Free Concerts Keep the Energy High at St. James Park This Summer

Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose continue filling St. James Park with free live music through September, giving Downtown San Jose another strong summer of outdoor performances while plans for a permanent pavilion move forward. The series already draws families, friends, and neighbors for afternoons that mix quality artists, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and activities for kids.

This Sunday, August 30 at 4:30 p.m., the park shifts into salsa mode with Los Calderones as headliners and DJ Leydis opening the evening with salsa dance instruction. The Bay Area Cuban Afro-Latin funk band, led by trombonist and arranger Obrayan Calderon, blends reparto energy with urban and traditional Latin sounds for an explosive set that invites the whole crowd onto the lawn. MACLA co-presents the night, adding another layer of cultural connection to the program.

The schedule still holds a few more strong dates after that. Tomorrow, August 16, The Purple Ones deliver a Prince tribute with a Michael Jackson versus Prince DJ set to open the afternoon. On September 6 the series closes at St. James Park with Peach Tree Rascals, co-presented by CUKUI. Two additional “Levitt on Location” shows land at Cypress Pavilion at Lake Cunningham later this month and next.

All of these concerts stay free and open to every age. Bring a blanket or chair, grab something from the food trucks, and settle in for an easy evening. The music keeps rolling, and St. James Park remains one of the simplest ways to spend a late-summer Sunday in the city.

More details, volunteer opportunities, and the full remaining schedule live at www.levittsanjose.org.

Mayor Mahan Tests Joby Air Taxi Simulator at San Jose Mineta International Airport

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan took the controls of a Joby Aviation flight simulator at Mineta International Airport on August 18, the day before National Aviation Day. Inside a blue trailer parked near the XO sculpture at Terminal B, he completed a vertical takeoff, a series of turns around the airport area, and a smooth landing in roughly ten minutes.

The mobile simulator gives visitors a 120-degree view of what it feels like to pilot Joby’s all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. San Jose Mineta became the first airport in the United States to host the unit, which remained available for public sessions through August 21. Reservations were handled through a simple online calendar.

Joby, based in Santa Cruz, aims to begin commercial passenger flights in 2027 once it receives final FAA certification. Company leaders described the airport visit as a way to let local residents experience the technology before service arrives. The mayor noted that electric air taxis could help ease congestion by offering an alternative to ground travel in a region where new roads are costly and difficult to build.

The short demonstration highlighted both the accessibility of the technology and San Jose’s growing role as a testing ground for next-generation mobility.

Source: The Mercury News

Arena Green East will host another full-day outdoor music event on Sunday, August 23, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Noise Complaints party features performances by OhGeesy and Karri along with additional artists in an open-air setting.

The gathering is designed as an open-format dance event across the park space near the Guadalupe River and Little Italy. General admission is open to ages 18 and older, while VIP access is limited to 21 and older and includes expedited entry, private bars, and improved stage views.

This show follows the Chris Lake daytime party at the same venue the previous afternoon, giving the park two consecutive days of electronic and hip-hop energy. Production elements include large screens and strong sound systems suited to the outdoor environment.

Tickets are available in tiered general admission and VIP options, with all sales final. The event runs rain or shine and continues the recent use of Arena Green East for larger music gatherings in the heart of the city.

Tickets and full details can be found on the Eventbrite page for Noise Complaints San Jose.

New Routes and Premium Carrier Talks Expand Options at San Jose Mineta International Airport

San Jose Mineta International Airport continues adding connections that match the region’s travel patterns. Southwest Airlines will introduce nonstop flights to Orlando beginning November 21, giving local travelers a direct holiday-season link to one of the country’s top leisure destinations. Delta Air Lines will follow with daily nonstop service to Austin starting October 6, creating the only premium-cabin option between the two tech hubs.

At the same time, SJC is holding exploratory discussions with Magnifica Air, an Orlando-area startup planning an ultra-premium “private service” model. The carrier intends to operate Airbus aircraft configured for as few as 44 to 54 passengers, featuring larger cabins, private suites on some aircraft, expedited processes, and amenities designed to sit between traditional first class and full private-jet travel. Magnifica Air has listed San Jose among potential early markets for its phased 2027-2028 launch.

These developments arrive as the airport also seeks proposals for a 15-acre site that could support additional aviation services such as a fixed-base operator. The combination of new leisure and business routes plus interest from a specialized premium carrier points to growing demand from Silicon Valley travelers who want both convenience and elevated experiences.

The added Orlando and Austin flights will open more straightforward options for families, business travelers, and weekend trips. Anyone planning ahead can already book the upcoming Delta and Southwest services through the airlines’ websites.

Source: SVBJ

Chris Lake Takes Over Arena Green East in Downtown San Jose for Daytime House Party

Arena Green East will host a full-day outdoor house music event on Saturday, August 22, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Chris Lake headlines the lineup alongside Murda Beatz and Jackie Hollander at the open-air venue near the Guadalupe River and Little Italy.

The gathering is billed as a daytime party with big house energy and open-air vibes across the park space. Entry is limited to ages 18 and older, with a valid government-issued ID required. The event runs rain or shine and marks a notable activation of Arena Green East for this style of electronic music gathering.

Fans can expect a multi-hour set list in a setting that combines park space with nearby neighborhood energy. Tickets remain available through the event page for those planning to attend the afternoon-into-evening session.

This stop forms part of Chris Lake’s ongoing tour schedule and brings a high-profile electronic act to a central San Jose location for the first time in this format.

Tickets and additional details are available at the Eventbrite listing for the show.

