Get Out, Los Altos: A New Farmers Market Opens, And the Livin's Easy with Free Summer Concerts

1.

1570 Holt Ave, Los Altos, CA 94024 / Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and head out to Grant Park to celebrate the imminent arrival of summer and the season of free summer concerts in Los Altos! Beatles tribute band, the Sun Kings kick off the season, at this grassy park in south Los Altos, former site of Grant School. All courtesy of the Los Altos Recreation Department and generous local sponsors , , and IKB.

2. The Los Altos Rancho Farmers Market

Where/When: Foothill Expressway and Springer Road /Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The year-round, Saturday morning Farmers Market finally holds its grand opening Saturday, just as the weather seems to be saying, "summer." Look here for fresh produce and baked goods, and expect to see live chef demonstrations when it settles in. By the time you've filled your cloth bags with farm-fresh cherries and greens, you'll be almost set for dinner and in a great mood.

3. Nature Center Day at Deer Hollow Farm

Where/When: Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve 22500 Cristo Rey Dr, Los Altos, CA 94024./ Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Head on out to the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve with the little ones because the third Saturday of the month means it's Nature Center Day. In the old apple shed of the working farm, kids will find all kinds of hands-on exhibits about the animals and plants in the preserve, and a farm docent will be on hand to answer questions. You can picnic on the grounds, and, of course, hike to your heart's content, in a jewel of preserve.

4.

Where/When: Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Rd, Los Altos Hills, 94022 / Saturday,  5:30-8 p.m.

What's better on a warm summer evening than to breathe some clean air outside, and then ... Get your hands clapping and your feet moving to because Livewire Dance Band puts on a family-friendly, high-energy performance. Hidden Villa is closed to the public while it runs its summer camps, except for this weekend and few select others. Catch a bite simple with farm-fresh salads and sandwiches. Park  at Foothill College and shuttle over; Parking $10. Advance Registration required, contact Mary Powell at 650-949-9704

5. Dad's Day with the Banana Slug String Band

Where/When: Hidden Villa, Dana Center Lawn, Sunday, 5:30 p.m.

Hidden Villa again, yes. This is one of the few weekends that Hidden Villa is open in the summer (unless you're signed up for camp), so take advantage of it on Father's Day. The Slugs are  four guys dressed as enormous sea slugs, who blend great music, theater, puppetry, and tons of audience participation. Don't miss the DAD DANCE. The first of two 45-minute sets starts at 5:30 p.m.but come early and make a day of it. Pack a picnic, hang out, bring blankets, check out the new farm animal babies, and check out the family craft booth. Tickets: Kids under 2 are free, tickets for everyone else is $15 each.