Update on Danny the Dragon in Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

The most famous ride in San Jose history is getting a major makeover. The new Danny the Dragon ride will weave through five new lands with entirely new decorations. Most of those will be habitats reminiscent of Happy Hollow and the animals that live in them but the train will eventually travel to the Land of Enchantment with Rupunzel's castle, a gnome grove, and mushroom meadow. If you have younger kids, this will be the ride to take them to locally in the summer when it reopens. Stay tuned for more updates later this summer on this exciting enhancement to Happy Hallow Park & Zoo!

42nd Fountain Blues & Brews Festival in San Jose

San Jose comes alive with the soulful sounds of blues and the clinking of craft beer glasses as the Fountain Blues & Brews Festival returns to Downtown for its 42nd year. Held at Plaza de César Chavez on June 14-15, this award-winning event—voted the Best Festival in Silicon Valley—offers a weekend packed with live music, local brews, food trucks, and family fun. It’s an ideal way to kick off summer while soaking in the vibrant energy of the city’s core.

The festival delivers a dynamic lineup of blues musicians, filling the air with soulful guitar riffs and powerful vocals. Alongside the tunes, attendees can explore a wide selection of craft beers from local breweries and enjoy tasty bites from food trucks serving up Southern-inspired dishes. Families will find plenty to love too, with vintage games and activities designed for all ages.

Beyond the music and flavors, the Fountain Blues & Brews Festival celebrates community spirit. It shines a spotlight on local artists, brewers, and vendors, weaving together the threads of San Jose’s creative culture. The open layout of Plaza de César Chavez enhances the experience, offering plenty of space to relax, connect, and enjoy the day. Gates open at 11 a.m. each day, with “in and out” privileges so you can come and go as you please. Kids 12 and under get in free with a paid adult, and VIP packages elevate the fun with perks like exclusive seating and drink tickets.

Ready to join the party? Tickets are available now, and grabbing them early scores you a discount. 

Waymo Rolls into San Jose: A New Era of Innovation and Opportunity

The California Public Utilities Commission has approved Waymo, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, to launch passenger services right here in our city. This isn’t just another transportation option—it’s a game-changer. With Waymo’s driverless vehicles now authorized to offer fare-based rides, we’re on the cusp of a transformation that could redefine how we navigate our streets. Even with only 300 vehicles, Waymo has overtaken Lyft to become the second most popular ride hailing service in SF behind Uber. 

For a city already known for pushing technological boundaries, Waymo’s arrival feels like a perfect fit. Autonomous vehicles bring the promise of safer roads, smoother commutes, and greater accessibility—solutions that a growing city like San Jose can truly benefit from. It’s an exciting time to witness our city embrace a development that will shape urban life for years to come.

With the company already operating in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, San Jose joins an exclusive league of places leading the charge in autonomous tech. Add to that the recent approval from the California Department of Motor Vehicles for Waymo to test on our public streets, and it’s clear San Jose is becoming a proving ground for the next big ideas in mobility. San Jose has always been a place that looks ahead, and with Waymo now part of our community, we’re driving toward a future full of possibility.

Source: San Jose Inside

Levitt San Jose's 2025 Concert Series: A Summer of Free Music in St. James Park

Summer in Downtown San Jose promises to be unforgettable with Levitt San Jose’s 2025 concert series kicking off in St. James Park. This lineup of free, family-friendly shows brings a wide range of musical genres—blues, country, souldies, cumbia, and more—right to the heart of the city. Beyond the music, these events foster a sense of community, turning the park into a lively gathering spot for all ages, complete with food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and activities for kids.

The series launches on June 1st with a blues-packed afternoon co-presented by The Fountain Blues Foundation. Maxx Cabello Jr., a Bay Area guitarist and vocalist with a knack for captivating crowds, headlines the show, joined by opener M’ssippi Slide. Later, on June 22nd, Cash’d Out takes the stage, delivering a spot-on tribute to Johnny Cash’s early sound with a high-energy twist that appeals to fans across generations. 

From July through September, the series keeps the momentum going with an eclectic mix of performances. Expect souldies on July 6th with Thee Heart Tones and The Charities, a cumbia and Latinx rock explosion on July 20th featuring Tropa Magica, and a psychedelic Latinx night with Valley Wolf on August 3rd. The lineup rounds out with a reggae bash on August 24th and a cumbia celebration on September 6th, each event co-presented by local arts groups that highlight San Jose’s rich cultural diversity.

