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.

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

Bar Tako Opens with Mexican-Japanese Flavors in Downtown San Jose

Bar Tako is about to become one of San Jose's most unique food offerings. It's a pop-up restaurant blending Mexican and Japanese cuisines at 17 North San Pedro Street in San Pedro Square. Set to open in late February 2026 and run through June, this temporary spot activates a key Downtown location previously home to Olla Cocina. Industry experts Derek Belanger and Greg Nasser lead the project, drawing on Nikkei influences from Peru to craft dishes that merge bold tastes in unexpected ways.

The menu divides into sections for shared plates, encouraging group dining experiences. Raw bar selections feature sushi-grade hamachi paired with salsa verde and salmon tartare alongside mango-shiso pico de gallo served with chips. Robata grill options include grilled pork and chicken skewers with housemade masa tortillas, corn ribs topped with Kewpie mayo and furikake, and Okinawa sweet potato with mole aioli and cotija cheese. Standout entrees range from togarashi shrimp tacos to shoyu-braised beef short rib tamales with ancho chile sauce and pickled ginger, plus A5 wagyu accompanied by mole.

Desserts offer creative twists like three varieties of sweet tamales with sauces, such as a red bean version drizzled in miso-caramel. The bar complements the food with tequila, mezcal, Japanese whisky, beers from both cultures, and Baja California wines including Nebiolos and chilled reds. Open daily from noon to 10 p.m., Bar Tako invites San Jose foodies to explore one of the most unique food offerings in the South Bay.

Source: Eater

Lazy Dog in San Jose Launches $15 Fireside Favorites and National Dog Day Support

San Jose residents have a new reason to visit Lazy Dog Restaurant at 5305 Almaden Expressway in the Almaden Plaza Shopping Center, where the new $15 Fireside Favorites menu brings handcrafted entrees paired with a S’more Brownie Sundae for weekday dining. Available all day Monday through Friday, the lineup features options like a fried chicken dinner with red skin potato mash and sautéed spinach, or grilled shrimp tacos served with Spanish rice and cilantro black beans. Each meal wraps up with an individual portion of the signature dessert, complete with a chocolate chip brownie, graham cracker crust, toasted marshmallow, and vanilla bean ice cream, offering a nostalgic touch to everyday outings.

Other choices include a Mediterranean chicken bowl with yellow rice and tzatziki sauce, fettuccine Alfredo that can add chicken or shrimp for extra cost, and loco moco fried rice topped with a sunny-side up egg and teriyaki gravy. These dishes draw from seasonally inspired ingredients, creating satisfying experiences in a space that evokes the coziness of a mountain town. Guests can enhance their meals with a soup or salad starting at $5, making it straightforward to customize for any preference.

With National Dog Day on August 26 just ahead, Lazy Dog partners with Pet Partners to donate $1 for every Dog Bowl ordered in-restaurant from August 26 to 31. These bowls, made with grilled chicken or beef over brown rice and veggies, cater to pets on the dog-friendly patio, and buyers receive a card for a free Dog Bowl on a future visit with an entree purchase. This effort aids the nonprofit's work in registering therapy dogs that provide comfort in hospitals, schools, and senior centers, reflecting San Jose's embrace of pet-inclusive community activities.

Open from 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and starting at 10 a.m. on weekends, the location also hosts happy hours and weekend brunch until 2 p.m., alongside a bar with craft beers and cocktails. Such features make Lazy Dog a versatile spot for locals to unwind, connect, and savor the city's evolving food landscape.

Hapa’s Brewing Now Open in San Jose's Downtown West (Creekside) District

San Jose welcomed a new hotspot on Friday with the opening of Hapa’s Brewing Company’s San Jose Beer Garden at 59 Barack Obama Blvd. Part of Google’s ambitious Downtown West project, this 7,000-square-foot space is the brewery’s fourth location in the region and second in San Jose.

The beer garden brings a variety of drinks to the table, from crisp beers to refreshing seltzers and ciders. A Creekside-specific brew is even in development, promising a taste unique to this spot. Hungry visitors can dig into offerings from rotating local food trucks like Mezclá Eats with its Colombian dishes, Brooklyn Pizzeria for a classic slice, or Tacos y Fruta Juquila for a zesty bite. Add in two cornhole courts, and you’ve got a recipe for a laid-back, social hangout.

