Plaza de Cesar Chavez

Plaza de César Chávez in downtown San Jose is a historic urban park that dates back to 1797, making it the oldest public open space in Northern California. Originally serving as the central plaza of the Spanish Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe, it was renamed in 1993 to honor civil rights leader César Chávez and has remained a focal point of civic life ever since.

The 2.3‑acre plaza is framed by cultural landmarks like The Tech Interactive, the San Jose Museum of Art, and St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and hosts a lively calendar of community events year‑round, from the beloved Christmas in the Park holiday display and the long‑running Fountain Blues & Brews Festival, to summer music series like Music in the Park and the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest. With grassy lawns, water fountains, public art, and regular festivals, Plaza de César Chávez blends rich history with contemporary community life.