In the sunny South Bay, you’ll find many exciting events and celebrations happening this July. With the Fourth of July, street festivals and endless art and food, you won’t be bored this month.Â
We’ve done the deep research for you on the best things to do in the South Bay including museums, cultural events, food tours, athletic events, hikes and more. Speaking of food, we also have an extensive list of our best restaurants in the South Bay, and if you’re planning a weekend, the best places to stay.Â
The sunny and warm South Bay weather continues this month, with average temperatures into the high 70s.
Featured photo by Brandon Patoc.Â
June 22–August 1
This festival has been bringing seminal jazz acts to the South Bay for over 50 years. Hear the cutting edge and the tried-and-true of a quintessential American music genre.Â
Wednesday evenings through August
Picnic at this free concert series, featuring extraordinary vocalists, instrumentalists and big bands throughout summer. Jazz on the Plazz is Los Gatos’ Wednesday-night destination, and attendees can bring the whole family for these nights of music and culture. July’s performances include appearances by singer Kim Nalley and her trio, the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Regional Band and more exciting groups. Â
July 4
The San Francisco Symphony travels south to Mountain View for this yearly concert with fireworks for Independence Day. A program of crowd-pleasing American tunes will pay special tribute to Aretha Franklin, while listeners can either sit up close in seats or lounge on the plush lawn area while admiring the show.Â
SJMADE Fest
July 19 & 20
Over 200 artists, designers and makers from around San Jose come to History Park for this festival of local creatives and their fans. Admission is free! Beyond the countless items for sale from talented makers, there’s also the “Moveable Feast” marketplace of food vendors. Need to take a rest from all the shopping? Have a seat in the lounge full of kittens, brought by the rescue group Mini Cat Town.Â
More info: sanjosemade.com
Dates TBD
The 16th Annual San Jose Restaurant Week highlights the city’s vibrant food culture. Seize the moment to try out the cuisine of California’s third most populous city. Certain restaurants will be offering prix-fixe menus, food and drink pairings and special items during these ten days of gastronomy.Â
July 12 & 13
Obon is a yearly Japanese Buddhist tradition of honoring one’s ancestors, and San Jose’s celebration of the occasion has been ongoing for an unknown number of years, with its current iteration being cemented post-1945. The festivities include Taiko drumming, Obon odori (dancing), crafts and activities, plus streams of delicious Japanese food.
Dates TBD
Meander through the scenic grounds of Filoli House and Garden while browsing the wares from over 40 artists and artisans from around the region. This event also includes demonstrations by artists making origami, mosaics and more.Â
Event Venues
Looking to see what’s happening right now in the South Bay? Our comprehensive list of venues below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
