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 This one's for man's best friend |
Corner of William and South 16th Streets William Street Park San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95112 United States +1 408 793 5125 http://www.barksanjose.org/ |
This event is for your best friend—the one that walks on his fours! Here you get to witness dog acrobatics performed by specially trained canines, called the Agility Dogs. There are even demonstrations on how to train dogs, costume contests, awards...the list just goes on! Bark in the Park is a fund raising event for non-profit organizations like the CCA and Humane Society Silicon Valley. A donation, per dog, is expected. Check the website for more details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mara Wildfeuer |
 Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music |
104 Walnut Avenue, Suite 206 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 United States +1 831 426 6966 / +1 831 420 5260 (Box Office) http://www.cabrillomusic.org/ |
Since it began in 1961, the Cabrillo Music Festival has successfully presented shows by more than 130 composers from around the globe. Music maestros such as John Adams, Elliott Carter, Michael Daugherty, and Joan Tower have won accolades for their performances at this event. From classical concerts and opera, to modern day hip-hop and rock, it is for people of all ages and tastes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Lively annual parade |
Santa Clara street San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States |
A colorful, raucous and noisy parade through downtown San Jose takes place every Cinco de Mayo weekend to celebrate Mexican freedom. All sorts of people participate - student and community organizations, businesses, political groups, musicians and dancers. The parade winds up where the huge festival begins, at Almaden Boulevard and Park Avenue. It is always a great, high-energy time for everyone, no matter what their ethnic persuasion. The event is free. Some vendors may accept credit cards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Renowned film festival |
22 North Almaden Avenue Cinequest San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95110 United States +1 408 995 5033 (Organizers) http://www.cinequest.org/ |
A promoter of independent films, Cinequest organizes this event in Silicon Valley every year. A prestigious film festival, it stands out for its commendable efforts to encourage mavericks in their efforts to create works with different views and techniques. Since its inception in 1990, the festival has gained many accolades from budding filmmakers to seasoned pros. Some of the works that have participated in the festival have also won Oscar nominations. Films can now be watched online, while volunteer and intern positions are always open. Viewers are also encouraged to send in meritorious works—those that stir the soul. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Schieron |
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Health-food festival |
7050 Miller Avenue Christmas Hill Park San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95020 United States +1 408 842 1625 (Organizers) http://www.gilroygarlicfestiva... |
Two tons of free garlic goes into the food preparations at this annual event that celebrates the benefits of the seasoning. If that's not enough to ward off your date, you can both happily participate in the arts and crafts workshops and the great garlic cook-off—the highlight of the fest. There's more fun in form of celebrity cooking demonstrations, children's corners, music, interactive sponsor displays and the Garlic Festival Queen Pageant. The non-profit Gilroy Garlic Festival Association uses the proceeds from the fare to support the community. Work with them to help society, and party with them for some clean, family fun. Check the Web site for pricing and tickets. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kreg Steppe  |
 Photo: LorE Denizen |
 Photo: Amanda |
 Photo: hfpierson |
 Photo: Tami Warr |
 Music Every June |
At the corner of Saint James and First streets (St James Park) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 408 279 1775 http://www.sjdowntown.com |
Every Thursday in June, there is a live concert in Saint James Park for free. Many local residents and businessmen stop by after work for the show. Beer is usually sold, and everyone is welcome to hang out and listen to the music between 5p and 8p. The style of music changes every season. The 2001 show saw mostly soul and fusion acts, but there is no telling what style of music might be on tap on any particular Thursday. The only thing you can be sure of is that it will be a great time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jennifer Bullock |
 Photo: Jennifer Bullock |
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Clay and glass wonders |
1313 Newell Rd Palo Alto Art Center San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 94303 United States +1 650 329 2366 (Palo Alto Art Center) http://www.acga.net/acgamain/p... |
