Downtown San Jose Celebrates Art, Music, and Culture at First Fridays ArtWalk SJ

Downtown San Jose will come alive with artistic possibility tonight as the First Fridays ArtWalk SJ unfolds across the SoFA District and surrounding neighborhoods. Between 5 and 9 pm, galleries and venues will open their doors wide for an evening of free exploration and live performances.

You will step into Anno Domini to experience Céline Lyaudet's AD SOMNIA exhibition, where the French artist translates lucid dreams and ancient incubation rites into paintings and sculptural fetishes that evoke shamanic journeys and spirit vessels. Close by at KALEID Gallery, Xuan My Ho's detailed mosaics will bridge real and imagined worlds while the Art for Vietnam show channels sales proceeds toward VNHelp's community projects in Vietnam.

MACLA will present its annual Latinx Art Now exhibition featuring diverse works from over thirty artists. At the California Theatre Opera San José will deliver outdoor arias at 5:30 pm, an indoor performance at 7 pm, free popcorn and lemonade, plus a scavenger hunt. San Jose Jazz will fill the air with sets from emerging talents and a special jam session featuring ska saxophonist David Hillyard.

The walk will extend into the Historic District for cultural storytelling at Chopsticks Alley Gallery and the community art auction preview at Works San Jose. In the Martha Gardens District galleries will showcase typewriter engravings, wooden memento mori installations, and traditional Peruvian chullos.

There is free street parking and 90 minutes of complimentary garage parking available at S. 2nd and San Carlos and the event is kid-friendly.

Gateway Tower Will Deliver 220 Affordable Homes to Downtown San Jose

The Core Cos. secured decisive predevelopment financing that puts construction of Gateway Tower on track to start this summer. The 15-story structure at 470 South Market Street will introduce 220 apartments in the SoFA district near Downtown San Jose. Every apartment will stand as affordable housing.

Developers adjusted the original market-rate vision to serve households earning 30 to 70 percent of area median income. Housing Trust Silicon Valley contributed $1.5 million from its TECH fund to advance the entire effort. The corner location delivers immediate walkability to transit lines, exciting restaurants, and neighborhood services.

You will gain a front-row seat to this exciting development at the intersection of South Market, East William, and South First streets. The tower places future residents in the middle of Downtown San Jose’s energy with modern homes and shared community spaces. This project will open up new possibilities for families who want to stay rooted in the city core.

Gateway Tower represents meaningful progress toward a more inclusive San Jose. The rising structure will enhance the skyline while providing hundreds of families the chance to call Downtown home. Hopefully we'll see this break ground in the coming weeks. This kind of development keeps pushing Downtown San Jose closer to its full potential as a vibrant world-class destination.

Source: The Mercury News

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.

Music Mania Brings Three Nights of Multi-Genre Concerts to Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose secured a new musical highlight for late March. Music Mania steps in as the city’s first multi-genre music festival, setting up shop at the SoFA Lot from March 27 to 29. The outdoor space at 350 South First Street lines up directly with the NCAA Sweet 16 basketball action unfolding nearby at SAP Center.

Friday opens with heavy electronic sets led by DJ Diesel, the alter ego of Shaquille O’Neal, supported by Whethan, Eptic, Zen Selekta, and Maneki. Saturday shifts focus to pop anthems anchored by Bebe Rexha alongside Hayla, 3Quency, Ashley Mehta, and She Is Jules. Sunday delivers country storytelling through Dustin Lynch joined by Ashley Cooke, Graham Barham, and Ryan Scripps.

The setup rewards anyone already in the area for hoops. Attendees can move from daytime games straight into evening performances without leaving the neighborhood. The SoFA Lot sits surrounded by great spots to grab food or stretch out between acts, turning one trip downtown into a full weekend of experiences.

Tickets for single nights or the full three-day pass are available now. Purchase options and full details live at https://www.tixr.com/groups/tbd/events/music-mania-175663

South First Street Night Market Lights Up Downtown San Jose on April 26

Downtown San Jose comes alive on Saturday, April 26 with the vibrant South First Street Night Market, Hosted along South First Street, this free, family-friendly event runs from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., transforming the heart of the SoFA District into a bustling open-air marketplace. The night market promises an evening filled with local flavors, unique crafts, and live entertainment.

The South First Street Night Market features an impressive lineup of over 50 vendors, offering everything from artisanal goods to mouthwatering street food. Attendees can savor dishes inspired by San Jose’s multicultural culinary scene, including tacos, boba tea, and fusion bites from local food trucks and pop-up stalls. Craft vendors will display handmade jewelry, artwork, and clothing, highlighting the talents of South Bay artisans.

Live performances are a cornerstone of the night market, with local musicians, DJs, and dance groups taking the stage throughout the evening. Expect a mix of genres, from indie rock to Latin rhythms, reflecting the diverse sounds of San Jose. The event also includes interactive art installations and activities for all ages, such as face painting and craft workshops, ensuring there’s something for everyone. South First Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between San Carlos and Reed Streets, creating a pedestrian-friendly zone where visitors can stroll and soak in the festive atmosphere.

The SoFA District, known for its vibrant arts scene and historic charm, provides the perfect backdrop for this event.  Local businesses, including cafes and boutiques, will stay open late, adding to the lively ambiance. The event also aligns with San Jose’s commitment to sustainability, with vendors encouraged to use eco-friendly packaging and organizers promoting public transit options like VTA light rail to reach Downtown.

This April’s night market is part of a series designed to draw both locals and visitors to Downtown San Jose, fostering a sense of community and pride. Whether you’re a foodie, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun night out, the South First Street Night Market delivers an unforgettable experience. Mark your calendars for April 26 and join thousands of others in celebrating the spirit of San Jose under the evening sky.