It might be tough on the wallet, but living in the 408 sure is great. | Photo via @bennys_journey
From cultural celebrations and foodie events to The Fair and music festivals, we’ve got a lot to look forward to this year in SJ. Bust out the calendar and pencil in these important events happening in San Jose in 2025.
Friday, Feb. 7-Sunday, Feb. 9 | Eastridge Mall SJ’s largest free Lunar New Year festival will return for its 10th anniversary with live music, carnival rides, lion dances, food vendors, and games. The opening ceremony is at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8.
Tuesday, March 11-Sunday, March 23 | Location TBD Silicon Valley’s annual indie film fest — once voted Best Film Festival by USA Today readers — will feature screenings, workshops, and tech forums showcasing the latest in innovation. Buy your passes or a virtual ticket now.
Early June | SoFa District This fest shines the spotlight on SJ’s indie artists with live performances, vendors, food trucks, and a beer garden on South First Street.
Gabriel Rutledge | Thursday, Jan. 9-Sunday, Jan. 12 | Times vary | Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Club, Sunnyvale | $25 | This comedian is known for his albums — including “Good Luck in Court” — and his book, “Happiness Isn’t Funny: True Stories of a Road Comic.”
Friday, Jan. 10
After Dark Open Mic | 6-9 p.m. | Nirvana Soul Coffee | Free | Now is your chance — perform your poetry, music, and comedy in a fun space filled with fellow local artists.
Hot to Go: The Chappell Roan Party | 8 p.m. | The Ritz | $25 | H-O-T-T-O-G-O — dance to the bangers of the Midwest Princess as if you were at the Pink Pony Club.
Saturday, Jan. 11
Minnesota Wild vs. San Jose Sharks | 7 p.m. | SAP Center at San Jose | $49+ | It’s Pride night at SAP — there’s a special edition beanie giveaway, while supplies last.
The Taylor Party | 9 p.m. | The Ritz | $25 | Swifties, your “Wildest Dreams” are coming true here — dance to music from each one of Taylor Swift’s eras.
Sunday, Jan. 12
“Wicked” Drag Brunch | 2 p.m. | San Jose Improv | $32+ | This ought to be popular — enjoy a magical brunch inspired by the queens of “Wicked.”
Monday, Jan. 13
WWE Monday Night RAW | 4:30 p.m. | SAP Center at San Jose | $60+ | WWE superstars will duke it out including World Heavyweight Champion Gunther, Seth “Freakin” Rollins, and Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan.
Matt Mathews: “Boujee On a Budget Tour” | 7 p.m. | California Theatre | $44+ | The rising comedian and social media star performs his stand-up tour in the great 408.
🤝 Imagine the impact if we all volunteered on January 20
Presented by AmeriCorps
Join AmeriCorps in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King by volunteering this MLK Day. | Photos provided by AmeriCorps
Did you know? Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, Jan. 20) is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer.
For 30 years, the MLK Day of Service has grown as more people embrace the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving the communities where we live, work, and play.
After multiple delays due to migrating whales and other factors, commercial Dungeness crab season is now open off most of NorCal’s coast. Local fishers are eager to make up for lost time while customers look to get their claws on fresh-caught crab they’ve been waiting for since November. (The Mercury News)
State
California has introduced lots of new laws for 2025 — we’re still catching up. This includes the “daylighting” law that impacts parking within 20 ft of any marked or unmarked crosswalk and the legalization of “cannabis cafes,” which allows cannabis businesses to sell food + non-alcoholic drinks and host live performances. (CBS News + KQED)
Opening
Joey’s, the Canadian restaurant chain known for its variety of global cuisine, will open Joey’s Silicon Valley soon at Westfield Valley Fair. We hear it’s wise to save room for dessert — specifically the signature Baked Apple Pie.
