Sharks Way

San Jose has long cherished its sports teams, with the San Jose Sharks holding a special place in the city's heart since their debut in 1991. This hockey team has woven itself into the fabric of the Bay Area, delivering thrilling moments and fostering a deep sense of pride among fans. Now, the city is celebrating this legacy by renaming a prominent stretch near the SAP Center as Sharks Way, a tribute that strengthens the bond between the team and Downtown San Jose.

The timing of this change aligns with San Jose’s efforts to secure the Sharks’ future here. City leaders, including Mayor Matt Mahan, are nearing a 25-year agreement to keep the team rooted in San Jose, pending City Council approval. This long-term commitment underscores the Sharks’ value as more than just a sports franchise; they’re a cornerstone of community spirit. Sharks Way symbolizes that dedication, promising a lasting impact on the city’s identity.

You can find Sharks Way at the corner of West St. John Street and North Almaden Boulevard.

Source: San Jose Spotlight

Sip and Stroll - Willow Glen Beer Walk '25

The Willow Glen Beer Walk '25 is coming to Downtown Willow Glen on Saturday, June 14th, from 2 to 5 pm! This event promises a perfect blend of craft beer and a chance to explore one of San Jose’s most charming neighborhoods. Organized by the Willow Glen Business Association, the Beer Walk invites you to sip your way through a variety of brews while strolling through a beloved local spot.

As you wander the streets of Downtown Willow Glen, you’ll stop at local businesses pouring their featured beers. Whether you’re into bold IPAs, rich stouts, or something crisp and refreshing, there’s a taste waiting to surprise you. Every step supports the local economy, making it a feel-good outing in every sense.

Participating breweries include Discretion Brewery, Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Hapa's Brewing, Chapter 11 Cellars, Lagunitas Brewing Co., Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Allagash Brewery, Strike Brewery, Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Fox Tail Fermentation Project, Clandestine Brewing, Settle Down Beer, The Long Drink, Fieldworks Brewing Co., Altamont Beer Works, New Glory Brewing, Morgan Territory Brewing, Belching Beaver Brewery, and more to come!

The cost is $40 for advance tickets, then they increase to $45 on 6/9/25. That includes a beer glass, the tastings, a wristband, and a map to the tasting sites. Non-drinkers (including kids) can tag along at no cost. You can get your tickets over here.

Celebrate Portuguese Culture at San Jose’s Dia de Portugal Festival 2025

Organized by the Portuguese Heritage Society of California, this event stands as one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the state. It’s a gathering that unites people from across the community to honor Portugal’s national day and revel in the traditions of the local Portuguese population. Be sure to save the date—June 14, 2025—when the festival returns to History San José for a day packed with food, music, and joy.

The festival ties into Dia de Portugal, celebrated on June 10th, which marks the legacy of Luís de Camões, a poet whose work captures the essence of Portuguese history. What started as a modest "Spring Festival" has evolved into a major San Jose tradition, held annually on the second Saturday in June. This event doesn’t just celebrate Portugal—it also embraces the wider Lusophone world, including places like Macau and Brazil.

When you step into the Dia de Portugal Festival, you’re greeted by an array of sensory delights. Traditional Portuguese foods like caldo verde, bifanas, and pastéis de nata fill the air with tempting aromas. Live music and dance performances bring energy and rhythm, while a colorful parade rolls through with eye-catching costumes and floats. Families can explore the Portuguese Historical Museum at History San José to dig into the community’s local roots. It’s an all-ages affair that promises something memorable for everyone.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at History San José, located at 1650 Senter Road. Entry is free, and parking won’t be a hassle—there’s plenty available, including free spots with shuttle service from nearby areas. Keep an eye out for street signs pointing you to the right spots.

This festival is a window into the warmth of Portuguese heritage and a celebration of San Jose’s diverse identity. It’s an invitation to connect with the local Portuguese community and help preserve their traditions for years to come. See you there!

Experience the Magic of Greece at the San Jose Greek Festival

San Jose transforms into a vibrant celebration of Greek culture every summer with the San Jose Greek Festival. Held from May 30th to June 1st, 2025, at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in the Rose Garden neighborhood, this event draws locals and visitors alike to connect over food, music, and tradition. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a music lover, or just looking for a fun family outing, this festival delivers an experience that’s hard to match.

The festival grounds come alive with the rich aromas of Greek cuisine wafting through the air. Think tender lamb chops, sizzling gyros, and golden loukoumades dripping with honey—each dish a testament to time-honored recipes. Beyond the food, you’ll find live music filling the space, with traditional dance groups in colorful costumes moving to the rhythm. The outdoor market adds to the excitement, offering imported wines, handcrafted goods, and artisanal cheeses. It’s a family-friendly affair, too, with plenty of activities to keep kids entertained while adults soak in the lively atmosphere under the South Bay sun.

Since its start in 1969 at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, it has grown into the largest Greek festival in the region, now a cherished tradition at Saint Nicholas. The dedication of volunteers and the enthusiasm of attendees have fueled its evolution, turning it into a weekend that celebrates heritage and togetherness. Walking through the grounds, you can feel the pride in every detail.

Don’t let this chance slip by to dive into Greek culture right here in our city. The San Jose Greek Festival invites you to eat, dance, and explore a world of traditions without leaving town. Mark your calendars, bring your appetite, and get ready for a weekend that promises joy, flavor, and a little bit of Greece in the heart of San Jose. Opa!

Celebrate the Return of Tostadas Downtown San Jose!