Google teamed up with real estate developer Jamestown to transform a vacant lot near SAP Center into a lively community hub. With a five-year lease in place, Hapa’s is set to be a fixture for now, though Google might have bigger plans down the road. For the moment, it’s all about creating a welcoming spot for locals and visitors alike, especially those popping over from events at SAP Center.

There’s also warehouse area that could host events, adding another layer to its community appeal. Longtime beer fan Farrell Podgorsek noted how valuable these public spaces are, especially as Downtown San Jose grows. It’s a win for anyone who loves seeing the city come alive with fresh ideas and gathering places.

Ready to check it out? Hapa’s San Jose Beer Garden is open Tuesday through Sunday. Hours are 4pm-9pm Tuesday through Thursday, 3pm-9pm on Friday, and 11am-9pm on Saturday and Sunday. More details are available on Hapa’s website.

San Jose’s Food Trucks Take the National Stage: Jojo’s Hot Chicken and Joe’s Taco Shop Shine

San Jose’s culinary scene just earned a major spotlight. Yelp’s 2025 Top 100 food trucks list features two local stars: Jojo’s Hot Chicken at No. 4 and Joe’s Taco Shop at No. 94. 

Jojo’s Hot Chicken, parked at 1587 Kooser Road between Cambrian Park and Almaden Valley, delivers a flavor fusion that’s hard to resist. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., it blends the fiery heat of Nashville-style hot chicken with the aromatic depth of Ethiopian and Eritrean spices. Owner Yohana Gedam traded a steady car dealership career for his love of cooking, creating combos, sandwiches, and bowls that pack a punch. Grab a bottle of Jojo’s signature sauce to keep the experience going at home.

Meanwhile, Joe’s Taco Shop at 1609 Morrill Ave., just north of Japantown, brings nearly 35 years of Mexican food mastery to the list. This long-standing favorite serves up tacos, tortas, burritos, quesadillas, and chavindecas, those irresistible corn tortillas stuffed with cheese and meat, often grilled to crispy perfection. Beyond daily service, Joe’s caters events like parties, weddings, and corporate lunches, weaving itself into the fabric of San Jose’s community. Decades of dedication have made it a local legend.

The Bay Area shines bright on the list too, with Vallejo’s La Piñata (No. 6) and Rumi Kabob (No. 83), Napa’s Tacos El Muchacho Alegre (No. 61), and San Francisco’s El Gallo Giro Taco Truck (No. 81) joining the ranks. This regional strength highlights a thriving food truck culture, but San Jose’s entries stand out for their unique stories and flavors, anchoring the city as a culinary hub. Next time hunger strikes, roll up to Jojo’s Hot Chicken or Joe’s Taco Shop. One offers a spicy, soulful journey while the other delivers timeless comfort.

Source: SVBJ

Tequila and Tacos: A San Jose Summer Party

This Saturday, June 28th, 55 South in Downtown San Jose will host the Tequila Barrel Pick BBQ Party, a collaboration between MACBBQ and the 55/110 private bottle club. This event celebrates the release of an exclusive Corazon Reposado Tequila, aged 22 months in a Stagg Bourbon barrel, paired with some of the best BBQ and tacos the city has to offer. From noon to 5pm, dive into a day packed with bold flavors, live music, and community vibes.

The star of the show is the Corazon Reposado Tequila, hand-picked by MACBBQ and 55/110 for its standout profile. Aged in a Stagg Bourbon barrel, this tequila brings fruity and floral notes upfront, followed by layers of honey, caramel, pineapple, and tropical fruit. It finishes with a subtle touch of slate and black pepper, offering a bright yet rich sip that bourbon and tequila fans will appreciate. Guests can taste this unique release and even grab bottles to take home, priced at $50, alongside a Sazerac Blanton’s pick for $100.

Food takes center stage with MACBBQ and Cajetas joining forces for a Mexican-inspired BBQ spread. Think smoked brisket, pork, and chicken thighs tucked into handmade serrano/jalapeño yellow corn tortillas, topped with a custom salsa made just for this event. VIP ticket holders get early entry at noon and exclusive bites like cold smoked oysters and langostino tostadas, adding a gourmet twist. Paleta Planeta’s desserts and Phin Bar’s coffee drinks round out the menu, ensuring every craving is covered.

Live DJs Scotty Fox and Jay Biz will keep the energy flowing at 55 South, a Downtown San Jose staple known for its whiskey culture and top-notch cocktails. Exclusive giveaways throughout the day add a fun surprise element. With general admission at $50 starting at 1pm and VIP at $75, tickets include seven food and drink vouchers for tacos, desserts, and coffee. The full bar will be open for additional purchases, making this a perfect way to spend a summer Saturday.