Coming Soon
San Francisco’s China Live is planning to open Asia Live at Westfield Valley Fair this fall, a new Asian marketplace and food emporium with sushi stations, tandoori ovens, and an Indonesian rice table. The space may also feature a rooftop terrace. (The Mercury News)
Edu
Due to declining enrollment and a $6 million budget deficit, the Berryessa Union School District will close three campuses. Cherrywood, Toyon, and Laneview Elementary will close for the 2025-2026 academic year, a decision that officials said could save the district $2.5 million annually. (Bay City News)
Tech
AI tech firm Astera Labs is expanding to north San Jose, moving its headquarters into an office complex on North First Street where it’ll take up 154,000 sqft. The seven-year lease begins in April, with options for Astera to extend its lease and potentially expand into the campus’ additional office space. (The Mercury News)
Legacy
San Jose resident Warren Upton — the oldest living Pearl Harbor survivor and last remaining survivor of USS Utah — died on Dec. 25 at the age of 105. Upton shared his harrowing story with The Associated Press in 2020, including how he swam ashore to Ford Island and hid in a trench. (AP)
Try This
They’re baaack. The Winchester Mystery House just dropped four new dates for Flashlight Tours — a chance to explore the mansion after dark. Sign up (if you dare) for Saturday night tours on Feb. 15, Feb. 22, March 1 + March 8. Tickets cost $33-$54.
Arts
Five local artists have been chosen to serve as San Jose’s 2025 Creative Ambassadors — a group that will produce a community project celebrating our city’s diversity. The artists are photographer Miguel Ozuna, comic book artist Julie Cardenas, playwright Matt Casey, mixed media artist Steven Rubalcaba, and educator Jessica Gutierrez.
Sports
Is it soccer season yet? The NWSL’s 2025 season will kick off Friday, March 14. Each team, including Bay FC, is set to play 26 matches. We’ve got eyes on Bay FC’s roster — the team recently signed Bay Area native Karlie Lema to a three-year contract through 2027.
Biz
Kickstart your 2025 goals by putting your business in front of our thousands of local subscribers. Your message can be here in as little as two days — no long-term contract required. Learn more.
Finance
High interest rates are daunting, so paying off credit card debt is a top New Year’s resolution for many Americans. If we told you there was a trending card that now has 0% intro APR on balance transfers well into 2026, would you believe us? You should.*
Health
Weight Loss by Hims & Hers offers a personalized, science-backed approach to weight management. Combining medication, expert support, and digital tools, the program helps individuals reach their weight loss goals. With personalized weight loss treatment plans, simple online access, and no hidden fees, it’s a flexible, affordable solution for lasting results. Learn more.*
Wellness
Simplify wellness with fast, convenient deliveries that fit your schedule: Thrive Market delivers organic groceries and family essentials straight to your door. (Members save an average of 30% on top brands.) Join today for 30% off your first purchase and a free gift valued at up to $60.*
City Guide
City Guide
📚 Do it for the plot
Buying local, reading local. | Photo by SJtoday staff
Trying to read more in 2025? Brew up a batch of your favorite tea or coffee and get ready to meet your next read, because we’re talking about locally written books in San Jose.
Fiction
“Bestiary” by K-Ming Chang | Release date: Sept. 29, 2020 | A woman grows a tiger tail in this debut novel about myth and memory.
Expand your worldview
“We Can: Portraits of Power” by Tyler Gordon | Release date: Sept. 28, 2021 | This nationally recognized teenage artist shares some of his bold artwork of iconic leaders.
For the family
“May the Best Player Win” by Kyla Zhao | Release date: Sept. 17, 2024 | Written by a Silicon Valley analyst-turned-author, this story follows a skilled + passionate Bay Area chess player as she tackles sexism in her hobby.
Need more recommendations? Stop by Hicklebee’s or the Recycle Bookstore to get expert advice from San Jose’s local booksellers.
The best two-piece sweatsuit for running errands, work-from-home days, or cozy weekends. We love the knit fabric and the roomy turtleneck design for extra comfort.
New year, more coffee. San Jose is no stranger to great coffee, and right now we’ve got eyes on Hijau, an Indonesian coffee pop-up specializing in lattes with tropical flavors. Find Hijau at the San Jose Rose Garden farmers market every Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
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