A genuine homegrown South Bay cultural institution, Empire Seven Studios has been welcoming art lovers to Japantown annually since 2017 for San Jose Walls. The event, which celebrates “the role that artists have played in transforming San Jose’s landscape through public art installations,” will include a commemorative exhibition honoring artists who have contributed to San Jose Walls over the years. The festival features gallery shows, artist talks, live music and pop-ups.
The exhibition will debut during the week-long San Jose Walls festival, running May 29 to June 8, bringing together art lovers, small businesses and members of the Japantown community.
A range of work from featured artists will be on view in the San Jose Walls Retrospective show at Empire Seven Studios from noon to 6pm. There will be a reception with drinks by Foxtale Fermentation and music by DJ Soulseek from 6 to 9pm on May 31. The exhibit will stay up through July 5 at Empire Seven Studios, which is located at 525 N 7th St, Suite 10, San Jose.
San Jose Walls also draws visiting artists such as Jo Cunningham, who is bringing her Freak Family Roadshow traveling sculptural installation. Inside a trailer, Cunningham creates a tableau with “a gorilla mother, an alien father and their strange love child cruising through America.” The idea for the piece originated when the artist was on a cross-country trip; at various roadside attractions and art installations, she was inspired by “the contagious freedom of outsider and folk artists” such as Butch Anthony and Howard Finster. “Outsider art taught me that you don’t need permission or approval from the art world to be creative,” Cunningham states.
Other events include an exhibition by 123Klan on June 3, 6-9pm, at Skydeck Gallery (525 N. 7th St., San Jose 4th Floor), an artist talk and book signing with Kevin Lyons and 123Klan from 7-8:30pm at Empire Seven Studios, and the Jtown Artwalk, a free event from noon to 6pm on June 7 that will celebrate Japantown’s local shops, food, music and creativity. There’s also a self-guided mural tour on June 8.
To learn more, visit empiresevenstudios.com and sjwalls.com.
Thu, May 29
The Cake—Playwright Bekah Brunstetter penned this topical comedy about a conservative baker called upon to create a wedding cake for a young woman she helped raise. The twist: This marriage has two brides. $38-$63. Through June 8. Shows this week: May 29, 7:30pm; May 30, 8pm; May 31, 2 and 8pm. City Lights Theater, 529 S. 2nd St, San Jose. 408.295.4200. cltc.org.
Smuin Ballet’s Dance Series 2—Director Amy Seiwert creates a world premiere, her 13th ballet for the company, and Trey McIntyre returns to Smuin with the Bay Area premiere of his Wild Sweet Love, an ode to the ups and downs of love set to a range of music from Mendelssohn to Queen. $31-$92. Shows on May 29-30 at 7:30pm, May 31 at 2 and 7:30pm, and June 1 at 2pm. Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. mvcpa.com
Kevin Hart—The ubiquitous star of comedy clubs, movies and TV commercials makes his way up the mountain for a one-night stand. All ages can enter; 21 and over for alcohol service. $112+. May 29, 8pm. Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga. mountainwinery.com
Fri, May 30
Music on the Square—Carnaval, a Santana tribute band, kicks off a series of free concerts that runs through Aug 29. Every Friday night (except Fourth of July), live bands will play everything from rock, reggae, and funk to Latin, soul, and everything in between. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy the sounds of summer. Free. May 30, 6-8pm. Courtyard Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. redwoodcity.org
The Mad Ones—Based on an excerpt from Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, The Mad Ones tells the story of two girls who together overcome grief—and manage to belt out quite a few songs in a score that will please musical theater lovers. $14-$18. Runs through June 8. Shows this week: May 30-31, 8pm; June 1, 2pm. Fess Parker Studio Theatre, Santa Clara University. scupresents.org
Tequila Twist Cocktail Class—Learn how to make pineapple margaritas and tequila sours. $107. May 30, 5-6pm. Quattro Bar at Four Seasons Silicon Valley, 2050 University Ave, East Palo Alto. 650.566.1200. eventbrite.com.
