San Jose, Ca (Dec. 16, 2008) — Back when orchards blanketed the valley floor, the song of the wind through the plum and cherry trees was the main entertainment. Now, Silicon Valley rings with live music and a multifaceted array of other events, from edgy and sophisticated to down-home fun. There is so much to choose from, and with 300 days of sunshine, travelers to San Jose find plenty of reasons to visit and “stay and play” no matter what time of year.

Cinequest Film Festival: February 25 - March 8, 2009. ‘Empowering the Maverick’ filmmaker is the motto of Downtown San Jose’s premier film festival, a dynamic 12-day event of 200 international films with over 400 film artists, technologists, and professionals from 34 countries . The festival celebrates innovative indie films and technology forums, and takes place at venues like the Camera 12 (aka, C12), California Theatre (the Cal), and San Jose Repertory Theatre (the REP). Contact: 408/995-5033 or www.cinequest.org.

Zero One San Jose (01SJ): June 2010. At sites across Downtown, the Third Biennial Global Festival of Art on the Edge provides a platform for some of the world’s most innovative contemporary artists. Their goal is to create works of art that use technology as a key tool. It’s multi-dimensional (performances to exhibits and films), with sometimes startling and brilliant aspects—like the new outdoor Culture Screen and City Hall Rotunda projection. Contact: 408/916-1010 or www.01sj.org.|

Tapestry Arts Festival: September 5 -7, 2009. Try this recipe for excitement: take six square blocks of Downtown San Jose, fill it with five live music stages, several hundred artists, a home and garden show and free hands-on kids art space. Serve it up over a warm Labor Day Weekend (in previous years), and you get San Jose’s oldest and largest outdoor arts celebration. Enjoy the food, art, or the cutting-edge new ideas in the Design for Living Home and Garden Show. Or just mellow out by any of the five live music stages. Contact: 408/494-3590 or www.tapestryarts.org.

Music in the Park: July-August 2009. The best music deal in town returns in summer 2009. Metro Music in the Park, a free concert series featuring big-name performers, will return for its 21st season at Plaza de Cesar Chavez (at Market and San Carlos streets).  Held each Thursday (5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.), the series really heats up in July and August, attracting music lovers from all over San Jose and the South Bay Area.  Also, not to be missed is a summer music celebration in historic St. James Park.  The San Jose Downtown Association produces the events. Contact: 408/279-1775 or www.sjdowntown.com/Music_in_the_Park.

Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival presented by Southwest Airlines: August 7-9, 2009. Celebrating 20 years of this festival in one weekend, with more than 80 performances on 10 stages throughout Downtown. Sample a buffet of jazz tastes— Blues, Latin, Salsa, Big Band and more. The music lasts all day with lots of activities after dark. Contact: 408/288-7557 or www.sanjosejazz.org.

San Jose International Mariachi Festival: September 23-27, 2009. This event is a fiesta for the eyes and ears, showcasing both mariachi’s energetic music and its vivacious culture. Latin contemporary and traditional music takes over the Mexican Heritage Plaza and stages in Downtown San Jose, with performances by Grammy winners and top bands. Contact: 408/928-5501 or www.sanjosemariachifestival.com.

Racing around Town

Amgen Tour of California: February 17, 2009. Cyclists participating in the Amgen Tour of California will ride through the sprawling hills of Silicon Valley while making their way from San Jose to Modesto. This new course serves as the fourth leg of the scenic race and challenges contestants to a vigorous workout. The 26-mile stretch includes continual climbing and a 4,360 foot journey up Mt. Hamilton, which provides one of the highest elevations ever reached in the Amgen. After crossing over the mountain’s crest, bikers will continue onto Sierra Road and then embark upon an 18-mile ride to the heart of San Jose. Cycling champion’s highly anticipated return to competitive cycling after a three-year hiatus, will begin with this tour. Contact:  408/ 535-3500 or www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

San Jose Cycling Classic: February 14-22, 2009
In addition to being named a host city for the fourth consecutive year as a part of the Amgen Tour of California, San Jose is hosting a perfect complementary event in the San Jose Cycling Classic, which will take place from February 14-22. During these days, a multitude of events are taking place in San Jose from a Guadalupe River Park Fun Ride and Mini Bike Expo for kids to Bike Safety Training and Maintenance and a local San Jose Hall of Fame of cyclists, Olympians, High School & College teams. On Tuesday February 17, the Amgen Tour Stage 4 will begin with autography alley, where fans can chat directly with the riders, and on Sunday February 22, there will be an official Watch Party of Amgen Tour of California finish.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon: October 4, 2009.  The Bay Area’s largest half marathon, this one-day race really rocks, with live music from bands staged along every mile of the racecourse and a final headliner concert in Plaza de Cesar Chavez. For those not in the running, there are also health and fitness exhibits to enjoy at the Convention Center. Ticket prices vary; watch for early entry discounted registration at www.rnrsj.com. Contact: 800/311-1255.

