Attendance at downtown San Jose events this summer could approach 1 million as festivals and multi-day events are scheduled for most weekends while arena, stadium and performance venues occur day-to day.
With Covid restrictions lifted, everyone is invited and encouraged to participate in as many events as possible. Most outdoor events are free or low-cost to attend.
“The energy the summer events bring to downtown this year will be off the charts,” said Alex Stettinski, San Jose Downtown Association Chief Executive Officer. “Our restaurants, galleries, performing arts venues, music, dance and nightlife businesses are ready to provide a unique and all-around fun experience for our residents and visitors.”
Major events expected to draw more than 10,000 people include:
- June 2-3 – SubZero Festival
- June 11 and Sept. 10 – Viva Calle
- Aug. 4-6 – BE’ohana Night Market
- Aug. 11-13 – San Jose Jazz Summerfest
- Aug. 11-20 – Cinequest
More scheduled weekend festivals downtown include South First Fridays and Street MRKTs, Music in the Park, Juneteenth, Fountain Blues and Brews, Pacific Feats, Little Italy Italian Fest, SoFA Street Fairs and Dia San Jose. Each draws several thousand attendees.
SAP Center already has 29 dates filled before hockey season begins in October, including Cirque du Soleil’s “Corteo” (Aug. 9-13) and the U.S. Gymnastics Championship (Aug. 24-27). The arena holds more than 13,000 for each event
The Civic and Center for Performing Arts – both 2,000-plus-seat venues, have 28 and 26 days planned so far, respectively. And Levi’s Stadium in nearby Santa Clara will be packed with fans of Taylor Swift (July 28-29) and Beyonce (Aug. 30), Ed Sheeran (Sept. 16), plus Europe’s soccer powerhouses FC Barcelona and Juventus (July 22), with fans spilling into downtown San Jose for overnight stays and partying.
More intimate events that make a large local impact include four nights of Starlight free outdoor movies, four nights of CityDance that includes lessons and dancing to live music, Make Music Day on June 21, Levitt Spring and Fall concert series, and a number of organized runs including the Rock and Roll Half Marathon.
In addition, San Jose’s Dine Downtown restaurant promotion lasts July 13-23 with special menus, chef’s specials and food-and-drink pairings.
Event information can be found at sjdowntown.com. Parking info is at ParkSJ.org.
