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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 |
 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 |
 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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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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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 |
