Symphony San Jose Presents The Enigmatic Voice in Downtown San Jose

Symphony San Jose curates an evening of profound musical expression with its upcoming program titled The Enigmatic Voice. Three landmark works come together at the California Theatre to deliver a range of powerful emotions rooted in history and human experience.

Handel’s Zadok the Priest opens the concert with its soaring sense of majesty and ceremonial weight. Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem offers a deeply felt appeal for peace that feels as relevant today as when it was written. Elgar’s Enigma Variations concludes the night with its series of vivid musical portraits and that intriguing central theme that has sparked curiosity for generations.

Conductor Grant Llewelyn leads the Symphony San Jose and Symphony San Jose Chorale, with outstanding solo performances from soprano Maria Valdes and baritone John Brancy. Concertgoers can enhance their evening by arriving early for Music Notes, the free pre-show discussion.

The historic California Theatre on South First Street creates an intimate and elegant environment for these performances. Situated in the middle of Downtown San Jose, it pairs beautifully with nearby dining and easy parking options.

Tickets for the performances on Saturday, March 7 at 7:30pm and Sunday, March 8 at 2:30pm range from $35 to $115. Youth tickets are available at half price with adult purchases. Visit www.symphonysanjose.org or call 408.286.2600 for tickets and details.

San Jose’s Bambu Brings Vibrant Vietnamese Dessert Drinks to Walmart Nationwide

Four sisters opened the very first Bambu here in San Jose back in 2008 and built the chain into a go-to favorite that now spans 63 locations across 24 states and the Philippines. The brand just landed inside five Walmart stores in Batavia Illinois Westminster Colorado two spots in Louisiana and one near Milwaukee Wisconsin which means even more people will get to experience these vibrant flavors during everyday errands.

The Batavia location already opened its doors while the remaining four will welcome customers by the end of summer. These new spaces stretch from 1,600 to 2,300 square feet so they shift away from pure grab-and-go toward a relaxed cafe feel with extra room for you to settle in and enjoy your drink. The menu stays focused on the classics you already love including signature chè boba milk teas Vietnamese coffees smoothies refreshers and small bites like dessert waffles or mochi ice cream.

Bambu spotted an opportunity to fill retail spaces left from past closures and the steady stream of Walmart shoppers provides the perfect audience for carrying a refreshing beverage through the aisles. The setup keeps overhead lower than typical strip malls and opens the door for steady growth beyond dense neighborhoods. Even without new Bay Area additions right now the strong Asian American community across Santa Clara County where nearly 40 percent of residents share those cultural ties continues to fuel the brand’s future plans.

You can take real pride in knowing this San Jose original keeps reaching farther while staying true to its roots. The next time you crave those signature tastes head to one of the many Bambu spots around town and celebrate how local ingenuity now travels with shopping carts across the country.

Source: SVBJ

Lunar 2026 Art Exhibition Brings Year of the Fire Horse Celebration to Downtown San Jose

A striking new gallery space in Downtown San Jose prepares to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse in grand style. Art Builds Community opens its doors on Sunday, February 22, 2026 for the Lunar 2026 exhibition opening reception, running from 11:30AM until 6PM at their location on E William Street between South First and Second streets.

Têrêsa Hài Đồng Lion Dancers take the spotlight at noon, followed by firecrackers ringing through the air. DJ Watertheflow provides a continuous soundscape from 2PM onward while attendees browse artwork from talented Bay Area creators. Pop-up experiences include Red Boat Fish Sauce's 15-year anniversary merchandise and giveaways alongside refreshing options from ŌUMA drinks.

This opening launches a longer exhibition that continues through April 19. Regular gallery hours begin the following week on Thursday through Sunday afternoons. Visitors will find pieces available for purchase that capture the spirit of Lunar New Year and the powerful symbolism of the Fire Horse, a zodiac sign appearing only once every sixty years.

The full artist lineup and program details will roll out in the coming weeks. Additional information and updates available at https://sjdowntown.com/event/lunar-new-year-art-exhibition/

Music Mania Brings Three Nights of Multi-Genre Concerts to Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose secured a new musical highlight for late March. Music Mania steps in as the city’s first multi-genre music festival, setting up shop at the SoFA Lot from March 27 to 29. The outdoor space at 350 South First Street lines up directly with the NCAA Sweet 16 basketball action unfolding nearby at SAP Center.

Friday opens with heavy electronic sets led by DJ Diesel, the alter ego of Shaquille O’Neal, supported by Whethan, Eptic, Zen Selekta, and Maneki. Saturday shifts focus to pop anthems anchored by Bebe Rexha alongside Hayla, 3Quency, Ashley Mehta, and She Is Jules. Sunday delivers country storytelling through Dustin Lynch joined by Ashley Cooke, Graham Barham, and Ryan Scripps.