Tickets are limited, so acting fast is key. Head to Eventbrite to secure your spot for this standout celebration of San Jose’s food, drink, and community spirit. Whether you’re a tequila aficionado, a BBQ lover, or just looking for a great time, this event delivers it all in the heart of Downtown.

Downtown San Jose Comes Alive with the 42nd Fountain Blues & Brews Festival

Get ready for a weekend packed with music, flavor, and fun in the heart of Downtown San Jose! The 42nd Fountain Blues & Brews Festival is hitting Plaza de César Chavez on June 14 and 15, marking its expansion to two full days of celebration. As Northern California’s longest-running blues festival, this event brings together 16 incredible acts, 40 craft beers, 12 food vendors, and over 20 artisans. 

The music lineup promises something special. Headliners Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Walter Trout will take the stage, delivering performances that blend blues with rock and soul. With 16 acts in total, the variety keeps the energy high all weekend long. Families can also enjoy the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo, where kids (and adults!) can try out different instruments. It’s a hands-on way to connect with music and make memories together.

Food and drink options add even more to the experience. Choose from 40 craft beers poured by local and regional breweries, ranging from crisp lagers to bold IPAs. Pair your pick with delicious eats from 12 food vendors serving up BBQ, tacos, burgers, and sweet treats like pies and funnel cakes. Plus, over 20 artisans will be on hand with unique crafts, perfect for browsing or picking up a keepsake while you soak in the Downtown vibe.

For 42 years, this festival has been a cornerstone of San Jose’s community spirit. It’s more than just a good time; it’s a tradition that celebrates our city’s love for music, food, and togetherness. Held in the lively setting of Downtown San Jose, it’s a chance to see why this area shines as a hub of culture and creativity.

Don’t miss out on June 14 and 15 at Plaza de César Chavez. Grab your tickets now at fountainblues.com and join us for a weekend that captures the best of San Jose.

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.

San Jose to Erect Giant Burrito Statue and Transform Downtown into Food Truck Paradise

In a jaw-dropping announcement that has set tongues wagging and stomachs rumbling, San Jose has unveiled plans to construct a massive burrito statue smack in the middle of Downtown. But wait, there’s more! The city isn’t stopping at a tortilla-wrapped monument—they’re turning the entire Downtown San Jose area into the world’s largest food truck park.

According to a totally legitimate press release from the city, this burrito behemoth will tower over 260 feet high, adorned with glistening bronze guacamole and salsa details so realistic you’ll want to grab a chip.

The food truck park, dubbed “Foodie Fiesta,” will see Downtown streets overrun with vendors dishing out everything from tacos and pho to sushi and vegan treats. It’s a bold move to celebrate San Jose’s wildly diverse culinary scene and lure food lovers from every corner of the globe.

“We’re convinced this will not only skyrocket tourism but also unite our community through the unbeatable power of food,” declared a city official who absolutely exists and wasn’t invented five minutes ago.

Locals are already losing their minds—in a good way. “I’ve been saying Downtown needs more spice forever, and this is it!” raved one thrilled San Jose resident, practically dancing in the streets.

The best part is that in order to help increase the supply of desperately needed housing, half of the structure will feature 26 stories of micro-apartments, just over 500 units.

Mark your calendars: the burrito statue unveiling and food truck park launch are slated for April 1st, 2026. Everyone’s invited to join the party—just bring your stretchy pants and a hearty laugh.

Now, before you start googling “giant burrito statue permits,” let’s come clean: this is all a big, tasty April Fools’ Day joke. No bronze burritos or food truck invasions are hitting Downtown San Jose (yet!). But here’s the real scoop—San Jose’s food scene is no laughing matter. From the lively bustle of Downtown to the hidden gems tucked in every neighborhood, this city’s got flavors for days. So, this April Fools’ Day, skip the pranks and dive into some of San Jose’s incredible restaurants and food trucks. You won’t find a 260-foot burrito, but you’ll definitely score something scrumptious.

Santana Row's Exciting New Additions: A Taste of What's to Come

Santana Row, San Jose’s premier destination for shopping and dining, is gearing up for an exciting year with a wave of new stores and restaurants set to open this year. These fresh additions promise to enhance the vibrant energy of this iconic neighborhood, making it an even more irresistible spot for locals and visitors alike.

