Events & Festivals in San Jose

This indoor concert series brings acclaimed jazz, blues, and soul artists to venues across downtown San Jose. It has a cozy alternative to summer festivals, with performances in theaters and clubs. The event suits music lovers seeking an intimate listening experience during the cooler months. Different venues host ticketed shows on consecutive weekends.

A major film festival showing independent movies, virtual reality experiences, and panel discussions with filmmakers. It transforms downtown San Jose into a hub for creative media, with screenings at multiple theaters. The event attracts film enthusiasts and industry professionals. It includes opening and closing night galas.

A monthly, community-organized night ride that draws thousands of cyclists on a themed route through San Jose streets. The pace is social and the atmosphere is celebratory, with many riders decorating their bikes. It promotes cycling as fun transportation. The route, announced shortly before the ride, changes each month.

Celebrates Japanese and Japanese-American culture in San Jose's Japantown. The event features taiko drumming, folk dancing, martial arts demonstrations, and cultural exhibits. Food booths offer items like yakitori and mochi. A large craft fair lines the streets of the historic neighborhood.

The San Jose Flea Market runs weekly and surges in spring. Hundreds of vendors sell fresh produce, plants, clothing, tools, and household goods. The sprawl is legendary. Deals await. Food stands serve casual meals. This is a local institution.

A recurring open streets event where several miles of San Jose roads are closed to cars and open for walking, skating, and cycling. Activity hubs along the route feature fitness classes, live music, and community booths. It's a day for families and residents to explore the city at a human pace.

Pista sa Nayon celebrates Filipino heritage at a community college campus. Traditional and modern dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, an art exhibit, and a large food section fill the day. Try lechon and halo-halo. Families gather. The energy is high.

An eclectic, artist-run festival in downtown San Jose's SoFA District focusing on indie art, music, and technology. Streets fill with interactive art installations, pop-up galleries, street performers, and live music stages. It has a creative, DIY atmosphere that appeals to a younger, artistic crowd.

Held at a local Greek Orthodox church, this festival offers authentic food like gyros, souvlaki, and baklava. Live Greek music and folk dancing performances occur throughout the day. Church tours are available. It's a family-friendly event with a strong community feel.

Santana Row's weekly concert series takes over the main boulevard of this upscale shopping district. Local and tribute bands play classic rock to modern pop. People spread chairs and blankets on the pavement. Nearby restaurants fill up fast.

Obon festivals at San Jose's Japantown temples honor ancestors. The Bon Odori is the centerpiece. Everyone joins a simple circular dance. The mood is peaceful. Traditional music plays. Food booths serve familiar dishes. All are welcome.

A major outdoor music festival spanning multiple stages in downtown San Jose. It features jazz, blues, Latin, and R&B artists from local acts to international headliners. The Plaza de Cesar Chavez becomes the main hub, with food vendors and a relaxed park setting.

A celebration of the taco featuring both traditional and creative interpretations from dozens of local chefs and restaurants. The event includes a taco competition, live music, and agave tastings. It's held at a spacious outdoor venue, creating a lively, social eating environment.

San Jose's primary LGBTQ+ celebration, featuring a parade through downtown and a festival in the park. The festival has multiple stages with entertainment, community resource booths, food vendors, and a family zone. It is a day of visibility, celebration, and community support.

A multi-day event celebrating mariachi music and related folkloric dance traditions. It includes a large outdoor concert with well-known ensembles, as well as educational workshops and a student competition. The performances show the cultural richness of the region.

A traditional German-style celebration held at a local park. It features imported beers, German food like bratwurst and pretzels, and live oompah bands. Festivities include stein-holding competitions and family-friendly games. The atmosphere is lively and communal.

This community gathering honors the departed through Mexican tradition. Expect community altars, Aztec dance ceremonies, art exhibits, and sugar skull decorating workshops. The mood is contemplative. It favors reflection over typical street festival noise.

Silicon Valley Comic Con merges comic books, science fiction, technology, and entertainment at the San Jose Convention Center. Celebrity guests, artist alleys, panel discussions, and cosplay contests fill the schedule. The scale is large. Fans arrive from across the region.

The Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon winds through downtown San Jose and surrounding neighborhoods. Live bands line the course. The finish brings a concert to a downtown park. Serious runners and casual participants both show up.

A juried craft market at the San Jose Convention Center draws hundreds of artisans from across the country. Handmade jewelry, pottery, clothing, and holiday decorations fill the floor. Live demonstrations and food samples run throughout. This is serious gift hunting.

Christmas in the Park transforms Plaza de Cesar Chavez into a holiday display of decorated trees, animated scenes, and a festive light show. Santa visits. Carnival rides spin for kids. Nightly entertainment runs. Walking through costs nothing.

Downtown Ice installs a seasonal outdoor rink in the center of downtown San Jose. City lights surround it. Christmas in the Park sits nearby. Skate rentals are available. Lessons are offered. The mild California weather does not stop the winter fun.

The Winter Lodge rink sits within a historic park. It wraps around a central fountain. The skating path feels unique. The San Jose Museum of Art stands nearby. Combine both activities easily.

The Silicon Valley Auto Show brings the newest domestic and international car models to the San Jose Convention Center. Hundreds of vehicles fill the floor. Concept cars gleam. Features invite comparison. Automotive enthusiasts and potential buyers converge here.

Downtown San Jose throws a family-friendly New Year's Eve party with an early countdown. Live music plays. Children's activities run. Midnight fireworks launch from a downtown location. Families celebrate together. Bedtime comes early.