Playful People Productions Stages Disney's Newsies in San Jose

Playful People Productions presents Disney's Newsies from November 8 to 16, 2025, at the Historic Hoover Theater. This Tony Award-winning musical, based on the 1899 Newsboys Strike, features two casts of teen and adult performers bringing the story to life. Set in early 20th-century New York City, the production follows charismatic newsboy Jack Kelly as he leads a group of young paper sellers in a stand against powerful publishers raising prices. The tale highlights themes of unity and justice, with reporter Katherine Plumber joining the cause to prove her worth in a male-dominated field.

The show includes memorable songs like Watch What Happens, Carrying the Banner, Seize the Day, King of New York, and Santa Fe, composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein. Directed by Katie D'Arcey and Emily Pennington, with vocal direction from Jacqueline Whitaker and choreography by Emily Pennington, the performances promise high energy and engaging dances. Two casts, named World and Sun, alternate showtimes, offering multiple chances to catch the action. Tickets range from $22 for youth under 12 to $30 for adults, making it an affordable outing for families and friends.

As part of its 15th anniversary season, Playful People Productions continues to foster inclusive theater experiences in San Jose. Founded in 2010 and operating as a nonprofit since 2017, the organization emphasizes positive discipline and creative growth for all ages. It provides classes, camps, and multi-generational shows where family members perform together, creating bonds that extend beyond the stage. Supported by grants from the City of San Jose and SVCreates in partnership with Santa Clara County, this production exemplifies the community's commitment to arts education.

The Historic Hoover Theater is located at 1635 Park Avenue and you can find more info and tickets over here.

sanjosetheaters.org

Dave's Hot Chicken Adds Heat to San Jose's Village Oaks Neighborhood

Dave's Hot Chicken is now open at 5670 Cottle Road inside the Village Oaks Shopping Center. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 26 featured remarks from Councilmember Pamela Campos, celebrating the third location in the city alongside spots on Brokaw Road in North San Jose and Prospect Road in West San Jose. This Nashville-style spicy fried chicken franchise, which began in a Los Angeles parking lot in 2017, has grown into the nation's fastest-expanding chain, bringing bold flavors to local diners.

Local owners Sam and Trina Wong, who raised their four children in the Evergreen area, bring a personal touch to the venture. Sam graduated from Gunderson High School in 1988 after immigrating to the United States in 1983 and settling in the Blossom Hill area. The couple worked in fast food and retail as teenagers nearby, making this ownership a long-held aspiration. The Village Oaks area has seen significant growth with new restaurants, shops, and businesses, and the Wongs aim to contribute through community involvement, including partnerships with schools, youth sports, and various organizations for fundraising.

The city's support extends beyond the opening, with funding for a new Business Improvement District in Village Oaks. This special district allows business owners to pool resources for enhancements like street cleaning, security, and marketing to draw more visitors and boost economic activity. San Jose has added two such districts in the past year for the Monterey and Tully business neighborhoods, with plans for four more in the coming months covering The Alameda, Story Road, East Village, and Alum Rock/Santa Clara Street corridors.

Looking ahead, the new location hosts events like a Free Slider Giveaway on October 23, alongside ongoing efforts to create jobs and participate in local charity initiatives.

El Paseo de Saratoga Rises: Transforming San Jose's Landscape

Construction has started at at El Paseo de Saratoga, a major redevelopment turning a dated shopping center into a vibrant mixed-use community. Located along Saratoga Avenue and Lawrence Expressway near Westgate Center, this 10-acre site once held surface parking, big box stores, and an office building. Now, crews have begun demolition to make way for modern apartments, senior living facilities, and retail spaces that promise to enhance daily life for residents.

The project includes 772 apartments spread across two high-rise buildings, with the tallest reaching 12 stories and housing 398 units alongside 14,140 square feet of retail. A second 10-story structure adds 374 apartments and 17,450 square feet of ground-level shops. Complementing these is a seven-story senior care facility with 263 beds, designed to support comfortable living for older adults. A single-story Whole Foods grocery store anchors the commercial side, ensuring convenient access to fresh goods right in the neighborhood.

