Culture

SJ skyline photo in black and white
Culture
Thank you for reading SJtoday
We’re thankful to everyone who supported us in bringing relevant local news to San Jose.
February 29, 2024 05:03 PM
 · 
Staff
Three bottles of zero-proof alcohol laid out on a table with the mocktails beside it.
Food
10 sober-friendly places to grab a drink in San Jose
Participating in Dry January? Looking to make a lifestyle change? Simply don’t enjoy alcohol? No problem.
January 3, 2024
 · 
Alyson Chuyang
Shamrock Run
City
Things to look forward to in San Jose in 2024
We’re looking forward to a lot in 2024, from celebrating big milestones to trying new restaurants + attending big events.
January 2, 2024
 · 
Alyson Chuyang
Mural on the side of the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center, depicting the many sides of William Price, otherwise known as Billy DeFrank. The name of the organization "Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center" is on the mural, as well as the title "Spirit of Generosity, Love, and Inclusion."
Culture
Try this: SJtoday’s Picture of the Year contest
We’re commemorating 2023 the best way we know how — highlighting local photos through our SJtoday Picture of the Year contest.
January 2, 2024
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
Downtown San Jose during sunrise.
Culture
SJtoday Wrapped: The best of 2023
We’re wrapping up the year and looking back on the best of 2023.
December 21, 2023
 · 
Alyson Chuyang
A photo of an outdoor courtyard full of guests eating, with a white, old-fashioned house in the background.
History
The story of the Gonzales/Peralta Adobe, the oldest structure in SJ
A small, two-room structure in the center of San Pedro Square Market tells the incredible origin story of the great 408.
December 20, 2023
 · 
Nicole Calande
Two kids sit on Santa's lap during pictures at Christmas in the Park
Culture
Kid-friendly activities in San Jose for winter break
From theme parks to cooking classes, educational options to DIY days, check out these kid-friendly activities in San Jose.
December 20, 2023
 · 
Gregg Aronica
A paper calendar for December
Culture
Upcoming winter holidays
Have a joyous, merry, happy holiday
December 19, 2023
 · 
Dayten Rose
A graphic that says "What would a Hallmark movie look like in San Jose?" — There's an image of Orange Sauce with the SJtoday logo, the San Jose Sharks logo, and a picture of snowman hot chocolate.
City
Answered: What a Hallmark movie based in San Jose would look like
We asked our readers what a Hallmark movie based in San Jose would look like — here are a few answers we received.
December 18, 2023
 · 
Gregg Aronica
People walking down Paseo de San Antonio.
Culture
Walking trends in San Jose
Average daily walking trips dropped by 36% in the US between 2019 and 2022 — see how San Jose compares.
December 15, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
FridaKahlo
Arts
The City of San Jose announces its 2024 Creative Ambassadors
The city’s Office of Cultural Affairs have selected 19 ambassadors since launching the program in 2019, let’s see who’s our upcoming creative ambassadors.
December 13, 2023
 · 
Alyson Chuyang
A photo of Greenlee's Bakery bread, a Michelada cup, a taco, a torta, a Peter's Bakery burnt almond cake, and a bottle of Hennessy coming out of a cardboard box.
Culture
#Answered: Your San Jose care package picks
Let’s see what you decided to pack your San Jose-themed care package with.
December 13, 2023
 · 
Alyson Chuyang
A collage of the Five Wounds Portuguese National Parish, San Jose City Hall, and the San Jose Museum of Art juxtaposed on a blue background of street map lines.
Live
San Jose’s most iconic landmarks
Consider these our Hollywood signs.
December 12, 2023
 · 
Travis Meier
The exterior of the Iguanas Restaurant in downtown San Jose.
Food
Train like Joey Chestnut: 3 local food challenges
Prove that you’re the ultimate eater by trying these three local food challenges.
December 11, 2023
 · 
Alyson Chuyang
a gif featuring visitors exploring exhibits throughout polar play days
Sponsored
Add to cal: Polar Play Days at The Tech Interactive
Sponsored by
An empty box with blue question marks coming out of it juxtaposed on a skyline image of San Jose.
Culture
What would you put in a San Jose care package?
We’re seeking your suggestions for the ultimate San Jose supply drop.
