Arts & Entertainment
Facebook Would 'Like' To Party With You
The social media giant is organizing a slate of grand festivals sure to rock Menlo Park and build the coffers of Silicon Valley nonprofits.
MENLO PARK, CA — The company that invented the word social is pulling out all the stops in living up to that reputation starting Friday with hosting a handful of grand festivals expected to bring out thousands of people and thousands of funds for local nonprofits in the Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Peninsula.
The Facebook Festivals began in 2017 as a smash hit, proving that the community liked the idea of coming together through the summer and into the fall. Last year, the trend continued, with over 50,000 people attending and helping to raise over $111,000 for local nonprofit organizations. More than 80 entities are slated to participate.
The free festivals set for 1 to 6 p.m. on Hacker Way at the Menlo Park headquarters include:
Find out what's happening in Menlo Park-Athertonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Cajun Festival on May 18
- Red, White & Brew on June 22
- Island Vibes on Aug. 17
- Bands on the Bayfront on Sept. 21
- Fall Fiesta on Oct. 19
Scheduled shuttles are shown here and here.
More than 200 local musicians, dancers and performers will keep the social vibe going throughout the afternoon, while 250-plus local farmers, artisans, and small businesses will share their wares, ideas and creations to the public.
Find out what's happening in Menlo Park-Athertonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The fun is nonstop, with the following activities, features and expos:
- 4 stages with live music a free kid zone
- a Tech Zone featuring Oculus, Portal & IG
- Messenger Kids activation
- a free kid zone
- a Ferris wheel
- food trucks
- farmers market
- artisan vendors
- speciality food and drink
- Beer & Wine Garden
The Facebook culinary team is preparing to concoct 500 servings of beignets. The fritter-type doughy delight will be sold in packages of three for $5. All sales proceeds will benefit local nonprofits.
Nonprofits participating in the 2019 Facebook Festival season are:
- Ecumenical Hunger
- LifeMoves
- Peninsula Volunteers
- Project WeHOPE
- Fresh Approach
- EPA Senior Center
- Rotary Club of EPA
- Housing Leadership Council
- One Brick
- EPACenter Arts
- Arthritis Foundation
More information can be found by visiting https://fbcommunityevents.com/facebook-festivals/ and https://www.facebook.com/facebookfestivals.
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