After a fire and flood shut its doors in 2023, this local gem is back, ready to welcome the community with open arms. A relaunch event and ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Mayor Matt Mahan and the East Village San Jose business association took place last Saturday.

Tostadas isn’t your average brunch spot. Since opening in June 2019, siblings Alex and Victor Garcia have turned heads with their creative take on brunch, swapping out toast spreads for Mexican-style tostadas. Their Downtown location quickly became a favorite, sparking growth with additional spots in Midtown (1699 W. San Carlos Street), Campbell (200 E. Hamilton Ave), and Santa Clara (3149 Mission College Blvd), where they’ve even ventured into fine dining with Tostadas Prime. The Garcia siblings also fuel the local scene with Con Azucar Cafe and the brand-new Astroid Burgers and Wings, right next door to Tostadas Downtown. Their next move? Franchising these San Jose-born brands to share our city’s flavors far and wide.

Nestled in the East Village San Jose business corridor—a 16-block stretch along East Santa Clara Street—Tostadas adds to a vibrant area known for its diverse dining options. From vegetarian delights like Vegetarian House and Tofoo Com Chay to the energy of local initiatives enhancing the corridor, this part of town reflects San Jose’s dynamic character. The reopening shines a light on how small businesses, backed by community support and city leaders, keep our neighborhoods thriving.

Tostadas is located at 304 E. Santa Clara Street, Suite A. and is open from 9am-10pm Mondays through Thursdays, 9am-11pm on Fridays, 8am-11pm on Saturdays, and 8am-10pm on Sundays.

San Jose’s Summer of Sound: Free Concerts to Light Up St. James Park

St. James Park is about to come alive with the 2025 Levitt San Jose concert series! This season promises eight incredible nights of free live music, transforming our Downtown San Jose' St. James Park into a celebration of sound and community. Leading the charge is Suzanne St. John-Crane, the new Director of Strategy for Levitt San Jose. With her deep experience in non-profits and passion for cultural equity, she’s steering this initiative toward something truly special—a chance for everyone to enjoy music, connect with neighbors, and revel in our city’s vibrant spirit.

Kicking off on May 25 with Africa Day featuring Riddim Exchange’s pulsing Afrobeat rhythms, the series spans genres like blues with Maxx Cabello Jr., country vibes from Cash’d Out, and a Roots Reggae Bash headlined by Groundation. There’s even a Psychedelic Latinx Night with Valley Wolf and a Cumbia Celebration led by Bululú. Every concert is free, family-friendly, and paired with food vendors and local artists, making St. James Park the place to be from May through September. It’s an open invitation to dance, unwind, and soak in the creativity that defines our city.

What makes this series stand out is its heart. Levitt San Jose is about bringing people together and reclaiming public spaces for joy. The events reflect a commitment to inclusivity, showcasing talents and traditions from across the globe right here in our backyard. Plus, it’s a win for Downtown San Jose’s economy. Live music draws crowds that spill into local restaurants and shops, boosting small businesses with every note played. As Levitt San Jose works toward a permanent Pavilion, these concerts are laying the foundation for St. James Park to shine as a year-round hub.

So, grab a blanket, round up your crew, and mark your calendars for a summer of unforgettable nights. The 2025 Levitt San Jose concert series is more than a lineup—it’s a movement to make music a cornerstone of our city’s life. Head to www.levittsanjose.org for more details.

Revitalizing San Jose’s Historic Orchard: A Green Tribute to Our Agricultural Roots

San Jose’s Historic Orchard in Downtown San Jose is about to get a little greener! The Guadalupe River Park Conservancy (GRPC) is planting 10 new citrus and avocado trees as part of an ambitious plan to revitalize this 3.3-acre gem with 200 climate-adapted fruit trees. This isn’t just a landscaping project—it’s a celebration of San Jose’s agricultural legacy. Once a thriving hub for fruit production in the 1930s and ’40s, San Jose has few orchards left standing today. The Historic Orchard offers a rare chance to step back in time while embracing trees designed to flourish in our modern climate.

This exciting phase of the Historic Orchard Revitalization Initiative is powered by a partnership with Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) through California ReLeaf’s Growing Green Communities Grant Program. PG&E volunteers are rolling up their sleeves to help plant these trees. “By planting the right tree in the right place, we can reduce power outages, mitigate wildfire risk, and maintain reliable service,” said Teresa Alvarado, vice president of PG&E’s South Bay and Central Coast. “This mindful planting also helps create sustainable ecosystems for future generations and we’re proud to help GRPC and its master gardeners do that here in San Jose by preserving the beautiful Historic Orchard.” With the UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County maintaining the space, the orchard is becoming a living classroom for sustainable gardening and a tribute to our region’s roots.

What makes this project so special? It’s all about connection. “Revitalization of the Historic Orchard is an opportunity to support a sustainable sense-of-place by honoring our region’s history, adapting to change, enhancing tree canopy, and supporting local food cultivation and park use,” said Joe Salvato, GRPC’s Deputy Director. The new trees are carefully chosen for their resilience against pests and diseases, ensuring the orchard remains a vibrant part of Downtown San Jose for years to come.

The best part? The Historic Orchard is open to everyone, and the GRPC welcomes community members to get involved. Stop by to see the new trees taking root, learn about their care, or even volunteer to help nurture this slice of history. It’s a chance to dig into San Jose’s story—literally and figuratively—and contribute to a project that’s as much about people as it is about plants. Next time you’re near Taylor Street in Downtown San Jose, take a detour through the orchard. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for where we’ve been and where we’re headed.