Salsa music fills Central Park on Thursday evening, a folk singer takes the stage Saturday, and local makers line B Street this weekend as San Mateo stacks up free and low-cost community events through July 20.

Thursday, July 16

The City of San Mateo's Central Park Music Series brings Julio Bravo y Su Orquesta Salsabor to Fitzgerald Field at Central Park, 50 E. 5th Ave., from 6 to 8 p.m. The free, family-friendly concert features the Peruvian-born singer and composer leading his band through salsa and Latin dance music. Food vendors will be on site.

A few blocks away, the Downtown San Mateo Farmers' Market runs from 3 to 7 p.m. at 222 E. 4th Ave., in the parking lot of the former Draeger's Market. West Coast Farmers Market organizes the weekly gathering, which features local produce and food trucks.

Friday, July 17

Marlies de Veer and Amy Beasley, the duo behind Blue House, play Friday Happy Hour at AutoVino, 380 Industrial Road in San Carlos, starting at 4:30 p.m. The two have performed together since high school, blending roots rock, country, R&B and folk. AutoVino serves wood-fired pizza and wings from a restored diner bus. Come early for a table.

Also Friday, allcove San Mateo hosts Game Night at 4:30 p.m. at 2600 S. El Camino Real, Suite 300. The free drop-in event is open to youth ages 12 to 25.

Saturday, July 18

Head West Marketplace takes over South B Street from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free, all-ages open-air market features local makers, crafters, artists and vintage sellers. It runs the third Saturday of every month, according to the Downtown San Mateo Association.

That evening, singer-songwriter Bobby Jo Valentine performs at the Congregational Church of San Mateo, 225 Tilton Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the folk/pop concert begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students, available in advance or at the door. Valentine has won Song of the Year twice at the West Coast Songwriters Association. The venue is a five-minute walk from the Caltrain station.

Monday, July 20

allcove San Mateo hosts a Parent Support Group at 5:45 p.m. at 2600 S. El Camino Real, Suite 300. The center is free and open to youth ages 12 to 25 and their families.

Looking ahead

Sunday, July 26: Heritage Fire San Mateo lands at Coyote Point Recreation Area, 1701 Coyote Point Dr. Local chefs cook whole animals and vegetables over open flames, with the top cook crowned "Heritage Hero." Tickets are $109 for general admission (4:15 p.m. entry) and $159 for early access (3:30 p.m.). The event is 21-and-older only. Nick Calderon, deputy county executive and former county parks director, called Coyote Point "the perfect backdrop" for the event in a June 22 announcement.

Thursday, July 30: Native Elements (reggae) plays the Central Park Music Series, 6 to 8 p.m. at Fitzgerald Field.