Today’s Forecast

57º | Mostly sunny | 5% chance of rain | Sunrise: 7:22 a.m. | Sunset: 5:06 p.m.

We’ve got pride, oh yes we do

Fifth annual 408 Day in San Jose, CA

A man kneels in front of an SJ sculpure.

This sculpture was done by artist Driftin at the 2019 San Jose Day. | Photo by Leopoldo Macaya

You know what time of year it is, San Jose — that’s right, it’s our holiday.

April 8, or “408 Day,” is fast approaching and pays homage to our area code — celebrating the culture and history of San Jose. Since 2017, an annual celebration has been held to recognize and uplift local, underrepresented creatives while showcasing the 408’s talents with pride.

Two women pose in a tent filled with pieces of art. — Expect to see a variety of local vendors at San Jose Day selling art, handcrafts, clothes, jewelry, and more.
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Photo by Leopoldo Macaya

After being put on pause in 2021-2022, you can get ready for a full-fledged party this Saturday, April 8, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Mexican Heritage Plaza for all the San Jose-centric festivities.

Along with a full lineup of local music performances, there will be 50+ small business vendors on site, a variety of food trucks, an art gallery featuring works from over 50 local artists, and a classic car show.

A woman smiles at the Sweetdragon Baking Company tent. — Don’t miss out on local favorites this Saturday, April 8.
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Photo by Leopoldo Macaya

To gear up for the festivities and refresh your pride in SJ, revisit some of our favorite stories since our last 408 Day that gush about why our city is the greatest.

A San Jose bucket list | We asked you to complete the phrase: “No trip to San Jose is complete without...” and you delivered.
Local recipes: Sweetdragon Baking Co., Jiaren Cafe, and Luv’s Brownies | Small businesses are the backbone of San Jose, and these three establishments are giving you a taste of their kitchens.
A love letter to SJ | The list can go on, but here are 10 reasons we can’t separate from the great 408.
What we’re thankful for in San Jose | You warmed our hearts by sharing gratitude for your city.
San Jose’s historic landmarks: Then and now | How cool is it that we have so much history right in our backyard? Explore the buildings that tell their own stories.

Events

Wednesday, April 5

VTA and SVBC Biking Basics - Commuting | Wednesday, Apr. 5 | 7-8 p.m. | 1887 Matrix Blvd., San Jose | Free | Go beyond the basics with a lesson about the rules of the road, safety, and the best routes to commute.
Grand Horizons | Wednesday, Apr. 5-Friday, Apr. 7 | Times vary | The Stage, 490 S. First St., San Jose | $38-$62 | This 1920s whodunit has everything you never wanted in a show—an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything.
Antonio Sanint | Wednesday, Apr. 5 | 8 p.m. | San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St., San Jose | $25 | Mira a este comediante, actor y escritor colombiano en este espectáculo completamente en español.

Thursday, April 6

Nurse’s Night Out Starring Greg “G” Williams | Thursday, Apr. 6 | 8 p.m. | San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St., San Jose | $20-$70 | Laugh along with “G” as he tells his comedic day-to-day life as a nurse.
Darkwave Dreams | Thursday, Apr. 6 | 9 p.m. | Hyde Park Lounge, 1070 N. Fourth St., San Jose | Free | Enjoy post-punk and dark indie sounds every first Thursday of the month.
San Jose Bachata Nights | Thursday, Apr. 6 | 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.

Friday, April 7

First Friday: Ensemble for Non-Linear Time | Friday, Apr. 7 | 6-9 p.m. | San José Museum of Art, 110 S. Market St., San Jose | Free | Responding to the rupture experienced by immigrants and refugees, this performance asks how their experience can be a starting point towards imagining new futures.
Nimesh Patel | Friday, Apr. 7 + Friday, Apr. 8 | 7:30 + 9:30 p.m. | San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St., San Jose | $30-$90 | Meet the Emmy-nominated writer who has appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers, and has opened for Chris Rock and Aziz Ansari.

More events this week

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News Notes

Open

Flying out of town soon? Jim Stump’s Taproom + Kitchen at San Jose Mineta Airport is officially open. Find the casual California gastropub between Gates 23 and 24 for breakfast, brews, and small bites.

Opening

Rosario’s Tacos has announced that the official opening date for its new taqueria will be next Saturday, April 15. After seven years in business, the former food truck has expanded to a brick-and-mortar restaurant at 889 S. Almaden Ave. Show them some love.

Sports

Get ready for a wacky game of baseball. The Savannah Bananas will visit Excite Ballpark this summer, on Tuesday, July 25, and will bring you back-flipping outfielders, flaming baseballs, and dancing umpires. Ticket sales will begin in May. (The Mercury News)

Art

This Saturday, April 8, the San Jose Sharks will host an Adobe Creator Showcase at their match against the Edmonton Oilers and will display artwork from the Sharks’ creative team. Head to the Hop Valley Bar to view photographs of your favorite players this season, and learn more about the Adobe Fellowship Program.

Community

Don’t forget, the last day to submit ideas for the San Jose version of Monopoly is next Monday, April 10. Psst, it looks like Christmas in the Park is vying for a spot on the board — consider nominating the longest-running, free holiday event to Top Trumps USA.
The United Lowrider Council of San Jose (ULCSJ) and San Jose Jazz have partnered to host the Raza Unida Fest on Sunday, May 21, 12-8 p.m., and are seeking merch vendors. Be a part of this festival by registering your business on ULCSJ’s website. Note: To support local restaurants, food vendors will not be accepted.

Holiday

Passover (or Pesach) begins at sundown today, starting with Passover Seder. The feast usually includes matzah, brisket or chicken, and potato kugel. Shop kosher at Pars Kosher Market & Deli or any Vaad-certified location.

Travel

Trying to talk someone into an April vacation? Just show them these hotel deals on Expedia. We love: The Surf And Sand Resort on Laguna Beach.

Listen

🎶 Tunes of our town

Sounds of the South Bay playlists

A graphic of a CD saying "Sounds of the South Bay" over a scenic view of Downtown San Jose.

Introducing our new music series, “Sounds of the South Bay.” | Photo via @myynatureshots, graphic by SJtoday staff

By now, you should know we love supporting local, and that doesn’t stop at small businesses or city happenings.

We’re introducing a new series called “Sounds of the South Bay” where we curate playlists for different moods or occasions — but only with musicians and bands that hail from the great 408.

So, here is our first Spotify playlist that will have you jammin’ and livin’ la vida local.

Editor’s note: Song choices may contain explicit lyrics, so use discretion when listening.

🌼 Spring in your step

The days are getting sunnier, and the rain is beginning to subside (finally) so we thought it was best to start with an upbeat playlist to keep your days bright. Enjoy indie pop hitters like Peach Tree Rascals, mixed with the house vibes of Giraffage. Explore the sound of pop alternative groups Sourpatch and Kitty Kat Fan Club for some serious shredding.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Alyson

From the editor

I’m looking forward to the return of San Jose Day this weekend. If it weren’t for San Jose native and creative Haley Cardamon, the celebration wouldn’t exist. I had the opportunity to sit down with her when I wrote for SJSU’s newspaper, and we got to talking about the origin story of the festival.

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