Dine Downtown 2026 Invites Food Lovers to Explore San Jose’s Culinary Scene

Dine Downtown returns for its 18th year from July 9 through 19. This 11-day event brings together restaurants across Downtown San Jose for special menus and deals that highlight the area’s growing reputation as a destination for memorable meals.

Participating spots stretch through neighborhoods like the South First Street Corridor, SoFA District, and San Pedro Square. Diners can choose from casual bites or more refined experiences, with many restaurants offering chef specials, prix fixe options, or value pairings that make it easy to sample different cuisines without breaking the bank.

Examples include Cambodian flavors at Angkor Chef with a chef special priced at $28, Greek-inspired dishes at Eos & Nyx with a prix fixe starting at $65, and classic steakhouse fare at Morton’s with options from $69. Other places feature more accessible deals like a free appetizer with purchase or food and drink pairings around $16.50, giving options for every budget and taste.

There are also some newcomers on the list that were not around last year like Poppy & Claro, Jackie's Place, Phin & Bowl, Southern Comfort Kitchen, and Pretty Good Advice. This is a great way to get to know Downtown San Jose's newest restaurants.

The event also includes practical perks such as 90 minutes of free parking in select downtown garages, making it simpler to spend an evening wandering between spots. By encouraging people to try new places and return to favorites, Dine Downtown supports local businesses while showcasing the diversity of flavors that define the city’s food landscape.

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.

SubZERO 2018

The 11th annual SubZERO festival kicks off tonight! Several blocks in San Jose's SoFA District will be shut down for live music, art, food trucks, and culture. The event is runs from 6pm to midnight both today and tomorrow and you can see the full list of participants over here.

The SoFA Street Fair this Sunday

One of the best free music events in the South Bay rocks out this Sunday, April 22nd. This year the SoFA Street Fair is bigger and better than ever. Four outdoor stages, 12 indoor venues, craft beer, gourmet food trucks, street vendors, and of course--sofas. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday.

The event runs from 2pm to 9pm and takes place on First Street from San Carlose to Parque de los Pobladores. Back Bar, Caffe Frscati, Forager, Haberdasher, Continental, ICA, the SoFA Market, and Uproar are just some of the venues hosting live music. For a list of bands and venues, click here.

For more info, head over to The SoFA Street Fair's Facebook page.

Habana Cuba is moving to the SoFA Market

One of the best restaurants in Midtown is moving Downtown. Habana Cuba has been a staple on Race Street for 16 years and features some of the best Cuban food in the Bay Area. Now it will be a part of the SoFA Market, which is quickly becoming as successful as the San Pedro Square Market on the other side of Downtown. If anything, Habana Cuba's cuisine will become more accessible to residents and visitors at the new location.

Habana Cuba is closing the doors on the Race Street location on March 24th, and will open in the SoFA Market shortly thereafter.

Source: The Merc

René Marie and Experiment in Truth, presented by San Jose Jazz

San Jose Jazz presents an intimate concert with Grammy-nominated vocalist René Marie along with her regular collaborators pianist John Chin, bassist Elias Bailey, and drummer Quentin Baxter. 

Blessed with a crystal clear voice, fierce originality, and a commanding stage presence, René Marie is a musical force of nature. Rooted in jazz traditions laid down by Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and others, she borrows various elements of folk, R&B and even country to create a captivating hybrid style. San Jose Jazz fans will remember René’s triumphant set at SJZ Summer Fest 2012.

Location:

Cafe Stritch

Date:

Tuesday, November 14th

Tickets:

$30 advance; $35 door

Ticket and Info Link:

sanjosejazz.org/renemarie

Video Links:

Blessings “Video Short”

Sound Of Red “Video Short”

This is NOT A Protest Song “Video Short”

Joy Of Jazz “Video Short”

Rene Marie – EPK – Sound Of Red 

Music Video Sound Of Red

SoFA Street Fair this Sunday

The bi-annual SoFA Street Fair goes down in just a few days and will bring tons of live music and good times to Downtown San Jose. 12 stages spanning three city blocks will host 100+ bands! Almost every music genre you can think of will perform--there is something for everyone. There will also be food trucks, craft beers, and lawn chairs.

The event is free, family friendly, and starts on Sunday at 2pm. All of the details are below (click images to enlarge).

SoFA Sundays: Aug 20th, Sep 17th, Oct 15th

SoFA Sundays is a great artsy event taking place each month in Downtown San Jose. It is similar to South First Fridays, but goes down on the third Sunday of each month from noon to 4pm across the SoFA District. Museums and art galleries such as the ICA, MACLA, and The San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles will all be open and offering free admission.

