Eighty years ago, San Jose residents celebrated the end of World War II, which despite the hardships the world endured, was nonetheless a victory over the forces of fascism. That’s no small thing, and History San José—the valley’s center of gravity for the remembrance of times past—is offering locals two opportunities to remember this pivotal time.
In the exhibit “V” for Victory in the Valley: World War II Stories—now on view in the McKay Gallery, located inside the Pasetta House at History Park—life on the home front will come alive via artifacts from San Joseans who contributed to the war effort. The exhibit is on view through October on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3:45pm.
This Saturday, History San Jose opens the doors of History Park for Spirit of ’45 Living History Day and Swing Dance, running 2-10pm. Activities include building tours, trolley rides, food trucks, a 1940s fashion show, and a meet-and-greet with military veterans and “Rosies” (women who worked in factories during the war). Other historic reenactments include President Truman’s announcement of Japan’s surrender, a homecoming victory parade and a USO-style dance party with a live swing band.
Living History Day admission is $10, with discounts for members, seniors and youths (free for veterans and Rosies). Admission to the dance is $20. History Park is located at 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose. For tickets, visit historysanjose.org.
Downtown Buzz
One might expect downtown San Jose to be a little quieter this weekend, now that Summer Fest is over, but stepping into the space is GalaxyCon 2025—three days of festive fandom celebrating comic books, pop culture, sci-fi, anime, cosplay and pretty much anything the human imagination can dream up. Expect an exhibit hall packed with vendors, comic book artists, cosplay competitions, tattoo artists, panels and workshops, and celebrity guests (including Jeremy Renner, Danny Trejo, Ron Perlman, Jamie Kennedy, Lou Ferrigno and many more—even, yes, William Shatner). The action takes place Aug 15-17 at the San Jose Convention Center. For all the details, visit galaxycon.com.
Speaking of downtown … Voyager Craft Coffee owner Sameer Shah is stepping up his game with Songs on Saturday, a monthly music showcase at his new location on St. John Street.
”We’ve always believed that coffee shops can be more than just places to grab a drink,” Shah explains. “They can be hubs for culture, connection, and creativity.”
Helping Shah with the monthly showcase is local singer-songwriter Mardi Morillo, who has been organizing live music events for the past decade. “Partnering with Mardi to bring live music to our St. John location feels like the perfect way to celebrate the talent in our community,” Shah says.
The first show in the series takes place 2–5pm on Aug. 16. Morillo is curating the free, all-ages series with singer-songwriters in various genres. “I love connecting venues with local live music and creating platforms that build the profiles for the artists and venues alike,” Morillo says.
Songs on Saturday takes place 2–5pm on Aug 16 at Voyager Craft Coffee, 111 W St John St, San Jose. In addition to Morillo, musicians Brian Dublin, Israel Sanchez, JENN!, Sorinvibee and Drew Makes Music will play.
Another notable downtown attraction is BAË Infinite: Beyond All Else, a multidimensional art exhibition at noble workshop & gallery that brings together visual art, poetry, and sound to celebrate “the rich continuum of Black, African, and Afro-diasporic creativity.” Selected works by artists Tachiya Bryant, Shari Bryant, Hunter Saxony III, and Ian Young can be seen through Sept 5; the gallery entrance is at the corner of Almaden Boulevard and Balbach Street and hours are Thu–Fri noon–6pm and Sat noon–4pm. For more information, visit localcolorsj.org.
Thu, Aug 14
New Works Festival—TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s 22nd annual New Works Festival, which lets audiences get a look at new plays and musicals in their early stages of development, continues this week with the following readings: Alice, Formerly of Wonderland, Emmy Award winner Mark Saltzman’s a cappella musical, Aug 16 at 3pm; The Bridge, a new musical about a true story behind the creation of the Brooklyn Bridge, Aug 15 at 7:30pm and Aug 17 at 7pm; Malcreados, by Christopher Oscar Peña, Aug 16 at noon; The Employee Dharma Handbook, Geetha Reddy’s workplace comedy, Aug 14 at 7:30pm and Aug 17 at noon; and Vienna, a new musical from Come From Away creators Irene Sankoff and David Hein, Aug 16 at 7:30pm and Aug 17 at 3pm. Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto. Festival passes: $90; single tickets, $25. 877.662.8978. theatreworks.org
CityDance—At this month’s dance event, the focus is on cumbia, with professional dance instruction, live bands and DJs. All skill levels are welcome. Free (including admission to the museum). Aug 14, 6-9pm. Circle of Palms in front of the San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S Market St, San Jose. sjmusart.org/event/citydance-2025-cumbia
