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.

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.

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

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.

Family Day on the Avenue Returns to Lincoln Avenue in Willow Glen

Willow Glen merchants will fill Lincoln Avenue with family-friendly fun on July 25. From 11 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon, participating shops and restaurants along the tree-lined stretch will offer special deals, live music, games, and hands-on activities that turn a regular summer Saturday into a neighborhood celebration.

The free event serves as one last relaxed outing before school schedules take over. Families can collect book-themed prizes at Hicklebee’s, enjoy pizza specials at Round Table or Pizza My Heart, sample chocolate bites at Mariette Chocolates, or try sensory play stations and movement games. Many spots will also hand out stickers, discounts, and exclusive giveaways while supplies hold out.

Organized by the Willow Glen Business Association, the afternoon highlights the independent businesses that give the neighborhood its distinct character. Visitors will find everything from pet supply surprises and bookstore treats to aura photo sessions and studio tours, all within a compact area that stays easy to navigate with nearby parking.

This merchant-led gathering keeps the small-town energy that is still alive inside San Jose. It creates space for parents and kids to wander, discover new favorites, and support the local shops that make Downtown Willow Glen feel like its own destination.

San Jose gains when its neighborhoods host simple, welcoming events like this one. Family Day on the Avenue strengthens connections between residents and the businesses that line the Avenue, adding another layer to the everyday vibrancy that sets Willow Glen apart.

For a full list of deals and giveaways, head over here.

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.

Rose, White & Blue Parade and Festival Returns to San Jose on July 4

The Rose, White & Blue Parade and Festival will mark its 19th year in San Jose on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Organizers have shaped the event as a community gathering that reframes traditional Independence Day celebrations around themes of equality, justice, and inclusion for the city’s multicultural population.

Through anti-racist education programs, partnerships, and public displays, the parade and festival will highlight efforts to address systemic racism and promote humane treatment across communities. The day will blend festivity with meaningful dialogue, allowing participants and spectators to engage with ideas of patriotism that center advocacy and opportunity for everyone.

This longstanding event continues to provide residents with a distinctive way to observe July 4th, one that emphasizes community strength and shared commitment to dismantling prejudice while enjoying the spirit of togetherness.

The parade starts at 9:45am and is followed by a festival from 11am-2pm. The Rose, White & Blue Parade and Festival is free and appropriate for all ages. For more information, visit the Rose, White & Blue website.

Playful People Productions Sets the Stage for Joyful Performances in 2026 and 2027

San Jose families will soon have new opportunities to experience the magic of live musical theater thanks to Playful People Productions and its upcoming season of shows. The nonprofit theater company prepared a diverse collection of productions drawn from popular books and films, designed to entertain while building confidence and creativity among participants from young children to adults.

Two productions will launch the season this fall with stories that have delighted generations. Shrek The Musical JR will bring the hilarious adventures of the ogre and his friends to the stage for performers ages five through seventeen. With auditions set for the first week of August, young actors can prepare for performances that run from September twenty-fifth through October fourth at the Historic Hoover Theatre. A homeschool production of Winnie the Pooh will follow a similar path, opening registration on June seventh for children ages five to twelve and offering a cozy run at the end of October.

Adults and those eighteen and older will have their own chance to shine in a secret fall musical whose details Playful People Productions kept tightly under wraps. Those curious about this true story in an unexpected setting can reach out directly to learn more and join the cast. Registration opened at six hundred dollars, with auditions in early August and performances scheduled for mid November.

The 2027 portion of the season will feature two highly anticipated titles that span comedy, adventure, and empowerment. Disney's Descendants: The Musical will arrive for performers twelve and up, bringing the story of villain kids navigating hero school to life with familiar songs and plenty of laughs. Registration will open later this year ahead of January auditions and an early April performance run. Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical JR will then take over with its clever celebration of clever kids and imaginative rebellion. Performers ages eight to fourteen plus a special circus chorus for ages four to seven will rehearse in March for a series of May performances across multiple casts.