The event features plenty of entertainment such as live performances, chalk art, bocce ball, and some surprises. Of course there will be food, ice cream trucks, boutique coffee, and freshly pressed juices. A super cool and unique feature is free brunch delivery from the SoFA market to your seats in the event (powered by Cowgirl Bike Courier).

This is also a great opportunity to see the new redesign of Parque de los Pobladores at William and South First St., which is centered around a concept of "urban rooms." Have a look at the first photo below for a taste of the concept.

The next three SoFA Sundays are this Sunday, September 17th, and October 15th. Fore more details, check out the press release below or head over to their Facebook page.

EXPLORE THE ARTS IN DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE’S

VIBRANT SoFA DISTRICT AT SoFA SUNDAYS – FREE!

Back for more on AUGUST 20, SoFA Sundays offer great opportunities

to enjoy the visual and performing arts of the SoFA District

SAN JOSE, CA (August 10, 2017) – Downtown San Jose’s SoFA (South First Area) District, the center of creativity, is enjoying SoFA Sundays – a FREE event series celebrating the area’s vibrant arts scene – every THIRD SUNDAY from 12noon to 4pm.

Art lovers can visit more galleries on Sundays, now that the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art [560 South First] and MACLA/Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana [510 South First] are open Sundays. The San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles [520 South First] is also open, and with a special ticket from SoFA Sundays, you can get in FREE.

SoFA Sundays will highlight the fabulous “Urban Rooms” redesign of Parque de los Pobladores at William and South First, with ice cream trucks, chalk art muralist Clif Gold, and live sound healing performances with Jessica Neideffer. Plus there are lots of great prizes on our “Spinning Wheel of SoFA”, all from local businesses. New neighbor Academic Coffee will be there, tasting their cold brews as well as Origins Juicery on South First.

Upcoming dates are: August 20, September 17, and October 15.

BICYCLE BRUNCH DELIVERY? Sure why not. Thanks to SOFA Market and Cowgirl Bike Courier, you can now order your favorite brunch items at your seat, and have them delivered FREE!

LOVE BOCCE? Let’s play in the dirt, the way the wise guys do in the old country. Real hardwood balls on a crushed gravel court. We take the game seriously.

Special thanks to participating SoFA Sundays businesses: Academic Coffee, Origins Juicery, SoFA Market, San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles, Filco Events, SIGNET, and Salon Blu.

And for more information about SoFA Sundays, please visit our Facebook Page:
facebook.com/SofaSundaySanJose

Drag Queen Brunch at SoFA Market

Join the Silicon Valley Pride Drag Queen Brunch at the SoFA Market. Enjoy brunch food, mimosas, live music, and drag queen performances for two Sunday brunch dates leading-up to the SV Pride Parade and Festival in late August.

Bottomless Mimosas will be available from 11am-2pm. Cost is $20 per bottomless mimosa, but patrons get a $5 discount for purchasing a dish from any of SoFA Market's participating brunch eateries.

387 South 1st Street in Downtown San Jose’s SoFA District

Sunday, July 30th 11am-2pm

Sunday, August 20th, 11am-2pm

Brunch reservations begin at 10am. To reserve a table, please RSVP on Facebook. Open seating is also available.

RAHSAANATHON 2017

Cafe Stritch has a multitude of events for Jazz aficionados coming up next week as part of their fifth annual RAHSAANATHON. The events honor the life and music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, one of the most influential jazz musicians in history. Fun fact, Cafe Stritch was actually named after Rahsaan Roland Kirk's saxophone. Fun fact #2, the name of Cafe Stritch's predecessor--Eulipia Restaurant--was inspired by Kirk's "Theme for the Eulipions." 

Cafe Stritch is one of the best Jazz venues in Silicon Valley and this is their flagship event. If you love jazz, get your tickets before they are gone. For all of the details, please have a look at the press release below.

The Fifth Annual Cafe Stritch RAHSAANATHON:

A Celebration of the Life and Music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk

 Steve Turre Leads All-Star Band Featuring James Carter

RAHSAANATHON 2017 at Cafe Stritch

Thursday August 3 through Sunday August 6, 2017

San Jose, CA – July 5 2017 – San Jose’s Cafe Stritch is proud to present its Fifth Annual RAHSAANATHON: A Celebration of the Life and Music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk from Thursday August 3 through Sunday August 6, 2017.