Head Over Heels—Despite cancellations due to illness earlier this month, the show indeed must go on for this delightful musical set to the songs of the Go-Go’s. The City Lights production runs through Aug 24. Performances this week: Aug 14, 7:30pm; Aug 15, 8pm; Aug 16, 2 and 8pm; Aug 17, 2pm. cltc.org/heels
Movies on the Square—Redwood City’s weekly movie night continues, opening with a kid-oriented screening, The Wild Robot, at 6pm, followed by Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire at 8:30pm. Free. Aug 14. Courtyard Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. redwoodcity.org
Misspent Youth—The band plays in the Campbell Summer Concert Series. Free. Aug 14, 6:30-8pm. Orchard City Green, Civic Center Drive and N. Central Avenue, Campbell. campbellca.gov
A Streetcar Named Desire—Gillian Anderson, Vanessa Kirby and Ben Foster star in the Tennessee Williams drama, filmed during a 2014 National Theatre Live production at the Young Vic Theatre. $16-$23. Aug 14, 7pm. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. hammertheatre.com
Emma—This production written by Kate Hamill and directed by Erin Southard offers a fresh take on Jane Austen’s beloved pre-feminist heroine. $31-$61. Shows this week: Aug 16-17. Through Aug 31. Sanborn Skyline County Park, Saratoga. svshakespeare.org
Fri, Aug 15
Careless Whisper—The band takes the stage at the Morgan Hill Friday Night Music Series. Free. Aug 15, 5:30-9:30pm. Downtown Amphitheater, Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill. morganhillchamber.org
Music on the Square—This week’s musical offering: Foreverland. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Free. Aug 15, 6-8pm. Courtyard Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. redwoodcity.org
Bollywood Night—Music in the Square Summer Series spotlights sounds from the subcontinent. Free. Aug 15, 6-8pm. 4055 Evergreen Village Square, San Jose. instagram.com/evergreenvillagesquare
Importance of Being Earnest—Oscar Wilde’s story of identity, impersonation and romance is filmed live from the National Theatre in London. $16-$23. Aug 15, 7pm; Aug 17, 2pm. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. hammertheatre.com
Sanctuary City—Written by Pulitzer Prize winner Martyna Majok and directed by Anthony Doan, Sanctuary City follows two friends, both with undocumented parents, as they contend with the complexities of immigration, identity, belonging and love in the post-911 world. Aug 15, 8pm; Aug 16, 2 and 8pm; Aug 17, 2pm. Presented by More Mas Marami Arts at San Jose Stage Company, 490 S 1st St., San Jose. moremasmaramiarts.carrd.co
Sat, Aug 16
The Two Gentleman From Verona—The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival brings this captivating play to Redwood City for three weekends. Free. Running through Aug 24; shows this week: Aug 16-17, 6pm. Red Morton Park, 1120 Roosevelt Ave, Redwood City. redwoodcity.org
Richard III—Framed with traditions of film noir and featuring an all-female and nonbinary cast, this production by Silicon Valley Shakespeare takes an innovative look at the Bard’s familiar tale of treachery. $31-$61. Running through Aug 29; shows this week: Aug 14-15, 7pm. Sanborn Skyline County Park, Saratoga. svshakespeare.org
Long Gone Bon—The AC/DC tribute band plays while diners enjoy beer, brats and other German favorites. $25. Aug 16, 8pm. Teske’s, 255 N 1st St, San Jose. 408.292.0291.
Sun, Aug 17
Japantown Farmer’s Market—Find fresh produce, artisanal food products and handmade crafts. Free. Every Sunday through Oct 26, 8am-noon. Gordon Biersch Brewery, 357 E Taylor St, San Jose. jtownfarm.org
The Beach Boys—They’ve been “Surfin’ USA” since 1961, spreading harmonies and good vibrations. Original Beach Boy Mike Love and longtime veteran Bruce Johnston are still in the lineup. $78+. August 17, 7:30pm, Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga. mountainwinery.com
Tue, Aug 19
Video Game Orchestra—It’s too late to get tickets to the sold-out Grateful Dead tribute band Jerry’s Middle Finger the day before, but tickets are available for the third concert in a six-show series at the historic Filoli house and gardens, which features the UC Davis Orchestra’s melodic take on the aural themes from popular video games. $55 general/$125 VIP. Aug 19, 7pm. filoli.org
Wed, Aug 20
Vines & Vibes—The Top Secret Band reveals a set of rock, pop and soul classics at Guglielmo’s summer concert series. Free. Aug 20, 3-4pm. Guglielmo Winery, 17575 Peak Ave, Morgan Hill. guglielmowinery.com
Los Gatos Jazz on the Plazz—Tony Lindsay and the Soul Soldiers march into the town of the cats for the final date in this concert series. Free. Aug 20, 6:30pm. Town Plaza, West Main Street and Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos. jazzontheplazz.com
Pink Martini—Founder Thomas Lauderdale and longtime vocalist China Forbes are toasting their 30th anniversary tour, serving up fizzy, retro sounds. $54-$258. Aug 20, 7:30pm. Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga. mountainwinery.com
Cadillac Jack—Enjoy live music at the weekly Music in the Square Summer Series. Free. Aug 20, 6-8pm. 4055 Evergreen Village Square, San Jose. instagram.com/evergreenvillagesquare