Kicking things off is Parranga, a Mexico City-style taqueria from the acclaimed Buen Rallo Group, known for gems like Suspiro and El Jardin. Opening its doors on April 1 at 300 Santana Row, Parranga brings a refined yet casual dining experience with its order-at-the-counter setup and a welcoming open-air patio. “Parranga is about bringing an incredibly traditional, Mexico City-style taqueria experience to Santana Row,” says Eduardo Rallo, chairman and founder of Buen Rallo Group. “We believe that great food should be fresh, accessible and above all, authentic – and that’s exactly what we’re offering.” Operating from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays (and until midnight on weekends), it’s set to be one of the earliest and latest dining options on the Row—perfect for breakfast tacos or late-night bites.

Joining the culinary scene is Augustine Cafe and Restaurant, already open and serving up California cuisine with French and Italian flair. Operated by the seasoned Bacchus Management Group, this spot adds yet another layer of flavor to Santana Row’s diverse dining lineup.

On the retail side, Santana Row is rolling out a stylish array of new stores. Kohler brings cutting-edge kitchen and bath design, while Bluemercury caters to beauty lovers with top-tier cosmetics. The Collective offers unique furnishings, and Evereve has taken over the ground floor of the former H&M space with its chic women’s clothing. Sézane, another women’s fashion boutique, rounds out the lineup. Meanwhile, Vuori is expanding its athletic-wear showroom next to Evereve, tapping into the active lifestyle vibe that’s thriving in San Jose.

Federal Realty Investment Trust, the masterminds behind Santana Row, see these developments as a sign of the city’s strength. “San Jose is thriving,” says Christian Irwin, Federal Realty’s vice president of West Coast leasing. “The demand for great retail is alive and well.” This growth isn’t just about new shops—it’s a reflection of Santana Row’s winning formula, blending restaurants, retail, housing, and offices into a bustling community hub.

From savoring authentic tacos at Parranga to browsing the latest fashion at Sézane, Santana Row’s newcomers are set to make 2025 a standout year!

Source: SVBJ, The Mercury News

AVE Santa Clara Brings Elevated Apartment Living to Silicon Valley’s New Clara District

Silicon Valley just got a major upgrade with the grand opening of AVE Santa Clara, a sleek new residential community that’s raising the bar for apartment living. Announced on February 25, 2025, this project—brought to life by the award-winning team at AVE (a Korman Communities brand) and their partners at Ensemble Investments, LLC—is now open and ready for move-ins at 2240 Calle de Luna in the emerging Clara District. Located just steps from Levi’s Stadium, this isn’t just another apartment complex—it’s a lifestyle hub designed for the modern Silicon Valley crowd.

With 311 apartments spread across eight stories, the property offers a mix of traditional unfurnished rentals and fully furnished units with flexible lease terms—perfect for tech professionals, remote workers, or anyone looking for a hassle-free move. Studios start at $2,811, one-bedrooms at $3,110, two-bedrooms at $4,881, and three-bedrooms at $6,590. Inside, you’ll find stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, in-unit Samsung washers and dryers, and blackout shades in the bedrooms (great for young kids).

But the real star is a whopping 36,200 square feet of indoor-outdoor amenities. We’re talking a two-story fitness center, a resort-style pool with a hot tub and firepit lounges, a zen courtyard with a yoga lawn, and even a dog park and pet spa for your four-legged roommates. There’s also a game room, movie/sports lounge, private work pods, and conference rooms on every floor—because work-from-home life isn’t going anywhere. Oh, and the cherry on top: the AVEnture Hub, a first-of-its-kind perk where residents can borrow bikes, kayaks, and camping gear for free to explore the Bay Area’s outdoor treasures.

Right next door, Clara’s Junction is an 18,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor social spot that’s already shaping up to be a South Bay hotspot. It's a New American restaurant and bar with craft cocktails, Taz’s Tacos (a resident taco truck!), and The Pit, a live BBQ joint hosting guest pitmasters.

The Clara District is buzzing with potential, and AVE Santa Clara is right in the thick of it. You’re a stone’s throw from Levi’s Stadium, close to heavy hitters like Nvidia, Apple, Facebook, and Google, and just minutes from San Jose Mineta International Airport. Plus, the VTA light rail is nearby for an easy ride to Downtown San Jose. It’s the kind of spot that screams Silicon Valley convenience with a side of fun.

AVE Santa Clara is officially leasing now, so if you’re ready to level up your living situation, head to aveliving.com for more details and to apply. With its unbeatable location, next-level amenities, and a community vibe that’s all about connection, this place is poised to become a South Bay standout.