Consider camping in Joshua Tree National Park where you can see the stunning stars at night. | Photo by SJtoday staff
If you’re planning a party — be it a family reunion, a wedding, or just because — we’ve got an idea that’s a breath of fresh air. Why not give your guests a gorgeous view by hosting an event in a national park? Follow these guidelines to make party planning a walk in the park.
Most parks require a permit for special events. Fill out the application well in advance to avoid any delays. Pro tip: Some parks grant a permit up to a year before the event.
If you’ve ever borrowed sunscreen from a stranger, you know what we mean. Have on hand: sunscreen, bug spray, a first aid kit, and plenty of water — just in case.
Feed guests, not wildlife
Check the park’s rules about food (some require food to be stored in lockers). Either way, it’s a good idea to use airtight containers, and plan to eat in designated areas — like any of these picture-perfect picnic spots.
Prioritize preservation
The golden rule of being in the wilderness? Leave no trace.
For example, most parks don’t allow anything to be driven into the ground — so stakes for tents and decor are out. You should also plan to clean up after yourself. Stock up on trash bags (we like these biodegradable bags) and leave the confetti at home.
Events
Monday, July 31
Trivia Night | Monday, July 31 | 6:30 p.m. | Park Station Hashery, 1701 Park Ave., San Jose | Free | Grab a team of up to six and head to this weekly event hosted by local comedians.
Off Nite Show | Monday, July 31 | 8 p.m. | Tabard Theatre, 29 N. San Pedro St., Ste. 200, San Jose | Free | Put a little weekend into your Mondays with hosts Mighty Mike McGee and Ato Walker.
2023 Campbell Summer Concert Series | Monday, July 31 | 6:30 p.m. | Orchard City Green, 70 N. First St., Campbell | Free | Enjoy a performance from The Houserockers — food + drink sales will benefit the Campbell Museum Foundation.
Tuesday, Aug. 1
Pow Wow Song & Dance Classes | Tuesday, Aug. 1 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Roosevelt Community Center, 901 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose | Free | The Indian Health Center hosts lessons to inspire cultural pride and connection.
Wednesday, Aug. 2
Paint the CitySJ | Wednesday, Aug. 2 | 6-8 p.m. | South First + Post streets, San Jose | Free | Paint your own masterpiece led by San Jose Downtown Association’s in-house art instructor.
Dustin Nickerson | Wednesday, Aug. 2 | 8 p.m. | San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St., San Jose | $20-$70 | This Seattlite jokes about parenting, marriage, and his general thoughts about people.
Ritual shares their ingredients’ sources, final place of manufacture, and suppliers with the first visible supply chain of its kind. | Photos by Ritual
Lacking a balanced diet in your twenties?
Pregnant in your thirties or forties?
Looking to support bone health in your fifties?
¹ These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
News Notes
Development
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority has purchased Girasol Apartments + Jardines Palona Blanca for a combined $6.8 million in an effort to protect affordable senior housing on the east side. The housing authority will review the properties for renovations, but residents will be able to stay. (San José Spotlight)
Cause
A new, 30-bed facility addressing residential substance use treatment will soon be built next to the Pathway House in downtown San Jose. A $6.4 million grant from the California Dept. of Health Care Services will help fund construction — an opening date was not announced. (NBC Bay Area)
Open
Slice of Homage has officially opened its doors in San Pedro Social to operate seven days a week, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. The craft pizzeria recently moved from serving out of Myth Nightclub and expanded into a full pizza house in April.
Arts
A new mural from local artist Hector Covarrubias will be unveiled this Wednesday, Aug. 2, 9-11 a.m., at the 2680 Story Rd. McDonald’s as part of the fast food chain’s annual celebration of Latino culture — Ritmo y Color. Meet Hector, see his piece, “Patterns of Nature,” and enjoy a special discount.
Community
Japantown’s upcoming Heinlenville Park, located along North Sixth Street between Taylor + Jackson streets, now has its central landmark. “Sheltering Wing,” a 18-ft-tall steel sculpture was recently installed at the park. Though an opening date has not been set, you can still see the new artwork through the fence. (The Mercury News)
Announced
The Winchester Mystery House announced its Halloween program, “Unhinged: Housewarming,” that will come to the mansion on select weekends in September + October. Along with the haunted walkthrough, guests can experience a multitude of chilling events on the grounds. Grab tickets on its website.
Plan Ahead
The San Jose State Athletic Department is hosting its Athletics Casino Night on Friday, Aug. 18, 7 p.m., at the Glass House to benefit its programs. Admission will give you access to a no-host bar, casino games, appetizers, and auctions. Grab tickets before they sell out.
State
Did you know that your library card can give you access to more than 200 state parks for free? Through the California State Library Parks Program, you can gain entry to Mount Tamalpais, Half Moon Bay State Beach, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, and more.
Earlier this year, we shared our ultimate guide to coffee shops around San Jose, and a few of you had more suggestions to add to the list. Check out even more recommendations from fellow readers:
☕ Boast Coffee Co., 2554 Seaboard Ave. | Specialty drinks + best bites | What you had to say: “The ube latte is unlike anything I’ve ever seen and their food and bakery items are too good. More food than your typical coffee shop makes it easy to hang out for a while. The decor is adorable and welcoming. Love this place!”
☕ MIKO Coffee by Post, 146 Dillon Ave., Campbell | Specialty drinks, events, and pop-ups | What you had to say: "[It’s a] cute coffee trailer associated with Plants by Post in Campbell.”
☕ LeLe.Cake, 14178 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos | In-house roasted beans | What you had to say: “They do roastery tours for all the coffee lovers out there.”
Do y’all remember when I said that I’d be interested in being a part of something like the Off Nite Show? Well, I was serious. Catch me on there tonight at 8 p.m. delivering the best of what there is to do in San Jose. You can either come to the beautiful Tabard Theatre where they film in front of a live studio audience + sell $5 drinks (yes, I typed that right) or watch via the livestream on Youtube or Facebook. See you there?
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.