San Jose Launches Game On Youth Sports Program Ahead of Epic 2026 Events

San Jose is introducing the Game On youth sports program, designed to inspire thousands of local students and community members. Officials gathered at the Boys & Girls Club of Silicon Valley - Smythe Clubhouse to unveil this initiative, part of the city's SJ26 campaign and backed by the San Jose Sports Authority. From January through June, 50 activations called Game On Moments will roll out at schools and community spots, reaching young people with hands-on sports experiences. Mayor Matt Mahan emphasized turning the year's major events into enduring benefits that extend far past the calendar.

The South Bay hosts Super Bowl LX, three March Madness games, and six World Cup matches between February 8 and July 1, drawing global attention. Former San Jose Earthquakes player Shea Salinas, now a club ambassador, highlighted how preparations for community involvement started with the World Cup announcement. He noted the importance of professional organizations in creating positive change. San Francisco 49ers President Al Guido added that connecting kids with athletes fosters a cycle of inspiration, where pros reflect on their own early influences while guiding the next generation.

To build a lasting legacy, the program focuses on infrastructure like fields, coaches, referees, and leagues to support youth development. Salinas pointed out the need to capitalize on the excitement around soccer and football, ensuring stable environments where kids can grow. This ripple effect aims to instill values that carry forward, with families passing on the passion for sports. Brandi Chastain, founder of Bay FC, introduced goalie Jordan Silkowitz, recently named to the U.S. national team, to show how dedication leads to achievement.

Source: SVBJ

Guitar Wars and The Void Celebrate Grand Opening in Downtown San Jose

San Jose is getting a new boost to its music landscape with the arrival of Guitar Wars and The Void at 447 South First Street in Downtown San Jose. The city is supporting the launch with a ribbon cutting ceremony today, starting at 3 p.m. Councilmember Anthony Tordillos, the San Jose Downtown Association, and owners Carlos Gascon and Josiah Kverno will share remarks. S.J. Sharkie joins as a special guest, bringing energy for families and offering photo opportunities during the event.

Guitar Wars began in 2013 at 4110 Monterey Highway in the Seven Trees neighborhood, where it built a loyal following over 12 years. Now relocating Downtown, the store focuses on musical instruments alongside The Void, a repair shop dedicated to affordable, high-quality service. Formed by a close-knit group of family, friends, musicians, and gear enthusiasts, Guitar Wars fosters a fun, inclusive environment tied to music culture. Its name nods to sci-fi themes and the drive behind every player's setup. The Void addresses needs in instrument maintenance and the broader scene, making sure budget constraints do not limit access to reliable care.

The celebration extends beyond the ceremony with live sets from local bands, a guitar raffle, and displays from area artists. Come February, music lessons launch, along with open mics and various events. The shop plans workshops on maintenance basics, electronics for guitars, and general upkeep to suit beginners and pros alike. This setup creates a central spot for discovering, practicing, and linking up within San Jose's music world.

Downtown San Jose thrives with its arts and festivals, including SoFA, blues, and jazz gatherings, but lacks robust music retail options. Guitar Wars steps in to bridge that, positioning itself amid the action to aid performers and enrich the community.

Photo by Gary Singh

FurCon Downtown San Jose Guide

The first long weekend of the year marks a unique San Jose tradition. If you notice a bunch of furry costumed characters running around Downtown San Jose, then you know FurCon is in town. If you want to increase your chances of seeing these rare creatures, below is the official FurCon Downtown San Jose Guide. 

Some of the places on the list like Fox Tail Fermentation Project and Haberdasher even have specials for FurCon attendees if they are wearing their suits. It's a fun weekend to hang out Downtown!

A Night on the Avenue: Evening Delights in Downtown Willow Glen

San Jose's Willow Glen neighborhood hosts A Night on the Avenue on Saturday, February 5, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM along Lincoln Avenue. This free event invites residents and visitors to explore the tree-lined streets filled with sidewalk cafes, boutiques, and easy free parking. Organized by the Willow Glen Business Association, the gathering turns the area into a lively spot for an evening out with friends or family.

