SAN JOSE, CA–(Marketwired – June 28, 2013) – Â San Jose’s warm sunshine and exciting events serve up the perfect cure for the Summer time blues now through Labor Day. Here in the Capital of Silicon Valley — the 10th largest city in the U.S., we offer endless possibilities in entertainment — from making a splash or catching a thrill at our amusement parks to dancing in the streets during our music and cultural festivals and cheering on your favorite team at a sporting event. If you want a break from the outdoors, enjoy a wide variety of performing arts productions held in one of San Jose’s four historic theaters. For continued updates on events, visit www.sanjose.org.
FESTIVALS
San Jose Obon Festival (July 13 – July 14) – Japantown’s largest festival provides food and entertainment for a celebration of ancestors and relatives in the Japanese culture. http://www.japantownsanjose.org.
Fountain Blues Festival (July 20) in St. James Park – John Mayall, the pioneering English singer/musician who has played with the elite artists of rock and blues, will bring his band to San Jose July 20 to headline the 33rd annual Fountain Blues Festival at St. James Park. www.fountainbluesfestival.com.
Summer KraftBrew Beer Fest (August 3) – Summer KraftBrew Beer Fest will be Saturday, August 3 in downtown San Jose. Summer KraftBrew Fest will be part of the 1st Annual Silicon Valley Beer Week. https://www.facebook.com/pages/KraftBrew-Fest/188260571219991
San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2013 (August 9 – August 11) – San Jose Jazz Summer Fest has become one of the most popular music festivals in the West. What began as one small stage focusing on fusion and straight-ahead jazz has grown into a 11-stage, 3-day extravaganza featuring a wide range of international stars, emerging artists and regional favorites playing straight-ahead jazz, blues, salsa, Latin, R&B, and more. http://jazzfest.sanjosejazz.org
San Jose Pride Festival (August 17 – August 18) – Celebrates Gay Pride and features food, bingo volleyball, arts and crafts, and entertainment courtesy of local DJs. http://www.sanjosepride.com.
San Jose International Mariachi Festival (“¡VivaFest!”) (Sep. 7- Sep. 16 & Nov. 3) – “¡VivaFest!”
showcases Latin culture through music, film, theatre, and visual arts with an outstanding line-up of cultural events and activities. Appearing this year is: Mexico’s foremost tenor Fernando de la Mora and traditional icons Mariachi Sol de Mexico headlining a program honoring the romantic songbook of Mexico. http://vivafest.org.
PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS
Lyric Theatre of San Jose presents “The Grand Duke” (Now – June 30) at the Montgomery Theater - An acting troupe in Pfennig Halbfennig is merely a front for a conspiracy to dethrone the Grand Duke and replace him with one of their own. http://sanjosetheaters.org.
Sesame Street Live “Can’t Stop Singing” (June 28 – June 30) at the San Jose Civic – A fun new way for children to experience their favorite street! Imagine your child sitting in Big Bird’s nest, popping up in Oscar’s trash can, or twirling in Zoe’s dance studio. http://sanjosetheaters.org.
Lana’s Dance Studio Annual Production Show (June 29) at the Center for the Performing Arts – At the conclusion of each dance season Lana’s Dance Studio hosts the Annual Production Show to showcase the talent and give the students an incredible professional experience. http://sanjosetheaters.org.
CMT San Jose presents: The Music Man (July 12 – July 21) at the Montgomery Theater – This summer’s toe-tapping production of The Music Man will put a spring in your step and a song in your heart. http://sanjosetheaters.org.
Bastille Day with Opera San Jose at Santana Row’s Park Valencia (July 13)
Celebrate Bastille Day with a spectacular al fresco Opera San Jose concert of French arias and ensembles at 7 p.m. at Park Valencia. It’s Opera San Jose’s 30th
anniversary and members will be performing pieces from Verdi’s Falstaff, Humperdinck’s Hansel & Gretel, Puccini’s Madame Butterfly and Mozart’s Don Giovanni during the free, one-hour performance.
Amy Grant (July 23) at the San Jose Civic – Amy Grant, one of the best-selling Christian music artist of all time, performs at the San Jose Civic. http://sanjosetheaters.org.
CMT San Jose presents “Jesus Christ Superstar” (July 26 – August 4) at the Montgomery Theater – Jesus Christ Superstar illuminates the transcendent power of the human spirit with a passion that goes straight to the heart. http://sanjosetheaters.org.
