Pink Coolers on Wheels Already Cross Downtown. The 350-Pound Ones Want the Bike Lane.

Coco’s pink-and-red boxes have been rolling through Downtown San Jose since April, pausing at lights like any other pedestrian and dropping coded meals at stoops within about two miles. Serve Robotics joined later. Together they already feed Uber Eats and DoorDash orders from spots such as Punjab Cafe on East Santa Clara Street and Sixth Street Burger. Bobby Saini at Punjab now loads butter chicken and garlic naan into a compartment several times a night. The city never signed a formal contract with either firm. Staff waved the fleets through under older policies about fewer car trips and lower emissions, then called the stretch a learning period.

Council will likely vote this fall on actual rules: permits, insurance, $200 to $250 a year per robot, and the right to cap fleets or yank a permit if machines block curb ramps, bus zones, or bike lanes. Until then, the only speed cap on the sidewalk is an informal 5 mph, a number reporters have had to jog to match. Coco units weigh about 100 pounds empty. Serve’s weigh 161. DoorDash wants to put 350-pound Dot robots, roughly a tenth the size of a car, into bike lanes at speeds that can reach 20 mph. City staff decided those machines were too slow for car lanes. Cyclists get the experiment instead.

Disability advocates have already named the obvious collision: a stalled cooler on a curb cut, a walker forced into the street. Sheri Burns, formerly of the Silicon Valley Independent Living Center, also called grocery-by-robot a possible game changer for people who cannot easily leave home, and she praised Coco’s BlindSquare mapping of cracked sidewalks. At La Victoria Taqueria, staff found one unit flipped on its back. Arturo Litvin watched his Sixth Street Burger order arrive by robot, then noticed Uber Eats refunded the tip. Human couriers still do the bulk of the work. The companies will not say how many of those shifts they expect to erase.

San Francisco locked robots down in 2017 before they spread. Fremont is letting DoorDash run Dots under an encroachment permit that expires in March, with a 16 mph cap and a $1 million insurance floor. San Jose chose the opposite sequence: sidewalks first, ordinance later. Coco’s government lead says a frozen bot on a sidewalk would be rare and short-lived, and field techs are supposed to arrive within 30 minutes. Guadalupe River Trail stays off limits. Willow Glen is already on Coco’s near-term map as the next expansion opportunity.

Source: The Mercury News

MLV NorCal Chooses Tech CU Arena as Home Court for 2027

San Jose will serve as the official home city for MLV NorCal when the professional women’s volleyball team begins play in 2027. The announcement came Monday at a community event at San Pedro Square Market, where Mayor Matt Mahan joined founding owner Kerri Walsh Jennings and team president Heather Vaughan.

Tech CU Arena on South 10th Street will host the matches. The venue already serves as home ice for the San Jose Barracuda and offers an intimate setting well suited to volleyball. Walsh Jennings, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and San Jose native, described the city as home and expressed excitement about building a team the community can claim as its own.

The franchise belongs to a women-founded and women-led league that will expand to additional markets in 2027. Mayor Mahan noted that San Jose has recently added professional women’s soccer and hockey and now volleyball, calling the city a growing capital for women’s sports.

Fans can secure a Founding Season Ticket Holder deposit of $31, a figure that honors California’s place as the 31st state. The official team name, branding, and inaugural campaign will be revealed next month.

This addition gives Northern California its first professional indoor volleyball franchise and adds another live-sports option in the heart of the city.

Source: MLV

MLV NorCal Fan Fest Lands at San Pedro Square Market Today

San Pedro Square Market will host a free family-friendly celebration this afternoon as MLV NorCal introduces itself to the community. The Fan Fest runs from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, August 24, with interactive volleyball activities, giveaways, free soft serve, and a Create & Clip station.

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings is scheduled to appear alongside San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and members of the MLV NorCal roster. Organizers plan to share a milestone update about the team’s future and its planned 2027 inaugural season.

