Black Outside Festival Brings a Free Family Day to McLaren Park
McLaren Park hosts the Black Outside Festival, a free family-focused outdoor event combining a guided nature hike with lawn games, live music, and community programming.
By Drew Bennett, Things to Do · May 30, 2026
This one is worth knowing about because McLaren Park is genuinely underused compared to Dolores or GGP, and events that actually activate it tend to have more room, less hustle, and a neighborhood crowd rather than a tourist one. The hike component makes it more than a passive hang — expect a guided walk through the park's trails with kids and families in tow, followed by open games on the grass.
Practical notes: No BART stop is directly adjacent. The 54 Felton and 29 Sunset buses both serve the park. Street parking is available along Mansell and Visitacion. Bring water and layers — McLaren sits at elevation and gets wind even on clear days. There's no admission cost, but bring cash if vendors show up.