Fourth of July Fun in Santa Clara

As San Jose's official Fourth of July fireworks show at Lake Cunningham has been cancelled this year, the next best thing is to kick off Independence Day with a festive celebration with one of our neighbors! Santa Clara’s 4th of July event at Mission College is a short drive away and promises a day packed with excitement for the whole family.

The celebration starts at 4pm with a dozen food trucks and live music fills the air throughout the day. As evening approaches, the real highlight takes center stage: a spectacular fireworks show at 9:35 p.m. Launched from Great America and accompanied by patriotic music, the display lights up the night sky and offers a stunning view for all. Bring a lawn chair, gather your loved ones, and cap off the day with a great show.

For more information and the full lineup of entertainment and food trucks, head over here.

San Jose Welcomes Trillium Senior Housing

San Jose is forging ahead with the Trillium Senior Housing project at 675 East Santa Clara Street near Downtown. This collaboration between the Santa Clara Housing Authority, Eden Housing, and Core Companies brings 64 single-bedroom units designed specifically for seniors. With a recent Notice of Exemption fast-tracking environmental approvals, this project is poised to enhance the lives of older residents while contributing to the city’s growth.

The location is a major highlight. Nestled close to Downtown San Jose and San Jose State University, Trillium Senior Apartments will connect residents to a lively mix of shops, cultural happenings, and even learning opportunities. The building’s thoughtful design features three articulated bays linked by multistory walkways, plus two courtyards that offer shared outdoor spaces. This setup fosters both privacy and a sense of community, making it an inviting home for seniors.

A firm construction start date remains pending, but curious readers can check the Santa Clara Housing Authority’s website for the latest on this project and others shaping the city’s future.

Source: SF YIMBY

Celebrate San Jose's Spirit at the 2025 Rose, White & Blue Parade

San Jose is gearing up for one of its most cherished traditions: the Rose, White & Blue Parade. Set for July 4, 2025, along The Alameda, this historic event celebrates our city’s diversity, public spirit, and rich floral and agricultural heritage. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, this is your chance to experience the heart and soul of San Jose in a vibrant, community-driven celebration.

The parade has deep roots in San Jose’s history. It draws inspiration from the Carnival of Roses in 1896 and the Fiesta de Las Rosas in the 1920s, both of which honored the area’s floral legacy. Relaunched in 2008, the modern Rose, White & Blue Parade has grown into a major gathering, welcoming over 60,000 attendees in recent years. It’s a powerful reflection of our city’s past and a showcase of the values that continue to shape its future.

On July 4th, the streets will come alive starting at 10am as the parade winds through the Shasta/Hanchett and Rose Garden neighborhoods near Lincoln High School. You’ll see classic cars, bands, dance groups, and community troupes decked out in red, white, and blue. Afterward, the festival runs from 11 am to 2 pm at the corner of Shasta Ave. and The Alameda. Expect Lucha Libre matches, a creative kids zone, face painting, games, free book giveaways, local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. Sports fans can also enjoy activations by BayFC, NBC Bay Area, Telemundo48, and the San Jose Sharks.

This parade is more than a single day of fun. It’s a celebration of San Jose’s unique identity, bringing people together to honor our past and build a stronger community. Mark your calendars for July 4th, gather your friends and family, and come experience the energy and pride of our city at its best.

Hapa’s Brewing Now Open in San Jose's Downtown West (Creekside) District

San Jose welcomed a new hotspot on Friday with the opening of Hapa’s Brewing Company’s San Jose Beer Garden at 59 Barack Obama Blvd. Part of Google’s ambitious Downtown West project, this 7,000-square-foot space is the brewery’s fourth location in the region and second in San Jose.

The beer garden brings a variety of drinks to the table, from crisp beers to refreshing seltzers and ciders. A Creekside-specific brew is even in development, promising a taste unique to this spot. Hungry visitors can dig into offerings from rotating local food trucks like Mezclá Eats with its Colombian dishes, Brooklyn Pizzeria for a classic slice, or Tacos y Fruta Juquila for a zesty bite. Add in two cornhole courts, and you’ve got a recipe for a laid-back, social hangout.

Google teamed up with real estate developer Jamestown to transform a vacant lot near SAP Center into a lively community hub. With a five-year lease in place, Hapa’s is set to be a fixture for now, though Google might have bigger plans down the road. For the moment, it’s all about creating a welcoming spot for locals and visitors alike, especially those popping over from events at SAP Center.

There’s also warehouse area that could host events, adding another layer to its community appeal. Longtime beer fan Farrell Podgorsek noted how valuable these public spaces are, especially as Downtown San Jose grows. It’s a win for anyone who loves seeing the city come alive with fresh ideas and gathering places.

Ready to check it out? Hapa’s San Jose Beer Garden is open Tuesday through Sunday. Hours are 4pm-9pm Tuesday through Thursday, 3pm-9pm on Friday, and 11am-9pm on Saturday and Sunday. More details are available on Hapa’s website.