Back-to-School Night Market Returns to Grand Century Mall

Shoppers and families can head to Grand Century Shopping Mall on August 28 and 29 for the Back to School edition of 365 Night Market. The free event runs from 4 to 10 p.m. both days at 1111 Story Road and features more than 50 vendors offering street food, merchandise, and cultural goods.

Live dance and music performances, raffle giveaways, and other entertainment fill out the evenings. Free parking is available on site, and the market welcomes all ages. Organizers stage these gatherings monthly from February through October as a consistent local destination for food and shopping.

The Back to School theme arrives just as the new school year approaches, giving residents a convenient way to grab snacks, unique items, and enjoy performances without leaving east San Jose. Street-food options and vendor booths typically draw steady crowds looking for an easy weekend outing.

This recurring market continues to highlight the variety of flavors and small businesses centered around Story Road. Mark the dates and arrive ready to explore the stalls and stages.

The Jazba Bazaar Brings South Asian Brands to Santana Row

Shoppers can explore more than 50 South Asian-founded brands this Sunday at The Jazba Bazaar. The free open-air market runs from 1 to 7 p.m. on August 2 at Santana Row and features fashion, jewelry, beauty, home goods, art, food, wellness products, and items for kids.

Organized by The Jazba Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting South Asian entrepreneurs, the event gives founders a chance to meet customers face-to-face while visitors discover unique collections. A fashion show is scheduled for 5 p.m., and street food plus Bollywood music add to the afternoon atmosphere.

The gathering continues the collective’s work of elevating consumer brands built by South Asian founders across North America. Attendees can connect with the makers, support small businesses, and spend a few hours browsing under the trees at Santana Row.

This one-day marketplace offers a straightforward way to experience the creativity and variety of South Asian entrepreneurship right in one of San Jose’s most popular outdoor shopping destinations.

Free Live Music Returns to Lake Cunningham with Levitt on Location

Lake Cunningham Park hosts a free evening of live music on Friday, August 28, as Levitt on Location joins the Fridays at the Lake series. The concert runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cypress Pavilion, 2305 South White Road.

Hella Doubtful headlines with a high-energy tribute to No Doubt and Gwen Stefani, delivering the ska-punk sound of the 1990s. Fire Peach opens the night with alternative rock and pop-rock hits from the 1990s and early 2000s, a set the Bay Area band has performed across Northern California since 2015.

Food trucks, beer and wine for purchase, and kids’ activities round out the evening beside the lake. Free parking is available, and guests can bring lawn chairs or blankets for an outdoor picnic-style experience. The full Fridays at the Lake series continues through October 2 with additional concerts and movie nights.

The next Levitt on Location date is set for September 25, featuring Discos Resaca and a Selena tribute. These free, all-ages evenings offer a straightforward way to spend a summer Friday outdoors with live music and a lakeside atmosphere.

Willow Glen will host its annual National Night Out on August 4 at Willow Street Bramhall Park. From 5 until 8 in the evening, neighbors and families will gather for live music, food trucks, games, and activities that turn the park into a hub of summer community spirit.

The evening includes a giant jumpy slide, free face painting, a selfie booth, and plenty of games alongside the music and refreshments. Local police officers will join the celebration, offering residents a relaxed chance to connect and learn more about neighborhood safety resources in a setting built for fun.

Organized by the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association, the event follows a nationwide tradition that strengthens ties between communities and law enforcement. In this corner of San Jose the gathering brings people together across generations for shared activities that build familiarity and trust.

This kind of neighborhood-led evening highlights the active spirit that sets Willow Glen apart. Residents can enjoy the open park space, support local food vendors, and create connections that extend well beyond a single summer night.

Silicon Valley Pride Returns to Downtown San Jose with Flourish & Bloom Theme

Silicon Valley Pride will mark its 51st year with a two-day celebration in Downtown San Jose on August 29 and 30. The 2026 theme, Flourish & Bloom, centers on growth, resilience, and community strength.

Saturday evening brings the Night Festival at Plaza de César Chávez Park from 6 to 11 p.m., featuring live entertainment, food vendors, and opportunities to connect with local organizations and businesses. The main parade steps off Sunday at 10:30 a.m. from Julian Street and Market Street, traveling through Downtown San Jose and concluding at the park. The Day Festival then runs from noon to 6 p.m. with stages, vendors, family activities, and resource booths.

