Intro | Concerts | Visual Art | Theater | Festivals | Movies | Food
SubZero Festival
SoFA District, San Jose | Jun 1-2
Get a sense of the South Bay’s uniquely tech-savvy artistic subculture at the SubZero Festival, where the byword is “where street meets geek.” For two nights, from 6pm to midnight, SoFA will be a wonderland of artists, performers, musicians and cultural demonstrations. More info at subzerofestival.com.
Obon Festival
Japantown, San Jose | Jul 14-15
The San Jose Obon Festival returns with game booths, taiko performances, a wide variety of food and more than 1,200 dancers in traditional dress to mark the Japanese custom of welcoming the spirits of ancestors back into the family. For more info, go to jtown.org.
Los Altos Art & Wine Festival
Downtown Los Altos | Jul 14-15
Ceramics, fiber art, painting, jewelry, glassware and fashion will be front and center at this midsummer festival. The weekend will also feature live music on two outdoor stages, children’s activities and plenty of wine and fine food. More info at downtownlosaltos.org/event/arts-wine-festival.
Silicon Valley Pride
Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, San Jose | Aug 25-26
The South Bay’s long-standing Silicon Valley Pride celebration kicks off with a Trans and Friends rally and culminates in a parade through the streets of downtown San Jose. In between is a festival of music, dance and LGBTQ culture (costuming encouraged). For details, go to svpride.com.
Palo Alto Festival of the Arts
University Avenue, Palo Alto | Aug 25-26
Celebration of the visual arts is the keystone of this annual weekend festival in Palo Alto. It’s known for more than 300 displays of unique art from artists and crafts makers, as well as the hands-on Kids’ Art Studio; the Italian Street Painting Expo, which celebrates chalk art; and the signature Chopin and Chandeliers event. Learn more at mlaproductions.com.
Mountain View Art & Wine Festival
Castro Street, Mountain View | Sep 8-9
This self-styled “Festival Like No Other” is Mountain View’s must-do calendar event of the year, with artwork from more than 500 artists and crafts makers, live music including the Soul Train Dance Party, lots of fun and games for kids, plus beer, wine and signature cocktails. More info can be found at mountainview.miramarevents.com.
