Los Gatos Thrives President Tom Picraux likes to say that “a simple way to start the week on a positive note is by attending the Los Gatos Thrives Monday Morning Movie.” The next screening is “The Devil Wears Prada 2” on Monday, May 4. Coffee and pastries will be ready at 9:45 a.m., and tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Picraux says these first‑Monday gatherings are meant to bring people together and help keep the Cinelux Los Gatos theater thriving. www.LosGatosThrives.org
The Los Gatos History Club is hosting an art showcase and sale on Sunday, May 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at 123 Los Gatos Blvd. It’s a chance to meet local artists, see what they’ve been working on, and support the creative community that adds so much to the town. www.historyclublosgatos.org
Good news for families: The Billy Jones Railroad and Carousel is open for spring hours through June 5. The train and carousel run Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering a weekend outing for kids — and adults.
For something a little different, the Los Gatos scavenger hunt is a fun way to explore downtown. This interactive walking tour sends you down historic streets, solving clues and completing small challenges along the way. The route is 1.07 miles with seven stops, and it’s a great option for families, visitors or anyone who wants to see Los Gatos from a new angle. $13. www.scavengerhunt.com
New Museum Los Gatos, aka NUMU, is celebrating its 60th anniversary and inviting the community to visit its newest exhibition featuring work from high school students. “ArtNow 2026: Before/Between/Beyond” gives young artists the experience of participating in a juried museum show. The ArtNow 2026 Awards Ceremony will take place on May 2, 3-6 p.m., and everyone is welcome.
Also at NUMU, you can learn what Los Gatos was like in the ’60s. Amy Long, curator of the exhibition “I Know a Place”, will speak on Friday, May 22, from 11 to 11:45 a.m. She’ll talk about growing up here during a time when the valley was shifting from orchards — the Valley of Heart’s Delight — toward the early tech industry. Admission is free with registration. NUMU is located at 106 E. Main St. www.numulosgatos.org
Many Los Gatos volunteers helped make the 2026 Chefs of Compassion Gala a success. This was the 15th annual fundraiser for West Valley Community Services, and early reports show it raised more than $1.75 million for programs supporting families facing hunger and homelessness. The evening included a friendly cooking competition in which three chefs were asked to turn pantry staples into gourmet dishes. As one of the judges, I had the chance to sample each creation. Andrew Thai of Be.Stéak.Ă, Rohit Kumar Behera of JAKS Santa Clara, and Mariano Zasso of Locanda Sorrento were all winners in my book. www.wvcommunityservices.org
A relaxed place to meet friends is the Gali Wine Tasting Room in downtown Los Gatos. Joseph and Janice Gali, the husband‑and‑wife team behind Gali Vineyards, have deep roots in town. Joseph, a local pediatrician, is also a self‑taught farmer who spent summers in his uncle’s orchard along the Mediterranean coast. Today, he farms 18 acres using sustainable practices and produces chardonnay, pinot noir, syrah, tempranillo and albarino. Tastings are $20. 21 W. Main St. www.galivineyards.com
Memorial Day is coming up, and the community is invited to honor veterans at a ceremony at the Flame of Liberty Memorial. The Veterans Memorial and Support Foundation will host “America: Their Sacrifice. Our Freedom” on Monday, May 25. Lunch will be available for purchase at noon, with veterans receiving a complimentary meal with ID. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. at the Los Gatos Civic Center, 110 E. Main St. Gen. Kent Hillhouse, U.S. Army Ret., will serve as keynote speaker. The event is free and open to all.
If you have business or social news about Los Gatos, I’d love to hear from you: debby@debbyrice.com.