San Jose Lands in the Top 10 Happiest Cities in America

San Jose ranked 10th among the 182 largest U.S. cities in WalletHub’s 2026 Happiest Cities in America report, earning an overall score of 67.79. The ranking evaluated 29 indicators across emotional and physical well-being, income and employment, and community and environment.

The city performed especially well in emotional and physical well-being, placing 7th in that category. It also recorded one of the nation’s lowest separation and divorce rates. Income and employment ranked 45th while community and environment came in at 42nd.

Fremont took the top national spot for the seventh consecutive year, followed by Bismarck, North Dakota, and Scottsdale, Arizona. Other California cities in the top tier included Irvine at 8th. San Francisco placed 17th.

These results highlight measurable strengths in health, life satisfaction, and social stability that contribute to daily quality of life for residents. The data provides one more data point in the ongoing conversation about what makes a city a good place to call home.

Source: WalletHub

Rising Star Pianist Angel Stanislav Wang Opens Steinway Society Season

Steinway Society – The Bay Area will launch its 31st season on Sunday, September 27, with a recital by 23-year-old pianist Angel Stanislav Wang at the Visual and Performing Arts Center on the De Anza College campus in Cupertino. The 2:30 p.m. program, titled Worlds Away, moves from the Spanish lyricism of Granados through Liszt’s demanding Sonata in B Minor, Debussy’s atmospheric Estampes, and the rhythmic drive of Stravinsky’s Three Movements from Petrushka.

Wang has already collected major international prizes, including silver at the Tchaikovsky Competition, first prize at the Rachmaninoff Competition, and a place as one of the youngest finalists in Van Cliburn history. Born in Los Angeles and trained in Moscow, he has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Musikverein while building a reputation for expressive power and technical command. The Cupertino appearance marks a local chance to hear an artist whose career is accelerating across major venues and series.

The intimate 400-seat hall at De Anza offers a clear acoustic setting well suited to solo piano. Steinway Society, a Silicon Valley nonprofit now entering its fourth decade, continues its focus on presenting award-winning pianists alongside an active education program. Single tickets range from $53 to $78, with senior and student discounts available; three- and six-concert subscriptions remain on offer for those who want to hear the full season.

Tickets and full season details are available through steinwaysociety.com or by calling 408-300-5635.

Back-to-School Night Market Returns to Grand Century Mall

Shoppers and families can head to Grand Century Shopping Mall on August 28 and 29 for the Back to School edition of 365 Night Market. The free event runs from 4 to 10 p.m. both days at 1111 Story Road and features more than 50 vendors offering street food, merchandise, and cultural goods.

Live dance and music performances, raffle giveaways, and other entertainment fill out the evenings. Free parking is available on site, and the market welcomes all ages. Organizers stage these gatherings monthly from February through October as a consistent local destination for food and shopping.

The Back to School theme arrives just as the new school year approaches, giving residents a convenient way to grab snacks, unique items, and enjoy performances without leaving east San Jose. Street-food options and vendor booths typically draw steady crowds looking for an easy weekend outing.

This recurring market continues to highlight the variety of flavors and small businesses centered around Story Road. Mark the dates and arrive ready to explore the stalls and stages.

The Jazba Bazaar Brings South Asian Brands to Santana Row

Shoppers can explore more than 50 South Asian-founded brands this Sunday at The Jazba Bazaar. The free open-air market runs from 1 to 7 p.m. on August 2 at Santana Row and features fashion, jewelry, beauty, home goods, art, food, wellness products, and items for kids.

Organized by The Jazba Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting South Asian entrepreneurs, the event gives founders a chance to meet customers face-to-face while visitors discover unique collections. A fashion show is scheduled for 5 p.m., and street food plus Bollywood music add to the afternoon atmosphere.

The gathering continues the collective’s work of elevating consumer brands built by South Asian founders across North America. Attendees can connect with the makers, support small businesses, and spend a few hours browsing under the trees at Santana Row.

