Venture into San Pedro Square for all the fun. | Photo via @thanephelan
To many San Joseans, San Pedro Square is a community staple. Not only is it home to eclectic bars, a plethora of restaurants for every cuisine, and a variety of shops from local makers — but it’s also full of history from the earliest days of El Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe.
In this guide, we’ll break down some must-try spots + activities you have to hit when visiting this historic and colorful part of our downtown scene.
Sushi Confidential offers an expansive menu for all appetites. | Photo by SJtoday staff
🍴 Eat + drink
The first restaurant to open in the square was The Old Spaghetti Factory in 1972, which took over the former site of the Ravenna Pasta Company. Since then, it has grown into a foodie’s paradise.
Need something to wash it all down? Grab tasty teas or boba from Mochinut, Urban Ritual, or Dr.Ink (around the corner from SPS Market). Get fueled up at the market’s coffee shop, Voyager Craft Coffee.
San Pedro Square is full of colorful art all around. | Photo via @rjayrivera_
🛍️ Shop
Move aside big department stores, the square boasts a range of shops from local makers + small businesses offering artisan and eco-friendly goods.
Head over to MOMENT DTSJ, a collection of four micro-retail storefronts that rotate throughout the year. At the moment, you can shop from jewelry storeBoho Moon Art, dog-friendly charcuterie spot Woofboard, keycaps producerTiny Keyboard Shop, or leafy retailerPlant Slut.
For sustainable goods, try The Source Zero. This is San Jose’s first zero-waste shop + soap refill store, and offers everything from organic scrunchies and handkerchiefs to biodegradable dental floss and bamboo toothbrushes.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo: Representing a Syrian Refugee Story on Stage | Monday, Mar. 6 | 4-5:45 p.m. | Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 150 E. San Fernando St., San Jose | Free | Join a discussion with guest speakers about the play that depicts the journey of two Syrian refugees traveling to England.
Trivia Night | Monday, Mar. 6 | 6:30 p.m. | Park Station Hashery, 1701 Park Ave., San Jose | Free | Grab a team of up to six at this weekly multimedia trivia event.
San Jose Musical Theatre Presents: Always Patsy Cline | Monday, Mar. 6-Sunday, Mar. 12 | Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose | $48.50+ | Listen to the crowd-pleaser filled with 27 well-crafted songs, all made famous by Patsy Cline.
Wednesday, March 8
GOLD MONEY BAND JAM | Wednesday, Mar. 8 | 6-9 p.m. | Little Lou’s BBQ, 2455 S. Winchester Blvd., Campbell | Free | The jam session is open to all.
Intro to Digital Art with Procreate | Wednesday, Mar. 8 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Jiaren Cafe, 1171 Homestead Rd., Ste. 140B, San Jose | $30 | This beginner-friendly class will teach you basic color theory, color palette design, and more.
Open Mic at the San Jose Improv | Wednesday, Mar. 8 | 8 p.m. | San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St., San Jose | $5 | Take the stand and listen to other community members share their best stand-up content.
Thursday, March 9
San Jose Bachata Nights | Thursday, Mar. 9 | 9-12 p.m. | On One Studios, 422 N Capitol Ave, San Jose | $15-$25 | Experience this dance party equipped with lighting, smoke machines, and state-of-the-art sound equipment.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
How Georgetown can prep your high school student for college ✏️
If your child is intrigued by a certain subject and would like to explore it in-depth before college, here is their chance. | Photo provided by Georgetown University
Calling all parents of high school-age students: The Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program is a great way to determine if your child’s passions could lead to a college major or a future career. Georgetown University offers online courses for high school students ages 13+ to explore exciting subjects, like:
This past weekend, the San Jose Earthquakes won their home opener with new head coach, Luchi Gonzalez. He started his playing career with the Quakes in 2002, and most recently served as head coach for FC Dallas. Welcome back to the 408, Luchi. ⚽ (NBC Bay Area)
Arts
Downtown’s Anno Domini gallery is now featuring a tribute show to Zack Luchetti, an Oakland native and artist who studied at San Jose State. He died at age 47 in 2021, but “Illuminate the Wolves” pays homage to 100 of his paintings and illustrations. 🖼️ (The Mercury News)
Pets
The Berryessa Branch Library is hosting “Bunnies N Books” during March and April, inviting families to play with adoptable rabbits while learning about pet care. The first event will be tomorrow, Tuesday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 🐇
Ranked
San Jose was recently ranked among the top 10 best US cities for runners, according to a study by ARRIS. The report was based on factors such as air quality index, average annual rainfall, and pedestrian fatality rates. 👟 (Runners World)
Plan Ahead
Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence will host its 10th annual fundraising concert, “Girls Got The Blues,” on Sunday, March 12, at the San Jose Women’s Club in downtown. Grab your ticket to enjoy performances from ten female artists, food trucks, a bar, and raffles. 🎟️
Finance
Don’t let your credit cards go to waste. Kudos helps you get the most rewards and benefits every time you shop online. It’s simple to use and completely free. Try Kudos now and start saving on the money you’re already spending. 💸 *
Travel
What’s your vacation vibe — cozy, luxurious, or chic? For a cozy stay, look no further than this snug and cheerful getaway on beachy St. Simons Island,Georgia. For luxury, book this lush Hawaiian resort on the island of Kaua’i. And for the chicest of stays, peep this renovated house in downtown Charleston.*
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HOLIDAY
Celebrating all women ✊
2023 Women’s History Month events in San Jose, CA
This month is a time to celebrate the accomplishments made by extraordinary women. | Photo via @bennys_journey
March is Women’s History Month, a celebration established in 1987 that recognizes women’s accomplishments + contributions to our history, culture, and society.
Take part in the observation with these four events:
💜 Sunday Families Create: Women’s History in Art | Sundays, Mar. 12, 19, 26 | 12-2 p.m. | Educational Park | Create a piece inspired by the work of artists from the feminist art movement.
Editor’s pick: Went to SJ Made’s Friends Fest over the weekend and picked up the coolest travel journal from bobo design studio. If you like to journal and/or collect memorabilia when traveling, I highly suggest checking out the website. ✈️
Missed the last newsletter? We explored the stories behind several historic SJ streets.
Connect with us.
Editorial:Alyson Chuyang, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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