Participating merchants offer a range of treats and promotions to enhance the stroll. Live entertainment fills the air at Copita Tequileria y Comida, where Chef Azari presents a special menu. Nearby, Sushi Confidential provides 20 percent off food and beverages, while Aldea Home San Jose serves refreshments. Shoppers find deals like 15 percent off entire purchases at BellaJames, no sales tax plus 10 percent off at Whatnots and Dodads, and free gift bags with qualifying buys at Aldea Home.

Additional highlights include a free brain hack demo and parent tip card pack at Brain Hacks Occupational Therapy, along with 20 percent off party rentals. The event showcases Willow Glen's small-town charm within San Jose, blending diverse dining, unique shopping, and community services in one accessible location.

For full details, visit https://www.willowglen.org/a-night-on-the-avenue.

Asia Live Set to Elevate Dining at Westfield Valley Fair

An expansive new restaurant named Asia Live is preparing to open at Westfield Valley Fair, bringing a wide array of flavors from across the continent to the San Jose area. This two-story venue spans about 13,000 square feet and offers seating for 350 guests, featuring dishes inspired by Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, and India. The concept builds on the success of its San Francisco predecessor, China Live, expanding the focus to celebrate a broader range of Asian culinary traditions in a marketplace-style setting.

The location at 2855 Stevens Creek Boulevard places Asia Live next to Shake Shack and across from Eataly, in the space once occupied by iChina. This addition enhances the mall's lineup of international eateries, drawing more visitors to explore the shopping and dining hub that serves as a key attraction for San Jose residents and those from surrounding communities. With a bar offering upscale cocktails similar to the original's popular spot, the restaurant aims to create a dynamic environment for meals, gatherings, and evening outings.

Scheduled for a spring 2026 debut, sometime between March and May, Asia Live represents another step in the ongoing growth of high-quality dining options in the region. It complements Westfield Valley Fair's role as a premier destination, where visitors can do more than just shop.

For more information, visit www.westfield.com/valleyfair.

Source: KRON4 (hat tip to usedmedia from Skyscraper City)

Silicon Valley Queer Film Festival Takes Center Stage in San Jose

San Jose hosts the Silicon Valley Queer Film Festival this weekend, drawing attention to compelling queer stories through short films and live performances. The event runs January 16 and 17, offering a platform for LGBTQ+ artists and filmmakers to share their work with the community. Local talent shines brightly, with contributions from Bay Area creators and San Jose State University students, making this a true reflection of the city's creative energy.

Friday's kick-off GAYLA unfolds at the Signia by Hilton in Downtown San Jose from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, setting the tone with celebrations of queer art. Festival pass holders gain access to an exclusive program from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, adding a layer of special engagement for dedicated supporters.

Saturday shifts to AMC Saratoga 14 for a full day of screenings from noon to 10:00pm, divided into five themed blocks that cover love, joy, science fiction, relationships, and deep emotions. Highlights include films such as Coven of the Midnight Sun and Alyssum, alongside drag routines by Ivy Flores and Empress Astara in the later sessions. Co-hosting partners like Qmunity, Silicon Valley Rainbow Rotary, and the Santa Clara Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs bring community focus to each block.

Tickets are available now, with options including $15 per individual block, $50 for a day pass covering all Saturday screenings plus Friday's regular program, or $75 for the full festival pass with exclusive access. For tickets and more details, visit https://fishnetsfilm.org/siliconvalleyqueerfilmfestival/.

Bloom Coming Soon to Downtown San Jose

This second location from the popular Santa Clara spot brings a menu focused on inventive brunch dishes, hearty lunches, and creative cocktails to the heart of the city. Diners can expect options like smoked chicken apple sausage scramble, croissant French toast topped with fresh berries, and avocado toast with unique twists that highlight seasonal ingredients.

The new venue at 225 W Santa Clara Street occupies the space formerly held by Opa!, directly across from the Pressroom, adding to the growing cluster of vibrant eateries in the area. With its cozy interior and outdoor seating, Bloom provides a welcoming atmosphere for morning meetings, weekend gatherings, or casual afternoons. The emphasis on quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation has already drawn locals and visitors alike, contributing to the lively street scene along Santa Clara Street.