The setup rewards anyone already in the area for hoops. Attendees can move from daytime games straight into evening performances without leaving the neighborhood. The SoFA Lot sits surrounded by great spots to grab food or stretch out between acts, turning one trip downtown into a full weekend of experiences.

Tickets for single nights or the full three-day pass are available now. Purchase options and full details live at https://www.tixr.com/groups/tbd/events/music-mania-175663

Dutch Bros Sets Sights on Monterey Road for Fresh San Jose Brew

A wave of caffeinated cheer rolls toward Central San Jose as Dutch Bros is submitting plans to repurpose a shuttered Burger King into one of their signature drive-thru's. The spot at 2170 Monterey Road, nestled among shops and quiet green expanses, promises to infuse the area with the chain's upbeat vibe and colorful menu of coffees, teas, and energy drinks. This move follows their earlier filing for a site on South Bascom Avenue, hinting at a deliberate push to dot the city with those iconic blue windmills that signal a quick picks-me-up.

The Arizona-based company, already boasting over a thousand outposts mostly hugging the West Coast, shows no signs of slowing. Last year alone saw 154 new openings, with projections climbing to at least 181 more in 2026 as they chase a goal of 2,029 locations by 2029. San Jose stands to gain from this surge, welcoming a brand known for its friendly service and inventive sips that blend nostalgia with unique flavors.

The current closest Dutch Bros sits down in Gilroy, so this addition could spark new morning rituals for Central and South San Jose residents.

Source: SVBJ

 

River Oaks Parkway Prepares for a Vibrant Residential Revival in San Jose

A significant shift is underway along River Oaks Parkway, where a former commercial hub is set to bloom into something far more lively. TPG Angelo Gordon has taken ownership of the property at 211, 251, and 281 River Oaks Parkway in a $45 million deal that signals strong confidence in San Jose's future. Those three buildings, once filled with over 160,000 square feet of office space, now stand ready to make room for a dynamic mix of homes that will reshape daily life in this corner of the city. The approved plan weaves together 505 market-rate apartments in a sleek seven-story structure, 132 affordable units in a five-story building, and 100 townhouses arranged across 14 inviting clusters. This thoughtful blend caters to everyone from young professionals chasing urban energy to families seeking roots in a welcoming setting. With approvals secured last fall, the project feels like a timely breath of fresh air amid the city's ongoing push for more housing options. Nestled right across from River Oaks Park, the site already enjoys a natural edge with green spaces, walking paths, and a neighborhood rhythm that mixes offices and existing homes. Residents will step out to tree-lined streets, nearby services, and the kind of everyday convenience that makes San Jose feel connected and alive. This kind of development adds real momentum to North San Jose, proving that even in challenging economic times, forward-thinking investments can spark genuine progress.
Source: SVBJ

San Jose's AI Boost Makes Bus Rides Quicker and Greener Citywide

San Jose buses now move through the streets with a new edge, thanks to an AI system that trims travel times by about 20 percent on all 24 routes. This rollout covers the entire municipal network, turning everyday commutes into smoother experiences for riders across the city. Officials highlight how these gains add up, touching sustainability, safety, and daily life for residents who rely on public transit.

The technology comes from a partnership with LYT, a Folsom-based firm, and works alongside the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. Transponders on buses connect via cellular signals to a cloud platform, which tweaks traffic lights in real time as vehicles approach. This setup cuts red-light waits without any roadwork or major disruptions.

It started as a 2023 pilot on just two routes, where wait times at intersections dropped by half, leading to those overall trip savings. Funded entirely by state and federal grants under Mayor Matt Mahan's administration, the full expansion happened swiftly once the results proved out. City leaders adjusted schedules to match the faster paces.

These improvements arrive at a perfect moment with World Cup matches set to flood the South Bay later this year. Faster buses mean less congestion stress and more appeal for transit over cars, aligning with San Jose's transit-first goals. As the city explores AI for everything from housing permits to emergency planning, this step shows how tech can deliver real, resident-focused wins.

Source: SVBJ

Sonic Loveway Returns for a Magical Valentine's Day in Downtown San Jose

Today marks the return of Sonic Loveway, a captivating Valentine's Day event at San Jose City Hall Plaza. Presented by the San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs in partnership with Opera San Jose, this gathering runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and invites everyone to celebrate love through music, art, and community connections. Whether honoring romance, friendship, or a passion for creativity, attendees find an evening filled with live performances and interactive elements that highlight the city's artistic spirit.

Performers include talents from Opera San Jose, members of the Symphony San Jose Chorale, Camp Rock, and the Silicon Valley Youth Harp Ensemble. These groups deliver enchanting music that resonates across the plaza. The event also features a makers market with handcrafted goods from local artisans and food trucks offering diverse flavors to enjoy amid the festivities.

