May
Weekend 25-28
FanimeCon
With art, games and special guests. Fri-Mon, May 25-28. San Jose Convention Center.
Mushroom Mardi Gras
A food festival with family entertainment. Sat-Sun, 10am on, May 26-27. Free. Downtown Morgan Hill.
Santa Cruz Blues Festival
Featuring Tommy Castro, Los Lobos, the Doobie Brothers, Jonny Lang and more. Sat-Sun, 11am on, May 26-27. $65 and up. Aptos Village Park.
Sunnyvale Cherry Festival
With food, games, tours, cherry tasting and music. Sat-Sun, 9:30am-4:30pm, May 26-27. C.J. Olson Cherries, Sunnyvale.
Detox Pool Party
Afternoon fun by the pool with Andy Caldwell. Sun, May 27. Beverly Heritage Hotel, Milpitas.
Memorial Day Fireworks
A fireworks show. Sun, after dark, May 27. Paramount’s Great America, Santa Clara.
Los Gatos Memorial Day
Featuring the San Jose Metropolitan Band. Mon, 10am, May 28. Los Gatos Memorial Park.
June
Weekend June 1-3
Russian Music Competition
Ten days of recitals and master classes culminating in concert featuring the winners. June 1-10. Le Petit Trianon, San Jose.
Greek Festival
Food, arts and live music in a Hellenic vein. Fri-Sun, June 1-3. $3/$5. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 1260 Davis St, San Jose.
St. Clare Community Festiv’all
A three-day affair with family events, including music, a car show, arts and crafts and a barbecue. Fri-Sun, June 1-3. Free. St. Clare School, 725 Washington St, Santa Clara.
Opera San Jose
The company perform selections from their repertoire. Sat, June 2, 6pm. Free. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.
Poolside Soiree
A summer fashion show. Sat, June 2, noon and 3pm. Pool at Santana Heights, Santana Row, San Jose.
Redwood Mountain Faire
With art, food and live music, including Sista Monica, the Soft White Sixties, Moonalice and Tater Famine. Sat-Sun, June 2-3, all day. $13/$18. Roaring Camp, Felton.
Summer Get-Together
A large car show from the Good Guys Rod and Custom Association with thousands of vehicles and autocross races, plus vendors and entertainment. Sat-Sun, June 2-3. Pleasanton Fairgrounds.
Sunnyvale Art and Wine Festival
Wine tasting from regional wineries, beer, food and crafts booths and more. Sat-Sun, June 2-3, all day. Free. Downtown Sunnyvale.
Sunset Celebration Weekend
Annual open house for the magazine, with demonstrations, food and entertainment. Sat-Sun, June 2-3. Sunset, Menlo Park.
Chanticleer
The all-male chorus presents two performances of “Mission Road,” a program of newly discovered selections from the California Mission era. Sun, June 3, 5pm, Mission San Jose, Fremont; and Mon, June 4, 8pm, Mission Santa Clara. $20-$44.
Food and Wine Classic
Meet with top chefs and vintners while sampling dishes and savoring fine wines. Proceeds benefit education programs. Sun, June 3, 5:30pm; $150-$175. Montalvo Arts Center, Saratoga.
Joseph Zanger Memorial & Reunion Dance
Featuring dancing on the country park stage to the sounds of Pat Eodice. Sun, June 3, noon-5pm. Free. Casa de Fruta, Hollister.
Weekend June 8-10
Nativity Carnival
Carnival rides, music, Tiki Lounge and more. Fri, 5-11pm, Sat, noon-11pm, Sun, noon-6pm, June 8-10. Free. Nativity School, Oak Grove Avenue and Laurel Street, Menlo Park.
Dia de Portugal Festival
The Portuguese Heritage Society of California (PHSC) hosts the festival with food, music and dance. Sat, June 9, 10:30am-6:30pm; free. Kelley Park, San Jose.
San Mateo County Fair and Peninsula Festival
Exhibits, entertainment and lots of rides. June 9-17. San Mateo County Expo Center, San Mateo.
Weekend June 15-17
Art on the Square
The first in a series of art shows that accompany Music on the Square performances. Fri, June 15, 5-8:30pm; free. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.
Vertical Challenge
An air show devoted to helicopters, plus food trucks and kids’ events. Sat, June 16, 10am-4pm. $15-$35. Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos.
Juneteenth in the Park
A celebration around emancipation of the slaves, with food, marketplace and performances. Sat-Sun, June 16-17. Free. Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, Market Street and Park Avenue, downtown San Jose.
Greek Music, Food and Wine Festival
Music and food presented by the Hellenic Heritage Institute. Sun, June 17, 11am-8pm. $5. History Park, San Jose.
Hats Off to Dad
Train rides, railroad exhibits and barbecue for Father’s Day. Sun, June 17. Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton.
World Music Day
In celebration of the Summer Solstice, everyone of all ages is invited to get moving to a wide variety of world music sounds. Sun, 3-7:30pm, June 17. Free. Downtown Palo Alto.
Midweek Special
Dine Downtown
Many of the city’s best downtown restaurants will present $20, $30 and $40 prix fixe three-course menus. June 20-July 1. Downtown San Jose.
