Mark your calendars for September 28, 2025, 11am-5pm for the second annual September Arts and Culture Festival in downtown San Mateo! The Office of Arts and Culture and our partner, the San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce, will provide a day of local music, performances, artists, food, children's activities, and FUN. New this year is a special poetry corner where poets can gather and share their work and Mural Madness, a live mural competition for emerging Bay Area artists.

Sign up to participate at the open mic at the Poetry Corner from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. The event will be held at Chill Spot Rendezvous and owner Maggie de Vera has generously offered to provide all participating poets with one of their delicious homemade ice creams for free. Deadline extended to August 15, 2025. Sign up for an open mic spot (5 minutes maximum) at the Poetry Corner.

Mural Madness, is a live mural competition! We invite emerging Bay Area muralists (2 or less murals created) to apply to participate in this fun event. Our intention is to give emerging muralists an opportunity to gain more visibility in the community.  Painting will take place on Baldwin Ave at B Street from 10:30-4:30. The theme of the mural is “Our Community”.