Spectators can watch the parade free of charge. Festival access requires tickets, which you can purchase here. The weekend welcomes participants of all ages and includes spaces focused on families, transgender and nonbinary communities, and other groups within the broader LGBTQ+ community.

Organizers continue their year-round advocacy work through this annual gathering, which draws thousands to the heart of Downtown San Jose. The combination of parade energy and park festival creates a full weekend of visibility and connection right in the city’s core.

El Mercadito Brings Weekly Night Market Energy Near SAP Center

A free weekly cultural night market now fills Wednesday evenings in Downtown San Jose through early October. El Mercadito runs every Wednesday from 4 to 11 p.m. at 105 South Montgomery Street, a short walk from Diridon Station and right by the SAP Center.

Organized by Creekside Socials, the market offers street food and gourmet bites from local entrepreneurs alongside stalls selling apparel, homewares, and handmade goods from San Jose makers. The Creekside Art Corridor adds visual interest with work by Ricardo Cortez.

Family-friendly and open to leashed dogs, the gathering creates an easy midweek stop for dinner, shopping, or simply spending time outdoors under the lights. The series began in late May and continues each Wednesday until October 7.

Source: Eventbrite

Free Outdoor Screening of How to Train Your Dragon at Joseph D. Grant County Park

Families can settle under the open sky on Saturday, August 1, for a free showing of the live-action How to Train Your Dragon at Joseph D. Grant County Park. The film begins at sunset, with the evening running from 8:00 p.m. to about 10:45 p.m. at the Canada De Pala group site.

Santa Clara County Parks hosts the event as part of its summer Movie Nights in the Park series. Entry costs nothing, though parking runs $6 per vehicle. Guests should bring a chair or blanket, a flashlight, and snacks. Dogs stay home for this one.

The park sits at 18405 Mount Hamilton Road in San José and offers a scenic backdrop of rolling hills for the adventure. Arriving early helps secure a good spot before the lights go down and the story of dragons and friendship unfolds on the big screen.

This simple outdoor gathering gives local residents an easy way to enjoy a popular family film without leaving the county’s natural spaces. Pack light, head out early, and settle in for an evening of movie magic among the trees.

Source: Santa Clara County Parks

Content Magazine Marks Issue 18.4 “Profiles” with Downtown Pick-Up Party and Tribute

Local creatives and supporters will gather Thursday, August 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the San José Museum of Art for Content Magazine’s traditional Pick-Up Party celebrating the release of Fall 2026 issue 18.4, titled “Profiles.” The free event at 110 South Market Street marks the magazine’s 76th issue and offers a chance to meet featured artists while picking up a fresh copy.

This gathering carries extra weight as the community bids farewell to founder and Cultivator Daniel Garcia, who steps into retirement after years of championing South Bay arts and culture. Hosted by Mighty Mike McGee, the evening will include speakers sharing stories of Garcia’s impact before he takes the stage for closing remarks.

Programming features live music from DJ Toonin, dance performances by Abhinaya Dance Company of San José and Folclórico Colibrí, a pop-up gallery exhibition drawn from the issue’s pages, and food and drinks provided by Mezcal Restaurant. Partners San José Museum of Art and Mezcal Restaurant help anchor the night in the heart of Downtown San Jose.

Pre-orders for the issue remain open through August 9 for free shipping. RSVPs help organizers plan for the crowd that typically fills these celebrations of local talent. The party continues Content Magazine’s long tradition of turning each new issue into a living community event that connects readers directly with the people and work featured inside.

Free Outdoor Screening of Zootopia 2 Comes to Jack Fischer Park

Families across San Jose and the surrounding South Bay have a free evening activity waiting later today at Jack Fischer Park in Campbell. The City of Campbell Recreation team is screening Zootopia 2 outdoors starting at 7:30 p.m., with the movie running until about 10 p.m.

The park sits at Abbott Avenue and Pollard Road, just a short drive from many San Jose neighborhoods. Organizers recommend arriving early to claim a good spot on the grass. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks; free parking is available on site. The event is open to all ages and requires no tickets.

Jack Fischer Park offers open lawns and a family-friendly setting that works well for an evening under the stars. The animated sequel follows the continuing adventures of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, giving younger viewers a familiar story while parents can relax outdoors.