The first 200 fans to arrive will receive a free MLV NorCal hat. Parking is available at the nearby garage on North Market Street. The event is organized in partnership with the San Jose Sports Authority, the City of San Jose, Visit San Jose, and the Chamber of Commerce.

This gathering marks an early chance for local residents to meet the new professional volleyball franchise and learn more about its plans for the region.

Source: MLV

Boutique Grocery Heads to Ground Floor of San Pedro Square Housing Towers

An independent boutique grocery store is preparing to lease 12,000 square feet of ground-floor space at the two residential towers located at 188 West St. James Street in the San Pedro Square neighborhood of Downtown San Jose. The space faces San Pedro Square Market and sits within a complex that includes a 22-story eastern tower with 337 units and a 20-story western tower with 303 units.

The market will offer fresh food, sandwiches, a salad bar, a hot bar, burritos, and additional prepared items once the street-level shell is ready. Opening is projected for sometime in 2027. Leasing efforts are being handled by Nick Goddard of Colliers.

Downtown San Jose has long operated with limited grocery options. Whole Foods on The Alameda has served the western edge since 2014, and Sakura Market opened more recently on South Market Street. A new neighborhood-focused market at this central location will give residents of the towers and surrounding blocks easier access to everyday essentials and ready-to-eat meals.

The western tower continues to market condominiums for sale while the eastern tower remains under consideration for potential workforce housing by the San Jose Unified School District. Adding a practical retail anchor at street level should help activate the base of these buildings and support the daily needs of people living and working nearby.

Source: SiliconValley.com

Coterie Winery Prepares a Move Closer to the Heart of Downtown San Jose

Coterie Winery has produced small-batch wines in San Jose since 2007, turning an old warehouse near Downtown into a handcrafted operation focused on grapes from select parcels in places like the Russian River Valley, Carneros and the Santa Lucia Highlands. Every bottle follows a berry-to-bottle approach with careful vineyard work and non-interventional methods at the winery.

The team recently signed a letter of intent for a new home in San Pedro Square. After nearly two decades in the city and more than a decade in its current neighborhood, the winery expects to stay within a few blocks of the area it already knows well. The shift should bring longer regular hours, easier parking and closer ties to the food and entertainment options that fill the surrounding streets.

Membership remains open at no cost and delivers substantial savings, with discounts reaching 30 percent on wines and events plus first access to limited releases. Those who join receive periodic allocations and the chance to stay connected through occasional updates on new offerings.

The upcoming relocation places this longtime local winery inside one of Downtown San Jose’s liveliest pockets, where visitors can pair a tasting experience with nearby markets, dining and public spaces. Keep an eye out for the final address announcement as the transition continues.

Source: Coterie Winery and usedmedia

The Silk Route Brings Modern Indian Dining to San Pedro Square

A familiar midblock space at 17 North San Pedro Street will shift from Mexican fare to upscale Indian cuisine this fall. Jasbir Singh and Mandeep Jandir, the operators of neighboring The Brit Sports Pub and Patio, took over the former Olla Cocina site after earlier plans for a modern Mexican steakhouse fell through. Exterior and interior work is already in progress for The Silk Route.

Singh pointed to a clear opening in the local dining scene. Downtown San Jose has lacked a high-quality, modern Indian option even as other South Bay destinations such as Mountain View, Santana Row, Palo Alto, and Santa Clara each support successful spots that draw mixed crowds. He also noted the rising presence of young Indo-Americans around SJSU, the Improv, and San Pedro Square itself, alongside broader interest in Indian flavors among non-Indian diners.

The location carries a long restaurant history. Blake’s Steakhouse occupied it for years, followed by La Piñata and then Olla Cocina from summer 2016 until fall 2025. A short-lived Bar Tako pop-up filled the gap earlier this year before the current transition. The new concept aims to deliver a refined experience suited to the square’s growing energy.

Expect The Silk Route to open later this fall once renovations wrap. The change adds another distinct flavor to a stretch already drawing steady foot traffic and fresh investment.

