Some 2,500 dogs and more than double that number of dog lovers will congregate at William Street Park to celebrate canine companionship at Bark in the Park, featuring contests, agility courses, children’s activities and a whole pack of dog-related vendors and services.
New this year is Animal Rescue Row, a section dedicated to adoptable dogs. Pups will be on display on the Main Stage between 3 and 5pm, and guests can learn more about the organizations working hard to find forever homes for furbabies. Admission is a $10 donation for adults; kids and four-legged guests get in free. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society Silicon Valley, San Jose Animal Care Center, and other local charities. The event takes place 10am–5pm on Sept. 20 at William Street Park at the corner of William and 16th streets, just minutes from downtown San Jose.
Thu, Sept 18
CityDance—The final installment for the season in this monthly dance series features live music by Sabor de mi Cuba. All skill levels are welcome. Then take a break from dancing and visit the San José Museum of Art. Free. Sept 18, 6-9pm. Circle of Palms, 124 S Market St, San Jose. facebook.com/citydancesj
Fri, Sept 19
Live on Main—Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab a meal from a local eatery and catch a concert by Hella Doubtful, a No Doubt tribute band. Free. Sept 19, 6:30-8:30pm. Town Square, 19419 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino.
Oktoberfest—Redwood City salutes Germanic traditions with gusto, becoming a magnet for lederhosen-wearing, beer-guzzling crowds, drawn by seasonal contests (stein-holding, yodeling, dancing), lively music, and lots and lots of brats and brews. Tickets: $10-$35. Sept 19-28 (except Sept 22) in Courthouse Square. redwoodcity.org
Data Trust—Artificial intelligence is everywhere, seemingly, and the Institute of Contemporary Art San Jose tackles it head on with a new exhibit by Stephanie Dinkins. On view starting Sept 19. Admission is free; open Thursday-Sunday, noon-5pm. ICA San José, 560 S 1st St, San Jose. icasanjose.org
Sat, Sept 20
Songs on Saturday—Mardi Morillo books his second songwriter showcase, held on the third Saturday. This week Morillo is joined by musician/entrepreneur Khaysie, soul artist Misa James, R&B/indie songwriter Lyshia Megan (frontwoman for the band No Clue) and R&B/jazz artist JOYANG. Free. Sept 20, 2-5pm. Voyager Craft Coffee, 111 W St John St, San Jose. Follow on IG: @songsonsaturday.
Northern California Renaissance Faire—Set the wayback machine to the 1500s and head to this gathering of queens, knights, knaves and wenches. The Queen’s Royal Joust, Cy the Sword Swallower, The Mermaid Tavern Show, sea shanteys from the Sea Dogs and more—it’s all returning, plus a new act from Joweh Belly Dance. Running weekends, 10am-6pm, through Oct 19. $25-$35, plus parking. Casa De Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass Hwy, Hollister. norcalrenfaire.com
Endless Summer Festival—Right on the cusp of the fall equinox, Google Visitor Experience pulls out the stops for a midday fiesta with live DJs Nate Wyatt and Babey Drew, a makers marketplace, a mobile basketball court, and a dance and movement workshop led by Emmy-winning choreographer Ryan Heffington. Other enticements include children’s activities, a native seed bar with My California Garden, and refreshments (a honey and mocktail bar with Planet Bee Foundation, sweet treats from Kween’s Ice Cream and tea tasting with VC Tang). Free. Sept 20, 11am-4pm. Google Visitor Experience, 2000 N. Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View. rsvp.withgoogle.com/events/endless-summer-festival
A Night of Harmony and Honor—The Temple Hill Symphony Orchestra celebrates singer Vannessa Naeata and artist Kristin M. Yee at a gala evening with dinner and an awards ceremony. $125. Sept. 20. 1105 Valparaiso Ave, Menlo Park. THSOgala.eventbrite.com.
Sun, Sept 21
A Love Supreme Saxophone Summit—What better way to spend a Sunday than basking in three hours of majestic compositions by late, great saxman John Coltrane? This is for the true fans who want to appreciate Trane’s music played by great saxophonists. Charles McNeal, Lyle Link and Steve Heckman will perform in the state-of-the-art Tateuchi Hall—no background noise, pure Coltrane sounds. $30. Sept 21, 2-5pm. Community School of Music and Arts, Tateuchi Hall, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View. tranetraxx.org
Tue, Sept 23
Monica Rodriguez: Californiana—Installation artist Monica Rodriquez has been examining the colonization of present-day California (1542-1846), and her current project at de Saisset explores the period of missionization, in which Native Californians were forced to live and work as agricultural and utilitarian workers within mission complexes. The exhibit is site-specific, given that the museum stands on ancestral Ohlone land and is on the site of the former Mission Santa Clara de Asís. Free. Sept 23–Dec 19. de Saisset Museum, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. scu.edu/desaisset
Wed, Sept 24
Movies Y Musica—DJ Too Tall and the Bennett Roth Trio will provide the sounds, followed by an outdoor screening of the movie Grease. Sept 24, 6-10pm. Circle of Palms, 124 S Market St, San Jose. alebrijes.sanjosejazz.org/events/grease