Thoughtful design elements elevate the development, such as floor-to-ceiling windows in the apartment towers accented by white metal panels, and balconies with brick veneer on the senior building. Public courtyards, landscaped pathways, and a park along Quito Road create inviting outdoor spaces for gatherings and relaxation. These features blend urban convenience with green areas, fostering a sense of community in southwest San Jose.

With amended plans approved by the city in December 2024, the transformation is well underway, though groundbreaking details remain forthcoming. Full construction will span nearly four years, ultimately replacing underused land with a dynamic urban village. Projects like this highlight San Jose's forward momentum, drawing more people to experience the city's blend of innovation and livability.

Sand Hill Property Company leads the effort in partnership with Holland Partners and Sunrise Senior Living, with architecture from Solomon Cordwell Buenz for the apartments and Lantz Boggio Architects for the senior facility.

sfyimby.com

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sfyimby.com

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Source: SF YIMBY

Innovation Drives into San Jose with Afeela Studio

Afeela Studio has just opened its immersive pop-up from from Sony Honda Mobility at Westfield Valley Fair. This immersive pop-up showcases the Afeela 1, blending Honda's engineering expertise with Sony's technological innovations. Available for six months, the studio lets visitors explore the Core Black Signature Series and Calm White editions up close. Located near Lululemon and Sunglass Hut, it positions the city as a key spot for experiencing next-generation mobility.

The Afeela 1 stands out with its array of features designed for modern drivers. An AI-powered personal assistant handles tasks intuitively, while up to 40 sensors including 18 cameras, one LiDAR, nine radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors enable advanced driving assistance. Entertainment options include a media bar and 360 Spatial Sound, turning the interior into a dynamic space for music and media. Reservations for the vehicle start online with a $200 deposit, and deliveries are set to begin in California.

Since its grand opening on September 20, the studio has drawn crowds eager to interact with this EV brand. As the first such location in Silicon Valley, it builds on previous displays at the mall, offering hands-on demos that highlight the fusion of automotive and entertainment worlds.

Valley Fair also has retail stores for other EV manufacturers like Lucid and Polestar. The first Tesla store is also across the street at Santana Row, along with a new Rivian store. The area has become a destination for pure EV brands.

Source: SVBJ

Hillbrook School Revitalizes Historic Downtown San Jose with New Campus

Hillbrook School, a 90-year-old institution from Los Gatos now in its third year offering high school, recently opened a renovated classroom building in Downtown San Jose at 227 North First Street. The three-story Moir building from 1894 features brick and sandstone construction, a large skylight that floods the interior with natural light, and bay windows that add character. Originally designed as a work-live space with businesses on the ground floor and residences above, it later served as a hotel and most recently housed a law firm. By choosing to restore this historic site near St. James Park instead of constructing something new, the school invests in the city's heritage while creating modern learning environments.

The decision to locate in Downtown San Jose aligns with Hillbrook's vision of using the city as an extended classroom, providing students with real-world experiences amid urban surroundings. Alongside the Moir building, the school transformed the old San Jose Armory on North Second Street into additional facilities, including maker spaces, art studios, and a gym. These renovations preserve the exteriors' classic appeal while updating interiors for contemporary use, promoting sustainability through reuse. The combined 70,000 square feet of space will keep these areas active for years, benefiting both education and the community.

Hillbrook has already integrated into the neighborhood by hosting events like National Night Out for nearby residents and partnering with local spots such as Hobee's restaurant for student meals. This approach fosters connections and vitality in Downtown San Jose. M

Meanwhile, Bellarmine College Prep dedicated its Wade Academic Center, a 43,000-square-foot facility with 21 classrooms, a courtyard, and offices, honoring the school's upcoming 175th anniversary. Named after Rev. Gerald Wade and his family with deep local roots, the center reflects a commitment to history, as the school relocated the 109-year-old Berchmans Hall for repurposing rather than demolition.