This one-day marketplace offers a straightforward way to experience the creativity and variety of South Asian entrepreneurship right in one of San Jose’s most popular outdoor shopping destinations.

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.

Silicon Valley Pride Returns to Downtown San Jose with Flourish & Bloom Theme

Silicon Valley Pride will mark its 51st year with a two-day celebration in Downtown San Jose on August 29 and 30. The 2026 theme, Flourish & Bloom, centers on growth, resilience, and community strength.

Saturday evening brings the Night Festival at Plaza de César Chávez Park from 6 to 11 p.m., featuring live entertainment, food vendors, and opportunities to connect with local organizations and businesses. The main parade steps off Sunday at 10:30 a.m. from Julian Street and Market Street, traveling through Downtown San Jose and concluding at the park. The Day Festival then runs from noon to 6 p.m. with stages, vendors, family activities, and resource booths.

Spectators can watch the parade free of charge. Festival access requires tickets, which you can purchase here. The weekend welcomes participants of all ages and includes spaces focused on families, transgender and nonbinary communities, and other groups within the broader LGBTQ+ community.

Organizers continue their year-round advocacy work through this annual gathering, which draws thousands to the heart of Downtown San Jose. The combination of parade energy and park festival creates a full weekend of visibility and connection right in the city’s core.

Free Outdoor Screening of How to Train Your Dragon at Joseph D. Grant County Park

Families can settle under the open sky on Saturday, August 1, for a free showing of the live-action How to Train Your Dragon at Joseph D. Grant County Park. The film begins at sunset, with the evening running from 8:00 p.m. to about 10:45 p.m. at the Canada De Pala group site.

Santa Clara County Parks hosts the event as part of its summer Movie Nights in the Park series. Entry costs nothing, though parking runs $6 per vehicle. Guests should bring a chair or blanket, a flashlight, and snacks. Dogs stay home for this one.

The park sits at 18405 Mount Hamilton Road in San José and offers a scenic backdrop of rolling hills for the adventure. Arriving early helps secure a good spot before the lights go down and the story of dragons and friendship unfolds on the big screen.

This simple outdoor gathering gives local residents an easy way to enjoy a popular family film without leaving the county’s natural spaces. Pack light, head out early, and settle in for an evening of movie magic among the trees.

Source: Santa Clara County Parks

Free Outdoor Screening of Zootopia 2 Comes to Jack Fischer Park

Families across San Jose and the surrounding South Bay have a free evening activity waiting later today at Jack Fischer Park in Campbell. The City of Campbell Recreation team is screening Zootopia 2 outdoors starting at 7:30 p.m., with the movie running until about 10 p.m.

The park sits at Abbott Avenue and Pollard Road, just a short drive from many San Jose neighborhoods. Organizers recommend arriving early to claim a good spot on the grass. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks; free parking is available on site. The event is open to all ages and requires no tickets.

Jack Fischer Park offers open lawns and a family-friendly setting that works well for an evening under the stars. The animated sequel follows the continuing adventures of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, giving younger viewers a familiar story while parents can relax outdoors.

Campbell’s free movie nights have become a reliable summer tradition for nearby residents. With the screening happening tonight, it offers a simple way to spend a Friday evening outdoors without planning far ahead.

Spring Fling Wine Stroll Awaits at Santana Row

The Spring Fling Wine Stroll takes place on Thursday, March 19th from 5-7:30pm across Santana Row. Attendees will move between tasting stations set up at shops and restaurants throughout the row, sampling selections that range from local California vintages to international favorites, accompanied by lite bites.

Expect to encounter selections from producers such as Cuda Ridge Wines, JMC Cellars, Rosa Fierro Cellars, Sakura Winery, and Steven Kent Winery. The evening unfolds with live music drifting through the plazas, and exclusive shopping perks.