An Acoustic Evening with Joan Baez, Jackson Browne, & Emmylou Harris (July 27) at the San Jose Civic -Join us for a very special acoustic evening with legendary musicians Joan Baez, Jackson Brown and Emmylou Harris. A limited number of pre-sale tickets available now, ticket includes event T-Shirt with original Joan Baez artwork. sanjosetheaters.com
Symphony Silicon Valley presents ” Target Summer Pops” (July 27 – August 4) - San Jose’s best free music festival returns for the 5th season of free concerts at San Jose State University’s iconic Tower Lawn. Themes for this summer includes: Sounds of Summer (July 27th at 7 pm), The Wild Wild West (July 28th at 5:30 pm), Big Bad VooDoo Daddy (August 2nd at 7 pm), Simply Sinatra (August 3rd 7 pm), A long time ago in a galaxy far, far awayâ¦. (August 4th 5:30 pm)
CMT San Jose presents “Heidi” (August 8 – August 11) at the Montgomery Theater – Warmth, humor and melody abound in Heidi, a fresh take on the beloved story about a Swiss orphan who restores joy and meaning to the life of her bitter, lonely grandfather. http://sanjosetheaters.org.
Opera San Jose presents: Verdi’s Falstaff (Sep. 7- Sep. 22) at the California Theatre - An old knight’s ridiculous hunger to recapture his youth and gain riches through sexual liaisons is challenged when he meets his match in the form of two wily married women. http://sanjosetheaters.org.
Earth, Wind, and Fire (Sep. 8) at the San Jose Civic – Earth, Wind & Fire bring their Now, Then & Forever Tour to the San Jose Civic for an intimate performance featuring The Elements, Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson. http://sanjosetheaters.org.
PUBLIC SHOWS AND HAPPENINGS
California’s Great America presents Saturday Night Fireworks (Summer 2013) – California’s Great America is lighting up the skies every Saturday night in July and August with a shower of firework stars. Dates include (July 13, July 20, July 27, August 3, August 10, August 17, August 24). https://www.cagreatamerica.com.
Japantown Certified Farmer’s Markets (Summer 2013) – Takes place Sunday mornings from
8:30am – Noon between 6th and 7th streets on the Corp Yard lot. Find everything from fruits, vegetable and flowers to hummus and tamales. www.japantownsanjose.org.
San Jose Improv Spring Calendar (Summer 2013) – Downtown’s famous Improv comedy club is offering a great roster of talent this summer, such as Joey Diaz (June 27-29), Guy Torry (July 5-7), Eddie Griffin (July 26-27), and more. http://sanjose.improv.com.
The Mountain Winery (Summer) – Check out an extensive lineup of concerts at The Mountain Winery this summer and enjoy a breathtaking scenery with great food and entertainment. The summer lineup includes: Smokey Robinson (June 28), Erykah Badu (June 29), Ziggy Marley/Steel Pulse (July 5), YES (July 7), Railroad Earth/Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers (July 8), The Go-Go’s/The B-52′s (July 9), Rodrigo y Gabriela (July 10). http://www.mountainwinery.com/concerts.
Anno Domini presents Wes Smoot and the 49ers (Now – June 29 & August 1 – Aug 3) -Cultures and societies have developed traditions and stories in attempts to explain the dualities of the world. This exhibition offers insight into one of those societies, the E.O. 49: their members, practices and great legends. http://www.galleryad.com.
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious at the Children’s Discovery Museum (Now through Sep. 8) – The new Curious George exhibit inspires young children’s natural curiosity as they explore early science, math and engineering through hands-on interactive play. The immersive exhibit environment takes place in the neighborhood where Curious George lives. http://www.cdm.org.
Downtown San Jose Farmers Market (Now -Nov. 15 on Fridays, except July 5) – Browse through colorful flowers, gourmet foods and fresh fruits and vegetables from California-certified growers each Friday at the Downtown Farmers’ Market at San Pedro Square. Special fruit tastings, cooking demonstrations, live music, games and surprises are offered throughout the season. www.sjdowntown.com.
Institute of Contemporary Art presents Mari Andrews: Over, Under and Inside Out (Now – Sep. 7) – Mari Andrews, known for delicate, haiku-like sculptures, presents her work at the ICA, includingher “three-dimensional drawings” combining natural objects (ie seeds, leaves, moss and stones) with linear man made materials (i.e.metal wire). www.sjica.org.
Institute of Contemporary Art presents On The Road: Sabine Reckewell at Liquid Agency
(Now – August 31) – Discover how with modest tools — a hammer, pushpins, ribbon and a measuring tape — Sabine Reckewell’s creates complex geometric patterns that appear to float in mid-air. www.sjica.org.
Institute of Contemporary Art presents Next NewCA (Now – Sep. 14) -The show features a sampling of works by 2012 MFA graduates and 2013 MFA candidates from 11 MFA programs across the state. The works explore innovative approaches to new media, installation, photography, painting, and more. www.sjica.org.