Campbell’s free movie nights have become a reliable summer tradition for nearby residents. With the screening happening tonight, it offers a simple way to spend a Friday evening outdoors without planning far ahead.

World Cup Fever Filled Downtown San Jose with Record Crowds

Over six weeks of World Cup matches, Downtown San Jose recorded more than 900,000 visits, far surpassing the original projection of 350,000. San Pedro Square became the clear center of the action, transformed by the San Jose Earthquakes and city partners into a continuous outdoor festival with jumbo screens, food, and fans packed along the pedestrian mall.

High-demand games pushed the numbers even higher. Mexico’s matches drew the largest turnouts, with nearly 40,000 people across Downtown for the Round of 16 clash against England and more than 37,000 for an earlier group-stage game. Organizers responded by adding screens and, when needed, shifting the biggest crowds to Discovery Meadow and SAP Center. Restaurants and bars in the square reported steady waves of customers that many owners described as stronger than multiple Super Bowls combined.

The success built on San Jose’s deep soccer roots and deliberate planning. City leaders had set aside funding two years earlier for major-event coordination, a decision that paid off once the tournament arrived. Light-rail trains filled, sidewalks stayed busy, and the usual quiet of post-pandemic office hours gave way to an energetic, multi-week celebration that felt closer to a music festival than a typical Downtown evening.

Safety challenges appeared at the edges of the official zones, yet the overall experience remained manageable as organizers refined operations match after match. The stretch offered a clear demonstration of what Downtown can deliver when people have a compelling reason to show up.

With the final behind us, the calendar already includes the CrossFit World Championships at SAP Center and the convention center, plus upcoming tech gatherings, concerts, and street festivals. The infrastructure, partnerships, and recent practice are in place. Sustaining the energy will depend on creating more reasons for residents and visitors to return, night after night.

Source: The Mercury News

Glen Fest Returns to Willow Glen for a Day of Music, Food, and Family Fun

The third annual Glen Fest will turn the Bank of America lot on Lincoln Avenue into Willow Glen’s biggest community celebration of the year on September 26. From 11 in the morning until 6 in the evening, local food vendors, beer and wine stands, live bands, and a full Kids Court will draw neighbors together for a full day of outdoor enjoyment.

Two bands will keep the soundtrack going from early afternoon onward. The Wanderers will deliver classic rock and pop hits spanning the 1960s through today between noon and 2:30. Livewire will follow with high-energy dance covers from the 1970s and 1980s plus current favorites, taking over from 3 until 5:30 and inviting everyone to move.

A dedicated Kids Court will offer bouncy houses, face painting, appearances by local sports teams, and additional activities designed for younger visitors. The mix of live music, food, and play creates an easy setting where families can spend hours wandering the lot and nearby tree-lined streets.

Organized by the Willow Glen Business Association, the free event supports independent merchants while giving the neighborhood a signature gathering point. It transforms a central parking area into a vibrant space for eating, dancing, and connecting with people who live and work nearby.

Music in the Glen Marks 25 Years of Free Summer Concerts in Willow Glen

Willow Glen has hosted Music in the Glen for a full quarter century in 2026, with the Kiwanis Club of Willow Glen continuing its sponsorship of these Sunday afternoon gatherings at Frank Bramhall Park. The series runs through the summer on Willow Street, drawing residents who arrive early to claim spots on the grass.

Attendees spread blankets and chairs across the open grounds while local bands perform from 4-6pm each evening. Children dart between the trees, adults chat in small groups, and the park atmosphere stays relaxed even as the music builds momentum from one set to the next.

Performers such as Big Mike and the Hartbeats or The Iconics deliver sets that mix rock, pop, and soulful classics, appealing to listeners across generations without any admission fee required. Different acts appear each week, keeping the lineup fresh while honoring the neighborhood tradition of accessible live entertainment.

Today's performance will be by Cisco Kid. For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Willow Glen head over here.

Lasers and Bad Bunny Beats Create Magic at The Tech Interactive

San Jose delivers an electrifying summer highlight through the Dome Series at The Tech Interactive. This July, the Global Beats theme brings a laser light show set to the music of Bad Bunny right into the heart of Downtown San Jose.

The IMAX Dome Theater becomes a vibrant 360-degree spectacle where pulsing lights sync perfectly with reggaeton rhythms and hits from the Puerto Rican artist. Attendees enjoy surround sound that immerses everyone in the energy of tracks like Callaita and I Like It, turning a regular evening into an unforgettable visual and auditory adventure.

