Silicon Valley International Invention Festival Invites Global Creators to the Heart of Innovation

Inventors, entrepreneurs, and curious minds from more than 30 countries will gather in Santa Clara this August for the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival. The three-day showcase at the Santa Clara Convention Center highlights groundbreaking ideas and transformative technologies from around the world while offering direct access to the people behind them.

Free visitor admission removes barriers and opens the event to students, professionals, investors, and anyone interested in what comes next. Attendees can wander through exhibits, engage with creators, and explore emerging solutions in an environment built for discovery and conversation. The format encourages both casual exploration and purposeful networking across borders and disciplines.

Santa Clara sits at the core of a region long defined by its capacity to turn bold concepts into reality. This festival extends that tradition by welcoming international perspectives and creating space for collaboration that might otherwise happen far from home. It reinforces the area’s role as a place where ideas from every corner of the globe find fertile ground.

Organized by the International Federation of Inventors Associations, the program spans multiple days with hours designed for broad participation. Programming suits all ages and includes opportunities to see practical inventions alongside forward-looking concepts. It stands as a clear reminder that the drive to invent and improve remains a powerful force here, drawing talent and attention that continue to shape the future.

The festival runs August 14 through 16 with free parking and doors open at 10am each morning.

Dine Downtown Restaurant Week is Live!

It's one of my favorite times of year. Dine Downtown is in full swing until July 19th. I'm going to break the traditional format a bit and highlight some of my favorite menus on the list. 

Let's start with a pre-dinner libation at Alter Ego, one of the best bars in the entire Bay Area. If you're feeling fancy, they have a unique liquid special of a martini and caviar for $20. I do wish there were some food items on here as well as their kitchen is the best of any bar I have been to.

Poppy and Claro has a $29 lunch 3-course prix fixe as well as a very reasonably $39 dinner option. You can pair that with a $19 cocktail flight ($9 for mocktails).

At the other end of the pricing spectrum you have Adega, San Jose's first and only restaurant ever to earn a Michelin Star. They have a 4-course $99 menu, which is the least expensive menu you are likely to find there all year. If that is too rich for your blood and you're craving Portuguese food, their sister restaurant Petiscos has a $55 3-course menu available.

For some traditional American steaks, Morton's has a great deal for a 3-course meal featuring a Filet Mignon. 

Last but not least, La Peñita is featuring four specials for Restaurant Week, all smothered in delicious mole sauce. This is one of the more affordable options on the list for a full service restaurant.

Bon Appetit! 🧑‍🍳

Cancer CAREpoint Finds a New Home in Willow Glen for Expanded Cancer Support

Bay Area families navigating cancer treatment and recovery will experience greater access to free, personalized support following Cancer CAREpoint’s recent relocation to a larger headquarters in the Willow Glen neighborhood. The nonprofit completed its move on June 30 into the Garden Theater Building at 1165 Lincoln Avenue, where increased space now allows for more clients and broader in-person programming.

The expanded facility strengthens the organization’s ability to deliver counseling, support groups, nutrition education, wellness classes, and practical assistance such as wigs and emergency bridge funding. After more than 14 years of service from its previous San Jose location, Cancer CAREpoint has already supported over 12,000 individuals and families across the region with care available both in person and virtually.

This new base in Willow Glen’s vibrant, walkable community provides a peaceful and inviting setting designed to foster connection and hope during challenging times. The move enhances visibility for the nonprofit amid the neighborhood’s local shops and gathering spots, helping more residents discover these essential resources.

With services rooted in compassion and practicality, the organization continues its mission to ease the burdens of cancer for patients, survivors, caregivers, and loved ones throughout the Bay Area. The relocation positions Cancer CAREpoint for sustained growth as it prepares for community events like its annual Garden Party fundraiser.

Source: SVBJ

H2 Gallery at Hammer Theatre Celebrates Local Artists with Reflections and Upcoming Texturescape

Those exploring the Hammer Theatre Center in Downtown San Jose will discover the H2 Gallery, a dedicated space that rotates exhibitions of work by local artists and San José State University alumni. The current show, Reflections, wraps up on July 16 after featuring pieces by nine creators who work across painting, printmaking, and drawing. Their subjects range from the fleeting and intimate to larger-scale reflections on environment and personal vision, with select works available for purchase.

The artists in Reflections bring distinct perspectives that together create a rich dialogue within the gallery walls. Dianna Masciarelli, Sue La Fetra, Vera Fainshtein, Megan Huddlestun, Clayton Moraga, Guna Leikind, Imara Osorno, Fe Villanueva, and Alessandra Aquino each contribute pieces that invite close looking and thoughtful response. The exhibition marks the fourth in the space and underscores a commitment to elevating voices connected to the university and the broader San Jose community.