Source: The Mercury News

CityView Plaza Evolves: Demolition Paves Way for Downtown San Jose's Next Chapter

Demolition work at CityView Plaza has officially begun, where crews have cleared a nearly two-acre site at 185 Park Avenue for an eight-story parking garage and retail hub known as The Shops at CityView. This phase transforms a former commercial campus at Park Avenue and Almaden Boulevard, replacing outdated structures like a bank branch, parking garage, and office building with modern amenities. The new garage will provide 1,135 spaces to support nearby offices and future residents, while 35,000 square feet of ground-floor shops add vitality to the street level.

Architectural highlights include a perforated metal facade with vertical fins for visual interest, and floor-to-ceiling windows for the retail spaces overlooking landscaped sidewalks. Nearby, renovations at 150 South Almaden Boulevard upgrade a 15-story office tower with a refreshed lobby, conference center, and fitness facilities spanning 204,000 square feet. Adaptive reuse efforts convert existing buildings into housing, such as 145 units at 100 West San Fernando Street, 22 at 130 South Almaden Boulevard, and 163 at 125 South Market Street, blending preservation with contemporary living.

Phase two brings even more ambition with The Tower at CityView, a 27-story high-rise at 121 South Market Street set to offer 360 apartments from studios to three-bedroom penthouses, rising 293 feet. Renderings show pedestrian-friendly designs, internal pathways, and green spaces that connect the campus. Led by Jay Paul Company with designs from DES Architects + Engineers and Solomon Cordwell Buenz, the project emphasizes connectivity near light rail and future BART stations.

With the site now fully leveled after starting demolition in April, construction on The Shops could wrap in about 24 months following recent plan amendments.

sfyimby.com

sfyimby.com

Source: SF YIMBY

Disney On Ice Delivers Frozen and Encanto Adventures to San Jose

San Jose hosts Disney On Ice presents Frozen and Encanto at the SAP Center from October 23 through 26, 2025, with multiple performances scheduled across the four days. Skaters bring beloved characters to life on the ice, recreating scenes from both films through choreography, costumes, and special effects. Families can look forward to moments like Elsa's icy powers and Mirabel's family dynamics, all set against colorful backdrops and familiar songs.

The show combines the snowy kingdom of Arendelle with the vibrant Madrigal household, offering a blend of heartwarming stories and high-energy routines. Attendees of all ages will see Olaf's antics alongside Bruno's visions, creating a spectacle that captures the essence of these Disney favorites. With showtimes varying from mornings to evenings, the event accommodates different schedules for a convenient outing in the heart of the city.

This production adds to San Jose's lineup of family-friendly entertainment, and you can easily find tickets at Tickemaster or Stubhub.

Free Fun Awaits: Top No-Cost Activities in San Jose

San Jose offers plenty of ways to enjoy the city without opening your wallet, from serene gardens to lively markets. These experiences highlight the area's natural beauty, cultural depth, and community spirit, making it easy for residents and visitors to dive into local life. Whether seeking a peaceful stroll or an engaging event, the options provide something for everyone looking to explore Silicon Valley's vibrant side.

Outdoors enthusiasts can start with the Aquila Loop Trail in Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve, a short 1.1-mile path ideal for clearing the mind amid scenic views, though sun protection is key due to the lack of shade. The Municipal Rose Garden boasts over 4,000 rose shrubs in 189 varieties, with peak blooms from April to November creating a colorful retreat. For a touch of tranquility, the Japanese Friendship Garden features bridges, waterfalls, and koi ponds inspired by its sister city in Japan, while Emma Prusch Farm Park lets you encounter farm animals alongside playgrounds and picnic spots with mountain vistas. Programs like Viva CalleSJ close streets for walking, biking, and skating, fostering community connections throughout the year.

