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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 |
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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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City's Festivities |
10300 Torre Avenue, Civic Center Between Pacifica and Rodriguez San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95014 United States +1 408 252 7054 http://www.cupertino-chamber.o... |
Cupertino Jubilee is a fund raising event, held at the Civic Center in September every year. It is organized by the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce, which is a non-profit organization. There are several activities scheduled during the event, not to forget the various food stalls! Sample the scrumptious grub while witnessing the live musical performances. Even dance and choir performances are scheduled. Enjoy! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
 Big, bad, over-the-top musical |
255 Almaden Boulevard (Corner of W San Carlos Ave) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95110 United States +1 408 277 3900 http://www.hairsprayontour.com/ |
How such an over-the-top, energized production can span more than two hours and end with a cast fresh and bubbling with smiles is beyond comprehension. But they do it, and do it extraordinarily. From the pompadours to the beehives, checkered skirts to psychedelic dresses, this three years and running hit captures the 1960s at its best. Based off of a 1988 John Waters film, this musical manages to maintain its lighthearted atmosphere while attacking heated issues like segregation, and teen stereotypes. Opening with Tracy (Keala Settle), a plump teenager whose dream is to be on Corny Collins' (Paul McQuillan) dance show and date dreamy Link (Aaron Tveit), from the beginning a sweet, frilly atmosphere is created. High pitched voices, precise dance numbers, and catchy lyrics make it hard to keep from tapping your foot during the non-stop entertainment. When Tracy gets all that she wished for, instead of pouncing on those who pushed her down, she brings out the lively side of her obese mother (humorously played by masculine J.P Dougherty), and stages a protest against segregation. After all, she learned her dance moves from some smooth-moving black dancers while in detention. During these numbers, the dancers are so light on their feet that the technical moves seem simple, adding a whole new groove to the hopping music. Tracy's antithesis Penny Pingleton (Melissa Larsen) is an exception to the rest as she often relieves the play with her normal, nerdy awkwardness. It would be hard to miss the outcast on the bustling stage, but then again, this play wants you to notice the odd ball out. Credits: Director, Jack O'Brien; Producer, Marilynn Sheldon; Choreographer, Jerry Mitchell, Music, Marc Shaiman; Lyrics, Scott Wittman; Orchestration, Harold Wheeler; Sound, Steve C. Kennedy; Costumes, William Ivey Long; Set, David Rockwell; light, Kenneth Posner - Erin Podlipnik Tickets: $46-$73 Performances: Tu-F 8p, Sa 2p & 8p, Su 1p & 6:30p Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Go Stanford! |
Stanford University Campus Dr (between Arrillaga Family Sports Center & Police Station) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 94305 United States +1 800 232 8225 http://gostanford.collegesport... |
Named after the principle donor, the late Roscoe Maples, a member of the Stanford class of 1904, this $3.3 billion multi-purpose facility was dedicated on March 1, 1969. This full-function pavilion serves Stanford students for all there event needs. Home to both the men's and women's basketball teams and the men's and women's volleyball teams, come cheer on your team or attend music performances in this 7613-seat arena. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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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 |
 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 |
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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 |
 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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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 |
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Public entertainment venue |
Corner of Taylor Street and Highway 87 San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95101 United States +1 408 291 5250 (Tourist Information Center) |
The Taylor Street Bridge is a public space that promises entertainment all year round. Various shows and traveling troupes ("Corteo" has been staged here, and the Cirque du Soleil has also visited) enthrall audiences all year round. Several production houses also have their works shown from time to time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Richard Beebe |
 Photo: Nancy |