This addition strengthens Downtown San Jose's reputation as a destination for diverse dining experiences. Bloom's arrival supports the ongoing revitalization, offering another reason for people to explore the neighborhood's mix of historic charm and modern amenities. Whether starting the day with a craft mimosa or enjoying a midday salad, the eatery invites everyone to savor what DTSJ has to offer.

For more details or to place an online order at their original location, visit www.bloomeatery.com.

Source: Willow Glen Charm

Downtown San Jose Then and Now: 1975 to Today

A collection of photographs from 1975, discovered in 2006 by architect Gerald Greenleaf while working for the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, offers a striking look at Downtown San Jose's evolution. These images, captured during a comprehensive street survey, stand in contrast to current views, with nearly half the scenes transformed beyond recognition and others heavily modified. The comparisons serve as a visual record of urban redevelopment, touching on themes of memory and city identity.

In 1975, Downtown featured wide streets, low-rise structures, and open blocks dotted with parking lots, creating a sparse and exposed landscape under the sun. Fewer trees left sidewalks bare, contributing to a slower, smaller-scale feel with plenty of visible sky. Fast forward to today, and the area boasts increased density through office towers, hotels, cultural spaces, and improved transit options that redefine the skyline and grid.

Greenery has multiplied, with trees now shading walkways and softening the edges of buildings for a more inviting environment. The shift stems largely from 1990s redevelopment efforts that pushed for ambition and vertical growth, turning underused spaces into a modern hub. This change reflects San Jose's ongoing transition from agricultural roots to a regional powerhouse.

These side-by-side views remind residents of what has been gained in vibrancy and lost in openness, preserving stories of the city's layers. Downtown San Jose continues to adapt, blending past elements with new possibilities.

For more details, visit https://www.retrobayarea.com/post/downtown-san-jose-then-and-now-1975-today.

$3 Million Investment Elevates East San Jose's Mexican Heritage Plaza

The School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza has secured a $3 million investment to expand La Avenida in East San Jose. Backed by Councilmember Peter Ortiz and the City of San Jose Housing Department, this funding launches the first phase by redeveloping a 28,000-square-foot commercial property directly across from the current facility. The site holds historical importance as the area where César Chávez started his early activism, making the project a meaningful step in preserving local heritage.

This expansion allows the plaza to broaden its cultural offerings, introduce family wellness services through partner Gardner Health Services, and create new economic pathways for the Mayfair neighborhood. Amid concerns over resident displacement along the Alum Rock Avenue corridor, La Avenida aims to stabilize the community by focusing on culture, health, and opportunity. Future phases will add affordable housing and more commercial spaces on the plaza campus.

A press conference to mark this development takes place on Tuesday, January 13, at noon at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. Speakers include Chief Executive Officer Jessica Paz-Cedillos, Councilmember Peter Ortiz, and others, sharing insights on the project's community impact.

For more details, visit https://www.schoolofartsandculture.org/

Two Wheel Tuesday Brings Bike Vibes and Vinyl to Downtown San Jose

Cyclists and music enthusiasts have a standing invitation every Tuesday at Hapa's Creekside in Downtown San Jose. Located at 59 Barack Obama Boulevard near the SAP Center, this weekly gathering encourages people to ride their bikes for a rewarding 2-for-1 deal on beers. The event kicks off with food service at 4 p.m. from Traveler by Chef Lou, offering a range of tasty options to fuel the evening.

As the afternoon transitions to night, the focus shifts to the sounds of vinyl records starting at 5 p.m. Local DJs such as Flipside Lovers, Akro1, Parrasoul SC, and Ren from Sweaterfunk take turns spinning all-vinyl sets that fill the space with eclectic beats.

Two Wheel Tuesday adds to the dynamic energy Downtown by blending community activities with delicious craft beer. For additional information, visit https://www.instagram.com/p/DTa7juMEk3L/.