Source: The Mercury News

Downtown San Jose Welcomed More Than One Million Visitors During World Cup

Downtown San Jose drew more than one million cumulative visits over the course of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. San Pedro Square operated as the official Soccer Celebration Headquarters and staged watch parties for every one of the tournament’s 104 matches across 39 days.

Local hotels recorded solid gains from mid-June through mid-July. Occupancy rose 9 percent year over year, average daily rates climbed 17 percent, and revenue per available room increased 28 percent. On match days the RevPAR jump reached 42 percent, with even stronger results during the Round of 32 and Round of 16 week.

San Jose Mineta International Airport handled more than 500,000 passengers between June 13 and July 19. The airport managed 21 official team flights involving nine national squads and recorded its busiest departure day of the year the morning after a U.S. match at Levi’s Stadium. Private aviation traffic for one contest alone approached 200 aircraft.

City leaders credited coordinated work among municipal departments, the San Jose Sports Authority, Team San Jose, the Earthquakes, and other partners for turning the tournament into a showcase. Attention now turns to upcoming events such as the CrossFit Games, Slam Jose! basketball festival, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose Half Marathon that can keep the momentum going.

The tournament left a clear mark on the city’s hospitality and transportation systems while giving thousands of visitors a direct look at Downtown San Jose’s growing sports and entertainment energy.

Source: SVBJ

New Indian Restaurant The Silk Route Prepares to Open in San Pedro Square

A longstanding Downtown San Jose restaurant space at 17 North San Pedro Street will soon welcome The Silk Route Bar and Kitchen after plans for a Mexican steakhouse fell through. Owner Jasbir Singh, who already operates the neighboring sports bar The Brit, filed for a Type 47 liquor license and aims for an October debut.

The two-story, 6,800-square-foot venue represents nearly a million-dollar investment and is expected to create about 25 jobs. Singh identified a clear gap for Indian fine dining in the district and intends to fill it with classics such as chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, and various lamb preparations alongside a full cocktail program.

The location sits squarely in the busy corridor between Farmers Union and O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub, a stretch that has drawn strong crowds in recent months. San Pedro Square recorded more than 400,000 visitors during FIFA World Cup watch parties, and additional openings including Southern Comfort Kitchen in the food hall continue to refresh the dining mix.

Earlier tenants of the site included a decade-long run by Olla Cocina, popular with Sharks fans headed to SAP Center, followed by the temporary Bar Tako pop-up. The shift to The Silk Route arrives as the surrounding blocks show renewed energy and private investment, including the recent purchase of the Old Wagon Saloon building by a group linked to an NFL player.

Local diners seeking expanded options in the heart of Downtown can look forward to this addition once the build-out finishes. The Silk Route’s arrival further diversifies the flavors available along San Pedro Street and reinforces the area’s momentum as a destination for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Source: SVBJ

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

Southern Comfort Kitchen Brings New Orleans Flavor to San Pedro Square Market

Downtown San Jose just gained a hearty dose of Cajun and Creole cooking as Southern Comfort Kitchen opened its newest outpost inside San Pedro Square Market Hall. The East Bay favorite, long known for scratch-made New Orleans dishes, chose the perfect moment. FIFA World Cup watch parties have packed the market courtyard with fans, and the new stall sits ready to feed the crowds with po’ boys, blackened shrimp, fried oysters and cheesy grits.

Three brothers, Jason, Jeremy and Brett Brill, launched Southern Comfort Kitchen as a food truck in 2013 after growing up around their family’s New Orleans catering business. Their first brick-and-mortar arrived in Castro Valley in 2018. Pleasant Hill and Alameda followed. The San Jose spot at 100 N. Almaden Avenue marks their first foothold in the South Bay and adds a bold Southern voice to the market’s rotating vendors.

Expect classic plates built the same way the family has always cooked them: Seafood Gumbo, Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya, Crawfish Étouffée, Cajun crab fries and a Southern fried chicken sandwich that has earned a loyal following. Everything starts from scratch each morning with house seasoning blends and sauces. Later weekend hours stretch to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays so match-goers can grab something hot after the final whistle.

