Levitt San Jose's 2025 Concert Series: A Summer of Free Music in St. James Park

Summer in Downtown San Jose promises to be unforgettable with Levitt San Jose’s 2025 concert series kicking off in St. James Park. This lineup of free, family-friendly shows brings a wide range of musical genres—blues, country, souldies, cumbia, and more—right to the heart of the city. Beyond the music, these events foster a sense of community, turning the park into a lively gathering spot for all ages, complete with food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and activities for kids.

The series launches on June 1st with a blues-packed afternoon co-presented by The Fountain Blues Foundation. Maxx Cabello Jr., a Bay Area guitarist and vocalist with a knack for captivating crowds, headlines the show, joined by opener M’ssippi Slide. Later, on June 22nd, Cash’d Out takes the stage, delivering a spot-on tribute to Johnny Cash’s early sound with a high-energy twist that appeals to fans across generations. 

From July through September, the series keeps the momentum going with an eclectic mix of performances. Expect souldies on July 6th with Thee Heart Tones and The Charities, a cumbia and Latinx rock explosion on July 20th featuring Tropa Magica, and a psychedelic Latinx night with Valley Wolf on August 3rd. The lineup rounds out with a reggae bash on August 24th and a cumbia celebration on September 6th, each event co-presented by local arts groups that highlight San Jose’s rich cultural diversity.

Every concert is free and designed for families, with plenty of on-site extras like food vendors and kid-friendly fun. It’s a chance to enjoy live music while supporting the local scene and the vision for a permanent Pavilion structure in St. James Park.

Want to be part of it? Grab your friends and family and head to St. James Park this summer. For those who feel inspired, Levitt San Jose welcomes volunteers and donations to keep the music playing. Check out www.levittsanjose.org or follow @LevittSanJose on social media for the latest updates and details.

Experience the Vibrant Soul of Spain in Downtown San Jose

Symphony San Jose is closing its season with España, a concert that promises to be a feast for the senses. This musical journey through Spain, led by the acclaimed Spanish conductor Jose Luis Gomez, will take you on an unforgettable cultural adventure right here in our city.

The concert features an exciting program that includes works by Gabriela Lena Frank, Maurice Ravel, and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, each offering their unique take on Spanish music. But the true highlight of the evening is Joaquin Rodrigo’s beloved Concierto de Aranjuez, performed by the virtuosic Spanish guitarist Rafael Aguirre. Known for its passionate melodies and intricate guitar passages, this piece is a cornerstone of Spanish classical music and a must-hear for any music lover. With Gomez at the helm and Aguirre’s masterful guitar work, this performance is set to bring an authentic Spanish flair to the stage.

But the excitement doesn’t start with the first note of the orchestra. Arrive early to indulge in a pre-concert experience. One hour before the concert, you can savor delicious Spanish tapas, sip on refreshing sangria, and be mesmerized by a live flamenco dance show.

Join us at the historic California Theatre in Downtown San Jose on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 7:30 PM or Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 2:30 PM. Tickets range from $35 to $121.50, with special discounts for youth under 17 when purchased with a full-price ticket. Parking is convenient and affordable at the nearby city-owned garage on San Carlos Street. For more details about the artists, including conductor Jose Luis Gomez and guitarist Rafael Aguirre, visit the Symphony San Jose website.

SoFA Block Party Will Feature a FREE Concert with Steve Aoki

On May 13, Downtown San Jose’s SoFA District will transform into the epicenter of excitement as global superstar Steve Aoki headlines a free block party. It’s all happening the day before the San Jose Earthquakes take on Inter Miami CF at PayPal Park—a prelude to one of the Bay Area’s most anticipated soccer showdowns.

This block party, hosted by the San Jose Earthquakes in collaboration with the Urban Vibrancy Institute (UVI) and the City of San Jose, kicks off the 2025 UVI Block Party Series. The series is all about spotlighting what makes our neighborhoods special, and the SoFA District—known for its artsy edge and dynamic energy—sets the stage perfectly. Whether you’re a music lover, a soccer fanatic, or just someone who loves a good time, this event has something for you.

Steve Aoki isn’t just any DJ—he’s a two-time Grammy-nominated powerhouse with nearly 3 billion music streams under his belt. Billboard calls him “one of the most in-demand entertainers in the world,” and he’s brought the house down at festivals like Coachella, Tomorrowland, and Electric Daisy Carnival. Now, he’s bringing that same energy to Downtown San Jose, joined by a lineup of talented local artists who’ll showcase the creative soul of our city.

But the fun doesn’t stop with the music. Expect a street scene buzzing with activity—games where you can flex your Earthquakes pride, tasty eats and drinks from local vendors, and plenty of chances to connect with fellow San Joseans.

And then there’s the soccer angle. With the Earthquakes facing off against Inter Miami CF on May 14, this block party is the perfect way to kick off the excitement. “Bringing in a globally renowned artist like Steve Aoki will be a celebration of our community, our fans, and the growing energy around the sport of soccer,” said Earthquakes President Jared Shawlee. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, San Jose is staking its claim as a soccer hub—and this event is proof.

Here’s the best part: admission is free! That said, spots are limited, so you’ll want to RSVP here to lock in your place. Mark May 13 on your calendar, grab your crew, and come ready to dance, eat, and cheer.