Every concert is free and designed for families, with plenty of on-site extras like food vendors and kid-friendly fun. It’s a chance to enjoy live music while supporting the local scene and the vision for a permanent Pavilion structure in St. James Park.

Want to be part of it? Grab your friends and family and head to St. James Park this summer. For those who feel inspired, Levitt San Jose welcomes volunteers and donations to keep the music playing. Check out www.levittsanjose.org or follow @LevittSanJose on social media for the latest updates and details.

Downtown San Jose Adding New Entertainment Zones

The city has greenlit a plan to designate specific areas where outdoor events can flow freely with food, drinks, and fun. Examples include live music, street festivals, and casual gatherings under the open sky. 

These entertainment zones will take root in some of Downtown’s most beloved spots: San Pedro Square, the SoFA District, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez. These areas already have a special charm, but with the new rules, they’re poised to become hubs of even more activity. The city’s goal is clear—make Downtown a place where people want to hang out, grab a drink, and soak in the energy of a revitalized urban core.

The timing couldn’t be better. San Jose is already looking ahead to big moments like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where these zones could host massive watch parties with fans cheering together in the streets. City leaders, including Mayor Matt Mahan and District 3 Councilmember Carl Salas, see this as a way to elevate San Jose’s profile, blending its tech-savvy spirit with a laid-back, social vibe that’s distinctly Californian.

What’s really exciting is how this move opens the door for more than just one-off events. By loosening restrictions, San Jose is creating a foundation for businesses to thrive and for the community to come together in new ways. Whether it’s a weekend market, an impromptu concert, or a casual night out, these zones promise to inject life into Downtown.

Source: NBC Bay Area

Experience the Vibrant Soul of Spain in Downtown San Jose

Symphony San Jose is closing its season with España, a concert that promises to be a feast for the senses. This musical journey through Spain, led by the acclaimed Spanish conductor Jose Luis Gomez, will take you on an unforgettable cultural adventure right here in our city.

The concert features an exciting program that includes works by Gabriela Lena Frank, Maurice Ravel, and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, each offering their unique take on Spanish music. But the true highlight of the evening is Joaquin Rodrigo’s beloved Concierto de Aranjuez, performed by the virtuosic Spanish guitarist Rafael Aguirre. Known for its passionate melodies and intricate guitar passages, this piece is a cornerstone of Spanish classical music and a must-hear for any music lover. With Gomez at the helm and Aguirre’s masterful guitar work, this performance is set to bring an authentic Spanish flair to the stage.

But the excitement doesn’t start with the first note of the orchestra. Arrive early to indulge in a pre-concert experience. One hour before the concert, you can savor delicious Spanish tapas, sip on refreshing sangria, and be mesmerized by a live flamenco dance show.

Join us at the historic California Theatre in Downtown San Jose on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 7:30 PM or Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 2:30 PM. Tickets range from $35 to $121.50, with special discounts for youth under 17 when purchased with a full-price ticket. Parking is convenient and affordable at the nearby city-owned garage on San Carlos Street. For more details about the artists, including conductor Jose Luis Gomez and guitarist Rafael Aguirre, visit the Symphony San Jose website.

The Clara: A New Gem in Silicon Valley’s Crown

Santa Clara’s latest luxury residential development, The Clara, has opened its doors, and it’s giving us plenty of reasons to get excited. Located in the heart of the emerging Clara District, this 22-story high-rise sits just steps from Levi’s Stadium, blending modern living with easy access to entertainment and events. It's actually the tallest residential building in Silicon Valley outside of Downtown San Jose.

With 508 homes ranging from studios to sprawling penthouses, The Clara is already turning heads—only two penthouses remain available for lease, a sign of just how much demand there is for this kind of upscale living near San Jose.

The residences themselves are a showcase of thoughtful design and high-end touches. Open gourmet kitchens come equipped with custom Italian cabinetry, Caesarstone countertops, and Bosch smart appliances, including gas cooktops for those who love to cook. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, while features like Nest thermostats, Salto keyless entry, and customizable Elfa closets make daily life both convenient and stylish. It’s the kind of place that feels like a step up, whether you’re a tech professional, a family, or someone who just appreciates a well-crafted home.

