San Jose Ghost Tour Brings Eerie Tales to Life in Downtown San Jose

Happy Friday the 13th! A few weeks ago I had a chance to participate in one of the most unique walks I have ever taken throughout Downtown San Jose. I joined the San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette. The guided one-mile journey takes participants past buildings steeped in decades of dramatic events and reported hauntings while at the same dropping tons of fascinating history of San Jose.

The experience began under the prominent arch at Paseo de San Carlos and wound through areas tied to everything from Wild West saloons and brothels to brewery tragedies to sorrows at San Jose State University. Stories shared included the former Sainte Claire Hotel, where spirits have remained active, and the last public lynching in the US at St. James Park.

I learned so many new things from the tour. I don't want to give too much away, but did you know Trials Pub used to have a jail in the basement where several people died, and the remnants of the cells are still there directly beneath the dart boards? Multiple people have reported ghost sightings at Trials as well as unexplained bruises when collecting darts.

On the other hand I also learned that the concept of quicksilver (mercury) mining actually came from Indian tribes. While there was so much fuss about the gold rush, more money was made mining quicksilver at the New Almaden Mine in San Jose than ANY individual gold mine in all of California.

This tour succeeded in blending in documented local history with accounts of shadow figures and unexplained phenomena. Anyone drawn to unique perspectives on local heritage will find this tour delivers in compelling fashion. The walk has offered distinctive way to experience Downtown San Jose after dark and the tour guide was fantastic!

All of the tours start at 8pm and are relatively kid friendly (ideal for older kids). Reserve your tickets at https://usghostadventures.com/san-jose-ghost-tour/ or https://lizzie-borden.com/ghost-tours/san-jose/

Flora is Blooming in Santana Row

San Jose foodies are getting yet another trio of compelling reasons to head to Santana Row. Flora San Jose will soon transform the long-vacant Rosie McCann's space into a versatile all-day dining destination on a prime corner behind Hotel Valencia.

Russ Fukushima and Jameson Parvizad of Water Tower Kitchen team up with Danny Shafazand of Bell Tower Cafe and NOVA Nightclub in Downtown San Jose to create the new concept. Guests will enjoy a seamless shift from bright morning meals to lively evening dining with an evolving menu that matches the time of day.

At the same time Bacio di Latte is already scooping its high-quality Italian gelato at Santana Row, and Johnny Doughnuts will soon bring its nationally acclaimed handcrafted doughnuts to the neighborhood.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Advances Plans for 272 Affordable Homes Along West San Carlos Street

Site development permits filed recently have propelled forward an addition of 272 fully affordable apartments at 860 West San Carlos Street. Swenson partnered with Republic Urban Properties to create this seven-story building that will stand 79 feet tall across a 2.2-acre site between Sunol Street and Swenson Drive, completing the final phase alongside the established Silver at Ohlone and Patina@Midtown communities.

A thoughtful mix of residences will cater to diverse needs with 107 one-bedroom units, 96 two-bedroom homes, and 69 three-bedroom options. Shared amenities centered on third-floor podium courtyards will include a fitness center, computer room, multipurpose space, and storage for 76 bicycles. The 242-space garage will support practical living while encouraging use of nearby transit.

Those who settle here will appreciate the short stroll or bike ride to Diridon Station, providing easy access to Caltrain, Light Rail, BRT and eventually BART and California High Speed Rail (maybe). While it's not a high-rise, it is dense for the area.

Source: SF YIMBY

There are Still Some Affordable Homes in San Jose

The median price of Silicon Valley homes just hit the eye-watering $2 million mark, meaning half of all homes in the San Jose metro sold for $2 million or more in 2025. Fortunately, there are still some rare affordable options out there under $1 million in San Jose. Below is one option in particular that is personal to me since a family member is selling it.

The home is a two-unit duplex near Little Portugal that is listed at $979,888. The 1948-built property combines two separate 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom units in a 1,462 square foot building across a 5,250-square-foot lot. The rear unit has a private backyard and detached two-car garage.

You could live in one unit and rent out the other, making it even more affordable, or rent out both as an investment property. I've seen both options for this home in my lifetime.

It has easy access to Highways 101, 680, and 280 and is walking distance to the BRT station on Alum Rock & King. It's also an easy walk to Plata Arroyo Park with soccer fields, basketball courts, a skatepark, playgrounds, and an outdoor gym.

If you or anyone you know is interested, please contact the listing agent at kalina.vu.santos@gmail.com or (408) 888-1178.

Spark Social Brings Bay Area Food Truck Energy to San Jose's Creekside District

Mark your calendars for an exciting new chapter in San Jose dining and entertainment. Spark Social prepares to launch its second location in the Creekside District next spring. Creekside or Downtown West is where Google plans to build their future multi-million SQFT campus around Diridon Station.

Spark Social will occupy 75,000 square feet at 140 South Montgomery Street and will invest nearly one million dollars into the buildout while planning to generate up to 150 local jobs.

You'll gain access to a full community hub that operates seven days a week. A daily-changing lineup of top Bay Area food trucks will join forces with a complete bar, a putt course, fire pits for evening hangs, and live music throughout the week. An active events calendar will keep the energy high year-round. Expect pop-up retail spots and nonprofit programs to round out the offerings and support local creators.