The event forms part of a broader lineup that combines technology and entertainment in creative ways. Visitors combine a museum visit with the show for a full day of discovery, then settle into the dome for the main event. Easy access via transit and parking validation at nearby garages makes attendance convenient.

Purchase tickets at https://tickets.thetech.org/events/019bbec2-853f-d728-371f-ebc8007bd3c8

Silicon Valley International Invention Festival Invites Global Creators to the Heart of Innovation

Inventors, entrepreneurs, and curious minds from more than 30 countries will gather in Santa Clara this August for the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival. The three-day showcase at the Santa Clara Convention Center highlights groundbreaking ideas and transformative technologies from around the world while offering direct access to the people behind them.

Free visitor admission removes barriers and opens the event to students, professionals, investors, and anyone interested in what comes next. Attendees can wander through exhibits, engage with creators, and explore emerging solutions in an environment built for discovery and conversation. The format encourages both casual exploration and purposeful networking across borders and disciplines.

Santa Clara sits at the core of a region long defined by its capacity to turn bold concepts into reality. This festival extends that tradition by welcoming international perspectives and creating space for collaboration that might otherwise happen far from home. It reinforces the area’s role as a place where ideas from every corner of the globe find fertile ground.

Organized by the International Federation of Inventors Associations, the program spans multiple days with hours designed for broad participation. Programming suits all ages and includes opportunities to see practical inventions alongside forward-looking concepts. It stands as a clear reminder that the drive to invent and improve remains a powerful force here, drawing talent and attention that continue to shape the future.

The festival runs August 14 through 16 with free parking and doors open at 10am each morning.

The Domes Brings a Striking Immersive Venue to Downtown San Jose

A towering white geodesic dome near San Pedro Square has drawn puzzled glances from passersby in Downtown San Jose over recent weeks. The 60-foot structure on the corner of Post and San Pedro streets now serves as The Domes, an immersive event space designed for 360-degree experiences through high-resolution projection and spatial audio. Its recent ribbon cutting marked the start of operations in a space that feels like a scaled-down version of The Sphere in Vegas.

Programming inside the dome already includes watch parties for major sporting events alongside corporate functions, art installations, and social gatherings. The venue operates under a multiyear lease with plans in motion to add a second dome through fundraising and a third further down the line. This setup creates flexibility for everything from large-scale viewings to intimate creative showcases while maintaining high technical standards.

Founder Chris Lawes launched the underlying technology and immersive theater work in San Jose back in 2015 before expanding elsewhere. Bringing the concept home as a permanent fixture reflects a desire to create a shared community asset rather than a one-off spectacle. The space aims to uplift visitors and serve as a hub where local residents, businesses, and nonprofits can amplify messages and host meaningful events.

City leaders have highlighted the practical appeal and innovative edge. The setup allows for a wide range of gatherings without requiring travel to distant destinations, and early events such as the Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce celebration demonstrated its immediate utility. With its striking presence and adaptable interior, The Domes will become the latest entertainment fixture in the heart of Downtown San Jose.

For event tickets (currently featuring World Cup watch parties), head over here.

San Jose World Cup Watch Parties Surpass All Expectations at San Pedro Square

San Jose turned San Pedro Square into a global gathering spot during the World Cup with watch parties that pulled in far more fans than anyone anticipated. Hundreds of thousands of soccer enthusiasts filled the space in Downtown San Jose, creating an electric atmosphere that highlighted the city’s growing reputation for hosting large-scale public events.

The turnout demonstrated strong community interest in international sports and the appeal of shared viewing experiences in the heart of the city. Fans from various backgrounds came together to cheer, celebrate goals, and enjoy the vibe that only a packed public square can provide.

350,000 visitors were expected for the entire World Cup series, but it now appears that number will be exceeded by a great margin. The San Pedro Square area is quickly making adjustments to address the massive crowds, including easier bar access and extra screens. It's also music to my ears when hearing visitors from other countries telling others to go to San Jose to watch the games instead of SF. Check out the full video at the source link.

Source: Fox KTVU

Exotic Cars Meet Morning Pastries at Santana Row

The Rebirth Edition of Cars & Croissants on The Row will arrive at Santana Row on June 28. From 9am to noon, an impressive collection of supercars, luxury vehicles, and exotic marques will line up for close inspection under the open sky.