San Jose Museum of Art presents Annie Leibovitz: Pilgrimage (Now – Sep. 8) –
Pilgrimage includes photographs that Leibovitz took at iconic locations in Northern California, including the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez. It’s an evocative and deeply personal statement by a Leibovitz. www.SanJoseMuseumofArt.org
San Jose Museum of Art presents Questions From the Sky: New Work by Hung Liu (Now – Sep. 29) -This exhibition showcases surprising new, intimate work by Liu, where she contemplates the cycles of life, death, and memory. www.SanJoseMuseumofArt.org
Starlight Cinema 2013 (Jun. 12 – Aug. 21) – Enjoy free classic movies under the stars this summer at Starlight Cinema, including pre-show fun and entertainment.. Sponsored by the San Jose Downtown Association, the movies take place on Wednesdays at dusk now through August 21 in various locations. http://sjdowntown.com/events/sjda-events/starlight/
Dine Downtown San Jose Restaurant Week (Now РJune 30) -More than 20 restaurants will offer three-course meals including appetizer or salad, entr̩e and dessert during Dine Downtown. www.sjdowntown.com.
The Tech Museum of Innovation presents Social Robots (Opens July 1) – The Tech is the only place you design, build and program a real robot using sensors, controllers and actuators. With so many variations at your fingertips, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination! http://www.thetech.org.
Flavors of Jazz (July 2 & every Tuesday through August 27) – Santana Row’s popular Flavors of Jazz series returns for a sixth season of cool music and tasty international cuisine. From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in July and August, Santana Row restaurants will host free live performances by talented local jazz musicians on their outdoor patios. www.SantanaRow.com.
July 4
th
Summer Block Party, Sidewalk Sale and Tasty Treats (July 4) – Before the evening’s fireworks, Santana Row invites the public from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. to stroll the Row during the day on Independence Day for a Summer Block Party and Sidewalk Sale that includes food, fashion and fun. www.SantanaRow.com.
California’s Great America presents Independence Day Weekend Fireworks (July 5 -July 6) – Come see one of the largest fireworks displays in the Bay Area as Independence Weekend Fireworks return on Friday and Saturday, July 5 & 6. No fireworks on Thursday, July 4. https://www.cagreatamerica.com.
South FIRST FRIDAYS (August 2 & Sep. 6) – The South FIRST FRIDAYS art walk is a self-guided evening tour of galleries, museums, and independent creative businesses in the SoFA District (and beyond) featuring exhibitions and special performances from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. In addition to the art walk, August & September features STREET MRKT, an outdoor DIY urban faire on South First St. with local artist vendors and live music. For more information, visit www.southfirstfridays.com/.
California’s Great America presents Island Reggae Festival (July 6) – The Island Reggae Festival is an All Day Celebration of Island Reggae Music & Culture from renown local and worldwide entertainers. https://www.cagreatamerica.com.
Santana Row’s Mommy & Me: “Mommy & Me” Program (July 9 & every second Tuesday of the month through Dec.) – Suit up for a day of sports of all sorts and get moving with tons of fun activities from 10 a.m. – noon! The popular kids’ club includes a morning of free entertainment, interactive games, crafts and educational activities designed for parents and their pre-school aged children. www.SantanaRow.com.
Summer Party on the Patio at Hotel De Anza (July 11) – Featuring Long Train Runnin’, a Doobie Brothers tribute band, relax in the beautiful Mediterranean surroundings of the Palm Court Terrace with complimentary Galliano punch tasting. The free event takes place from 5- 8 p.m. and is open to the public. More information can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/516058081780833/
Dine in French Style at Left Bank Brasserie on Bastille Day (July 14) – Left Bank diners will feel as though they’ve been whisked away to a Bastille Day meal in Paris with rustic, authentic French dishes and specialty cocktails offered in the spirit of the occasion. www.SantanaRow.com.
Music in the Park (July 19) – Music in the Park Returns to Downtown San Jose for 25th Anniversary Celebration this summer, with a concert featuring Grammy Award-winner Ozomatli as the headliner in St. James Park. For tickets or general info, go to www.sjdowntown.com.
Passport to Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Region (July 20) – Buy a passport and access 30+ wineries throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains, each offering a unique pairing of artisan handcrafted wines, gourmet food and entertainment. Take a vineyard tour for a grape-to-glass look at Santa Cruz Mountains wine. Meet the winemakers, grapegrowers and sample exclusive vintages from wineries generally not open to the public. http://www.scmwa.com
WEKFEST 2013 (July 27) – Car buffs will enjoy WEKFEST, one of the region’s premier automotive gatherings. http://www.wekfest.com/san-francisco.htmlÂ
Silicon Valley Beer Week (July 28 – August 3) -Â Introducing the First Annual Silicon Valley Beer Week, the region’s ultimate beer-lovers event, highlighting all venues, restaurants and breweries passionate about craft beer. http://www.svbeerweek.com.