If you happen to be in Palo Alto in July, you sure won't want to miss this festival. After all, it's all for a good cause! Around 170 artistes from the Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California put up their work annually at the Palo Alto Art Center, which is the official co-sponsor for the event. Browse through the various master pieces (you can even buy what is on display), and attend demonstrations of Ikebana, carving, and wheel throwing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Sake It Baby |
Jackson Street Between 4th and 7th Streets San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 94112 United States +1 408 294 2505 http://www.sakesanjose.com |
Every May the Yu-Ai Kai Senior Community Center in San Jose hosts this Sake tasting fest. The event is held at various restaurants and businesses across Japantown. Sakes from Japan as well as the U.S. such as the Daiginjo, Ginjo and Junmai grades of premium sake are available for tasting during the event. The variety of Sakes will literally make your head spin. This is one of those events that shouldn't be missed while you are in the city. But be prepared to leave the place with either a splitting headache or a major high. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Annual 4th of July bash |
San Carlos Street and Route 87 Guadalupe River Park's Discovery Meadow San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States http://www.americafestival.com/ |
Every year, nearly 200,000 people flock to this high-energy Fourth of July festival of music, crafts, ethnic food and fireworks. You can bring the kids to play in the children's area during the day and then go watch the fireworks together at night. Groove to music from any of the three stages or peruse the arts and crafts exhibits. There is a little bit of something for everybody at this festival. Event is free, some vendors may accept credit cards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 A California Tradition |
1590 Berryessa Road (at the corner of East Hedding Street) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95133 United States +1 408 453 1110 http://www.sjfm.com |
What may be the world's largest flea market (that is the claim, anyway) covers nearly 120 acres and offers lots of parking. Browse goods from more than 2,000 sellers, some commercial, some private. Everything is here: arts and crafts, produce, clothing, furniture, tires, bicycles, music, electronics, collectibles, shops, markets, barbecues or knick-knacks. It is a great destination for the bargain hunter. Admission is free, but parking is $5 on weekends and $1 on weekdays. Some vendors may accept credit cards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Cherie Leonard |
 Photo: jennifer yin |
 Photo: Peggy Kramer |
 Photo: Emma Mordue |
 Photo: Jesus H Gonzalez |
 Photo: Elbert Porteria |
 Photo: J. Miri |
 Photo: chloemakes |
 Photo: LeAnne Smith |
 Photo: Gerald D. Lund |
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A Different Perspective |
PMB 108, 1346 The Almeda, Suite 7 GPCCSJ, Inc. San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95126 United States +1 408 278 5563 (Organizers) http://www.sjgaypride.com/ |
More than 20,000 people crowd the streets of the venue during this flamboyant festival of freedom and assertion. Though primarily for those with alternate lifestyles, the parade is attended by one and all. Generally held over a weekend, it features a Community Day in the park on a Saturday, followed by a massive parade on Sunday. Onlookers are treated to colorful costumes, music and events. Entertainment in the form of a Latin stage and dance areas keep the crowds grooving, while numerous food stalls provide the fuel. Other activities include arts and crafts workshops and information booths. A karaoke show, Mr. and Mrs. Gay South Bay contest and a Battle of the Bands program are also crowd pullers during the parade. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: TroysPhotos |
 Photo: TroysPhotos |
 Photo: Alex and Dean |
 Photo: Alex and Dean |
 Photo: Jo-An Torres For Life ICP IRLM36, RCC RGDC13 |
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Christmas on Parade |
Santa Clara/Market Streets San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA United States +1 408 277 3303 http://www.sanjoseholidayparad... |
This popular parade kicks off the holiday season in Northern California. It's one of the biggest in California and it is a spectacle of giant helium balloons, over two dozen marching bands, creative floats, dozens of specialty units, clowns and of course, Santa Claus. Previous years' parades have featured themes such as, "Unwrap the Joy," which showcase over 100 entries with 5,000 marchers including giant soaring helium balloons, top marching bands, colorful floats, drill teams, equestrians, clowns, and special guest celebrities. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Eric Raper |
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Mariachi Madness |