A share of the $50 ticket price goes toward Hunger at Home, aiding meal distribution in the community. For tickets and additional information, visit https://santanarow.com/event/spring-fling-wine-stroll/

Fourth of July Fun in Santa Clara

As San Jose's official Fourth of July fireworks show at Lake Cunningham has been cancelled this year, the next best thing is to kick off Independence Day with a festive celebration with one of our neighbors! Santa Clara’s 4th of July event at Mission College is a short drive away and promises a day packed with excitement for the whole family.

The celebration starts at 4pm with a dozen food trucks and live music fills the air throughout the day. As evening approaches, the real highlight takes center stage: a spectacular fireworks show at 9:35 p.m. Launched from Great America and accompanied by patriotic music, the display lights up the night sky and offers a stunning view for all. Bring a lawn chair, gather your loved ones, and cap off the day with a great show.

For more information and the full lineup of entertainment and food trucks, head over here.

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.

Tech at Nite: San Jose’s Techy Night Out Returns!

The Tech Interactive is gearing up for another unforgettable Tech at Nite event on Thursday, April 3rd, from 7:00 to 11:00 PM. This 21+ nightlife experience is the perfect way to explore a different side of San Jose's most techy museum, right in the heart of Downtown San Jose at 201 S. Market St. If you’re looking for a night that blends science, local creativity, and a vibrant social scene, this is it!

Tech at Nite transforms The Tech Interactive into an adults-only playground. Expect a DJ dance party with beats curated by Universal Grammar, hands-on "Science of Spring" activities like crafting with pressed flowers or blending your own botanical scents, and a fermentation workshop with Fox Tale Fermentation Project. Plus, you can sip on local flavors while mingling with makers and innovators from our community. It’s a chance to explore the museum after hours, connect with Downtown’s nightlife, and see why San Jose is a hub of inspiration.

Tickets are $35 online or $45 at the door, with a special $30 rate for college students (just bring your student ID). The first 250 attendees get a free glass of wine donated by San Jose's own J. Lohr Vineyards. Parking is a breeze with $5 validated spots at nearby lots, or hop off the Light Rail at the Convention Center Station steps from the entrance. Start your night here, then wander into Downtown San Jose to keep the fun going!

San Jose shines brightest when we celebrate our unique blend of tech and culture. Tech at Nite is more than an event—it’s a taste of what makes our city special. Grab your tickets and join the party!

Purr-fect Fun Awaits at San José Cat Day on March 22!

On Saturday, March 22, from 12 PM to 6 PM, Downtown San Jose will transform into a feline paradise for the first-ever San José Cat Day. This event is a collaboration between the San Jose Downtown Association, SJMADE, MOMENT, and Mini Cat Town, and it’s set to be the ultimate celebration of all things kitty. Whether you’re a proud cat parent or just someone who can’t resist a good purr, this is the place to be!

The event features a Cat-Themed Vendor Market buzzing with over 20 local artists, makers, and illustrators, all showcasing their creative, cat-inspired goodies. From quirky artwork to handmade treasures, you’ll find plenty of unique items to bring a little feline flair into your life. There’s a Kitten Lounge hosted by Mini Cat Town where you can snuggle up with adorable, adoptable kittens. (Pro tip: reserve your spot in advance for some one-on-one cuddle time—walk-ins are limited.)

The fun unfolds outdoors at MOMENT San Pedro Square (60 N. San Pedro Street), right in the heart of Downtown San Jose. But wait, there’s more! Head over to MOMENT Japantown (208 Jackson Street) for Forever Garf, an original art show featuring Garfield-themed works from over 20 artists. You can snag some of this art on a “cash and carry” basis—buy it, take it home, and let Garfield rule your walls. Plus, the first 1,000 attendees at the art show score a free Garfield sticker by the talented poster illustrator @coco.choon.

