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.

Freestyle Legends Take Over The Plaza Tonight in Downtown San Jose

A full night of classic freestyle hits lands at The Plaza this evening, right in the heart of Downtown San Jose. Freestyle Explosion brings Stevie B, The Cover Girls, Trinere, and a supporting cast that includes Johnny O, Seduction, Rockell, George Lamond, and Nyasia to the outdoor stage at 1 Paseo de San Antonio.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with the music starting at 7 p.m. General admission covers lawn space for dancing and standing, while reserved front sections offer assigned seating closer to the stage. Food trucks and beverage booths will be on site, and nearby Downtown restaurants remain available before the show. Blankets smaller than 6 by 8 feet are allowed on the lawn; chairs, outside food, and large bags are not.

Stevie B headlines with the songs that defined the late-’80s freestyle sound, including “Because I Love You,” “Spring Love,” and “Party Your Body.” The Cover Girls and Trinere add their own chart-topping tracks, creating a continuous run of dance-floor classics under the open sky. A lowrider car show by the United Lowrider Council and Highside NorCal Car Club adds another layer to the evening.

The Plaza’s central location makes the concert easy to reach by light rail, rideshare, or nearby parking garages. For fans of the freestyle era, the stacked lineup on one stage offers a rare chance to hear these artists together in Downtown San Jose.

Tickets remain available through CalTix for those still planning to attend.

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.

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest Brings Iconic Performers to Downtown San Jose Stages

Music fans ready for an unforgettable weekend of live music will find their way to Downtown San Jose when the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest returns August 7 through 9. The event spreads across eight stages with more than one hundred artists delivering everything from classic jazz to funk, soul, and Latin rhythms that have defined the festival for years.

Headliners include legendary vocalist Patti LaBelle on Saturday and the high-energy Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue closing out the weekend on Sunday. Friday kicks off strong with Zapp featuring Tuxedo and The Soul Rebels, while Saturday also features Birds of a Feather with Javon Jackson and Nnenna Freelon alongside Parlor Greens. Sunday brings Lakecia Benjamin to the main stage as well.

The festival has grown into one of the city’s signature cultural celebrations, drawing crowds who appreciate both established names and emerging talents in an outdoor setting that encourages exploration between performances. Multiple stages allow attendees to craft their own schedule while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere that fills the heart of Downtown San Jose.

Beyond the music, the event highlights San Jose’s role as a hub for diverse musical traditions and provides a platform where longtime fans and newcomers alike can discover new favorites right in their own backyard. Tickets remain available for what promises to be three days packed with performances that celebrate the rich sounds of jazz and beyond.

BelicoFest Delivers Historic Concert Debut at PayPal Park for San Jose Fans

Music enthusiasts across the South Bay will witness a true milestone when BelicoFest stages its first Bay Area edition at PayPal Park on August 29. The one-day festival marks the stadium’s inaugural live music event after years of hosting soccer matches, international tournaments, and community gatherings. A powerhouse lineup anchored by Tito Double P, Santa Fe Klan, Gerardo Ortiz, Regulo Caro, Herencia de Patrones, Estevie, and Low Clika will fill the venue with the sounds shaping música mexicana today and pointing toward its future.

PayPal Park has built a reputation since 2015 as home to the San Jose Earthquakes and as a European-inspired facility with steep seating, premium field-level suites, and the largest outdoor bar in North America. Until now the 18,000-seat stadium had never presented a concert. BelicoFest changes that equation by planting a major festival footprint in a market where the genre has long drawn devoted crowds but lacked comparable large-scale live infrastructure.

Now in its third year and backed by Spotify, the festival has already proven its draw with more than 30,000 attendees in Phoenix last year. The 2026 expansion to San Jose alongside Los Angeles reflects a deliberate push to match the genre’s rising popularity with properly scaled events in key cultural centers. Production comes from For The Culture and 515 Entertainment, whose founders bring decades of experience mounting stadium-level shows across both sides of the border.

That infrastructure delivers the muscle of major touring while preserving the community-driven spirit at the core of the event. Programming pairs established headliners with emerging voices on the same stage, mirroring how fans actually experience the music in daily life. The result gives Northern California audiences a high-production celebration that honors the region’s longstanding support for the genre while introducing new generations to its energy and pride.

For tickets and more info on the lineup, head over here.

Levitt San Jose Brings Free Hip-Hop Night to St. James Park

Levitt San Jose is continuing its tradition of free live music in Downtown San Jose at St. James Park. The organization has lined up a strong 2026 series that brings diverse artists to the park from May through September.