Weekend June 22-24
Joe Sharino
A special concert with local hero Joe and his band to raise money for children’s programs at the museum. Fri, June 22, 6:30pm. $29/$35. Campbell City Green.
UFW 50th Anniversary
A concert with Kris Kristofferson and friends. Fri, June 22, 8pm. $25 and up. San Jose Civic.
SETIcon II
A conference about life on other worlds brings together scientists, sci-fi authors and inventive thinkers. Fri, 5:30pm-Sun, 5:30pm, June 22-24. $40 and up. Hyatt Santa Clara.
Dia de San Juan Festival
Western Regional Puerto Rican Council presents a day of cultural events, food and music by Michael Stuart, Orquesta Avance and Trio los Borincanos. Sat, June 23, 11am-7pm. $20/$30. History Park, San Jose.
Surf City Classic Woodies
A display of classic Woodies along with live music. Sat, June 23, 10am-4pm; free. Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf.
Willow Glen’s Dancin’ on the Avenue
Everyone is invited to dance to live music on four stages and sample the businesses of downtown Willow Glen. Sat, June 23, 3-8pm; free. Lincoln Avenue and Willow Street, Willow Glen.
Detox Pool Party
Featuring Jask and Julius Papp with Morrison. Sun, June 24. Beverly Heritage Hotel, Milpitas.
Weekend June 28-July 1
U.S. Olympic Trials
A special Gymnastics Fan Fest with a block party and presentation of the Olympic Team leading up to competition on July 1. Thu-Sun, June 28-July 1. HP Pavilion San Jose.
Valley of Heart’s Delight
A benefit for History San Jose’s educational program features food stations and tastings, local wine and beer, trolley rides and music by Fiddle Road and the Dewayne Oakley Blues Ensemble. Sat, June 30, 5-9pm. $125. History Park San Jose.
July
Fourth of July
Cupertino Fourth
A pancake breakfast at 7am, followed by a flag raising, children’s parade and a concert by OTR at 10:30am, Memorial Park. Also, swimming barbecue and live music by the Dave Crimmen Band, 10am-4pm, at Blackberry Farm. Wed, July 4. Cupertino.
Fremont Fourth
A parade through downtown and a flyover. Wed, July 4, 10am. Centerville District, Fremont.
Gilroy Fireworks
An celebration in the sky. Wed, July 4, 9:15pm. Gilroy High School.
Independence Day at Ardenwood
The history park re-creates a celebration from the turn of a previous century. Wed, July 4. Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont.
Los Gatos Fourth
Featuring a traditional band concert featuring the San Jose Wind Symphony. Wed, July 4, all day. Free. Downtown Los Gatos.
Milpitas July Fourth Celebration
A barbecue, pool party (1-4pm, $2), concert and fireworks ($3). The music will be provided by the Houserockers. Wed, July 4, 1-10pm. Sports Center, Milpitas.
Morgan Hill Fourth
This year’s theme is Happy Birthday America and comes with walk and run events, a car show, parade and fireworks after dark. Wed, July 4, all day. Morgan Hill community Park.
Redwood City Family 4th
The Peninsula Celebration Association hosts a parade and festival. July 4, 9am-5pm, parade starts at 10am. Free. Downtown Redwood City.
Rose, White & Blue Parade
A traditional event presented by the Alameda Business Assoc., the Shasta/Hanchett Park Neighborhood and the Rose Garden Neighborhood. Wed, July 4, 7:30am-2pm. Abraham Lincoln High School, San Jose.
San Francisco Symphony and Fireworks
The symphony, led by Randall Craig Fleischer with vocalist Rob Evan, serenades a night sky full of fireworks. Wed, July 4, 8pm. $35 and up. Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View.
Santa Clara All-City Picnic
With entertainment and fireworks for the whole family. Wed, July 4; 8am-10pm; Central Park, Santa Clara.
Santana Row Fourth
A fashion block party, live music and holiday barbecue. Wed, July 4, 10am-6pm. Santana Row, San Jose.
Weekend July 6-8
Tahiti Fete of San Jose
Three days of Polynesian dance and music, plus crafts and food and workshops. Fri-Sun, 9am-6pm, July 6-8. $16/$20. SJSU Event Center.
Strangers Car Club BBQ and Show
Hot rods from the 1950s and ’60s. Bring your own meat to grill. Sun, July 8, 11am-4pm. $5. History Park San Jose.
Weekend July 13-15
Art on the Square
A chance to sample the wares of local craftspeople and artisans. Takes place along with Music on the Square. Fri, July 13, 5-8:30pm. Free. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.
Hot San Jose Nights
A three-day salute to classic American automobiles, including a cruise to the drive-in. Fri-Sun, July 13-15. Santa Clara County Fairgrounds.
Los Altos Art and Wine Festival
Arts and crafts booths, food and wine, and music by Sage, the House Rockers and Fred McCarty among others. Sat-Sun, July 14-15, all day. Free. Main and State streets, Los Altos.