And don’t miss the special giveaway at MOMENT Paseo (112 Paseo de San Antonio)—the first 1,000 folks to stop by the SJ Cat Day Booth will grab an 8.5" x 11" art print of this year’s San José Cat Day poster (minus the event info), also by @coco.choon. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the day and show off your San Jose pride.

Admission is free and parking is easy (check out parksj.org, or just use the San Pedro Square Garage with 90min of free parking). It's a great opportunity to support local creators and kitten rescue efforts, so a win-win for everyone.

Danny the Dragon Gets a Roaring Revival at Happy Hollow

San Jose’s beloved Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is breathing new life into one of its most iconic attractions—Danny the Dragon! For over six decades, this whimsical train ride has been a cornerstone of family fun in our city, delighting generations with its quirky charm and playful journey through the park. Now, thanks to a renovation project, Danny is set to soar to new heights, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store.

The Happy Hollow Foundation recently launched a $500,000 capital campaign to “reimagine” Danny the Dragon, ensuring this treasured mascot remains a vibrant part of San Jose’s story for years to come. This renovation goes beyond a simple spruce-up—it’s a full transformation. The updated Danny will evolve from a classic train ride into an immersive experience, guiding visitors through themed “lands” that reflect the diverse habitats found at Happy Hollow.

What makes this project extra special is its focus on community. The goal is to fund the entire renovation through local support, with donors earning a unique perk: their names will be featured on “dragon scales” along the ride’s queue fence (I ordered one myself). It’s a chance for San Joseans to leave their mark on a piece of the city’s history.

Below are some of the concepts for the reimagining of the ride, which is expected to be complete later this year. If you are interested in learning more or contributing to the project, head over here!

It's Not Too Late: TOTEM runs until April 15th!

It's not too late!
If you haven't already, you've got one week to catch one of the hottest, most astounding shows here in San Jose.

TOTEM, the traveling Cirque du Soleli show is still mesmerizing audiences, and will be until April 15th.

There is not a moment in the show that I was not amazed, smiling, or actually Oohing and Ahhing at the amazing talent these performers have.

Like many Cirque shows, there is also plenty of humous moments thrown throughout the show.

A couple of favorite moments from the evening..

The "Russian Bars": Just take a look at this photo. Do you see the thin little bouncy bar and how high off the ground these guys are? They jump and twist high in the air and magically (something tells me crazy amounts of practice has something to do with it) land each time back on the bars. This performance had me holding my breath.


(Photo by Daniel Auclair © 2010 Cirque du Soleil)

Another performance I enjoyed was the five girls on unicycles. I don't think I blinked during this part. I like to just TRY to imagine myself in the situation. Having to think about keeping the rhythm with your feet and making sure you're at a certain distance… ignore the audience… and TOSS!CATCH! Don't fall! Yeah I could totally do it. ;)



(Photo by Daniel Desmarais © 2010 Cirque du Soleil Inc.)

You've seen the ads, the artwork wrapped around the Light Rail trains… you've heard your friends rave about it. Be one of them and SEE THIS SHOW before time runs out!

The Weekend Map: San Jose

Here's a pretty cool site that I just found out about called "the weekend map."  It let's you see things that are going on in San Jose over the weekend spanning concerts, sports, volunteer events, conventions, etc. The interface is really slick and lets you quickly filter to only see what's relevant to you.

Check it out right over here.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!! If you still scrambling for a last minute plan, there are plenty of great San Jose restaurants that still have reservations available.  Here's the list of places that have openings somewhere between 5:30pm and 8pm today via Open Table:

• 19 Market
• Amber India
• BlueFin Japanese
• Emiles's
• La Pastaia
• Loft Bar and Bistro
• Maceio Brazillian Steakhouse
• Menara Moroccan Restaurant
• Morocco's Restaurant
• Morton's
• Rangoli India Restaurant
• Rosie McCann's
• Spiedo
• Teske's

Go to OpenTable.com and get your last minute reservation before someone else snags it!