On Sunday, July 26 at 4:30 p.m. the spotlight turns to hip-hop with Kev Choice and his ensemble presenting the music of A Tribe Called Quest along with new material and original work. Kev Choice, a pianist, composer, and producer who has collaborated with artists including Lauryn Hill, E-40, and Ledisi, will blend jazz, hip-hop, soul, and improvisation in fresh arrangements that honor the iconic group while showcasing his own artistry.

The performance goes beyond a simple tribute by celebrating the lasting cultural impact of A Tribe Called Quest and the way music connects generations. Audiences can expect dynamic takes on classics, instrumental interpretations, and an immersive experience that appeals to longtime fans and newcomers alike.

The full series includes other standout nights such as a Prince tribute in August and a salsa evening co-presented with MACLA, all set against the backdrop of St. James Park with food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and activities for kids. These events reflect ongoing efforts to build community through music while momentum builds toward the permanent Levitt Pavilion.

Details for all upcoming free concerts are available at levittsanjose.org.

Mariachi Herencia de Mexico Leads Fifth Fiesta del Mariachi in San Jose

The fifth annual Fiesta del Mariachi arrives at the Mexican Heritage Plaza on July 25 with a lineup that blends established tradition and fresh voices. Chicago’s Mariachi Herencia de Mexico headlines the evening as a 2x Latin GRAMMY-nominated group of young musicians who built their path from public school classrooms to stages across North America. Their six chart-topping albums and high-energy sets promise fan favorites such as Inolvidable, Preciosa, La Murga, Perdón, Espléndida and Caminaré.

Local ensembles add depth and regional flavor to the program. Mariachi Azteca has serenaded the Bay Area since 1981 under the direction of Juan Francisco “El Pato” Diaz and shared bills with icons including Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán and Juan Gabriel. Mariachi Femenil Orgullo Mexicano, the first all-female mariachi in Northern California since its founding in 2007, brings members with diverse backgrounds and advanced degrees who emphasize both performance and education. The university ensemble Mariachi San José from San Jose State University contributes skilled student musicians selected through rigorous auditions on traditional instruments and vocals.

Los Lupeños de San José, founded in 1969 as one of California’s earliest Mexican folk dance companies, closes the artistic circle with vibrant folklorico choreography that travels through Mexico’s regions. Their flaring dresses and passionate movements have represented the culture with pride and innovation for decades.

The full evening extends well beyond the stage. Guests can enjoy micheladas, bites from local food trucks and shopping with artisanal vendors who showcase San Jose businesses. The Mexican Heritage Plaza provides the setting as a 6-acre cultural hub in East San Jose that hosts more than 100,000 people each year through arts programming designed to preserve community heritage and build resiliency.

For more information and for tickets, head over here.

Fountain Blues and Brews Festival Brings Timeless Sounds to Downtown San Jose

San Jose holds onto its musical roots through gatherings that fill the Plaza with energy and sound. This weekend the Fountain Blues and Brews Festival celebrates its 43rd year as California's longest running blues event.

Eric Gales and Ronnie Baker Brooks headline a program that mixes blues with soul, rock, jazz, gospel, and R&B. A beer garden stocked by more than forty craft breweries stands ready alongside food options that include lobster rolls, pizza, tacos, and barbecue from local stands.

Artisan Alley presents local makers with jewelry, crafts, and goods while the Instrument Petting Zoo offers interactive fun for all ages. The festival received the Silver Award for Best Festival in Silicon Valley in 2024 and continues to draw strong crowds.

Support from the City of San José and Mayor Matt Mahan helps sustain this tradition that began in 1981 on the San Jose State University campus. The result delivers a full experience of music, drinks, food, and community right in Downtown San Jose.

For tickets and additional information visit fountainblues.com.

Make Music San José Fills Streets, Parks, and Venues with Free Music This Sunday

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.

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.

Symphonic World Cup Brings World Class Music to Downtown San Jose

As the FIFA 2026 World Cup prepares to descend upon Santa Clara County, Symphony San Jose will close its 2025-26 season with a celebration of international artistry through the Symphonic World Cup.

The two performances will unfold at the California Theatre in Downtown San Jose on June 6 at 7:30pm and June 7 at 2:30pm.

Carlos Vieu will conduct the orchestra in Carl Nielsen’s Helios Overture, which evokes the ancient Danish myth of the sun god. Harp soloist Katherine Siochi will then take the spotlight in Alberto Ginastera’s Harp Concerto, a vibrant work that showcases the instrument’s full dramatic range from Argentina.

Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 will bring the program to a stirring close, its triumphant strains echoing themes of resilience forged under historical pressure.

Events of this caliber will continue to elevate San Jose’s reputation as a premier destination for the arts, attracting diverse audiences and nurturing the creative spirit that drives the city forward.

For more information and tickets, head over here.

Golden Ticket Excitement Lands in San Jose with Playful People Productions' Willy Wonka Jr.