Conventions & Consumer Shows

Hot San Jose Nights: July 9-12, 2009. San Jose’s Car Show returns this July hosted by Mike Hennessy and Car Guy Channel TV Show. Cars and trucks 25 years or older will be on display along with a drive-in movie at the Capitol 6 Drive, a Show-n-Shine, live music, Beer Garden, a Sock Hop and charity dinner at Club Auto Sport. Registration is available now. Contact: www.hotsanjosenights.com.

San Jose Home Show: March 11-15, 2009. At the San Jose Home Show, take advantage of our one-on-one consulting service and find easy solutions to your project problems, both existing and upcoming. Designed for homeowners of all stages of remodeling, landscaping, or decorating their homes, hundreds of exhibits and demonstrations are available. With a combination of new products and expert advice from the pros, the Home Show inspires homeowners with countless ideas. Contact: www.acshomeshow.com.

FanimeCon 2009: May 22-29, 2009. Northern California's largest anime convention returns to San Jose over Memorial Day weekend. In the heart of Downtown San Jose, the conference by fans, for fans celebrates anime, manga, and a wide variety of related arts. With live concerts, engaging panels, thrilling competitions, non-stop video screenings, and guests from around the world, there's something for everyone. Contact: www.fanime.com.

Vietnamese Spring Festival and Parade: Spring 2009. A celebration of all things Vietnamese—arts and crafts, food, music and dance. Past festivals have included live performances by Vietnamese entertainers or martial arts experts and a parade that showcases colorful Vietnamese dance and cultural groups, plus marching bands from throughout the Bay Area. This free, family event is held at Market Street and Park Avenue in Downtown San Jose. Contact: 408/292-8283 or www.vsfsanjose.com.

Cinco de Mayo: May 5. Marking its 28th year in 2009, the fiesta kicks off with a parade down Market Street then fills Discovery Meadow with arts and crafts vendors, food booths and live music and dances by vividly-garbed folklórico groups. Possibly cutest show is on the Youth Stage, where tiny dancers do their best at traditional bailes. Contact: 408/288-9470 or www.sjgif.org/cincodemayo.html.  

San Jose Pride: June 13-14, 2009: A rainbow of events—including a parade plus food booths, live music, and entertainment in Discovery Meadow. Ticket prices for 2009 to be available soon. Contact: 831/338-2578 or www.sjgaypride.com.

Festival for Independence: July 3-5, 2009. Enjoy two stages of first-rate musical and cultural entertainment with arts and crafts from around the world, booths offering savory ethnic foods, and tons of activities for kids. Contact: 408/298-6861 and www.americafestival.com.

Fiesta Patrias/Mexican Independence Day: September 14, 2009. A celebration of Latin music, food, and dance, with a Market Street parade and Discovery Meadow events. Lots of affordable family fun. Contact: 408/288-9470 or www.sjgif.org.

Downtown Ice: November 21, 2008-January 19, 2009. Skate under the stars—and the palm trees—in the heart of Downtown. The South Bay’s largest seasonal outdoor skating rink, produced by the San Jose Downtown Association, is set in the amazing Circle of Palms between the Fairmont Hotel and San Jose Museum of Art. Contact: 408/279-1775 or www.sjdowntown.com/eve_eve_ice.html.

Winter Wonderland: November 26, 2008-January 4, 2009. Spanning Park Avenue between Market Street and Almaden Blvd, and on Paseo de San Antonio between Market Street and Third Street, this event is perfect for the holiday addict. Visitors can revel in an arts and crafts marketplace that includes a ride arcade and attractions—such as the international dessert row, which is part of an International Market that sits on the Paseo between Market and First streets. Buy gifts, sample exquisite chocolates and check out the glass artisans working with molten glass (at night it looks pretty cool). Then take your loved one on the Ferris wheel to gaze at the nighttime view and steal a kiss. Contact: 408/286-1313 or www.giantcreative.com.

Christmas in the Park: November 27, 2008-January 1, 2009. Anchored by a festive tree lighting and the San Jose Holiday Parade (December 7), and displays like the Santa Claus Railroad and the reindeer bar, Christmas in the Park is a fond family tradition in Silicon Valley. Contact: 408/995-NOEL (recorded); 408/793-4170 (live) or www.christmasinthepark.com.

For a complete list of events, check out the www.sanjose.org website on a regular basis.

#       #       #

About The San Jose Convention & Visitors Bureau (SJCVB) The San Jose Convention & Visitors Bureau (SJCVB) mission is to enhance the image and economic well being of San Jose by marketing San Jose as a globally recognized destination.  The SJCVB offers visitors, meeting planners, and tour operators, a range of services to ensure a successful event and fun visit to San Jose. For a copy of the Official Visitors Guide, please contact the SJCVB at 1.800.SAN.JOSE (1.800.726.5673) or visit http://www.sanjose.org.