Every production will unfold at the Historic Hoover Theatre on Park Avenue, a venue that has become a hub for local performing arts. Playful People Productions spent more than fifteen years creating inclusive environments where families perform side by side and where Positive Discipline supports every participant's growth. This season will extend that mission by inviting the entire San Jose community to take part in or attend these joyful productions that highlight the power of storytelling and togetherness.

For registration and additional information, visit www.playfulpeople.org or call (408) 878-5362.

Free Live Music Returns to St. James Park for an Unforgettable June Lineup

The John Santos Sextet will play a free concert on June 20, spotlighted Latin jazz in St. James Park. This multi Grammy nominee and his ensemble will explore the historical threads and improvisational fire of styles from Cuba, Puerto Rico and wider Latin America. Scheduled openers are Future Dead Ringers and Bloco do Sol. The full program invites all ages to enjoy food trucks alongside a beer and wine garden in the open air setting.

June 21 will deliver a high energy celebration of Father s Day, Make Music Day and global soccer excitement. Los Rakas will bring their signature Panamanian mix of hip hop, plena, reggae and dancehall to the stage as headliners. The Grammy nominated duo, known for empowering narratives and collaborations with artists across genres, will headline a day that also features Kaefan, Rogê and local DJs such as Mumbai Rani.

Further dates in the series will extend the momentum with themes ranging from lowrider Souldies to Prince tributes and salsa instruction. Co presentations with groups like MACLA and CUKUI ensure each weekend reflects the breadth of San Jose artistic voices.

These gatherings in a green space steps from Downtown San Jose reinforce how shared music experiences foster connection across neighborhoods. With every free event, the Levitt San Jose initiative demonstrates the power of accessible arts to energize community life and lay groundwork for a lasting cultural landmark.

For the complete schedule, volunteer opportunities, or to support the pavilion project, visit levittsanjose.org.

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.

Coyote Creek Habitat Day Will Turn a Morning in Morgan Hill into a Living Classroom for South Bay Families

San Jose families seeking a meaningful way to spend a Saturday morning will find it at Coyote Creek Habitat Day on June 6. The free event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Coyote Creek Visitor Center near Anderson Lake in Morgan Hill, where the creek itself becomes the teacher and every participant gets to explore its secrets up close.

Interactive exhibitors will share the story of local watersheds while live wildlife makes appearances throughout the morning. Guests can choose a short bike ride along the trail, join a guided nature or bird walk, or settle in for mini chats with guest speakers who know the creek’s rhythms best. Those who prefer hands-on discovery can join the BioBlitz, play Agents of Discovery, or carefully examine an owl pellet to piece together what a predator ate the night before.

The day highlights everything that makes Coyote Creek special: its role as a vital habitat corridor, the diversity of species that call it home, and the simple power of spending time outdoors in a place that still feels wild. By the time the event wraps at 1 p.m., even the youngest explorers will carry home new questions and a stronger sense of why protecting these waterways matters.

Admission costs nothing, and the address at 19245 Malaguerra Avenue comes with a gentle nudge to walk, bike, carpool, or ride public transit when possible. Full details and any last-minute updates will appear on the event page, while questions can go directly to interp@prk.sccgov.org.

San Pedro Square Market Transforms into World Cup Central for San Jose This Summer

San Pedro Square Market will transform into the ultimate destination for soccer fans when it hosts live broadcasts of all 104 FIFA World Cup matches. Soccer Celebration brings a full month of excitement to Downtown San Jose from June 11 through July 19, complete with interactive fan zones, creative food and drink specials, and engaging activities the whole family can enjoy.

Downtown San Jose will come alive with the world's top teams competing on massive screens while fans mingle in the heart of the city. This activation expands on the massive turnouts from recent Super Bowl and March Madness events, setting the stage for what could become the largest crowds yet at the square.

