Stories from opposite ends of the San Mateo County coast are part of this week’s edition. In Pacifica’s “back of the valley,” a months-old pop-up serves sweet and savory pastries and specialty drinks like spiced chai, immunity shots and cold brew. The Bakesale is held monthly in a pet-friendly backyard with multiple seating areas, gardens, fireplaces and views. Founded by Veronica Cotter and Megan McDevitt, friends who work together full time at vegan bakery Twelvemonth Bakehouse in Burlingame, the pop-up is a project they organize after hours. At a special Mother’s Day pop-up, find bites including bacon and gouda scones with chive butter, lemon bars, mini strawberry cakes and more.
And in Pescadero, Anna Hoch-Kenney has the story (and photos!) behind a festival that drew an estimated 650 people for a weekend of art, music and camping. While it was the fourth year of the May Day Music and Art Festival, this was the first time it was held at Pie Ranch, allowing the event to expand to two days and offer camping for the first time. Pie Ranch itself is no stranger to musical performances: It hosts a monthly barn dance featuring live folk music and a dance caller that draws people from throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Read more about the unique May Day festival experience in Anna’s feature.
Sitting Coastside,
Julia Brown
Six Fifty Editor
editor@thesixfifty.com
Jam sessions, camper vans and ‘70s vibes: This San Mateo County ranch hosted hundreds of festivalgoers for a weekend of music, art and camping
Known for its pie-stocked farm stand and monthly barn dances, Pie Ranch transformed a slice of its property into concert grounds to host the May Day Music and Art Festival for the first time.
Artists and designers find a common thread in art-inspired fashion show
Models wearing looks designed by Cañada College fashion students hit the runway recently at Menlo Park’s Gallery House. The designs were inspired by art created by the co-op gallery’s members.
The Bakesale pop-up brings seasonally inspired pastries and inventive beverages to Pacifica’s ‘back of the valley’
Founded by friends and bakers Veronica Cotter and Megan McDevitt, the backyard business is fueled by a passion for the community they call home.
Congrats to M. Porter of Pacifica, who was the first reader to correctly identify where last week’s photo was taken (it’s Mori Point in Pacifica!).
The first person to reply to this email with the correct place where the below photo was taken will win a prize from The Six Fifty and a shoutout in our next newsletter!
Stanford Powwow: May 9-11 The 54th annual Stanford Powwow celebrates Indigenous culture and heritage and includes music, dance, a fun run and vendors.
Downtown Los Altos Bubbly Stroll: May 9 Sample sparkling wines and bubbly beverages and receive a limited-edition bubbly glass and a commemorative wristband with ticket purchase.
Birds and their Nests: May 10 Learn about local bird species and peek at some of their nests up close at this springtime class at Hidden Villa.
Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival: May 10 Taste California wines and listen to a variety of jazz performances at downtown Half Moon Bay’s annual festival.
Dave Barry: May 12 The Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Dave Barry comes to Cañada College for an event presented by Kepler’s where he’ll discuss his memoir, “Class Clown.”
Music and Migration Remixed: May 16 Stanford University’s Institute for Advancing Just Societies and the Institute for Diversity in the Arts present an evening of conversations with artists and scholars whose work has centered immigrant communities, followed by a concert by Ethiopian American singer and composer Meklit Hadero and The Movement Immigrant Orchestra.
Wild & Scenic Film Festival 2025: May 17 This annual free event features screening of environmental films, plus food, community booths, live music and live raptors. The films are also available virtually.
El Camino Real Ride: May 17 Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition’s fifth annual ride from Santa Clara to Menlo Park includes four stops along the way with free refreshments from local businesses. Ride the whole 17-mile route or join along the way.
Little Free Library Week Meetup: May 17 Learn about starting a book-sharing box and connect with other Little Free Library fans at Leigh’s Favorite Books in Sunnyvale. The morning will also include a surprise book swap, bookmark exchange, raffle prizes, coffee and snacks.
Plan Ahead:
Pint of Science: May 19-21: The festival that brings scientists to bars and cafes arrives in Palo Alto, featuring talks on space oddities, psychedelics, AI and more.
Trevor Noah: May 23-24 Comedian and author Trevor Noah (“The Daily Show,” “Born a Crime”) comes to Mountain Winery for a pair of shows.
The Wailers Natural Mystic 30th Anniversary: May 26 The Wailers celebrate the 30th anniversary of the album “Natural Mystic: The Legend Lives On,” a collection of Bob Marley’s more politicized and religious-themed songs, by performing the entire album live.
San Mateo County Fair: May 30-June 8 Get your yearly fix of funnel cake, carnival games, rides, live concerts and all sorts of county fair fun.
Sunnyvale Restaurant Week: May 31-June 7 Get a taste of special menus and offers from participating downtown Sunnyvale restaurants.
Lighthouse History Walk: June 1 Learn all about the history of Pigeon Point Light Station over the course of a 45-minute walking tour.
Emperor of the Moon: June 6 Music, dance, pantomime and puppetry come together in this musical theater collaboration between Nash Baroque Ensemble and Dance Through Time, featuring a cast of commedia dell’arte characters who embark on a journey to the moon.
Cirque Montage: June 7 Catch acrobatics, comedy, juggling and more circus wonders, led by a wise-cracking ringmaster.
Portola Redwoods State Park 80th Anniversary Party: June 14 Celebrate Portola Redwoods’ 80-year history with guided walks, guest speakers, live music, games, food and arts and crafts.
Photos: Scenes from the 47th annual Stanford Powwow
The university’s largest multicultural festival honors Native American heritage.
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