San Jose Steps Up as Premier Entertainment Destination for 2026 and Beyond

San Jose is transforming its Downtown core into a lively center for events and gatherings, setting the stage for an unforgettable 2026. The city council's recent unanimous vote turned Post Street into a pedestrian mall, much like the beloved San Pedro Square, enhancing walkability and inviting more foot traffic. This move, coupled with the approval of six new entertainment districts Downtown, opens doors for organizers to host vibrant events where people can enjoy drinks while strolling the streets. Mayor Matt Mahan highlighted these zones as essential for fostering a dynamic atmosphere, and now the city awaits proposals from creative minds to bring them to life.

Major events on the horizon promise to elevate San Jose's profile significantly. With Super Bowl LX and FIFA World Cup matches at Levi's Stadium in nearby Santa Clara, the Bay Area expects around 350,000 visitors from outside the region, generating about $600 million in labor income. Local leaders like San Jose Downtown Association interim CEO Gumby Marques emphasize the importance of showcasing Downtown's best features to build lasting civic pride. Ongoing beautification efforts, including murals and improvements along the Santa Clara corridor, add to the appeal, ensuring the city shines not just for 2026 but beyond.

Established festivals and conventions already demonstrate San Jose's growing draw. The Fountain Blues & Brews festival marked its 42nd year in June with record attendance of about 5,000 people, fueled by live music and a strong sense of community. FanimeCon, the city's largest convention this year, boosted local businesses like Pizza My Heart to historic revenue highs. Nvidia's GTC conference brought a 132% surge in restaurant visits, while events featuring DJs like Steve Aoki and Fisher drew thousands to plazas and streets. These successes underline how events vitalize Downtown and position San Jose as a must-visit spot.

Beyond events, hospitality plays a key role in sustaining this momentum. San Jose boasts 4,500 hotel rooms Downtown and 10,000 citywide, though experts like Sharks Sports & Entertainment president Jonathan Becher call for a shift toward family-friendly designs to attract more leisure travelers. Overcoming the image of a mere business stopover, the city is prioritizing entertainment and arts to stand out. With upcoming highlights like the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament and NWSL National Championship, San Jose is aligning investments to claim its spot as the West's sports and entertainment capital.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Leads with Major Progress on Unsheltered Homelessness

San Jose demonstrated effective strategies in addressing homelessness as the 2025 Point-in-Time Count reveals a nearly 23 percent drop in unsheltered residents since 2019, bringing the number down from over 5,100 to about 4,000. This achievement reflects the city's commitment to expanding shelter options, with the sheltered population growing by 160 percent over the same period, from 980 to 2,544 individuals. Such advancements position San Jose ahead of regional and state averages, where the sheltered rate now stands at nearly 40 percent, surpassing Santa Clara County's 30 percent and California's 34 percent.

City initiatives focus on immediate solutions like Emergency Interim Housing and hotel leases, with plans to add over 1,000 beds by the end of 2025. These efforts contrast with broader trends in Santa Clara County outside San Jose, which saw an increase of more than 700 unsheltered people since 2019 and a decline in its sheltered rate to 16.5 percent. San Jose's approach emphasizes bringing people indoors quickly and connecting them to services, setting an example for other communities to follow in tackling encampments.

Mayor Matt Mahan highlighted the impact, stating, “San José has proven that investing in shelter and interim housing works — now it’s time for every city and county to step up and do their fair share.” City Manager Jennifer Maguire added, “The city has made significant progress in reducing unsheltered homelessness. This year, we expect to open additional sites that include Emergency Interim Housing and hotel leases. Providing a diverse set of sites ensures we have dignified options for our unhoused community to come off the streets and into a safe location.” Ongoing counts by the Housing Department will provide further insights early next year, reinforcing San Jose's proactive stance.

Source: San Jose Inside

Sports Drive San Jose Forward: Preparing for a Spotlight in 2026

San Jose steps into the limelight as Bay Area sports teams lead urban renewal efforts, with city leaders highlighting long-term investments at a recent Business of Sports event. Tommy O’Hare, the city's sports and special events director, emphasized viewing events as ongoing opportunities rather than isolated moments, pointing to initiatives like the stitching districts project that connects San Jose's 10 districts both physically and symbolically. With Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup set for 2026, these gatherings provide a clear timeline to energize the region's largest city through targeted improvements.