Cultural sites and museums add layers of history and art to the mix. History Park spans 14 acres with original and replica buildings that showcase Santa Clara Valley's past, complete with occasional trolley rides and community events. The San Jose Museum of Art opens its doors for free on First Fridays after 6 p.m., blending music and galleries in a relaxed setting. Downtown San Jose hosts the Institute of Contemporary Art with compelling exhibits open Thursday through Sunday, while the Triton Museum of Art in nearby Santa Clara focuses on regional California artists. The Intel Museum dives into tech history with interactive displays on silicon chips.

Markets bring energy with opportunities to browse local goods. SJ Made Markets feature vendors at events like night markets and holiday fairs, perfect for discovering unique items. The Berryessa Night Market at the San Jose Flea Market runs Friday evenings from April to October, offering vintage finds and live music. Pop-Up San Jose markets pop up with vintage and Y2K themes, announced via social channels. Educational events at the San Jose Public Library cover crafting topics like 3D printing, and South First Fridays invite strolls through Downtown galleries showcasing local creativity.

Source: SJ Today

17th Annual San Jose International Short Film Festival Lights Up Santana Row

San Jose welcomes back the International Short Film Festival for its 17th year, running from October 16 through 19. Over four days, more than 150 captivating short films from filmmakers worldwide will screen at the CineArts Theatre in Santana Row. This gathering transforms the city's premier shopping and dining destination into a hub for cinematic discovery, where surround sound and luxury seating enhance every moment.

The lineup spans an array of genres to suit all tastes, including documentaries that challenge perspectives, dramas filled with emotional depth, world cinema offering global insights, comedies for lighthearted laughs, science fiction and horror for thrilling escapes, animations with artistic flair, and shorts perfect for families. Organized into over 20 screening blocks with added special events, the program ensures a dynamic experience that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish.

As one of the top 50 film festivals recognized by MovieMaker Magazine for its value, the event celebrates excellence through awards in categories such as Best Drama, Best Animation, Best Documentary, Best Comedy, Best Sci-Fi, Best Family Film, and Best of Fest. Past honorees have included standout works like I'm not a robot and We Were Meant To, reflecting the high caliber of talent that converges here each year.

VIP pass holders gain access to exclusive perks, including the Wine and Short Film Pairings event and the Filmmaker Lounge with refreshments and private screenings of previous festival favorites. The Guest of Honor celebration spotlights influential figures in independent film, adding a layer of prestige to the proceedings.

This festival underscores San Jose's growing reputation as a cultural powerhouse in Silicon Valley, blending innovative storytelling with the area's spirit of creativity. Whether you're a film enthusiast or new to the scene, it offers a chance to connect with fresh ideas and fellow attendees in one of our city's most lively spots.

For more info and tickets, head over here.

Family Fun Takes Center Stage at Kids Day in the Park

San Jose welcomes a vibrant celebration of music and creativity this weekend with Kids Day in the Park at Plaza de César Chávez. Families can look forward to live performances from Lisa Loeb and The Hollow Trees, who join forces for a special set drawn from their new album, That’s What It’s All About. This collaboration mixes Loeb's storytelling style with the folk energy of The Hollow Trees, offering tunes that honor family traditions and classic songs. The event promises an engaging afternoon where attendees sing and dance together in the heart of the city.

Adding to the lineup, the Alphabet Rockers deliver their signature mix of melodies and meaningful lyrics. Founded in Oakland in 2007 by Kaitlin McGaw and Tommy Soulati Shepherd, this group has earned a Grammy for Best Children's Music Album along with other nominations. Their music spans animated series and global audiences, bringing positive vibes that resonate with kids and parents alike. Seeing them perform in San Jose highlights the Bay Area's rich talent pool and creates lasting memories for local families.

Beyond the stage, the festival includes plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Face painting stations spark imagination, while bouncy houses provide energetic playtime. Exhibits showcase interactive displays, and food trucks serve up tasty options for all ages. Held at 1 Paseo de San Antonio, this free gathering on September 20 turns Plaza de César Chávez into a family-friendly entertainment hub. For mor info and tickets, click here.