Spark Social adopts a vendor-friendly approach by charging flat daily or monthly fees instead of taking sales cuts. This setup mirrors successful farmers market models and helps small businesses thrive. The strategic placement steps away from SAP Center and Caltrain's Diridon Station and will draw crowds from games and commuters alike.

The Creekside District continues to evolve as part of the broader Downtown West vision for San Jose. Additional fitness studios and retail concepts will join the mix later this year. Hapa Brewing was the first establishment to set up shop in the new district but it's clear they won't be the last.

Source: SVBJ

Santana Row Local Artisans Featured at Monthly Makers Market

San Jose gains another fantastic draw for those who love supporting local talent. The Makers Market turns Santana Row into a creative hub on the second Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The next one is this Saturday, March 14th.

Attendees will discover a wide selection of handmade items crafted by more than 60 local makers. Elegant jewelry, unique ceramics, apparel, leather goods, and plants fill the stalls and keep the experience fresh and inspiring. Live music adds to the energy as you enjoy food and drinks in a relaxed sip-and-stroll format.

Families and pet owners receive a warm invitation to join the fun at this free event. The open layout in the park creates an ideal setting for everyone to explore comfortably while connecting with the makers behind the products.

After the outdoor market, continue the adventure at the adjacent Makers Market store, which features even more selections from over 100 creators.

San Jose Earthquakes Elevate PayPal Park with Major Upgrades and Grateful Dead Jerseys

San Jose soccer supporters gain a vastly improved experience at PayPal Park this season. The club poured more than one million dollars into a full transformation of the Habbas Law Epicenter that unveiled on February 14. Rank + Rally expanded the team shop by an extra 1,500 square feet and quadrupled its overall size, giving fans far more room to browse merchandise and interact with products in comfort.

New matchday activities invite everyone to arrive early and linger longer. Speed shot, accuracy and passing challenges sit alongside three holes of Mini Foot Golf while the Scoreboard Bar keeps its title as the largest outdoor bar in North America. Fresh food stations now offer birria and chicken tinga nachos, deluxe sandwiches, rotating pizza options and more to fuel the pregame energy.

A special collaboration with the Grateful Dead brings authentic Bay Area spirit straight onto the pitch. The team designed custom Dead Kit jerseys that capture the band’s psychedelic style and honor its first-ever concert right here in San Jose. Players will wear these kits during at least four home games and several road matches, tying the club to local music history.

These enhancements position PayPal Park among the top destinations in Major League Soccer for families and longtime supporters.

Source: SVBJ

Holi Fest 2026 Brings Vibrant Festival of Colors to Discovery Meadow

San Jose will welcome an unforgettable burst of color when Holi Fest returns to Discovery Meadow on March 7. This largest Festival of Colors in Downtown San Jose runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 180 Woz Way and delivers nonstop excitement organized by the Association of Indo Americans.

Attendees will dance to energetic Bollywood music while tossing traditional gulal powder in every shade imaginable. Food booths will serve authentic Indian foods and live performances will keep the energy high across the park all afternoon.

Families will appreciate free admission for children under seven along with complimentary thandai (cold Indian drink made from nuts, spices, rose water, milk, and sugar) for the first thousand guests. The event keeps expanding year after year and shows exactly how San Jose embraces cultural traditions that unite everyone.

San Jose Chicken Fans Gain a New Spot at Capitol Square Mall

San Jose chicken fans now gain even more convenient access to those crispy tenders everyone craves. Raising Cane's has launched its latest Silicon Valley location at 440 N. Capitol Ave. in the Target-anchored Capitol Square Mall. This addition sits just a few miles from the chain's first South Bay restaurant and responds to strong local demand.

The new restaurant includes a double-lane drive-thru built to move orders along quickly. Inside, the space celebrates San Jose pride through vintage photography and dedicated tributes to legendary acts like the Grateful Dead, the Doobie Brothers, and Los Tigres Del Norte. It also highlights nearby schools such as Independence High School, San Jose High School, and San Jose State University, creating a warm connection to the community.

Extended hours make this spot especially practical for busy schedules. The restaurant stays open until 2 a.m. most nights and pushes to 3:30 a.m. on weekends, perfect for grabbing a meal after events or late shifts.

Source: SVBJ

South First Fridays - March 2026

Step into one of San Jose’s most beloved monthly traditions when you attend South First Fridays. Held on the first Friday of each month from 5 to 9 p.m., this free event transforms the SoFA District and nearby areas into an open gallery and performance space.

You can explore multiple venues filled with new exhibitions and live programming. Galleries such as ANNO DOMINI, KALEID, and the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles present fresh works while offering late hours and free entry to everyone.

The art walk extends beyond SoFA into the Historic District and Martha Gardens District. This gives you access to a rich mix of contemporary pieces, cultural storytelling, music performances, and interactive experiences.

Downtown San Jose gains tremendous energy from nights like these that bring people together around creativity. You should plan to join the next South First Fridays on March 6 and soak in the artistic heartbeat of San Jose.