Forecasts point to roughly $555 million in economic activity along with around 260,000 visitors streaming into the region. These figures show how events like this strengthen San Jose's growing reputation for memorable urban experiences.

The entertainment zone designation allows fans to savor the atmosphere with outdoor beverage service in approved areas. Local businesses will seize the moment to deliver standout activations that draw people in and keep the energy high.

Make plans now to join the festivities and see for yourself how Downtown San Jose pulses as the heart of World Cup celebrations in the Bay Area.

Source: SVBJ

Earth Day Celebration Brings Family Fun and Coyote Valley Insights to Santana Row

Santana Row will team up with the Open Space Authority for a free Earth Day celebration on Sunday, April 19, 2026. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and fill the afternoon with engaging activities at this favorite San Jose destination.

Lawn games will keep participants active while creative crafts spark fun for all ages. Children can enjoy complimentary face painting as nature-themed music adds to the vibrant atmosphere.

A special display will showcase plans for habitat restoration, public access, and sustainable agriculture in Coyote Valley. Team members from the Coyote Valley Conservation Areas Master Plan will remain available to explain the designs and answer questions.

The Price Is Right Live Brings Iconic Game Show Thrills to San Jose Civic

The Price Is Right Live comes to the San Jose Civic on Friday, October 9 at 8 PM with its high-energy stage production and all the classic elements fans know and love.

You will step right into the nostalgic world of the original sets featuring The Big Wheel, Plinko, Cliffhangers, and the Showcase. A celebrity host will keep the laughs flowing while randomly selected contestants compete for big prizes that range from household appliances and dream vacations to electronics and even a brand-new car.

Lucky audience members can score prizes without ever leaving their seats. The touring show has played to packed houses for more than twenty years and has awarded over fifteen million dollars in cash and prizes across the country.

San Jose now joins the fun with this special stop that turns television memories into an interactive night out right in the city.

Tickets will go on sale Friday, April 10 @ 6 AM via Ticketmaster.

Easter Sunday Delivers Festive Experiences Across San Jose

Easter Sunday delivers festive experiences that bring families and friends together across San Jose.

Guests can savor a memorable brunch at the Hayes Mansion where an exclusive menu includes cracked crab legs, a prime rib carving station, and chef-selected decadent desserts. Little ones will hunt for eggs on the lawn in the historic surroundings.

Downtown San Jose will host the Soulful Sunday Easter Brunch at Jackie's Place with two sessions offering all-you-can-enjoy buffet items like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and candied yams accompanied by bottomless mimosas and R&B sounds from a DJ.

Local churches such as VIVE San Jose will open their doors for services followed by a free post-service carnival featuring a petting zoo, bounce houses, and food trucks that extend the celebration into the afternoon.

These events highlight how San Jose transforms Easter Day into a vibrant celebration of community and tradition.

For tickets and more information:

• Hayes Mansion Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-easter-brunch-at-the-hayes-mansion-tickets-1978479220608
• Soulful Sunday Easter Brunch at Jackie's Place: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soulful-sunday-easter-brunch-2026-tickets-1985618515431
• VIVE San Jose Easter Services & Carnival: https://www.vivechurch.org/easter-san-jose

San Jose Cat Day Returns This Weekend With Feline Fun Across Downtown

Cat enthusiasts across the South Bay will find their perfect gathering spot this Saturday in Downtown San Jose. The second annual San Jose Cat Day will take over Paseo de San Antonio and the Post Street area from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. as a free celebration packed with vendors, kittens, and creative activities.

More than 55 local makers, artists, and small businesses will set up shop at the Paseo de San Antonio with cat-themed goods ranging from artwork to one-of-a-kind accessories. Early arrivals among the first 1,000 guests will pick up a special San Jose Cat Day giveaway while supplies last.

