Real Estate Realtor Val Vandervort Mid-Peninsula Veritas Homes

San Carlos Centennial: Birthday in the Park and More

Birthday in the Park – Party Details
Mark your calendars! On Tuesday, July 8 at 4:30 PM, head to Burton Park for Birthday in the Park, a community celebration marking San Carlos’s 100th birthday. Enjoy an afternoon filled with live music, field games, sweet treats, and a cheerful birthday sing-along—fun for the whole family.

Celebrating 100 Years of San Carlos: A Look Back
Known today as the “City of Good Living,” San Carlos was officially incorporated in 1925, but its story began long before. The area was originally inhabited by the Ramaytush Ohlone people, and later became part of the Mexican land grant Rancho de las Pulgas in the 1800s.

By the early 20th century, thanks to railroad expansion and the appeal of spacious lots, San Carlos began to shift from a rural farming area to a quiet, residential suburb. After incorporation, the city experienced rapid growth—especially in the post-WWII era, when returning veterans settled here with their families, sparking a building boom.

Today, San Carlos honors a full century of transformation—from open fields to a vibrant city on the Peninsula—while proudly maintaining its small-town charm and strong sense of community.

Centennial Festivities: Highlights from 2025
The city’s 100th anniversary has been marked by a yearlong celebration, packed with events that brought neighbors together in true San Carlos spirit. Some of the highlights include:

Time Capsule Reveal at the San Carlos Museum of History (January)
An extended Hometown Days Festival in May, featuring carnival rides, a pet parade, a Fun Run, and a dazzling drone show
The official birthday celebration on July 8—a milestone event not to miss
A variety of community-driven events throughout the year, including a senior prom, art contests, and a fall movie night that reflects on the centennial journey

Explore the full calendar of events here:
👉 San Carlos Centennial Events

Walking Through the Past: New Historic Markers
As part of the centennial celebration, San Carlos has installed more than 20 new historic markers throughout the city. These plaques highlight important locations—from early industrial sites to places of Indigenous significance and civic milestones. Each marker features a QR code linking to stories and vintage photos, offering a walkable timeline through San Carlos’s layered past.

San Carlos Museum of History: A Local Treasure
If you find yourself with a free Saturday, don’t miss the San Carlos Museum of History, located in the city’s original firehouse on Laurel Street. Operated by the San Carlos History Museum Association and run by volunteers, the museum showcases artifacts, photos, and exhibits that trace the city’s journey from Native lands to suburban hometown.

During the centennial year, the museum hosted special programming, including the opening of a 1999 time capsule, giving visitors a nostalgic glimpse into the city’s recent history. It’s a perfect stop for anyone curious about how San Carlos came to be.

Plan your visit:
👉 San Carlos History Museum

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