Obon Festival
A Japantown cultural celebration with food and performances. Sat-Sun, July 14-15. Free. Buddhist Church Betsuin, San Jose.
Palo Alto Clay and Glass Festival
Local craftspeople show their wares and demonstrate their techniques. Sat, July 14-15, 10am-5pm; free. Palo Alto Art Center, Palo Alto.
Midweek Special
Midsummer Mozart
Annual festival led by George Cleve begins. Thu, July 19, 8pm. $30 and up. Also Thu, July 26, 8pm. California Theatre, San Jose.
Weekend July 20-22
Music@Menlo
The festival includes multiple performances plus workshops and presentations. This year’s theme is “Resonance” and looks at the relationship of people to music. July 20-Aug. 11. Various venues in Menlo Park, Atherton and Palo Alto.
Connoisseur’s Marketplace
A fine-crafts festival, plus live music, food and drink booths, cooking demos and kids’ activities. Sat-Sun, July 21-22, 10am-6pm. Free. Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park.
Saratoga Classic Car Show
A car show plus silent auction. Sun, July 22, 10am-5pm. Downtown Saratoga.
Detox Pool Party
Poolside entertainment with Mr. V and Will ReelSoul. Sun, Jul 22. Beverly Heritage Hotel, Milpitas.
The Wiggles
A music show for kids. Sun, July 22, 11:30am and 3pm. $18.50 and up. San Jose Civic.
Weekend July 27-29
Day Out With Thomas
A chance for young rail fans to ride a full-size Thomas engine through the redwoods. July 27-29, Aug. 3-5. Roaring Camp, Felton.
Gilroy Garlic Festival
Paying tribute to the “stinking rose” with food, music, cook-offs and more. Fri-Sun, July 27-29. Christmas Hill Park, Gilroy.
PAL Blues Festival
Live music and barbecue. Performances include Frank Bey, Andy Santana, Gary Smith, Sista Monica and more. Fri-Sat, Fri, July 27, 6-8pm, Sat, July 28, 11am-8pm. Free. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.
Target Summer Pops
The outdoor summer festival begins with “A Little Classical Night Music” presented by Symphony Silicon Valley—plus free ice cream. Sat, July 28, 7pm. On Sun, July 29, 5:30pm: “Fiddles ‘n Fables with family-friendly selections. Free. SJSU Green.
August
Weekend Aug. 3-5
South First Friday
Regular monthly crawl through arts district with openings and music. Fri, Aug. 3, all evening. Free. South First Street, San Jose.
Target Summer Pops
The outdoor summer festival continues. Fri, Aug. 3, 7pm: Latin Jazz and Tango with the Paquito D’Rivera Quintet. Sat, Aug. 4, 7pm: Symphony San Jose presents selections from Rodgers and Hart. Sun, Aug. 5, 5:30pm: Favorite selections from Copland and Shaw, plus marching music. Free. SJSU Green.
Fremont Festival of the Arts
With food and wine, live music, business alley, arts and crafts and a kids’ zone. Sat-Sun, Aug. 4-5, 10am-6pm. Free. Downtown, Fremont.
Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive
An event dedicated to the Greatest Generation, with music and period memories. Sat-Sun, noon-5pm, Aug. 4-5. $5. History Park San Jose.
Weekend Aug. 10-12
Fiesta de Artes
Art and wine festival with music, arts and crafts. Sat-Sun, Aug. 11-12, 10am-6pm. Free. Los Gatos Civic Center Grounds.
Cajun/Zydeco Festival
With tasty Louisiana culinary treats plus music. Sat, Aug. 11. Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont.
San Juan Antiques and Collectibles Flea Market
Vendors fill the streets of the old Spanish mission town. Sun, Aug 12, all day. Downtown San Juan Bautista.
Weekend Aug. 17-19
Guglielmo Harvest Festival
With food, games, live music and fine wines. 21+. Sat, Aug. 18, 2-9:30pm. $60. Guglielmo Winery, Morgan Hill.
Weekend Aug 24-26
Italian-American Family Festival
Sponsored by the Italian American Heritage Foundation of San Jose. Aug. 25-26, all day. Guadalupe River Park, San Jose.
Palo Alto Festival of the Arts
Artists and craftspeople show their fares, plus food and drink booths. Sat-Sun, Aug. 25-26, 10am-6pm. Free. University Avenue, downtown Palo Alto.
Detox Pool Party
Featuring Alix Alvarez and Nef Nunez. Sun, Aug. 26. Beverly Heritage Hotel, Milpitas.
Weekend Aug. 31-Sept. 3
Begonia Festival
An annual celebration with a nautical parade and floats. Fri-Mon, Aug 31-Sept. 3; free. Downtown Capitola.
Historic Rail Fair
A look back at the iron horse with working trains and steam engines. Sat-Mon, all day, Sept. 1-3. Ardenwood, Fremont.
Watsonville Fly-In
Annual aerial spectacle with antique flying machines. Fri-Sun, all day, Aug. 31-Sept. 2. Watsonville Airport, Watsonville.
SubZERO Festival | Concerts | Outdoor Activities | Festivals & Fairs | Movies | Jazz
