Ā· July 31 ā Tom Rigney & Flambeau (Cajun/Zydeco)
Ā· August 7 ā Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88s (Jump Swing/Boogie Woogie)
Ā· August 14 ā Electric Rodeo (Country/Rock)š² More Info:
Check out the City of San Mateoās Special Events page for updates.Letās make it a summer to remember! š See you at the park!
š Parking Tips:
Ā· Lot under the tennis courts (ramp on 5th Ave)
Ā· Lot across 5th Ave (with 2nd level)
Ā· Downtown public lots and paid street parking (free after 6 PM)
Ā· Be prepared to walk a bitāitās a popular event!š Taking Caltrain?
Get off at Downtown San Mateoājust a 12-minute walk to the park. Check Caltrainās current weekday schedule here.š“ Support Our Group
We rely on annual member donations to cover Meetup fees and occasional venue rentals (like this one!). If you havenāt donated in 2025, please consider giving $10ā$20 (cash is great) directly to the event hostāwith your name attached. New to the group? Enjoy a couple of events first ā then chip in if it feels like a good fit!š“ Liability Reminder
By participating in any New Beginnings Social Event, you and your guests RELEASE and DISCHARGE the organizers, hosts, and fellow participants from all liability for injuries, illness, damages, death, issues relating to privacy or economic loss arising from activities, advice, or information provided. Participation is voluntary and entirely at your own risk. You are responsible for your safety, belongings, and transportation decisions. Choose carpool drivers carefully and consider leaving valuables at home. - š„ š„Ŗāļø Saturday morning coffee at Franklin Street CaffĆ© š šš»Franklin Street Caffe, Redwood City, CA
Kick off your weekend with our legendary Saturday morning coffee hangout!
Here's the deal:
š Drop in whenever you canāno pressure, just good vibes.
š Bring friends! The more, the merrier (bonus points if theyāre coffee lovers).
š Say hi to new facesāwe're all about making everyone feel like part of the crew.We meet on the 1st, 3rd, and (when the calendar gets fancy) 5th Saturday of each month. Come for the coffee, stay for the laughs (and maybe a pastry or two). Your Saturday mornings just got WAY better! āļø
Learn more about Franklin Street CaffƩ on Yelp.
š“ Support Our GroupāØ
We rely on annual member donations to cover Meetup fees and occasional venue rentals. If you havenāt donated in 2025, please consider a $10ā$20 cash contribution (with your name) given directly to the event host. New? Enjoy a couple of events first ā then pitch in if it feels like a good fit!š“ Liability Reminder
By participating in any New Beginnings Social Event, you and your guests RELEASE and DISCHARGE the organizers, hosts, and participants from all liability for injuries, illness, damages, death, issues relating to privacy or economic loss arising from activities, advice, or information provided. Participation is voluntary and entirely at your own risk. You are responsible for your safety, belongings, and transportation decisions. Choose carpool drivers carefully and consider leaving valuables at home. - š« Historic Architectural Walking Tour of Menlo Park āØMenlo Park Caltrain Station, Menlo Park , CA
š°ļø āI Never Noticed That Before!ā
A Historic Architectural Walking Tour of Menlo ParkTake a leisurely summer stroll through Menlo Parkās historic downtown led by renowned Bay Area architect Martin Bernstein. With deep expertise in historic preservation and decades of local experience (Palo Alto Historic Resources Board, Stanford Heritage, Los Altos Hills Historical Society), Martin brings the stories of 19th-century Victorian homes to life.
On this 1Ā¼-mile walk, youāll hear the tales behind charming 19th-century residences, learn what makes them architecturally unique, and enjoy Martinās warm, engaging storytelling style.
Youāll discover hidden details you might otherwise missālike ornate trim, period rooflines, and quirky touches that reveal the personality of both the homes and their original owners. Get a peek into the cityās 19th-century boomālearn about the people, homes, and ambition that shaped modern Menlo Park. Whether youāre a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or just curious about the neighborhood, this tour offers a delightful way to see Menlo Park through new eyes!
š WHEN: Saturday, August 2, at 1:30 PM ā Please arrive a few minutes early.
š WHERE: Meet at Menlo Park Train Station, 1120 Merrill Street, Menlo Park.
šļø COST: The Walking Tour is FREE, but we are supported almost entirely by walker donations. At the end of the tour, you will be given the opportunity to make a suggested $20* cash donation or donate via Zelle to: martinbernstein617@gmail.com.
*10% from each donation supports New Beginnings, a volunteer-led community that brings people together to make new friends, have fun, and share new experiences.
āØ We hope you will consider donating so we can keep walking.š š Wear comfy shoes, sun protection, and bring a water bottleāand your curiosity!
Weāll see you at the train station (see photo posted below) on Saturday, August 2nd at 1:30 pm sharp. Get ready to stroll through architectural time and discover the charm of historic Menlo Park.āØ Spots are limited to 20āRSVP now to reserve yours! Feel free to add yourself to the waitlist once the event is full. Walk-ups are welcome if space allows.
š Martin Bernstein, Architect
martinbernsteinarchitect.com
š 650.387.1000
š Palo Alto | San Franciscoš æļø PARKING:
There are metered and time-limited parking spaces on the streets around the station. Check signs for restrictions.š PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
Take Caltrain to Menlo Park Train Station. Check the new weekend schedule HERE.š“ Liability Reminder
By participating in any New Beginnings Social Event, you and your guests RELEASE and DISCHARGE the organizers, hosts, and fellow participants from all liability for injuries, illness, damages, death, issues relating to privacy or economic loss arising from activities, advice, or information provided. Participation is voluntary and entirely at your own risk. You are responsible for your safety, belongings, and transportation decisions. Choose carpool drivers carefully and consider leaving valuables at home.
