Hi, San Jose. It’s been a minute — we’ve missed you. How do you like our new look? Starting today, we’ll be sending out newsletters like this one every Saturday — look forward to more events, news, and guides in the future. We’re so happy to be back in your inbox.
Chile, Mole, Pozole Festival! ️| Saturday, Sept. 14 | 12:30-5 p.m. | Mexican Heritage Plaza | $5-$10 | Vamos, SJ — Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with good food, live performances, and local art at this vibrant, family-friendly fest.
Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration | Sunday, Sept. 15 | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Bodhi Meditation Silicon Valley USA, Milpitas | Free | Enjoy performances, games, mooncakes, and tea tastings at this joyful fest.
Aarya Ambekar: Sāns Music Festival | Sunday, Sept. 15 | San Jose Center for the Performing Arts | $42+ | Listen to the melodious voice of the popular artist from India — she’s one of the most sought-after playback singers in the Marathi industry.
Plan Ahead
AJ Rafael + Nieman | Wednesday, Sept. 18 | 7 p.m. | The Ritz | $30+ | The pop artists join forces for the “Take Me Back Tour.”
2024 Fall Wine Walk | Thursday, Sept. 19 | 6 p.m. | Downtown Campbell | $50+ | Take a stroll while enjoying live music, fun shopping, and sips from 20+ wineries.
Moon Fest 2024 | Friday, Sept. 20 | 5-9 p.m. | Garden at the Flea | Free | Celebrate the new moon + autumn with local performers, makers, food trucks, and craft brews.
Bay FC vs. Orlando Pride | Friday, Sept. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | PayPal Park | $17+ | The soccer club’s inaugural season continues — let’s kick it, SJ.
Wondering where all the Lime and Bird e-scooters went? The city said the companies left San Jose on Sept. 1, and there’s a new scooter operator in town. Spin is currently deploying scooters locally, as approximately 500,000 shared e-scooter rides are taken annually in SJ.
Real Estate
According to a Redfin study, a household must earn $299,414 to afford a median-priced, $970,000 “starter home” in San Jose — more than anywhere else in the US right now. San Jose also leads the country for the highest monthly mortgage payment for those starting their home ownership path — $7,485. (The Mercury News)
Open
Akita Gourmet Sushi has expanded, opening a new location at 1710 Berryessa Rd. Expect handmade sushi rolls, poke bowls, and more on the menu. Want to keep up with all the most recent restaurants and bars that are opening or closing in our area? Read more on our website.
Announced
Free fall concerts are coming to the future site of Levitt Pavilion at St. James Park every Sunday for a month. The lineup includes Goodnight Texas and Madeline Hawthorne on Sept. 29, Polyrhythmics on Oct. 6, Selenamos on Oct. 13, and Lady Blackbird on Oct. 20.
Trending
Tailgating at Levi’s Stadium looks a little different this season — and 49ers fans aren’t loving it. The stadium has a new Directed Parking policy where lot attendants direct drivers to spots rather than letting people choose their own spaces, and some fans say it’s throwing off their pre-game parties. (NBC Bay Area)
Community
San Jose Public Library is eliminating late fines on all overdue materials checked out or returned after July 1, 2024, in hopes of removing barriers to access for its 760,000+ members. Locals with overdue items prior to this date can clear their accounts with programs like Volunteer Away Your Fines.
Active
Picklers, this one’s for you. After about six weeks of renovations, the city’s brand-new, permanent pickleball courts are now open at Cataldi Park as part of the Sports Court renovation project. The park’s half basketball court has also been upgraded to a full court. Swish.
Transit
Caltrain is rolling out its new schedule for electrified service with free community celebrations at its Palo Alto and San Mateo stations on Saturday, Sept. 21 + Sunday, Sept. 22 from 2 to 6 p.m. The agency will also offer free train rides next weekend.
Plan Ahead
Two free Friday night events are coming to Garden at the Flea. Head to Moon Fest on Sept. 20 to usher in the autumn season with local performers, artists, and food trucks. On Oct. 5, celebrate Mexican and Filipino cultures at MexiPino Fest through art, dance performances, and food.
Job
We’re hiring in our sister market, SEAtoday. If you’re someone who loves to identify and secure advertising partnerships, apply to join our team.
It might be tough on the wallet, but living in the 408 sure is great. | Photo via @bennys_journey
Welcome home, fellow San Joseans.
U-Haul has released its 2024 mid-year report on migration trends, tracking the origins of U-Haul trucks arriving in the 25 most populated cities in the US, including the Bay Area. Let’s take a look at who’s moved into our city from where — and if you’re new around here, we’ve got even more to share.
The moving trends
So, where are folks coming from? According to U-Haul, here are the top three metropolitan areas outside our state that people are moving to the Bay Area — San Jose/San Francisco/Oakland — from:
Welcome to California, friends. But that’s not all — our fellow Californians are also moving around quite a bit. Here are the top three cities within the Golden State that U-Haul customers are arriving to the Bay Area from:
Fill up on a classic breakfast at Toast Cafe & Grill. | Photo via @yeu.mmy
In this town, brunchin’ ain’t easy but it’s necessary. We’ve rounded up a whole bunch of brunch options along with an interactive map to track ‘em. Plan your weekend, and pour those mimosas.
Weekday wonder
Tostadas | Mexi-Cali | Sunday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. | Pro tip: During peak hours, you can expect a ~30-minute wait, so head there before you’re too hungry.
Weekend must
Bloom Eatery & Spirits | All-American | Wednesday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | What we’re ordering: The Sweet Potato Shishito Hash with scratch-made corned beef + caramelized onions.
Mimosas, mimosas, and more mimosas
Toast Cafe & Grill | Mexi-Cali | Daily, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | What we’re ordering: The Carnitas Scramble, and since we can’t decide — a mimosa flight with four different flavors.
Did we miss any of your favorite brunch spots? Let us know.
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