From cultural celebrations and foodie events to The Fair and music festivals, we’ve got a lot to look forward to this year in the great 408. Bust out the calendar and pencil in these important events happening in San Jose in 2025.
San Jose Lunar New Year Tet Festival
Friday, Feb. 7-Sunday, Feb. 9 | Eastridge Mall
SJ’s largest free Lunar New Year festival will return for its 10th anniversary with live music, carnival rides, lion dances, food vendors, and games. The opening ceremony is at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8.
Friend Fest
Saturday, Feb. 22-Sunday, Feb. 23 | South Hall
San Jose Made’s fifth annual Friend Fest will revolve around a “friendship-inspired vendor marketplace” featuring 275+ makers, plus fun giveaways and activities for friends of all kinds.
Cinequest Film Festival
Tuesday, March 11-Sunday, March 23 | Location TBD
Silicon Valley’s annual indie film fest — once voted Best Film Festival by USA Today readers — will feature screenings, workshops, and tech forums showcasing the latest in innovation. Buy your passes or a virtual ticket now.
United Lowrider Council of San Jose events
Dates vary | Locations vary
The ULCSJ will celebrate our city’s vibrant lowrider culture with several big events in 2025 including Cinco De Mayo at King & Story on May 4 and San Jose Lowrider Day on Aug. 30.
SJ Made Fest
Saturday, May 31-Sunday, June 1 | History Park San Jose
SJ sure loves its markets. San Jose Made’s largest outdoor event of the year will feature 250+ local markers, artists, designers, curators, chefs, crafters, and small businesses, alongside food trucks and live entertainment. If you want to participate as a vendor, applications are due by Monday, Jan. 20.
SubZERO Festival
Early June | SoFa District
This fest shines the spotlight on SJ’s indie artists with live performances, vendors, food trucks, and a beer garden on South First Street.
FoodieLand San Jose
Friday, June 27-Sunday, June 29 | Santa Clara County Fairgrounds
More than 100 food vendors and 75 merch vendors will line the fairgrounds for this family-friendly foodie festival. Pro tip: Admission is free for kids under 5.
Dine Downtown San Jose
Mid-July | Downtown San Jose
Enjoy prix fixe menus, food + drink pairings, and chef specials from participating businesses during this local Restaurant Week.
San Jose Obon Festival
Mid-July | Japantown
This annual Buddhist event commemorates those who are no longer with us and features bon odori dances + other live performances.
Italian Family Festa
Saturday, July 26-Sunday, July 27 | History Park San Jose
The Italian American Heritage Foundation’s free festival features culinary demos, arts + crafts, live music, vendors, activities for the kids, Italian cars + Vespas, and a Grape Stomp — magnifico.
The Fair
Wednesday, July 30-Sunday, Aug. 3 | Santa Clara County Fairgrounds
The summertime staple will return with livestock shows, live entertainment, fun rides, exhibitions, and fried food aplenty — and it’s OK to go hog-wild.
San Jose Summer Jazz Fest
Friday, Aug. 8-Sunday, Aug. 10 | Plaza de César Chávez
This fest will celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2025 with nine stages of musical performances ranging from salsa and blues to Latin and R&B. Keep an eye out for tickets.
Silicon Valley Pride
Late August | Plaza de César Chávez Park
The annual LGBTQ+ Pride celebration will feature a week of community events that culminates with a colorful parade and festival in downtown San Jose.
Christmas in the Park
December | Plaza de César Chávez
You know the holiday season has arrived when Christmas in the Park takes over the plaza, transforming the park into a winter wonderland filled with 40+ musical exhibits, twinkling lights, and the 50-ft Community Giving Tree.
