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8th Annual Wake & Break | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Taplands, Santa Clara | Cost of purchase | Start your morning with Stan’s Donuts and a special tap list that pairs perfectly with the sweet treats.
Black Family Day 2025 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | 510 S. First St., San Jose | Celebrate the heritage, health and wellness of Africans and people with African ancestry in Silicon Valley with live performances, food, vendors, kids’ activities, and resource booths.
Flashlight Tours | 7 p.m. | Winchester Mystery House | $54 | Explore the dark, winding halls of the mansion with only a flashlight while hearing tales of the former (and maybe still lingering) residents.
Docent-led Public Tours | Through Sunday, March 30 | 1 p.m. + 2:30 p.m. | San Jose Museum of Art | Free | Meet in the lobby for a tour of the museum and participate in art-making activities in the galleries.
Monday, Feb. 24
Broadway San Jose’s 25-26 Season Launch Party | 6-8:30 p.m. | San Jose Center for the Performing Arts | Free | Watch a 30-minute performance and be the first to hear about Broadway San Jose’s 2025-2026 lineup.
Dream Theater: 40th Anniversary Tour | 7:30 p.m. | San Jose Civic | $92+ | The progressive metal band from Boston has been shredding for four decades — rock out with them.
Wednesday, Feb. 26
Disney On Ice presents: “Magic in the Stars” | 7 p.m. | SAP Center at San José | $33+ | This ice skating performance will travel through all kinds of classic Disney + Pixar tales, from “Encanto” and “Toy Story,” to “Frozen 2" and “Moana.”
Real estate firm Hines wants to revamp three blocks of downtown San Jose along parts of South First and South Second streets and Paseo de San Antonio. The Paseo Place project would bring new restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, with a vision of turning the stretch into a lively social hub. (The Mercury News)
Traffic
Sidewalk and crosswalk safety improvements are coming to seven intersections near five schools in Saratoga, including Saratoga High School. The project will add high-visibility crosswalks, more signs, curb ramps, and extensions. Construction is slated to begin this year, possibly before the end of summer. (The Mercury News)
Open
Two words: Blueberry Coffeecake. Silicon Valley favorite Hobee’s has opened its latest location, this time at 261 N. Second St. in downtown SJ. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but we’re partial to the breakfast scrambles + omelets, which come with a side of that famous Blueberry Coffeecake.
Biz
An 11,000-sqft music and events venue is coming to downtown San Jose. The privately-owned Pete Be Center will open in the SoFa District on Saturday, April 19, with space to host concerts, festivals, and corporate events for 1,000+ guests. The entertainment lineup will be announced soon. (KTVU)
Civic
Congratulations are in order: The San Jose Fire Department (SJFD) has added 18 new firefighters to its ranks. The group recently completed a 20-week training academy and began their careers as probationary firefighters. Inspired? SJFD is accepting applications for recruits through Thursday, Feb. 27.
Opening
Lincoln Avenue in downtown Willow Glen is getting a batch of new businesses. Serene Nails salon is now open, and Studio Willow Glen — a gym offering barre, spin, and hot yoga — will debut on Saturday, March 1. Sarika Thai Massage and Hone Piercing are coming soon, too.
Closing
Aloha Fun Center in Eastridge Center is getting ready to roll out. The roller skating rink and indoor mini golf facility said its final day in business at the mall will likely be on Sunday, March 23. Hit the rink while you still can.
Arts
Oakland-based artist Esteban Raheem Abdul Raheem Samayoa will debut his solo exhibition, “Blood Be Water,” at ICA San Jose Monday, March 24-Sunday, Aug. 24. The installation features airbrushed paintings, charcoal drawings, oil pastels, and ceramics touching on themes of ancestry, transformation, and identity. The opening reception is on Saturday, March 22.
Coming Soon
Did this catch your eye? That’s because locals (like you) are excited about new happenings in the city. Spread the word about your business, services, big news, or event coming soon to San Jose.
Finance
Owe more than $10,000 in debt? You’re not alone — personal debt is on the rise. Freedom Debt Relief could help by offering a personalized debt settlement plan and negotiating with creditors to reduce your amount owed (with one low monthly payment + no upfront fees). Get started.*
Plan Ahead
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City Guide
City Guide
🎸 Don’t miss a beat
Take to the Tank for some more fun. | Photo by SJtoday staff
Hear that? It’s the scintillating sound of San Jose’s live music venues beckoning you to a performance you’ll never forget. Get tuned in on where to see your next show with our guide to local music venues.
Arena
SAP Center | Capacity: ~18,000
The official home of the Sharks also hosts ~100 other events annually, including ice skating shows, big stand-up comedy tours, and live music. Peep the 2025 schedule.
Concert hall
San Jose Civic | Capacity: 2,850
Since its original opening in 1936, this venue has hosted music legends, political figures, boxing matches, symphonies, and more. Fun fact: The Who had their first headlining US tour here in 1968 — who knew?
Outdoors
Shoreline Amphitheatre | Capacity: 22,000
Just up 101 in Mountain View is this open-air venue with both lawn + premium seating. The amphitheater plays host to ~30 major music events every summer, like Jonas Brothers and Post Malone. The 2025 lineup includes Dave Matthews Band, Thomas Rett, and Matt Rife.
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San Jose Made’s free Friend Fest returns to downtown’s South Hall this Saturday, Feb. 22 and Sunday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
The “friendship-inspired vendor marketplace” will feature 250+ makers, artists, designers, and creative small businesses; here’s a preview of the vendor lineup. Attendees can also expect fun experiences like felt pizza-making workshops and a friendship bracelet-making station. Pro tip: Visit Park SJ for parking options. Have fun, friends.