Because the gallery sits inside the Hammer Theatre Center, visitors attending performances often find themselves drawn into the artwork as a natural extension of the evening. This integration turns a simple night out into a fuller encounter with the creative energy that flows through Downtown San Jose. The focus on alumni and local makers keeps the programming rooted in the region while offering fresh perspectives each time the walls change.

An upcoming exhibition titled Texturescape will open on July 18 and continue the gallery’s mission of showcasing thoughtful, varied work. A free reception on August 4 at 6 p.m. will give the public a chance to meet the artists and experience the new show firsthand.

Mrs. Roper Romp Brings Playful Energy to Downtown Willow Glen Once Again

Friends and neighbors seeking a lighthearted summer afternoon in Willow Glen will have the perfect reason to dust off the caftans and wigs this coming weekend. The third annual Mrs. Roper Romp turns the neighborhood into a stage for colorful fun inspired by the Three's Company television character known for her bold fashion and larger-than-life personality.

The gathering takes place on Saturday, July 11 from 1 to 5 PM throughout Downtown Willow Glen. Participants need no tickets or advance sign-ups. They simply choose an outfit that captures the spirit, then spend the hours shopping at local boutiques, enjoying meals at neighborhood restaurants, and strolling the sidewalks in full flamboyant style.

Willow Glen has always carried a village atmosphere with its blend of specialty stores, casual dining spots, and pedestrian-friendly blocks. This is a pretty unique event that I have never seen take place in another part of Silicon Valley. I certainly plan to sit outside at one of Willow Glen's many great restaurants and enjoy the show--watching both those participating and the confused looks from people that stumbled upon the event and have no clue what's going on.

Free DoorDash Workshop Equips Downtown San Jose Entrepreneurs with Digital Tools

Local business owners running independently owned brick-and-mortar shops in Downtown San Jose stand to gain targeted skills and immediate resources from a free one-day workshop set for July 20. DoorDash partners with the city and the San Jose Downtown Association to deliver hands-on training at 115 E Santa Clara St. The session focuses on restaurants and retail operations with three or fewer sites that already use the platform or plan to join soon.

Attendees who completed registration by the July 1 deadline will work directly with experts on platform fundamentals, advertising techniques, and AI-driven features that improve online ordering and customer reach. Sessions also cover retail best practices and include live coaching tailored to small-scale operations.

Participating businesses receive $1,000 in DoorDash advertising credits once they attend. Extra supports include professional headshots, a chance to schedule photography for signature menu items, meals provided throughout the day, and direct connections to other local owners plus city assistance programs.

The workshop belongs to DoorDash’s Accelerator for Local Businesses initiative, which has already backed more than four hundred small operations nationwide. It reflects a wider pattern in Silicon Valley where grocers and restaurants have expanded delivery options to match shifting customer habits that favor convenience.

By giving merchants practical digital capabilities and fresh visibility tools, this program strengthens the everyday fabric of Downtown San Jose and supports the neighborhood’s ongoing economic health.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest Brings Iconic Performers to Downtown San Jose Stages

Music fans ready for an unforgettable weekend of live music will find their way to Downtown San Jose when the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest returns August 7 through 9. The event spreads across eight stages with more than one hundred artists delivering everything from classic jazz to funk, soul, and Latin rhythms that have defined the festival for years.

Headliners include legendary vocalist Patti LaBelle on Saturday and the high-energy Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue closing out the weekend on Sunday. Friday kicks off strong with Zapp featuring Tuxedo and The Soul Rebels, while Saturday also features Birds of a Feather with Javon Jackson and Nnenna Freelon alongside Parlor Greens. Sunday brings Lakecia Benjamin to the main stage as well.

The festival has grown into one of the city’s signature cultural celebrations, drawing crowds who appreciate both established names and emerging talents in an outdoor setting that encourages exploration between performances. Multiple stages allow attendees to craft their own schedule while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere that fills the heart of Downtown San Jose.

Beyond the music, the event highlights San Jose’s role as a hub for diverse musical traditions and provides a platform where longtime fans and newcomers alike can discover new favorites right in their own backyard. Tickets remain available for what promises to be three days packed with performances that celebrate the rich sounds of jazz and beyond.

San Jose's Japantown Celebrates the Annual Obon Festival this Weekend

Those seeking a meaningful and culture-rich summer tradition will find it this weekend at the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Annual Obon Festival. The event runs July 11 from noon to 10 p.m. and July 12 from noon to 9 p.m. along 5th Street between Taylor and Empire Streets. Participants can join in Obon Odori dancing, watch powerful taiko performances, explore food and game booths, and try hands-on crafts that connect generations through shared heritage.

