Features & Columns

HEAVY HITTERS: Expect impressive displays of rhythm when the Obon Festival returns to San Jose's historic Japantown in July.

Celebrations of art and community abound in Silicon Valley this summer—from cultural gatherings and proud declarations of identity, to simple sipping and strolling.

Greek Festival
May 31-Jun 2
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, San Jose | saintnicholas.org
Opa! San Jose's Greek community—along with baklava lovers of all backgrounds—are invited to enjoy the all things Greek. Authentic dishes made from generations-old family recipes, music, dance and traditional garb make for a fun, educational, family friendly celebration. (ER)

Jazz on the Plazz
Jun 19 - Aug 21
Los Gatos Town Plaza
jazzontheplazz.com
Los Gatos Music and Arts presents its 17th summer of Jazz on the Plazz, sharing live performances from the likes of Jane Monheit, Curtis Stigers and Roberta Gambarini, to name just a few. This year the festival focuses on the work of West Coast Cool pioneer Chet Baker. (ER)

Obon Festival
Jul 13-14
Japantown, San Jose | jtown.org
The San Jose Obon Festival returns with game booths, taiko performances and a wide variety of food and dancers in traditional dress to mark the Japanese custom of welcoming the spirits of ancestors back into the family. (WB)

Los Altos Art & Wine Festival
Jul 13-14
Downtown Los Altos
downtownlosaltos.org
Ceramics, fiber art, painting, jewelry, glassware and fashion will be front and center at this midsummer festival. The weekend will also feature live music, children's activities and plenty of wine and fine food. (WB)

Italian Family Festa
Aug 24-25
History Park, San Jose
italianfamilyfestasj.org
Any Italian party calls for food, family and wine—and lots of it. Local chefs present cooking demonstrations, visitors play Italian card games and bocce ball. Take part in a traditional grape stomp and other cultural activities in between visiting the booths of local artisans. (ER)

Silicon Valley Pride
Aug 24-25
Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park
San Jose | svpride.com
The South Bay's long-standing Silicon Valley Pride celebration returns to downtown San Jose. In addition to the parade there will be music, dancing and more. (WB)

Palo Alto Festival of the Arts
Aug 24-25
University Avenue, Palo Alto
mlaproductions.com
Celebration of the visual arts is the keystone of this annual weekend festival in Palo Alto. It's known for more than 300 displays of unique art from artists and crafts makers. (WB)

Mountain View Art & Wine Festival
Sep 7-8
Castro Street, Mountain View
mountainview.miramarevents.com
Mountain View's biggest annual public party features artwork from more than 500 artists and crafts makers, live music, plenty of kid-friendly activities, plus beer, wine and signature cocktails—all on downtown's lovely Castro Street. It's fun for the whole family. (WB)

Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival
Sep 15
Almaden Lake Park, San Jose
almadenwomen.org
To close out the summer, this annual festival invites visitors to enjoy the work of local artisans, live music, a crafting station for children, carnival games and rides, food trucks and more. Check out this year's expanded list of delightful Northern California wines. (ER)

Luna Chalk
Sep 21
Bakesto Park, San Jose
lunaparkarts.org
Beginners and professionals will take to the sidewalks with chalk to create original and re-created art underfoot, including traditional madonnari depictions. Food, music and dance are also featured. For the first time, artists will chalk the park during Viva Calle the next day. (ER)

Bark in the Park
Sep 21
William Street Park, San Jose
barksanjose.org
This annual celebration of our favorite fur babies is all about puppy love, as dogs and dog-lovers convene at William Street Park for a day of music, food, drinks and activities. Vendors can help with low-cost vaccinations and microchips for Fido. Those with a competitive spirit can run their pooch through an obstacle course, allow them to try their paws at herding sheep or enter them into the always entertaining tail wagging contest. (ER)