December 5, 2023
 · 
Alyson Chuyang
Two kids sit on Santa's lap during pictures at Christmas in the Park
Culture
Play Santa this year by donating to local toy drives
See where you can drop off new and unwrapped gifts at local donation spots or holiday events hosting toy drives.
December 1, 2023
 · 
Alyson Chuyang
A watercolor patterned present image with blue florals.
Retail
Gift Guide: Our Editors’ picks for the 2023 holiday season
See what Editors Alyson and Gregg are shopping this year.
November 30, 2023
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
Two people pose and create a heart with their hands at the 2018 Silicon Valley Pride Festival.
Culture
Dive into San Jose’s 2023 Municipal Equality Index score
Why San Jose scored 100 out of 100 in the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index.
November 29, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
The childrens section of Santa Clara Library, featuring a frog prince, children's books, and a giant plush Clifford The Big Red Dog.
Education
Santa Clara Library’s “Dial-a-Story” program brings the library to your child
What started as a pandemic-era program to help children stay connected to reading has continued to thrive for South Bay children.
November 28, 2023
 · 
Gregg Aronica
A San Jose mural on the side of an overpass depicting an elderly woman reclining in a chair, and a young person playing the flute.
Culture
What are “blue zones,” and could San Jose become one?
Specific regions around the world known as “blue zones” are defined by their higher-than-average population of people over the age of 100.
November 28, 2023
 · 
Gregg Aronica
A skyline view of San Jose from the east foothills, showing downtown, Lake Cunningham Park, Reid Hillview County airport, and east side suburbia.
History
San Jose decades: The 2000s
From the tallest residential apartment building in San Jose to the Bill Walsh Legacy Game, we’re taking San Jo back to the ‘00s.
November 28, 2023
 · 
Alyson Chuyang
Someone dressed as the Grinch sits in a chair in front of the Santana Row Christmas Tree.
Theater
San Jo-sleigh: 12 local winter plays + concerts
‘Tis the season for holiday classics being brought to the big stage.
November 27, 2023
 · 
Alyson Chuyang
Ricardo Cortez, in a brown flannel, holds up a copy of his children's book, "The ABC's of Lowriding — written by R. Cortez"
Culture
5 Minute Pitch: The ABCs of Lowriding by Ricardo Cortez
Local author and artist Ricardo Cortez talks Lowriding culture, history + community, and gives tips on which restaurant has the best orange sauce.
November 24, 2023
 · 
Gregg Aronica
A bar with various holiday lights and decorations, including a blow-up snowman and Snoopy.
Culture
Gin-gle all the way to these holiday pop-up bars
These festive pop-up bars will help get you in the holiday spirit.
November 22, 2023
 · 
Brianna Williams
Thanksgiving turkey being cut on the dinner table.
Nonprofits
Where to find free Thanksgiving meals in San Jose
Enjoy a seasonal meal in San Jose, no matter your circumstances.
November 16, 2023
 · 
Gregg Aronica
Voluntary Hazing, a Ska Band, does various poses with their instruments in a San Jose garage.
Arts
5 minute pitch: San Jose’s emo ska band Voluntary Hazing
San Jose’s premiere ska/emo group Voluntary Hazing discusses their favorite things to do in San Jose, the best venues, and where to find their favorite tacos.
November 14, 2023
 · 
Gregg Aronica
The view of someone bowling from behind the lane at Bowlero.
Entertainment
Right up your alley: 7 places to go bowling in the South Bay
Check out our roundup for the best bowling alleys for groups, no-frill leagues, and the whole family in the South Bay.
November 13, 2023
 · 
Alyson Chuyang
a girl in a green jacket explores an interactive science display
Sponsored
Shake up your weekend at The Tech Interactive
Sponsored by
Three dishes on a table: A pile of nachos, three tacos, and a burrito.
Food
Get munching on San Jose’s nacho superlatives
From best toppings to meatiest creations, check out this list of San Jose’s nacho offerings.
November 3, 2023
 · 
Brianna Williams
The mural across a side-walk depicts a brightly colored scene with various anthropomorphic Pandas enjoying an afternoon in a park.
Play
11 murals around downtown San Jose
Check out our guide to the many meaningful murals you can find around our city.
November 2, 2023
 · 
Gregg Aronica
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