Near the MOMENT Post Street storefronts, the Kitten Lounge from Mini Cat Town will let visitors meet adoptable kittens during 15-minute sessions. Craft stations will offer hands-on experiences including friendship bracelet making and cat-themed coloring, while food vendors will serve up themed treats and desserts. Head over to experience the fun firsthand and support local businesses in Downtown San Jose.

Create Lasting Easter Memories with the Easter Bunny at Santana Row

Santana Row will host a free family event featuring photos with the Easter Bunny. Mark Saturday, March 28, 2026, on the calendar for the noon to 3 p.m. appearance at Oak Tree Lounge, located just outside Blue Bottle Coffee. Everyone can drop by without reservations to capture those special moments in this prime San Jose destination.

Children will light up upon meeting the Bunny while parents collect photos full of Easter joy. The no-cost opportunity allows groups of all sizes to participate and build new traditions.

San Pedro Superfest Lights Up Big Game Weekend in San Jose

San Pedro Square Market will transform into a vibrant sports hub for San Pedro Superfest, a free block-party event aligned with Big Game Weekend. From February 6 to 8, the setup includes a 100-yard artificial turf area for casual play, alongside local markets and San Pedro Square eateries.

Friday kicks off from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday extends from noon to 10 p.m., offering a full day of fun, while Sunday runs from noon to 7 p.m. to wrap up the festivities. Attendees can explore the Culture Night Market for diverse vendor experiences and the Shop Local marketplace for distinctive goods.

Younger visitors and families find plenty in Kids Alley and the dedicated stage with tailored programming. Tech displays from Archer, Joby, and eBay add a forward-thinking element, reflecting San Jose's role as an innovation center. Live performances on the main stage keep the energy flowing all weekend while specialty food and drinks will further enhance the experience.

For more information: https://sjdowntown.com/event/san-pedro-superfest/?mc_cid=6ee15fbded&mc_eid=6a803b73ff

Celebrate the Year of the Horse at San Jose's Lunar New Year Festival

Mark the Year of the Horse with a free Lunar New Year Festival on March 14, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at History Park on Phelan Avenue. Organized by History San José and the Chinese Historical & Cultural Project, the event welcomes families to immerse themselves in traditions that showcase Chinese heritage through lively demonstrations and interactive elements.

Lion dance teams take center stage, accompanied by Chinese cultural dances and music that fill the air with rhythm. Martial arts displays demonstrate skill and discipline, while participants try Chinese calligraphy and brush painting. Children will find plenty of hands-on crafts and games, with story-telling sessions sparking imagination and selfies with dragons to create memorable moments.

Food trucks will serve diverse bites, O'Brien's Ice Cream Store tempts with desserts, and trolley rides will offer a relaxed way to explore. The Chinese American Historical Museum will open its doors for deeper insights into our community's past.

For more information: www.chcp.org www.historysanjose.org

Blinky's Drive-Thru Holiday Lights: San Jose's Sparkling Tradition Glows Brighter in 2025

San Jose welcomes back a beloved holiday staple with Blinky's Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show at Christmas in the Park, transforming the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds into a wonderland of festive illuminations. This drive-thru experience invites families and friends to cruise through elaborate light displays from the comfort of their vehicles, creating memorable evenings under twinkling arches and animated scenes. Open through December 31, the event runs on weeknights from 6 to 10 p.m. and weekends from 5 to 11 p.m., with a special Black Friday start on November 28 from 6 to 11 p.m.

The Fairgrounds location, accessible via Gate F on Umbarger Road, makes it easy for anyone in the South Bay to join the fun, whether coming from Downtown San Jose or further south. As cars wind through the path, guests encounter vibrant setups that highlight holiday themes, from classic winter motifs to playful surprises. This year's iteration builds on the tradition's appeal, drawing crowds eager for a low-key yet enchanting outing that supports local festivities. Donations through the Christmas in the Park Annual Giving Campaign help sustain these efforts, ensuring the lights shine for generations.

For tickets starting at $25, visit https://christmasinthepark.myshopify.com/pages/blinkys-drive-thru-2025