Efforts already underway include beautifying the Guadalupe River and refreshing Downtown underpasses with fresh paint, all aimed at welcoming the expected influx of visitors. O’Hare noted that such preparations extend beyond the venues, collaborating with local businesses like Adobe to shape overall visitor experiences. Meanwhile, Bay FC CEO Brady Stewart shared how sports unite communities, expressing enthusiasm for the global attention on the Bay Area, while the team uses technology like fan surveys to refine interactions and achieve high satisfaction scores.

Looking ahead, San Jose envisions a thriving sports and entertainment district in Downtown, potentially featuring one or two stadiums to solidify its position as the heart of Silicon Valley. Bay FC aims high too, aspiring to become the first billion-dollar women’s sports franchise with its own dedicated stadium, moving beyond sharing PayPal Park. These developments promise to foster community ties, support youth programs, and create lasting vibrancy that benefits residents year-round.

Source: SVBJ

 

Chayakada Brining Custom Chai to San Jose

San Jose gains a unique spot for tea lovers with the opening of Chayakada at 117 Bernal Road, Suite 80, where each cup of chai gets brewed from scratch on the stovetop to match individual tastes. Owner Aleena Thomas, hailing from Kerala in southern India, brings the concept of a traditional chayakada to life as a dedicated tea shop with snacks and bistro food, marking what she describes as the first of its kind in the United States. After leasing the 4,000-square-foot space in November 2024 and securing permits in May, the cafe welcomed guests starting June 1, filling a gap in personalized chai options often overlooked in favor of standard recipes at restaurants.

The menu extends beyond drinks to include dozens of homestyle meals and baked snacks, all prepared in-house by a five-person team without outside investors. Thomas envisions the space as more than a quick stop, incorporating a kids library, game room, lounge area, and multipurpose hall for events to encourage lingering and connection. On opening day, around 500 visitors arrived, leading to nearly 600 free cups of chai served, while the first week saw 1,000 people, five catering events, and hundreds more cups poured, as shared on their Instagram.

This addition highlights San Jose's growing diversity in culinary experiences, drawing from global traditions to create welcoming environments. With its focus on accessibility and customization, Chayakada invites residents to explore new ways to enjoy chai while fostering a sense of belonging in the community.

Source: SVBJ

New Housing Takes Shape at Santana Row: 258 Units on the Horizon

San Jose keeps advancing with fresh residential options, and the latest proposal from Federal Realty Investment Trust at 358 Hatton Street in Santana Row promises to further elevate the area's appeal. This five-story complex will introduce 258 market-rate units tailored for younger professionals, including 95 studios, 131 one-bedroom units, and 32 two-bedroom units. Set within the vibrant Santana Row mixed-use district, the project transforms a current surface parking lot into a modern living space that complements the surrounding shops, restaurants, and entertainment at Valley Fair Mall.

The design by BDE Architecture features a grey and tan facade with contemporary wood accents, creating an inviting structure that blends seamlessly with Santana Row's aesthetic. Residents will enjoy outdoor amenities like a courtyard and pool, promoting relaxation and community interaction in a walkable environment. With easy access to daily necessities on foot and convenient freeway connections to 280 and 880 for commuting, this development supports a balanced lifestyle in West San Jose.

Progress moves swiftly on this long-planned addition to Santana Row, with groundbreaking anticipated soon and completion targeted for mid to late 2027 after about 26 months of construction. As part of broader efforts to expand housing in the city, the project addresses growing demand while enhancing the neighborhood's vitality. San Jose residents and newcomers alike stand to benefit from these thoughtful expansions that make the city an even more desirable place to call home.

Source: SF YIMBY

New Condos Rising on West San Carlos: A Fresh Boost for San Jose Living

San Jose continues to evolve with innovative projects that enhance its urban fabric, and the latest proposal at 1470 West San Carlos Street stands out as a promising addition. This seven-story development aims to bring 180 condominiums to the corner of West San Carlos and Willard Avenue, replacing a vacant lot and an underutilized commercial building on a 0.85-acre site. Owned by affiliates linked to local business leaders Thahn Nguyen, Dylan Nguyen, and Margaret Pham, the project includes 1,700 square feet of ground-floor retail or office space, creating a mixed-use hub that supports both residents and nearby businesses.

The residential mix caters to diverse needs with 141 two-bedroom units, 21 one-bedroom units, and 18 three-bedroom units, all designed in a donut-shaped building that centers outdoor open space for residents. This layout shields the communal area from street noise and traffic while keeping it accessible, fostering a sense of community in a bustling corridor. Developers from WSC Development emphasize how this setup aligns with the West San Carlos Urban Village Plan, turning an overlooked parcel into vital housing that encourages walking or biking to Downtown San Jose for work and daily activities.