The RAHSAANATHON’S main event is unique in the world. Rahsaan fanatics from everywhere will converge on Cafe Stritch for their annual pilgrimage. For three nights trombonist Steve Turre & The Eulipion All Stars featuring reedman extraordinaire James Carter (tenor sax / clarinet / flute) will bring bright moments to Cafe Stritch. This ensemble will be reprising their three-night stands from 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016.  The group will be performing Turre’s arrangements of Kirk’s music Thursday August 3, Friday August 4, and Saturday August 5.  Poet Betty Neals, who co-wrote “Theme for the Eulipions” (the house anthem of Cafe Stritch) with Kirk, will perform the song live. The band includes Charles McNeal (alto sax / soprano sax), Matt Clark (piano), Marcus Shelby (bass), Darrell Green (drums), and Terrie Odabi (vocals). The concerts are from 8:30PM to 11:45PM.

Tickets: $50 available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/397138 or at the door (if not sold-out)

Please note: Tickets to Thursday August 3, Friday August 4, or Saturday August 5 performances also entitle guests to attend the Sunday August 6 performance.

The festivities on Sunday August 6 begin with a screening of Adam Kahan’s feature documentary film The Case of the Three Sided Dream at Cafe Stritch at 6:00PM.  The Case of the Three Sided Dream is the award-winning documentary about multi-instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk (1935-1977), who went from blind infant to child prodigy, to adult visionary, to political activist, and finally to paralyzed showman. He was a seemingly superhuman musical force who played literally until the day he died.  Kirk was a musical force beyond category.  He never let anything stop him from pursuing what he called his “Religion of Dreams.”  Following the film (no tickets required), Cafe Stritch will present the Sonelius Smith Quartet featuring Claire Daly.  The group includes Sonelius Smith (piano) and Claire Daly (baritone sax / flute). Smith played with Rahsaan on multiple recordings including Rahsaan Rahsaan (1970), Natural Black Inventions (1971), and Blacknuss (1972). Claire Daly has been the bandleader on numerous recordings including Rah Rah, A Tribute to Rahsaan Roland Kirk.  She has been deeply inspired by Rahsaan’s music.  This is a musical homage to Rahsaan Roland Kirk in voice and music featuring tunes by RRK, his friends, and other kindred spirits. The concert will be celebrating Rahsaan, one of the most original jazz artists ever to live. The concert is from 8:00PM to 11:00PM.

Tickets: $10 available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/397138 or at the door. Please note: Tickets to Thursday August 3, Friday August 4, or Saturday August 5 performances also entitle guests to attend the Sunday August 6 performance.

Cafe Stritch will continue to present the photographs of house photographer Ron Orlando from August 2 through August 31.  Mr. Orlando is a photographer who is passionate about photography and jazz.  He has been taking photos of jazz musicians since the 1980s. This exhibit is entitled Jazz Exploration. It is composed of photographs of jazz musicians taken at Cafe Stritch since 2014.

Press from past RAHSAANATHONS:

http://jazztimes.com/articles/166119-review-the-26th-annual-san-jose-jazz-summer-fest

http://www.mercurynews.com/music/ci_26260902/cafe-stritch-catches-jazz-lightning-bottle

http://www.metroactive.com/features/columns/Rahsaanathon-Cafe-Stritch-Rahsaan-Roland-Kirk.html

Two special SubZERO events for tonight

As a reminder, tonight is the start of an epic two-day arts festival in SoFA called SubZERO. There are two special events I wanted to quickly highlight:

Works San Jose is having an opening reception for System Overlord between 7pm and 10pm. This project brings together designers are artist who are pushing the limits of print and new media. They always have a compelling showcase and I'm sure their latest collection will not disappoint.

You also have to swing by the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles and check out "Before You Were Born" by Laurie Shapiro. This is an immersive, walk-in exhibit that has an accompanying live performance. The exhibits at this museum continue to become more and more ambitious, and this one sets a new bar! Below are a couple photographs by Octavio Martinez to help you get a feel for the scope of this piece.

Admission is free at all venues, including the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles which normally do charge a fee outside of FIRST FRIDAY events.

The Toxic Avenger is coming to The Stage Theater Jun 7-23

2009 Outer Critics Circle Award- Outstanding Musical

THE TOXIC AVENGER
Book and Lyrics by Joe DiPietro
Music and Lyrics by David Bryan
Based on Lloyd Kaufman's film of the same name

Directed by Jonathan Williams
June 7 – July 17, 2017
Opening Night: Saturday June 10, 2017


San Jose, CA (April 2017) - San Jose Stage Company is proud to wrap its culturally diverse 34th season with the award winning Off-Broadway hit musical The Toxic Avenger.