Organized once more by 100|OCT, the event will revive a tradition that pairs mechanical artistry with the pleasures of a proper breakfast. Attendees will wander among vehicles that represent the pinnacle of design and performance while the scent of fresh croissants drifts from nearby tables and cafes.

The event is free to attend and if you have an exotic car you'd like to showcase, you can learn more about reserving a space over here.

Greyhound Station Gains Fresh Purpose as San Pedro South Entertainment District Emerges in Downtown San Jose

A stretch of underused land in Downtown San Jose has gained a clear purpose through the vision of local entrepreneur Mauricio Mejia. He has launched San Pedro South to turn the former Greyhound station and a nearby property into active entertainment destinations. The effort comes as developers hold the sites for future residential projects that face financing hurdles in the current market.

At the Greyhound location, crews have removed graffiti and refreshed the paint in preparation for its role as The Greyhound. This open-air venue will accommodate concerts, festivals, watch parties for major events, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings. The setup positions the space to welcome crowds during the FIFA World Cup period.

Across the street at the corner of Post Street and South San Pedro Street, The Domes will feature an interactive structure inspired by the Las Vegas Sphere. This second venue will deliver immersive experiences through its distinctive dome design. The investment for this element alone reaches three million dollars, underscoring the scale of the commitment.

Mejia brings experience from operating nightclubs and contributing to the Urban Vibrancy Institute, known for its energetic block parties across the city. He has secured partnerships with local businesses including Selva Tequila Bar, Myth Taverna & Lounge, Chico de Mayo Street Tacos, and The Prestige Venue. These collaborations will support hospitality needs across the district while the properties await their longer-term redevelopment.

By activating these spaces now, the project reduces the burden of ongoing property taxes and maintenance for the owners while injecting fresh activity into the surrounding blocks. Mejia has expressed confidence rooted in his affection for the downtown core. Initiatives like this one strengthen the appeal of Downtown San Jose as a place where people gather, celebrate, and connect, advancing the city's standing as a dynamic urban center.

Source: SVBJ

Africa Day San Jose Lights Up St. James Park with Music and Culture

St. James Park in Downtown San Jose hosts Africa Day this Sunday evening. From 4:30 to 8 p.m., AFRIICIONADO organizes a celebration that brings together live music, family-friendly activities, and the tastes of African cultures in an open park setting.

The lineup features Onye & The Messengers on Afrobeat and Kava Jah & The Remedy Reggae Band. Their performances create space for dancing and connection on the lawn as the Levitt Pavilion opens its summer series with this cultural event.

Attendees also enjoy arts and storytelling sessions open to all ages, a youth soccer showcase, food vendors, and community booths. The relaxed atmosphere encourages exploration and enjoyment of the rich traditions represented.

For tickets and additional details, check the Eventbrite listing for Africa Day San Jose.

Claude VonStroke to Headline Open-Air Day Party at Circle of Palms Plaza in Downtown San Jose

Music fans throughout the Bay Area can circle June 13 on their calendars when Claude VonStroke headlines a day-to-night open-air gathering at Circle of Palms Plaza. The event stretches from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and places one of house music’s most recognizable names inside one of Downtown San Jose’s most recognizable public spaces.

It’s a Journey, the team behind the production, has shaped the afternoon and evening around strong sound, thoughtful lighting, and quiet references to the plaza’s own story. Food trucks and a full bar will keep everyone fueled while support artists Mike Kerrigan, N808, JLittle, Santino b2b Logan Conners, and Jasper Crenshaw warm the crowd for the headliner.

Claude VonStroke has spent more than ten years shaping modern tech house both behind the decks and as an A&R force who helped launch careers for artists such as Fisher and Eats Everything. His set will serve as the centerpiece of an experience built for movement and memory rather than spectacle alone.

Adding another dimension, acclaimed artist Brooke Einbender will have her suspended Gaiascope sculptures on site through mid-August. Each interactive steel installation invites passersby to change colors, lighting sequences, and video playback from nearby pedestals, turning the plaza into a living canvas that rewards curiosity.

The entire afternoon-to-evening program will spotlight Downtown San Jose’s rising energy by folding live music, hospitality, public art, and open civic space into one seamless afternoon.

For more info and tickets, head over here.