Playful People Productions brings Willy Wonka Jr. to the Historic Hoover Theater this month. Four casts of young performers ages four to twelve will transform the classic tale of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory into a live musical spectacle filled with songs, dancing, and imaginative sets. The production captures the spirit of creativity that makes our city a vibrant place for the arts.

Directors Alicia Sanders, Katie D'Arcey, and Shannon Santandrea have prepared these ensembles with care, supported by vocal directors Brian Kemper and Elaine Saum. Each group delivers its own fresh take on the story of Willy Wonka and his golden ticket contest. Audiences can expect to meet the endearing Charlie Bucket, his grandfather, and a cast of unforgettable characters who learn important lessons inside the factory.

The show highlights the joy of live theater right in San Jose, where local children develop confidence, teamwork, and artistic skills through programs like those offered by this nonprofit. Founded in 2010 and established as a 501(c)3 in 2017, Playful People Productions creates inclusive spaces that welcome participants of all backgrounds and even encourages families to perform together on stage.

Support from the City of San José Cultural Affairs grant and SVCreates underscores the value placed on arts education here. These efforts help position San Jose as a leader in nurturing young talent and building community through shared cultural experiences that everyone can enjoy.

Shows take place across several dates with the Lollipop, Gumdrop, Taffy, and Jelly Bean casts each offering unique performance times. The intimate Historic Hoover Theater at 1635 Park Avenue sets the stage for an evening or afternoon of laughter and wonder. Tickets cost $18 for youth twelve and under, $20 for students thirteen to seventeen, and $25 dollars for adults.

For tickets or more information, visit www.PlayfulPeople.org or call (408) 878-5362.

Beethoven’s Pastorale Brings Spring to Life at Symphony San Jose

San Jose music lovers will discover a fresh celebration of nature and renewal when Symphony San Jose presents Beethoven’s Pastorale on May 9 and 10, 2026. The program gathers three distinctive works that blend tradition with innovation to create an evening filled with color and emotion.

Dvořák’s Carnival Overture will launch the concert with its lively festival spirit and sense of joyful arrival. Mason Bates’ Philharmonia Fantastique will then unfold as a concerto for orchestra paired with an animated film, where a magical Sprite leads audiences on an inventive exploration inside the instruments themselves. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 will close the night, guiding listeners through serene countryside scenes alive with bird calls, a gently babbling brook, and a dramatic thunderstorm.

Ticket holders can enhance their evening by arriving early for Music Notes, the free pre-concert discussion that shares fun facts and insights one hour before showtime. The May 10 performance will also include a special Mother’s Day recognition from the orchestra.

Tickets range from $24 to $121 and can be purchased over here.

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.

PayPal Park Expands Its Role with Regular Concert Nights in San Jose

You'll soon discover more opportunities to catch major live performances at PayPal Park. The San Jose City Council gave unanimous approval for the stadium to host up to 15 concerts each year. This decision locks in the venue’s future as an essential part of the city’s entertainment lineup.

Careful planning went into the approval. City officials established volume limits and reporting requirements that respond to neighborhood feedback. You can expect concerts to run between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. while maintaining respect for those living nearby.

The stadium delivered impressive results for the local economy. In 2024 events there produced $111 million in total economic impact and backed nearly 1,000 jobs. Concerts will amplify these benefits and bring more crowds to support Downtown San Jose businesses.

You also have big matches to look forward to at the park soon. The U.S. Women’s National Team will face Japan in a friendly. Fans will also see Cruz Azul take on Atlético Nacional. PayPal Park will additionally serve as a venue for early-round action in the 2028 Olympic soccer tournaments.

Source: SVBJ

Symphony San Jose Presents Hopelessly Romantic this January

Symphony San Jose brings a powerful program of Romantic-era works to the stage with Hopelessly Romantic, scheduled for January 24 and 25, 2026. The concerts take place at the California Theatre on South First Street in Downtown San Jose, a restored venue that adds its own historic charm to live orchestral music. This weekend offers San Jose audiences a chance to experience sweeping melodies and intense emotions from three celebrated composers.

The program opens with Franz Schubert's Overture to Rosamunde, a graceful piece full of elegance that has long been a favorite in concert settings. Guest violinist Geneva Lewis then performs Jean Sibelius's Violin Concerto, known for its soul-stirring melodies that build from a haunting start to a dramatic finish. Lewis brings her renowned artistry and command of the instrument to this demanding work.

Robert Schumann's Symphony No. 4 closes the evening, a deeply personal composition with soaring themes, vivid orchestral textures, and innovative structure. Conductor François López-Ferrer leads the orchestra through this expressive journey that captures the full range of human feeling.