Hijau Coffee Opens Permanent Spot with Indonesian Flavors on West San Carlos

After two years as a farmers market pop-up, Hijau has opened its first brick-and-mortar café at 1432 West San Carlos Street, Suite 70. Owners Lisa Maria and Ryan Prawiradjaja held a soft opening on August 13 and now serve customers Tuesdays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends until 4 p.m.

Maria, whose parents roasted coffee in West Java, wanted to bring more Indonesian flavors to the Bay Area. The menu features three signature lattes: pandan with notes of coconut and vanilla, nastar inspired by pineapple tarts, and klepon drawing from the green coconut-rice dessert. Coffee is sourced from Indonesia, and the space includes batik textiles and teak furniture that reflect the couple’s heritage.

The path from pop-up tables at the Rose Garden and De Anza farmers markets to a permanent counter involved significant permitting and inspection costs that totaled around $27,000. The pair paused market appearances in late spring to focus on the build-out.

Hijau adds a distinctive coffee option to the midtown corridor and expands the city’s range of Southeast Asian culinary voices. Regular hours are now in effect for anyone ready to try the tropical-inspired drinks.

Source: The Mercury News

UserMoment Prepares Northern California Launch from San Jose

A San Jose startup is set to introduce a new way for people and businesses to book local creative talent. UserMoment Technologies plans to open its location-based marketplace across Northern California on September 15, with an initial focus on San Jose, the broader Bay Area, and Sacramento.

The platform connects clients who need photographers, videographers, drone operators, or content creators with available professionals nearby. Users can choose real-time dispatch for more immediate requests, browse profiles and schedules for advanced bookings, or post their own project details and let creators respond. After a shoot, private galleries arrive through a U-Code system that lets clients preview and access their media securely.

Founder and CEO Andrews Dela Vega Puriran, a Filipino American U.S. Air Force veteran, developed the idea while completing a nursing program in Fremont. He balanced clinicals and classes with the work of building the platform, drawing on earlier inspiration from high school senior portrait systems that used unique codes for photo delivery. The company has already run early field tests of photo delivery and purchase flows.

UserMoment aims to give independent creators more direct paid opportunities while simplifying the search for local creative help at family events, small business campaigns, real estate shoots, and community gatherings. The San Jose-based team is currently finishing product polish, security work, and creator onboarding ahead of the September launch.

For more information, visit usermoment.com.

 

Hoka Brings Its First Bay Area Store to Santana Row

Hoka plans to open its first Bay Area storefront at Santana Row this fall, filling the roughly 850-square-foot space previously occupied by Arc’teryx. The outdoor apparel brand relocated to a larger location at Westfield Valley Fair, creating the opening for the popular performance footwear company. Marketing materials already posted at the site confirm a fall debut.

The arrival aligns with broader shifts toward active lifestyles at the mixed-use center. A 60,000-square-foot Life Time fitness club is also preparing to open in the former Best Buy space. Reformation, the Los Angeles-based women’s clothing brand, is preparing a more than 2,000-square-foot store next to Sezane for a fall opening as well. Johnny Doughnuts celebrated the launch of its fifth location at the Row in late June, while the upscale cocktail bar Flora is expected later this year in the former Rosie McCann’s space.

Santana Row has experienced some turnover on the dining side. Vine Hospitality’s portfolio-wide closures eliminated LB Steak, Left Bank and Meso Modern Mediterranean, removing more than 175 jobs from the center. Those vacancies form part of the ongoing evolution that has also brought in new retail and fitness options.

Source: SVBJ

Glen Fest Returns to Willow Glen on September 26

Glen Fest takes over a stretch of Lincoln Avenue in Downtown Willow Glen on Saturday, September 26, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The free community festival centers on the Bank of America lot at 1245 Lincoln Avenue and spills into the surrounding independent shops and restaurants.

Live bands play throughout the day while more than a dozen food trucks and vendors offer everything from BBQ and lobster rolls to Mexican street food, Asian-inspired dishes, and local honey. Beer and wine are available for adults. A dedicated kids court features bouncy houses, face painting, a photo booth, and visits from local sports teams, all without any extra ticket.

The event remains fully walkable and dog-friendly for those who keep pets on leashes. Shops along the avenue stay open during their regular hours, giving visitors a chance to browse boutiques, the children’s bookstore, and other neighborhood spots between sets and meals.

Now in its third year, Glen Fest has grown into the largest single-day gathering on the Downtown Willow Glen calendar. Families and neighbors who arrive earlier in the day often find lighter crowds and easier access to the kids activities.

Check the Downtown Willow Glen Business Association channels closer to the date for the final band and vendor lineup.

Source: Downtown Willow Glen

Boutique Grocery Heads to Ground Floor of San Pedro Square Housing Towers

An independent boutique grocery store is preparing to lease 12,000 square feet of ground-floor space at the two residential towers located at 188 West St. James Street in the San Pedro Square neighborhood of Downtown San Jose. The space faces San Pedro Square Market and sits within a complex that includes a 22-story eastern tower with 337 units and a 20-story western tower with 303 units.

The market will offer fresh food, sandwiches, a salad bar, a hot bar, burritos, and additional prepared items once the street-level shell is ready. Opening is projected for sometime in 2027. Leasing efforts are being handled by Nick Goddard of Colliers.

Downtown San Jose has long operated with limited grocery options. Whole Foods on The Alameda has served the western edge since 2014, and Sakura Market opened more recently on South Market Street. A new neighborhood-focused market at this central location will give residents of the towers and surrounding blocks easier access to everyday essentials and ready-to-eat meals.

The western tower continues to market condominiums for sale while the eastern tower remains under consideration for potential workforce housing by the San Jose Unified School District. Adding a practical retail anchor at street level should help activate the base of these buildings and support the daily needs of people living and working nearby.

Source: SiliconValley.com