1700 Alum Rock Avenue (Mexican Heritage Plaza) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95116 United States +1 408 928 5563 / +1 408 928 8497 http://www.mhcviva.org/ |
This is one of the largest mariachi festivals in the country, and there is no better fiesta anywhere. This fun-filled musical event also includes three days of workshops and classes, where folks of all ages and ethnic heritages can take lessons with some of the best Mariachi musicians in the business. The festival draws people from all over the Bay Area, and master musicians travel from all over the world to participate. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Free jazz |
476 Park Avenue San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 408 961 5816 http://www.sanjosejazz.org/ |
What bills itself as the largest free jazz festival in the world draws thousands of people to downtown San Jose each year. Generally using about ten stages dispersed throughout various neighborhoods, the event features all varieties of jazz, from Dixieland to fusion. This festival is so big that you can even get discounted rates at all the luxurious hotels in the area. Be sure to ask for special jazz packages when booking your room. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: James Knox |
 Photo: James Hall |
 Photo: Elaina Karen |
 Photo: Kymberli Brady |
 Photo: D |
 Photo: Roz05 |
 Photo: Tom Willerer |
 Photo: Paulo Philippidis |
 Photo: Roz05 |
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Remembering the ancestors |
640 North Fifth Street San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95112 United States +1 408 293 9292 http://www.sjbetsuin.com/ |
Over a weekend in summer, Japantown comes alive to the beats of Taiko drummers, as they pound their way along the streets. Organized by the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, the free festival is celebrated to remember the dead and to reconnect with their spirits. Cultural and religious tradition is at its peak here, with music, dress, food and ritual coming together in the presence of colorful lanterns on a Japanese dance pavilion. Expect to see some beautiful kimonos and Hapi coats on more than 700 Bon Odori dancers who move to the music of the Chidori Band of San Jose. Food booths include sushi, meats and desserts from both America and Japan, while bingo, game stalls and a raffle provide other entertainment. The "Buddhism 101" workshop offers opportunities for locals to learn about the faith, at the Jose Buddhist Temple, as part of the celebrations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kevin Tien |
 Photo: Mike |
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Fifty Years of Fun |
344 Tully Road Santa Clara County Fairgrounds San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95111 United States +1 408 494 3297 http://www.thefair.org/ |
This fun filled, old fashioned fair is one of the biggest in California, not to mention one of the best. It is all here arts, crafts, concerts, a carnival, food, livestock, exhibitions, auto races, games and plenty of things to keep the kids busy. There are also carnival rides and games to go with the down home food and top-notch musical performances. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Romeo Cuerpo |
 Photo: Donovan Snyder |
 Photo: CKTink |
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Spacious Outdoor Amphitheater |
1 Amphitheatre Parkway (Shoreline exit from Highway 101) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 94043 United States +1 650 967 3000 http://www.livenation.com/venu... |
This 60-acre, 25,000-seat outdoor amphitheater, 10 miles north of San Jose, stages concerts by the hottest names in popular music. Owned by the City of Mountain View and legendary Bill Graham Productions, the pie-shaped amphitheater consists of 6,500 fixed seats close to the stage and an expansive lawn on a sloped hillside for remaining concertgoers. The view is great and the atmosphere is both laid-back and party-like. You are bound to have a terrific time (remember to bring a blanket and extra clothing.) Tickets are available at the box office or through Ticketmaster. Call for prices and show times. Credit card acceptance varies by show. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jeff Jenkins |
 Photo: Mike & Jingwen |
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Annual street festival |
Corner of Almaden Blvd & Park Ave San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 408 494 3590 http://www.tapestryarts.org |
A huge Labor Day street festival, this melange of performing arts, crafts, visual art, ethnic food and designs is one of San Jose's biggest and best events, drawing crowds from all over the Bay Area with its mix of fun, food and culture. Browse the wares of more than a hundred vendors, hawking everything from delicately carved gourds and etched glass to lumpia and sushi. It is all here: art, music, food and drinks. The event is free, some vendors may accept credit cards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: dodoskido.com |
 Photo: deepgoswami |
 Photo: Prabal Bhattacharya |