At the center stands the Sonic Runway, a corridor of concentric arches equipped with 554 addressable LEDs that visualize sound in real time. Live audio gets analyzed and transformed into patterns racing at the speed of sound, creating a synchronized light and sound experience. Walking through it syncs the visuals with the beats, turning a simple stroll into an immersive adventure.

For additional information, visit https://www.operasj.org/sonic-loveway

Super Bowl 60 Epic Pre-Game with the Players Tailgate

Super Bowl 60 was one of the most successful South Bay events of all time, bringing activity to all corners of San Jose and Santa Clara. However, on game day there was one experience that really stood out. I was lucky enough to attend the Players Tailgate. This exclusive pre-game gathering draws over 50 active NFL players, celebrities, and guests for a mix of food, drinks, and entertainment right before kickoff. Hosted by Nate Burleson with DJ Irie on the decks, the event turned game day into a full celebration, complete with open premium bars and all-you-can-eat gourmet dishes from celebrity chefs.

Attendees got to enjoy unique activations like the Delish Showdown, where top chefs compete in a high-energy cooking battle, and Solo Stove's Squash the Beef setup for smashing burgers over open flames to settle rivalries. The lineup featured chefs such as Aaron May, Marc Murphy, Kelsey Murphy, Aarón Sanchez, Tristen Epps, Shota Nakajima, Josh Capon, Adam Sobel, Catherine McCord, Leah Cohen, Chris Cosentino, and Damaris Phillips, alongside the 10/10 Burger team.

Pro athletes including Puka Nacua, Jahmyr Gibbs, Tyreek Hill, Rome Odunze, Najee Harris, Brian Robinson Jr., Trey McBride, Deebo Samuel, and many others. They were mostly just out and about enjoying the awesome food like everyone else.

Players Tailgate is sponsored by Ortega, Skinnygirl, Organic Valley, Molson Coors, Columbia, Verizon Visa Card, Ballers Champagne, XCLSV, Solo Stove, Desnuda, Worth Magazine, the NFL Alumni Association, Delish Showdown, Square, Food Recovery Network, Simplicity Cold Pressed Juice, and Meta. Guests can sample the debut of Nature Calls, a beverage made with Montana bear poop (no joke) in partnership with Columbia Sportswear and Battle Creek Coffee, focused on sustainability.

The food was simply put, spectacular. My favorites included Chris Cosentino's Montreal-style Pastrami & Caviar Creme Fraiche Sandwich, JJ Johnson's Jerk Lamb Ribs with Plantain Puree, and Shota Nakajima's Katsu Sando Pork Cutlet. However, my absolute favorite was Belle English's 48 Hour Pork Rib with Fish Sauce Caramel and Sesame Brittle. Photographs are in order of mention below.

The sponsors had their own booths setup with food and surprises. As previously mentioned, they even had a limited edition beer called "Nature Calls" that is brewed with purified bear poop, something I wish I read before I drank it. Spoiler alert, it just tastes like beer.

After packing away several thousand calories and heading home for a pre-game nap, I realized that for a foodie this epic tailgate might be better than the actual Super Bowl. The next Players Tailgate takes place on Valentine's Day 2027 at SoFI Stadium in LA. It's pricey but you'll get an unforgettable experience.

Super Bowl Weekend Ignites Downtown San Jose with Massive Crowds and Electric Nights

From February 6 through 8, Downtown San Jose pulsed with the energy of Super Bowl fans who turned streets into a whirlwind of celebration. Tens of thousands gathered for a block party, two major concerts, a dazzling drone display, and endless options for food and beverages.

The concerts stole the show, with Bay Area native Kehlani commanding the stage on Friday and Australian DJ Dom Dolla following up on Saturday. Throngs packed the area from the Fourth Street stage clear to Sixth Street, leaving barely room to breathe amid the sea of swaying bodies. City planners had hoped for around 10,000 attendees per night, yet the turnout shattered those figures, proving the draw of free, high-caliber entertainment in the heart of the city.

Over in San Pedro Square, an entertainment zone let revelers carry drinks from bars straight into the open streets, amplifying the festive chaos. Come game day, fans without stadium tickets crammed around venues like O'Flaherty's and Dr. Funk, spilling onto sidewalks to catch glimpses of the action on indoor screens. Local business owners noted surges in activity, with some spots pulling in three to four times their usual weekend haul, thanks to the influx of out-of-towners seeking a lively spot to root for their teams.

This whirlwind weekend showcases how San Jose has sharpened its edge in hosting big-league gatherings, narrowing the distance from events of a decade past. With eyes now on upcoming spectacles like the World Cup and NCAA West Regional, San Jose will build on this success to draw even more visitors. Leaders grade the execution as top-tier, a solid affirmation that thoughtful planning yields lasting ripples in community spirit and economic vitality.

Source: SVBJ