Concert ticket holders can arrive an hour early for the free Music Notes session in the main auditorium. This pre-concert talk provides insights, background details, and guest interviews to enrich the listening experience. Youth 17 and younger can attend at half price when accompanied by an adult, and inexpensive parking is available at the nearby city garage on San Carlos Street.

Tickets range from $35 to $115. For tickets and full details, visit www.symphonysanjose.org or call 408.286.2600.

San Jose's Musical Heritage Takes Center Stage: South Bay Flashback Exhibit

History Park's Leonard and David McKay Gallery hosts an exhibit that dives into San Jose's pivotal place in rock history. Titled South Bay Flashback: Riffs, Rhythms, and Revolution, the display features '60s rock posters from concerts that shaped the era. Icons like Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane performed here, laying groundwork for cultural shifts that extended beyond music into technology and innovation.

San Jose played a key role in the counterculture movement, influenced by figures from the Beat generation such as Neal Cassady, Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Ken Kesey. While places like Haight-Ashbury and Monterey gained wider fame, the South Bay quietly fueled these transformations. This collection reminds visitors of the city's contributions, encouraging a fresh appreciation for its archives preserved through efforts like those of the McKay family.

Recent events build on this legacy, including the December 4 unveiling of a Grateful Dead plaque at City Hall by San Jose Rocks. Such markers honor the band's ties to the area and draw attention to ongoing stories. Meanwhile, the independent live music scene thrives at unexpected spots like AJ's Bikini Bar and Jade Cathay Cantonese restaurant, where performers keep the spirit alive despite venue changes.

For more on the exhibit, visit https://historysanjose.org/

Source: San Jose Inside

PayPal Park's Concert Era: Bringing 15 Live Music Events to San Jose Each Year

San Jose has greenlit up to 15 concerts annually at PayPal Park, expanding the city's largest outdoor venue into a key spot for live music. This decision opens doors for major acts to perform between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., adding to the limited options for large-scale shows in the area.

The concerts stand to invigorate the local economy through hundreds of jobs tied to event operations. Visitors from afar will fill hotels, while attendees head to nearby restaurants and bars before and after shows, creating a ripple effect. City leaders plan to track this impact using cellphone data, sales tax figures, and small business health metrics. Past events like those featuring electronic music artists near City Hall and in the SoFA District already attracted over 20,000 people, hinting at the potential for even greater activity around PayPal Park.

This development also promises to enhance Downtown San Jose, with spillover crowds exploring unique spots for dining and nightlife. As the region's biggest city, San Jose gains from these gatherings that foster community and draw attention to its evolving scene. The venue's location near retail areas could boost sales for businesses, as seen with a 15 percent increase during previous holiday events at the park.

To address potential issues, the city requires noise studies for the first two concerts and commits to monitoring effects on neighbors. Limits on the number of shows help balance excitement with resident comfort, ensuring adjustments if needed. Traffic concerns around exits like Coleman Avenue receive attention too, with hopes for smoother flow during events.

Overall, these concerts along with a future Levitt Pavilion in Downtown San Jose mark progress toward making San Jose a must-visit destination for music lovers.

Source: SVBJ

Symphony San Jose Delivers Holiday Magic at California Theatre

Downtown San Jose invites families and friends to embrace the season with Symphony San Jose's Holiday Spectacular on December 6 and 7, 2025. Performances take place at the beautifully decorated California Theatre on 345 South First Street, with shows at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, plus 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. This symphonic celebration fills the air with warmth through classic carols, audience sing-alongs and dazzling dance numbers, creating lasting memories for all ages.

The program features beloved selections like Leroy Anderson's A Christmas Festival, Jerry Herman's We Need a Little Christmas, Vince Guaraldi's Christmas Time is Here and traditional favorites including The First Noël, Joy to the World and Silent Night. Attendees can look forward to the popular 12 Days of Silicon Valley, along with pieces such as Katharine Kennicott Davis's The Little Drummer Boy, Alan Silvestri's Believe from The Polar Express and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Arabian Dance from The Nutcracker. Additional tunes like It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year and Santa Baby round out the festive lineup.

Conductor Elena Sharkova leads Symphony San Jose, joined by Symphony San Jose Chorale, Cantabíle Youth Singers, New Ballet and special guests for an evening of holiday wonder. Pre-concert festivities start one hour before each show, offering photos and visits with Santa, plus a chance to decorate gingerbread cookies with royal icing for a sweet touch. These activities open the doors to joyful interactions before the music begins.

Convenient parking awaits at a nearby city-owned garage on San Carlos Street with entrances on Second and Third streets. Single tickets range from $35 to $115, with special discounts for youth including half-price options for those 17 and under when accompanying adults, or the Saturday Night SoundCheck Pass for patrons 25 and under at $25 for the season, plus companion tickets.

For tickets and additional information, visit www.symphonysanjose.org