San Pedro Square Market has become the unofficial headquarters for World Cup viewing this summer, drawing workers, visitors and soccer fans into the courtyard day after day. The arrival of Southern Comfort Kitchen gives everyone one more reason to linger. Grab a seat under the string lights or take your order to go. Either way, the flavors travel straight from Louisiana family recipes to the heart of Downtown San Jose.

Stop by the next time you find yourself near San Pedro Square. The line may form quickly on match days, but the reward is pure comfort on a plate.

Source: SVBJ

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

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

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

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

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

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

San Jose Hosts the Biggest Watch Party for USMNT World Cup Knockout Match

Fans who followed the tournament buildup already sensed San Jose stepped up in a major way during the group stage. Now U.S. Soccer selected Soccer Celebration presented by El Camino Health in San Pedro Square Market as the official watch party site for the United States Men’s National Team Round of 32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday at 5 p.m. PT.

The decision fits the momentum that built over recent weeks. San Pedro Square Market served as the central gathering spot where more than 350,000 supporters turned out for group stage matches, including crowds that hit 25,000 for some USMNT games. Organizers added a fourth giant screen to the existing 450-square-foot video wall so everyone gains a clear view of the action. New soccer activities, partner zones and special activations from U.S. Soccer and the Earthquakes will keep the energy high throughout the evening.

This choice underscores how San Jose positioned itself as a premier destination for international soccer experiences. The city drew massive numbers at stadiums and public spaces alike, building on decades of hosting history that includes World Cup matches in past tournaments and consistent sellouts at local venues. Partnerships with the San José Sports Authority, the City of San José and the Bay Area Host Committee turned the market into a true community hub where families, longtime supporters and new fans shared the excitement.

The added elements transform the venue into an even stronger destination for this pivotal knockout game. Attendees can expect player appearances, interactive zones and the kind of electric atmosphere that makes watching together more memorable than anywhere else. Those who join the celebration contribute to the larger story of San Jose claiming its role as a soccer capital that delivers world-class events right in the heart of Downtown.

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

San Jose Will Host a Free Soccer Celebration at San Pedro Square as the FIFA World Cup Brings Major Economic Gains to Downtown

The FIFA World Cup will generate between $480 million and $630 million dollars in economic impact for the Bay Area and Downtown San Jose is preparing to capture a significant share of that activity over the next six weeks. Businesses throughout the area adjust staffing levels and supply chains now to handle the expected surge in visitors.

San Pedro Square will transform into the central gathering spot for soccer fans with the Soccer Celebration running from June 11 through July 19. Admission stays free, and more than ten thousand people already signed up for the June 11 opener between Mexico and South Africa. A twenty-seven-foot screen will rise above the square, funded in part by the San Jose Earthquakes along with hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional entertainment investments from the team and partners.

Restaurant leaders such as those at Nuvo Hospitality plan for sustained sales growth rather than single peak days. They draw on experience from Super Bowl 60, which delivered strong results thanks to effective promotion and good weather, while avoiding the overstaffing pitfalls seen during Super Bowl 50. The activation of the Entertainment Zone ordinance will allow to-go alcohol sales for outdoor consumption, a welcome change for big events like this.

This event highlights San Jose's growing role in international soccer, supported by its dedicated facilities and the current momentum of the San Jose Earthquakes near the top of the MLS standings. Families, friends, and visitors from around the world will find a welcoming space to share in the excitement of the planet's premier sporting event, all while boosting local establishments in the heart of Downtown San Jose.

Source: SVBJ

Square Pie Guys Brings Detroit-Style Pizza to Downtown San Jose, Slice of Homage Planning New Downtown Venue

Detroit-style pizza fans gained a strong new reason to visit San Pedro Square when Square Pie Guys opened inside San Pedro Social at the end of March. The Bay Area favorite brought its signature square pies with crispy, caramelized cheese edges right into the center of Downtown San Jose.