TOXIC LOVE STORY WITH AN ENVIRONMENTAL TWIST

Based on Lloyd Kaufman's cult film, this laugh-out-loud musical has it all: an unlikely hero, his beautiful girlfriend, a corrupt New Jersey mayor, bullies, mobsters, and stiletto-wearing back-up singers.

After attempting to clean up Tromaville, the most polluted town in New Jersey, Melvin Ferd is dumped into a vat of radioactive toxic waste, only to reemerge as The Toxic Avenger. Affectionately known as Toxie, our new hero is a mutant freak with superhuman strength and a heart as big as Newark. He's out to save New Jersey, end global warming, and woo the blind librarian in town.

About the Playwrights:

Joe DiPietro’s current Broadway hit Memphis won the Tony Award for Best Musical and two additional Tony Awards (Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (with David Bryan). Joe was born and raised off Exit 166 in New Jersey and thus has been a Toxic Avenger fan for the last twenty years. Joe wrote the book & lyrics to I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, the longest running musical revue in New York history which has had hundreds of productions across the country and around the world. He also wrote the book and lyrics to the Broadway musical All Shook Up, and the award-winning musical, The Thing About Men, which has played internationally. His plays include the Edgar Award-winning mystery, The Art of Murder, as well as the long-running hit comedy Over the River and through the Woods, which has had over a hundred productions around the world and is currently being developed into a feature film. He lives in Manhattan and Connecticut, but his heart will always be in New Jersey.

David Bryan  is the keyboard player, songwriter and a founding member of Bon Jovi. They have sold over 130 million records worldwide, performed more than 2,600 concerts in over 50 countries for more than 34 million fans, and were inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2006. On the band s award-winning CD Have A Nice Day , David and Jon wrote the song Last Cigarette. David began a career as a composer and lyricist of musicals. The song, Memphis Lives In Me, which he performs on Bon Jovi’s recent box set, is actually from his musical, MEMPHIS which won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical. David also won a Tony for Best Orchestrations (with Daryl Waters) and Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (with Joe DiPietro). David has also dedicated his time to become a National Spokesperson for VH1’s Save The Music Program, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of music education in America’s schools.  He was conceived, born and raised in New Jersey. As a young man, he saw The Toxic Avenger at a midnight showing in Newark, and from that day on, he dreamed of writing a musical about the first mutant superhero from his home state.

About the Director:

Jonathan Williams is the Producing Director of San Jose Stage Company, recently playing Isaac in DISGRACED & Kenneth in THE NIGHT ALIVE earlier this season.  He made his San Jose Stage directorial debut with the 2013 production of THE ELABORATE ENTRANCE OF CHAD DIETY.  Jonathan has worked extensively throughout the BAY AREA as an actor & director with companies like TheatreWorks, The Aurora Theatre, Theatre on San Pedro Square, San Francisco Shakespeare Company and American Musical Theatre of San Jose.  In 2002 he relocated to Sacramento where he co-founded Capital Stage Company, producing over 75 productions and leading the organization to becoming the region's premier new works theatre. Jonathan has directed numerous productions, including GUARDS AT THE TAJ, UNCANNY VALLEY, TRIBES, THE ELABORATE ENTRANCE OF CHAD DEITY, DYING CITY, MASTER CLASS, HUNTER GATHERERS, DIRTY STORY, BOY GETS GIRL and THE SHAPE OF THINGS.

Cast Includes:    

COURTNEY HATCHER*
JOSHUA MARX*
ALLISON F. RICH*
WILL SPRINGHORN, JR*
BRANDEN NOEL THOMAS
*Actors appear courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.

Creative Staff:                
         
Jonathan Williams                                       Director
CJ & Brett Blankenship                              Choreographers
Brian Allan Hobbs                                      Music Director
Michael Palumbo                                        Scenic/Lighting Design
Vijay M Rajan                                             Video Design
Ashley Garlick                                            Costume Design
Cirby Hatano*                                             Stage Manager


SHOWS:        Previews:      June 7 @ 7:30 pm / June 8 @ 7:30 pm/ June 9 @ 8:00 pm
                       Opening:       June 10 @ 8:00 pm
                       Run Dates:    June 7 - July 17
                                             Wednesday & Thursday @ 7:30 pm
                                             Friday & Saturday @ 8:00 pm
                                             Sunday @ 2:00 pm

WHERE:        490 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

TICKETS:      For tickets ($30-$65) or more information, the public may contact San Jose Stage Company box office at 408-283-7142, or www.thestage.org

The 10th Annual SubZERO Festival is this Fri & Sat!