The festival centers on Obon, a time to honor ancestors while strengthening community bonds through movement, music, and celebration. Dancers follow thirteen traditional songs in colorful attire, while taiko groups fill the air with rhythmic energy. Families can also create items like tenugui towels or folding fans and enjoy bingo or other activities designed for all ages. The gathering transforms streets into a vibrant space where cultural practices come alive in an open, welcoming setting.

Complimentary shuttle service runs from the Santa Clara County parking lot at North First and Hedding, easing access for those arriving by car. Booths offer a range of Japanese festival foods alongside games that appeal to children and adults alike. Craft stations provide simple projects, and the overall layout encourages wandering between performances and refreshments without pressure.

Such events reflect the depth of cultural life woven into San Jose’s neighborhoods. The Betsuin has hosted this celebration for decades, creating continuity that draws both longtime participants and newcomers curious about Japanese Buddhist traditions. By blending solemn remembrance with joyful expression, the festival offers a living example of how heritage sustains vibrant community connections year after year.

The Obon weekend stands as an invitation to step into shared rhythms and stories that enrich the city’s identity. Whether joining the dance circle or simply soaking in the atmosphere, attendees contribute to a tradition that keeps San Jose’s diverse spirit alive and thriving.

For more info, head over here.

BelicoFest Delivers Historic Concert Debut at PayPal Park for San Jose Fans

Music enthusiasts across the South Bay will witness a true milestone when BelicoFest stages its first Bay Area edition at PayPal Park on August 29. The one-day festival marks the stadium’s inaugural live music event after years of hosting soccer matches, international tournaments, and community gatherings. A powerhouse lineup anchored by Tito Double P, Santa Fe Klan, Gerardo Ortiz, Regulo Caro, Herencia de Patrones, Estevie, and Low Clika will fill the venue with the sounds shaping música mexicana today and pointing toward its future.

PayPal Park has built a reputation since 2015 as home to the San Jose Earthquakes and as a European-inspired facility with steep seating, premium field-level suites, and the largest outdoor bar in North America. Until now the 18,000-seat stadium had never presented a concert. BelicoFest changes that equation by planting a major festival footprint in a market where the genre has long drawn devoted crowds but lacked comparable large-scale live infrastructure.

Now in its third year and backed by Spotify, the festival has already proven its draw with more than 30,000 attendees in Phoenix last year. The 2026 expansion to San Jose alongside Los Angeles reflects a deliberate push to match the genre’s rising popularity with properly scaled events in key cultural centers. Production comes from For The Culture and 515 Entertainment, whose founders bring decades of experience mounting stadium-level shows across both sides of the border.

That infrastructure delivers the muscle of major touring while preserving the community-driven spirit at the core of the event. Programming pairs established headliners with emerging voices on the same stage, mirroring how fans actually experience the music in daily life. The result gives Northern California audiences a high-production celebration that honors the region’s longstanding support for the genre while introducing new generations to its energy and pride.

For tickets and more info on the lineup, head over here.

The Domes Brings a Striking Immersive Venue to Downtown San Jose

A towering white geodesic dome near San Pedro Square has drawn puzzled glances from passersby in Downtown San Jose over recent weeks. The 60-foot structure on the corner of Post and San Pedro streets now serves as The Domes, an immersive event space designed for 360-degree experiences through high-resolution projection and spatial audio. Its recent ribbon cutting marked the start of operations in a space that feels like a scaled-down version of The Sphere in Vegas.

Programming inside the dome already includes watch parties for major sporting events alongside corporate functions, art installations, and social gatherings. The venue operates under a multiyear lease with plans in motion to add a second dome through fundraising and a third further down the line. This setup creates flexibility for everything from large-scale viewings to intimate creative showcases while maintaining high technical standards.

Founder Chris Lawes launched the underlying technology and immersive theater work in San Jose back in 2015 before expanding elsewhere. Bringing the concept home as a permanent fixture reflects a desire to create a shared community asset rather than a one-off spectacle. The space aims to uplift visitors and serve as a hub where local residents, businesses, and nonprofits can amplify messages and host meaningful events.

City leaders have highlighted the practical appeal and innovative edge. The setup allows for a wide range of gatherings without requiring travel to distant destinations, and early events such as the Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce celebration demonstrated its immediate utility. With its striking presence and adaptable interior, The Domes will become the latest entertainment fixture in the heart of Downtown San Jose.

For event tickets (currently featuring World Cup watch parties), head over here.