San Jose will come alive with music this Sunday as Make Music San José returns for a full day of free performances across the city. Hundreds of musicians, from professionals and students to amateur groups and solo artists, will take the stage—or the sidewalk—in dozens of locations. The event turns libraries, parks, plazas, breweries, museums, and even grocery store patios into stages for anyone who wants to share their sound.
Performances will pop up from early morning into the evening, with busking areas along Paseo de San Antonio in Downtown San Jose offering spontaneous sets throughout the day. Libraries from Alviso to East San José and Willow Glen will host family-friendly shows, while spots like Levitt Pavilion, History Park, and various cafes welcome everything from jazz and rock to cultural ensembles and karaoke. The variety ensures that every neighborhood has something happening nearby.
Attendees can wander between performances using the interactive map available on the Make Music San José site, discovering new artists or returning to favorite styles as the day unfolds. Since all events remain completely free and open to the public, families, friends, and solo explorers can build their own itineraries without any cost or advance planning beyond checking the schedule.
This citywide celebration highlights how music brings people together in San José, creating connections across generations and backgrounds through shared listening and spontaneous discovery. Whether someone settles in at a park concert or follows the sound of a guitar down a downtown walkway, the day offers countless ways to experience the joy that comes from live music made by the community itself.
For a map of participating locations and featured artists, head over here.