With several successful locations already operating across the region, Square Pie Guys expanded to its seventh spot after building momentum in Campbell. The team chose the San Pedro Square location specifically to experience how the brand connects with the steady crowds generated by events and the surrounding energy of Downtown.

They have taken up residence in the old Slice of Homage location (honestly my favorite pizza place of all time). The transition has opened the door for Slice of Homage to pursue a larger venue in Downtown San Jose. The popular pizzeria, which ran in the space for two and a half years, will return later this year with more room, parking, an expanded menu and a full bar to create an even better experience for guests.

Source: SVBJ, SVBJ (2)

Super Bowl Weekend Ignites Downtown San Jose with Massive Crowds and Electric Nights

From February 6 through 8, Downtown San Jose pulsed with the energy of Super Bowl fans who turned streets into a whirlwind of celebration. Tens of thousands gathered for a block party, two major concerts, a dazzling drone display, and endless options for food and beverages.

The concerts stole the show, with Bay Area native Kehlani commanding the stage on Friday and Australian DJ Dom Dolla following up on Saturday. Throngs packed the area from the Fourth Street stage clear to Sixth Street, leaving barely room to breathe amid the sea of swaying bodies. City planners had hoped for around 10,000 attendees per night, yet the turnout shattered those figures, proving the draw of free, high-caliber entertainment in the heart of the city.

Over in San Pedro Square, an entertainment zone let revelers carry drinks from bars straight into the open streets, amplifying the festive chaos. Come game day, fans without stadium tickets crammed around venues like O'Flaherty's and Dr. Funk, spilling onto sidewalks to catch glimpses of the action on indoor screens. Local business owners noted surges in activity, with some spots pulling in three to four times their usual weekend haul, thanks to the influx of out-of-towners seeking a lively spot to root for their teams.

This whirlwind weekend showcases how San Jose has sharpened its edge in hosting big-league gatherings, narrowing the distance from events of a decade past. With eyes now on upcoming spectacles like the World Cup and NCAA West Regional, San Jose will build on this success to draw even more visitors. Leaders grade the execution as top-tier, a solid affirmation that thoughtful planning yields lasting ripples in community spirit and economic vitality.

Source: SVBJ

Color Takes Flight with New Mural on San Pedro Street

A large-scale mural by Bay Area artist John Osgood adds vibrant energy to San Pedro Street in Downtown San Jose. Stretching about 650 feet along a temporary construction wall near the parking structure at Market and West St. John Streets, the artwork showcases birds amid graphic clouds and radiant beams. This visual nod to nature's joy transforms an everyday urban space into something uplifting for passersby.

The project started after Osgood placed his art at the District restaurant on San Pedro Street. Coordinated by the San Jose Downtown Association and backed by local businesses, painting began in early September. It ties into broader garage improvements, which will later include a light installation by artist Brian Brush.

As part of the SJDA's Love DTSJ: Barrier Beautification program, the mural turns construction barriers into artistic displays. This approach cuts down on graffiti and vandalism while building ties among artists, contractors, and the community. Osgood's focus on nature provides a fresh contrast to the city setting, encouraging thoughts on adaptation and growth.

Community feedback highlights the mural's bright colors and positive vibe, with residents appreciating how it brings humor and lightness to the area. San Jose benefits from such creative efforts that enhance public spaces and foster civic pride.

It's great to see Downtown San Jose keep evolving through collaborations that blend art with everyday life, making streets more inviting and connected.

For more information, watch this Insta reel.

Downtown San Jose Prepares for Major Events with New Art on the Market Street Garage, but at a Price

San Jose keeps enhancing its urban landscape through ambitious public art initiatives that promise to draw visitors from near and far. The latest project involves a $1.8 million installation on the facade of the Market Street parking garage adjacent to San Pedro Square. Created by artist Brian Brush, this abstract work combines color, light, industrial materials, and LED elements to create a dynamic visual experience. Construction begins on August 8, with demolition wrapping up in time for the 2026 Super Bowl, and full completion expected by August 2027. This timing aligns perfectly with the city's role in hosting both the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup games, setting the stage for Downtown San Jose to shine on a global scale.