What really sets The Clara apart, though, are the amenities. Residents can enjoy a 6,500-square-foot fitness center that flows indoors and out, a yoga studio, and a spa complete with sauna and steam rooms. There’s a karaoke room for fun nights in, coworking spaces that adapt to hybrid work life, and even a children’s playroom and outdoor playground. The eighth-floor terrace offers a 75-foot pool with views of Levi's Stadium, grilling stations, and bocce courts, while the rooftop deck delivers jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the South Bay and San Jose. It’s hard not to imagine hosting friends or unwinding after a long day in spaces like these.

This 45-acre neighborhood is shaping up to be a lively, walkable hub with plans for 4,500 residences, public parks, bike lanes, and over 100,000 square feet of shops and restaurants. The Clara puts you right in the middle of these future project, with top employers close by and a lifestyle that’s hard to beat.

Pricing starts at $3,270/mo and you can schedule a tour by calling 408-922-9000 or visiting www.theclara.com. 

Tanishq Unveils a Gem of a Store in Santa Clara

San Jose’s South Asian community—and jewelry lovers across the Bay Area—have something special to explore with the arrival of Tanishq’s flagship store in Santa Clara. The 5,100 sq. ft. showroom, located at 3406 El Camino Real, opened its doors earlier this year and celebrated its official grand opening on May 8. The event brought a slice of Indian tradition to Silicon Valley with a lamp-lighting ceremony, a ribbon cutting, and a musical performance. Santa Clara’s mayor joined even local leaders and enthusiastic visitors.

The showroom dazzles with thousands of gold and diamond pieces, each one a testament to Indian craftsmanship with a modern twist. Collections like Rhythms of Rain and Tales of Mystique stand out, offering designs that tie into cultural heritage while marking life’s big moments such as weddings, festivals, or even a just well-deserved treat. 

What makes this opening exciting for the San Jose metro is how it adds to the city’s growing reputation as a hub for culture and creativity. The store’s luxurious vibe and focus on heritage invite everyone to discover something unique. 

San Pedro Saturdays: A Vibrant Celebration of Community in Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose transforms each month with San Pedro Saturdays, a lively event series that turns San Pedro Street into a pedestrian-friendly playground. Organized by the San Jose Downtown Association alongside local partners like SJ Made and Moment SJ, these gatherings bring a fresh dose of energy to the city. With themes ranging from San Jose Cat Day to Spring Bloom Day and Pawlentine’s Day, there’s a distinct flavor to every event, appealing to plant lovers, pet owners, and everyone in between. 

Held at San Pedro Square, a historic gem in the heart of Downtown San Jose, these events draw crowds with their mix of local vendors, artists, and makers. The street closes to traffic, opening up space for over 20 booths where you can find handmade goods, tasty bites, and creative works—all crafted by folks from the area. Today there will also be spin-the-wheel-prizes, friendship bracelets, a community mural, and Gizmo the robot dog. 

Entry is free, dogs are encouraged to tag along, and all ages can join in the fun. 

Bitterbuck: A Fresh Twist in Downtown San Jose’s Bar Scene

Cache Bouren has been shaping Downtown San Jose’s bar scene for over 15 years. His journey started with Singlebarrel in 2010, a craft cocktail lounge that set the stage for what would become Haberdasher in 2015. Both spots earned loyal followings for their creativity and charm. Now, Bouren is ready to unveil his latest venture, Bitterbuck, in the emerging Fountain Alley district.

What sets Bitterbuck apart is its dual personality. By day, it’s a haven for coffee lovers, featuring pour-overs crafted with a Poursteady machine from Brooklyn. This automated setup, capable of brewing up to five cups at once with a robotic spout for precision, reflects Bouren’s obsession with quality coffee. As night falls, the space transforms into a cocktail lounge, spotlighting sparkling wines, bitter liqueurs, and amaro-driven drinks. It’s a concept that bridges morning and evening crowds, common in Europe but offering a fresh take on what a Downtown San Jose hangout can be.

The location in Fountain Alley feels like a perfect fit. This pocket of Downtown is on the rise, part of a larger wave of revitalization bringing new energy to the area. Bitterbuck joins this momentum. Bouren has a knack for spotting what’s missing in the market, and with amaro gaining traction, his timing couldn’t be better.

Source: The Mercury News