Best Things to Do in the South Bay This July

In the sunny South Bay, you’ll find many exciting events and celebrations happening this July including a Fourth of July symphony show, street festivals, endless art and food and world-class musicals.

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

Featured photo by Brandon Patoc. 

MJ the musical
Photo by Matthew Murphy

July 29 - Aug 3

As one of the greatest entertainers of all time, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to San Jose in the form of MJ, the multiple Tony Award-winning musical centered around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour.

A jazz band performs on an outdoor stage surrounded by trees. Musicians play various instruments, including a trumpet, saxophones, trombones, drums, and guitars. In the background, people are seated in the park setting enjoying one of the Best Things to Do South Bay July offers—live music.
Photo courtesy of Jazz on the Plazz.

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 (no show on July 2) include appearances by the Heidi Evelyn Dance Orchestra, the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Regional Band and more exciting groups. 

A large outdoor concert venue in South Bay is filled with a crowd watching a performance on stage at night. Bright fireworks explode in the sky above, creating colorful patterns against the dark backdrop. The venue, one of the best things to do in July, has a prominent canopy structure covering the stage.
Photo by Brandon Patoc.

July 4

The San Francisco Symphony and ukulele virtuoso Taimane light up the night at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View with a festive outdoor concert perfect for the Fourth of July. The evening concludes with a grand finale of spectacular fireworks. 

Bird’s-eye view of a street festival with a large crowd watching a group of performers playing traditional drums. The drummers, in coordinated outfits, are positioned around a central drum, captivating rows of spectators sitting and standing along the street—one of the Best Things to Do South Bay July.
Photo courtesy of San Jose Obon Facebook.

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.

A person in an apron and hat is demonstrating a printing technique on cloth bags at an outdoor market—one of the best things to do in South Bay this June. Several people are watching the demonstration amidst stalls with various items and a café in the background, all under the shade of trees.
Photo courtesy of San Jose Made Facebook.

July 19 & 20

Over 200 local artists, designers and makers descend on the Santa Clara Convention Center for this free-admission festival. 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? Take a seat in the lounge to play with cute, furry kittens courtesy of rescue group Mini Cat Town.

Photo by Kristin Burns

July 25

As if! Revisit the iconic 1995 film Clueless at this 30th anniversary screening at the San Jose Civic Center. Endlessly quotable and a touchstone to the fashion and lingo of the 90s, Clueless remains a longstanding fan favorite starring Alicia Silverstone as the spoiled but lovable Beverly Hills teen Cher Horowitz. Following the film, Silverstone will take the stage to share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from the film and her life.

People browse art and crafts stalls set up under tents and umbrellas on a sunny day at an outdoor market, one of the best things to do in South Bay this July. The scene is set on a grassy area with trees and hedges in the background. Various artworks and handmade items are displayed on tables and stands.
Photo by Jessica Williams.

July 26 & 27

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. And while you are there, don’t miss TROLLS: Save the Humans featuring six enormous, wood-carved ‘activist Trolls’ who have come to teach humans how to rediscover nature and inspire humans to be good stewards of the earth.

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!

More Activities in Northern California

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