This weekend, in addition to the monthly South FIRST FRIDAYS art walk, the SoFA district will be celebrating the 10th annual SubZERO Fest. Every year the festival gets bigger and better, and it plays an important role in the neighborhood's culture and identity.

If you're not familiar with South FIRST FRIDAYS, the streets on 1st St south of San Carlos St are closed off to cars during the art walk. This gives an opportunity for local artists and DIY vendors to come together and share their work with the public. People crowd the streets to visit some of their favorite local shops, and artists get a chance to show off their work. Local art galleries are also open a little later so visitors can get a chance to explore.

SubZERO builds on this concept by adding stages for music, inviting many more performance artists, and bringing in 10+ food trucks. To get a sense of what to expect, the video below gives a small taste of the festival in 2016.

If anyone asks me where the indie scene is in the South Bay, I can't imagine a better example. It's still a small scene, it's still growing, it deserves support, and it is most definitely worth checking out. Best of all, it's all free to attend! For more information, check out the website, including the music schedule, the list of artists & vendors, and the art walk map.

Loving Day 2017 - June 10th, 11-3pm in SoFA

One of San Jose's biggest strengths it its diversity. In fact, we are statistically the most diverse metro in the United States. It gives us a unique culture with a better perspective of challenges around the globe as well as the wonderful opportunity to access traditions different than the ones we grew up with. The more diverse we are, the stronger our culture and society will be.

Loving Day is a celebration of the landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized interracial marriage in the US. Shockingly, this happened only 50 years ago with the case Loving v. Virginia.

San Jose's first event in honor of Loving Day will take place on June 10th at Parque de los Pobladores from 11am-3pm. There will be music, dancing, arts and crafts, a food truck, and plenty of good times. For more info, head over to the San Jose Loving Day Facebook page.

First San Jose Pancakes & Booze Art Show

Art, Pancakes, and Booze. Those are the three main ingredients in SoFA's newest event. Over 50 artists will be displaying their work along with live body painting and music. It all goes down at Forager, 420 South First Street on May 20th.

This event is 21+ only and admission is $5-10. That includes unlimited pancakes and good times. For tickets head over here. For more info, the full press release is below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San Jose -- Batter sizzles, beer foams, and bare flesh is slathered in paint as gawkers look on. Indie musicians and DJs thunder sound waves off the canvas-lined, graffiti-strewn walls. Revelers stuff their faces with endless pancakes.

What is this, some type of hipster themed IHOP? A Lady Gaga video? Banksy’s mom’s basement? Nah, it’s the Pancakes & Booze Art Show – the hottest pop-up traveling art event in all the land.

This is no stuffy wine-and-cheese, someone-gag-me-with-a-cocktail-napkin gallery. It’s an innovative reimagining of the art show concept, as DIY art movement mayhem. Up-and-coming artists strut and sell their stuff in a free verse, electric funhouse of mayhem.

You know you want to come, right? Hit me up so we can talk about ways to convince your editor to pay you to visit the show and maybe relax that no-alcohol-on-the-job policy. Hell, even bring your boss along If you like.

WHAT: Pancakes & Booze Art Show: Over 50 emerging artists showcasing their hottest work in a Warhol-style, anything-goes, massive warehouse environment--live music, body painting, multimedia displays, and FREE pancakes! The show originated in 2009 in Los Angeles and since has popped up more than 200 times in 30 cities around the world. Each show draws as many as 1000 guests throughout the night.

WHEN: May 20th 8:00p - 2:00a

WHERE: 420 S. First Street San Jose, CA 95172

ABOUT TOM: Tom Kirlin, 38, left his movie career as a Hollywood cameraman to start Pancakes & Booze in 2009. Born in Tucson, Ariz., he’s a travel fiend who has visited over forty countries across every continent but Antarctica. At 6-foot-6, he’s a hell of a ringer in pick-up basketball games. Bug him at info@pancakesandbooze.com

The Pancakes & Booze Art Show

FaceBook | Instagram | Twitter
www.PancakesAndBooze.com

The SoFA Street Fair kicks off this Sunday

A great free music festival is happening this weekend in Downtown's SoFA district. Local, regional, and national live music acts will be taking to the stage in the middle of South First Street. This is also a great opportunity to check out SoFA's hotspots like Cafe Stritch, Forager, and the now full SoFA Market. The event starts at 2pm and goes into the night.

For more details, check out the SoFA Street Fair Facebook page.