Unfortunately, the project requires a temporary closure of the four Moment San Pedro artisan stores housed in the garage since June 30. Moment serves as a vital incubator for small businesses, providing affordable brick-and-mortar spaces in high-traffic areas with two-year leases. Over the years, more than 20 businesses have thrived in these San Pedro storefronts, gaining stability and community connections that extend beyond pop-up events. The other Moment locations on Post Street and Paseo de San Antonio remain open and vibrant, continuing to support local entrepreneurs.

Looking ahead, the Moment team aims to reopen the San Pedro spaces by early 2027, once construction concludes, allowing displaced businesses the chance to return and build on their progress. This development ties into broader efforts like the Threads Woven mural on San Pedro Square and relaxed rules in entertainment zones, all designed to boost foot traffic and energy in Downtown San Jose.

Source: San Jose Spotlight

San Pedro Saturdays Brings Creativity to Life in Downtown San Jose

The next San Pedro Saturdays is a fresh outdoor event dedicated to stationery, handmade crafts, and artistic expression. Set for July 26 from noon to 5 p.m., this gathering transforms Stationery Depot at 60 N. San Pedro Street into a hub for local talent. More than 20 artists, makers, and illustrators will display their notebooks, washi tapes, stickers, greeting cards, and notepads, offering visitors a chance to find one-of-a-kind items that spark joy and inspiration.

Attendees can dive into hands-on activities that make the day interactive and memorable. Options include crafting watercolor patterns and letterpress printing greeting cards with Love Through Letterpress and Sherry’s Palette, where supplies come free and each person takes home a card. Other highlights feature designing personalized postcards at Yours Truly, Mary Anne, swapping stickers at the MOMENT Trading Post, and decorating bookmarks or journals at a DIY station. A coloring area at Sueños adds flair with designs inspired by flowers, butterflies, and cultural icons, ensuring something for every age group.

Special touches elevate the experience, such as an exclusive Stationery Depot sticker sheet giveaway for the first 300 guests, created by Hungry Whales. Partnerships with organizations like SJMADE, the City of San Jose, and San Pedro Square support this community-driven initiative. Free parking for 90 minutes in nearby garages, including the Market & San Pedro Square Garage, makes it easy to join in.

Events like San Pedro Saturdays strengthen the bonds in Downtown San Jose by spotlighting local creators and encouraging shared creativity. They draw people together to celebrate the city's artistic side and build lasting connections.

Playback Coffee: Brewing a New Beat in Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose’s San Pedro Square Market is gaining a unique addition with Playback Coffee, a new spot that blends high-quality brews with a nod to the city’s radio broadcasting past. Currently in its soft opening phase, this 5,000-square-foot coffee shop at 87 N. San Pedro St. is set to officially open its doors on Saturday, July 26.

The vision behind Playback Coffee comes from David Mulvehill, president and COO of Nuvo Hospitality, and Frank Nguyen, the founder of Academic Coffee. These two have a history that goes back nearly a decade, starting when Nguyen hosted pop-ups at Mulvehill’s Five Points Cocktail Bar. Together, they’ve crafted a space that feels uniquely tied to San Jose. The shop’s playlist spans decades, featuring everything from ‘80s and ‘90s classics to contemporary hip hop and rock. A mobile DJ station keeps the tunes spinning all day and doubles as the drink pick-up area, with plans for early-morning pop-up raves adding an extra layer of excitement.

The interior of Playback Coffee reflects its bold identity. Stereos with light features and artist murals are being added to the walls, enhancing the atmosphere. The menu builds on Academic Coffee’s reputation, serving the same expertly roasted coffee beans and matcha. After the grand opening, expect an expanded lineup of drinks, including new creations and some fan-favorite throwbacks from Academic’s seasonal menus. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting July 26, this spot is designed to be more than just a coffee stop; it’s a place for the community to gather and enjoy something fun.

Academic Coffee is my favorite of many great coffee options Downtown, so I can't wait to see how this turns out.

Source: SVBJ