By Tianna Nguy, Communications Intern As a native of San Jose, I know first-hand that the Bay Area is a wonderful place to explore outside of your own town. With an incredible amount of events to choose from, you can discover arts, culture, music, and more by simply taking public transportation to your destinations. By making Caltrain your ride, you’ll get to where you need to be and have more time for fun in the sun. Here are my top 5 places to go using Caltrain this summer: 1. Menlo Summerfest – Downtown Menlo Park, Santa Cruz Avenue Just a few steps away from the Menlo Park Caltrain Station, Menlo Summerfest will be happening on July 15 & 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. With vibrant live music in downtown Menlo Park, you’ll come across fine art and crafts, food trucks and booths, artisan cocktails, craft beer, premium wine, and gourmet specialty foods at this free festival. There will also be awesome amusements for kids and the Fleet Feet’s Hot Fun Run! Click HERE for more information. 
2. Movies on the Square – Redwood City, Courthouse Square Every Thursday evening from now through August 31, the Courthouse Square at 2200 Broadway in Redwood City will be screening free movies such as Moana, La La Land, Beauty and the Beast, Dirty Dancing and more. Bring your blankets, take-out food from neighboring restaurants, or your own snacks to be enjoyed. There will be a snack bar on site serving up popcorn, candy and water. Remember to come early for the best seats (a limited number of chairs and tables are available). Movie time begins around 8:45 p.m. For more information, click HERE. 
3. ID10T Festival – Mountain View, Shoreline Amphitheater On June 24 & 25, the ID10T Festival will be held in Mountain View at the Shoreline Amphitheater with more than 50 of today’s best comic book artists and creators. Other activities at the festival include daytime panel programming, autograph signings, live podcasts including the Nerdist, an interactive Comic Conival with games, and rides. Main stage performances from Weezer, Ok Go, Car Seat Headrest and a Mad Decent dance tent with Madeon, Jai Wolf, Zeds Dead, and more. ID10T Festival will surely bring a lively experience of comedy, music, tech, and gaming to you this summer. Hop off at the Mountain View Caltrain Station and onto the mvGO bus towards West Bayshore, then a short walk to the venue. There is a cost to attend this festival, tickets can be purchased here. 
4. San Jose Renaissance Faire & Fantasy Fest – San Jose, Discovery Meadow On August 5 & 6, travel back in time when kings and queens ruled the kingdom, knights wore shining armor, and jesters entertained the royal court. At the San Jose Renaissance Faire & Fantasy Fest, attendees will be able to see a one of a kind International Jousting Championship with riders from Canada, Europe, and USA duking it out for glory. There will be shows, pageantry, as well as unique dining and shopping experiences of the medieval days. The faire will be held at Discovery Meadow. Take Caltrain to the San Jose Diridon Station, transfer to VTA’s 901 bus for a brief trip, and arrive at the entrance of the Children’s Discovery Museum, located in front of Discovery Meadow. Tickets can be purchased HERE. 
5. Yerba Buena Gardens Festival – Yerba Buena Park, San Francisco Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is happening now through October 29 with more than 75 performances on three outdoor stages. Admission is free and entertainment includes music, theater, dance, cultural events, educational and children’s program. Yerba Buena Gardens is located in downtown San Francisco, which is just a short walk down 4th Street towards Howard Street after getting off the San Francisco Caltrain Station at 4th and King. 
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