Starlight Cinema Brings Outdoor Movie Magic to Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose transforms into a vibrant open-air theater this summer with the return of Starlight Cinema. Hosted by the San Jose Downtown Association, this free movie series invites families, friends, and neighbors to gather at St. James Park for unforgettable evenings under the stars.

Each screening offers more than just a film. Attendees can arrive early to enjoy live music, local food vendors, and lawn games, creating a festive atmosphere before the main event. Blankets and low-back chairs are encouraged for comfort, while the park’s lush green space provides an ideal setting for picnics. The lineup features family-friendly classics and crowd-pleasing blockbusters, ensuring something for all ages. Check the San Jose Downtown Association’s website for the full schedule and details.

The series runs on select summer nights, with films starting at dusk. Next up is Nacho Libre on July 13th and A Minecraft Movie on July 27th. Arriving early ensures a good spot and time to enjoy the pre-show entertainment. Parking is available nearby, and public transit options like VTA make getting to Downtown a breeze. Starlight Cinemas is free and kid-friendly.

Free Summer Concerts at St. James Park: 2025 Series Announced

Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose is bringing back their beloved free concert series to St. James Park, and the 2025 lineup promises to be a standout season. Running from May through September, this series offers a dazzling array of musical genres—think Afrobeats, blues, country, cumbia, and more—designed to delight every listener. Beyond the music, these events weave together the fabric of our community, blending local flavors, family fun, and a shared love for live performances in one of San Jose’s most iconic green spaces.

The series kicks off on May 25 with a dynamic celebration of Africa Day, co-presented by AWO. Expect an afternoon filled with the infectious rhythms of Riddim Exchange, a Bay Area collective delivering electrifying Afrobeats, alongside the traditional Zimbabwean sounds and dances of the Chinyakare Ensemble. The day starts strong with the Anambra State Cultural Association of Nigeria showcasing the rich heritage of the Igbo people through music and masquerade. This is just a taste of what’s to come—summer highlights include soulful blues on June 1 with Maxx Cabello Jr., psychedelic Latinx funk from Valley Wolf on August 3, and a roots reggae bash featuring Groundation on August 24. With concerts spanning the season, there’s always a new sound to discover.

Bring the family and settle in for a day of enjoyment: kids can dive into tailored activities while adults unwind with a cold drink from the beer and wine garden or savor bites from an array of food trucks. Every event is free and open to everyone, making it an inviting way to spend a weekend in Downtown San Jose.

Each concert is co-presented by local cultural powerhouses like The Fountain Blues Foundation, MACLA, and Needle to the Groove, reflecting San Jose’s diverse artistic spirit. These partnerships elevate every performance and underscore a collective commitment to enriching our city’s cultural landscape. Even more exciting, this series is paving the way for the permanent Levitt Pavilion structure—a future landmark that will amplify San Jose’s reputation as a hub for creativity and connection.

Don’t let this summer pass you by without joining the fun at St. James Park. Head to www.levittsanjose.org for the full schedule and details on how to donate or volunteer to support this incredible initiative. Follow

@LevittSanJose

on social media to catch the latest updates on artists and events.