Wine Tasting at Raging Waters (July 29) – Wine lovers can take a sensory adventure at Raging Waters’ Tiki Gardens, featuring five dry Burgundy-style wines from Pelican Ranch Winery. Special Event Ticket includes all day park admission plus wine tasting, light snacks, event activities and the opportunity to win fun prizes from 1-3 p.m. Kids are invited to play organized picnic games like tug-o-war and limbo while the adults relax in the shaded pavilions overlooking Lake Cunningham. www.ragingwaters.com
Chef Sessions at Santana Row (August 4, August 11, August 18 & August 25) – A series of four cooking demonstrations by different Santana Row restaurant chefs and Carolyn Jung of Foodgal.com. Each Sunday in August brings a different theme and a taste of the dish for those attending the morning chef session. www.SantanaRow.com.
Face & Body Spa Conference & Expo (August 24 – August 26) – The 2013 Advanced Education Conference Program will feature four tracks of education focused on Hyperpigmentation, Anti-aging/Ingredients, Acne/Rosacea and Body. http://www.faceandbody.com/california.
Wine Tasting at Raging Waters (August 25) – Wine lovers can become a “Rhone Ranger” at Raging Waters’ Tiki Gardens, featuring five exotic dry Rhone wines from Pelican Ranch Winery. Special Event Ticket includes all day park admission plus wine tasting, light snacks, event activities and the opportunity to win fun prizes from 1-3 p.m.. Kids are invited to play organized picnic games like tug-o-war and limbo while the adults relax in the shaded pavilions overlooking Lake Cunningham. www.ragingwaters.com
LEGO KidsFest 2013 (August 30 – Sep. 1) – LEGO KidsFest brings all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in one activity- and entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills. http://www.legokidsfest.com.
California’s Great America presents Labor Day Weekend Fireworks (August 31 – Sep. 1) -Enjoy our world-class Fireworks Extravaganza at the end of the day on Saturday and Sunday, August 31 and September 1. Park is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. https://www.cagreatamerica.com.
SPORTING EVENTS
San Jose Earthquakes (Summer 2013) – The San Jose Earthquakes host a slew of home games at Buck Shaw Stadium against division rivals and other MLS clubs. Dates and opponents include: Los Angeles Galaxy (June 29), Seattle Sounders (July 13), Portland Timbers (July 27), Chivas USA (August 4), Sporting Kansas City (August 18), Philadelphia Union (September 8), and Vancouver Whitecaps FC (September 14). http://www.sjearthquakes.com.
San Jose Giants (Summer 2013) – The San Jose Giants are back in action for the 2013 season with several home stands at Municipal Stadium with several marquee matchups. Dates and opponents include: Modesto Nuts & Stockton Ports (June 24 – June 30), Visalia Rawhide & Lake Elsinore Storm (July 4 – July 9), Modesto Nuts & Stockton Ports (July 17 – July 22), Visalia Rawhide (July 30 – August 1), Bakersfield Blaze (August 9 – August 11), Inland Empire 66ers (August 16 – August 18), and Visalia Rawhide & Inland Empire 66ers (August 27 – September 2). http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t476.
San Jose SaberCats (Summer 2013) – The San Jose SaberCats conclude their season this summer with premier match-ups at the HP Pavilion. Dates and opponents include: San Antonio Talons (July 6), Philadelphia Soul (July 20), and Chicago Rush (July 27). http://thesanjosesabercats.com/
San Jose Giants Firework Extravaganza (July 4 – July 5) - The San Jose Giants will put on a 4th of July fireworks extravaganza following their game between the Visalia Rawhide. http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t476.
San Jose State Spartans Football (August 29 – November 29) - Following its 2012 Military Bowl championship and finishing 21st in the final national polls, San Jose State football returns to Spartan Stadium for the 2013 season. The Spartans will be playing their first season in the Mountain West Conference. Six home games, three of them on national television, starting with Sacramento State on August 29, Utah State on September 27, Wyoming on October 26, San Diego State on November 2, Navy on November 22 and concluding with Fresno State on November 29. http://www.sjsuspartans.com.
For more information, go to www.sanjose.org.
Team San Jose (TSJ)
Team San Jose, Inc. is an innovative partnership unifying the San Jose Convention and Visitors Bureau, hotels, arts, labor and venues to deliver an exceptional visitor experience and serve as the gateway to San Jose as a destination. Our company manages the San Jose Convention Center and Arts and Entertainment venues including the California Theatre, the Center for the Performing Arts, Montgomery Theater, Parkside Hall, San Jose Civic and South Hall. For more information about San Jose and Team San Jose, please visit the new www.sanjose.org.