Sat, May 31
Alexander Kobrin—The Steinway Society presents a solo concert by Russian-American concert pianist Alexander Kobin. Featured works are Beethoven’s Sonata in E-flat Major, Brahms’ Drei Intermezzi and various pieces by Chopin. $53-$78 for live performance; $26.75 for a recorded performance that can be viewed anytime in a 48-hour period. May 31, 7:30pm. Visual and Performing Arts Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, 408.300.5635. steinwaysociety.com
Japantown Farmer’s Market—Formerly the Jackson-Taylor Business & Professional Association, the Japantown Business Association continues the legacy of community and business support of the old Chinatown/Japantown area. Free. June 1, 8am-noon. Gordon Biersch Brewery, 357 E Taylor St, San Jose. japantownsanjose.org
Love Flamenco Tour 2025—Imported from Spain, this show brings together top contemporary performers versed in the art of flamenco. $57-$96. May 31, 8pm. Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City. foxrwc.com
South First Night Market—Culture Night Market and Pop Up SJ present a night market in the SoFA District, featuring vintage fashion, local small businesses, handcrafted goods, food and music. Free. May 31, 4-9pm. SoFA District, 300 S 1st St, San Jose. culturenightmarket.com
Pub in the Park—Redwood City’s outdoor music and craft beverage series begins its eighth year with a concert by the Wildcat Mountain Ramblers. Free. May 31, 11am-4pm. Red Morton Park, 1120 Roosevelt Ave, Redwood City. redwoodcity.org
SJMADE Fest 2025—Peruse the work of more than 250 makers, artists, designers, curators, chefs, bakers, crafters and creative small businesses. Plus, there will be food trucks and food stalls, a double-sized Kitten Lounge by Mini Cat Town, K-Pop dance performances and more. Free. May 31-June 1, 11am-6pm. History Park San Jose, 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose. sanjosemade.com
Sun, June 1
Brunch on 1st Street—Culture Night Market and Pop Up SJ present a street party experience featuring food, music and a lively atmosphere with vintage fashion vendors, local small businesses, artists and artisans offering handcrafted goods. June 1, 10am-3pm. SoFA District, 300 S 1st St, San Jose. culturenightmarket.com
Hauser—Croatian cellist Stjepan Hauser is one half of the duo 2Cellos, but as a solo artist he adapts his instrument to various genres, from classical to pop. $69-$208. June 1, 8pm. Civic Auditorium, 135 W San Carlos St, San Jose. sanjosetheaters.org
Mon, June 2
Marissa Meyer and Joelle Murray—Writer Meyer and illustrator Murray discuss their young adult graphic novel, We Could Be Magic. $16.74 ($34.59 with book). June 2, 7pm. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Suite 100, Menlo Park. keplers.org
Instrumental Cinema—The Stanford New Ensemble, under the direction of Joo-Mee Lee, presents a program featuring iconic film scores from the 20th century, including music from The Pink Panther and Cinema Paradiso. Free. June 2, 7:30pm-9pm. Braun Music Center, Campbell Recital Hall, 541 Lausen Mall, Stanford. events.stanford.edu
Tue, June 3
‘Idomeneo’ Preview—San Francisco Opera Guild presents a preview of its upcoming performance of Idomeneo, given by soprano and musicologist Dr. Rebecca Plack, professor of Opera Studies and Music History at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Free. June 3, 2pm. Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd, Palo Alto. paloalto.bibliocommons.com
Symphony of Color & Joy—The latest show at Gallery 9 features work by Jan Meyer, known for painting murals throughout Silicon Valley. The opening reception takes place June 6, 5-8pm. Free. The show will be on view Tue-Sun, June 3-29. Gallery 9, 143 Main St, Los Altos. 650.941.7969. gallery9losaltos.com
San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers—A presentation celebrating the rich history and infectious energy of the Scottish musical tradition. Free. June 3, 7-8pm. Los Altos Library, 13 S San Antonio Rd, Los Altos. 650.948.7683. sccl.bibliocommons.com
Wed, June 4
Downtown Farmers’ Market—Stroll through stalls filled with fresh produce, locally made packaged goods, and hot meals prepared by local food vendors. Free. June 4, 9am-1:30pm. 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. sjdowntown.com
