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.

The Teal Reimagination Elevates SAP Center in Downtown San Jose

SAP Center will be completely renovated, shaped by the Teal Reimagination project. The San Jose Sharks launched this multi-year $425 million transformation to turn the arena into a more connected and immersive destination that anchors Downtown San Jose as a true civic landmark.

There will be dramatic upgrades that improve every moment of a visit. The team store triples in size with immersive displays, smoother circulation for easier shopping, and more Sharks pride. Distinct atmospheres unfold level by level, delivering vibrant energy on the main concourse and refined intimacy in premium areas (primarily underground). There will be a new outdoor concourse and additional entrance into the SAP Center to help reduce crowding.

Premium offerings will set a new standard. Private Cove Suites provide concierge-level retreats for hosting without missing the action. The Captain’s Lounge delivers direct sightlines into the player tunnel while the First Line Lounge brings high-energy ice views with all-inclusive elevated food and beverage. Three unique clubs on the Premier Level will add layered comfort and hospitality tailored to your preferences.

One of the most impressive proposed features is the exterior of the Shark Tank will actually look like a tank. The Teal Reimagination ensures SAP Center welcomes fans and visitors with experiences that match the passion of the Teal faithful and support the city’s long-term vision.

Sumi Sushi Brings Outstanding Fresh Sushi to Downtown San Jose

Sumi Sushi has quickly established itself as a favorite for quality Japanese cuisine at 119 Paseo de San Antonio in Downtown San Jose. It has a casual Japanese pop-culture vibe with anime on the walls and fun lighting. Food wise they specialize in classic rolls, creative specialties, and generous Chirashi bowls.

Service is super fast and efficient. You can order to-go from a kiosk or use a QR code to quickly pick food the moment you sit down. Prices are reasonable, which should appeal to San Jose State University students and really anyone casually walking by.

I got to try the Ladybug Roll (soft shell crab tempura, crab meat, torched salmon), White Dragon Roll (shrimp tempura, crab meat, cucumber), a nigiri sampling, and a green tea cheesecake. I'd recommend them all, but would likely go heavy on the nigiri next time since it was so good. The salmon and Hamachi especially were excellent.

Don't let it's humble entrance and location fool you. Downtown San Jose now has six different sushi spots, and this might just be the new benchmark.

Nokia Subsidiary Launches Photonic Semiconductor Facility in South San Jose

Infinera Corp., a Nokia subsidiary, purchased the 82,000-square-foot facility at 6373 San Ignacio Avenue for nearly $27 million. The team will convert this former headquarters in South San Jose into a dedicated photonic semiconductor fabrication plant.

Federal support accelerates the transformation. Nokia secured $40 million through the CHIPS and Science Act to fund advanced manufacturing capabilities for photonic chips that power high-speed data transmission and artificial intelligence systems.

The move follows Nokia’s $2.3 billion acquisition of Infinera and builds on construction progress at the Valley Oak Technology Center. San Jose will gain a powerful new asset that brings high-value production jobs and reinforces the city’s role in critical global innovation.

Source: SVBJ