What makes this project particularly noteworthy is its focus on for-sale condos, a rarity in the West San Carlos area where rental developments often dominate. Real estate experts like Bob Staedler from Silicon Valley Synergy highlight the corridor's potential for substantial housing growth in the coming years. By pursuing a streamlined approval process under California's SB 330 law, the team aims to deliver a standout building that draws new residents and invigorates local commerce, contributing to San Jose's vibrant future.

Source: SiliconValley.com 

Danny the Dragon Roars Back: A Refreshed Adventure at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

San Jose families have a timeless favorite returning with a modern twist as Happy Hollow Park & Zoo reopens the Danny the Dragon ride after a thorough nine-month renovation. This beloved attraction, originally built in 1958, now features an updated journey through five themed lands that mirror the park's diverse habitats. Riders will glide along the half-mile track, exploring areas like a farm, jungle, and land of enchantment, all designed to create an immersive storyline that sparks wonder for visitors of all ages.

Over $600,000 was raised by donors to the Happy Hollow Foundation (I'm proud to be one of them). City staff dedicated nearly a year of skilled work to bring the vision to life, replacing the original fluorescent tunnel and storybook theme with something more engaging for today's guests. This marks the ride's first scenery refresh in 64 years, blending nostalgia with contemporary appeal to draw in new generations.

Since Happy Hollow opened in 1961, attractions like Danny the Dragon have created lasting memories, with parents and grandparents sharing stories of their own childhood rides. Now, this revitalized ride stands ready to welcome guests. The official ribbon cutting was yesterday and Danny the Dragon is now ready for visitors to enjoy immediately.

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

Tres Vinos 2025: A Cultural Celebration in the Heart of San Jose

San Jose is gearing up for an incredible night of culture and community with the 26th annual Tres Vinos fundraising dinner, happening Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in East San Jose. This event promises a vibrant mix of wine tasting, delicious food, and live entertainment, with a standout performance by Tito Puente Jr.

The Mexican Heritage Plaza, known locally as La Plaza, has been a vital hub for East San Jose for over two decades. Tres Vinos raises funds to fuel La Plaza’s mission of championing community heritage through arts and culture. This year, the money will support their 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, which tackles big goals like preventing displacement and reinforcing neighborhood identity. One exciting piece of this vision is the push to earn state recognition for La Avenida Cultural District, a first for San Jose.

Imagine an evening filled with the rhythms of Tito Puente Jr., the taste of local wines, and the warmth of a community coming together. Tres Vinos isn’t just about enjoyment; it’s about investing in San Jose’s future. By attending, you’re helping preserve the traditions that make this city special and ensuring East San Jose remains a place where culture and identity flourish.

Ready to join the fun and make a difference? Grab your tickets now for Tres Vinos 2025. Every sip and every dollar raised helps La Plaza continue its work, strengthening San Jose one celebration at a time. 

Celebrate 15 Years of Theatrical Joy with Playful People Productions in San Jose

San Jose’s Playful People Productions is stepping into its 15th anniversary season with an exciting lineup for 2025-26. This family-oriented theater company has crafted a schedule that spans Disney classics, side-splitting comedies, and imaginative new tales, ensuring there’s something for every age and interest. It’s a milestone year that also welcomes back home-school casts after a decade, adding a fresh layer of community connection to an already vibrant season.

The fun begins with Disney’s Moana JR, a journey of courage and discovery suited for ages five to eleven. Auditions run August 11-13, rehearsals start August 25, and performances hit the Historic Hoover Theatre stage October 17-19. Next up is Disney’s Newsies!, a high-energy story of young newsboys standing up for justice, perfect for ages eleven and up, with performances November 8-16. In 2026, The One Act Play That Goes Wrong brings laughter for ages sixteen and older in March, followed by Between the Lines JR in April for ages twelve to seventeen. The season closes with Willy Wonka JR, a delightful adventure for ages four to twelve, running May 15-24.

What makes this season stand out is Playful People Productions’ dedication to inclusivity and creativity. Since 2010, they’ve built a welcoming space where performers of all ages and backgrounds can thrive, guided by principles of positivity and individual support. Families can even perform together, with opportunities for kids to share the stage with parents or grandparents. Add in the Enchanted Masquerade fundraising event on September 27 at the Saratoga Foothill Club, and you’ve got a season that invites everyone to join the celebration.

For more information and tickets, head over here.