Whether it’s cold and rainy—or feeling like spring—there’s no reason to hibernate during a California winter. Years ago people used to complain about the lack of culture here, but that’s not the case these days. There’s more to experience than time to do it.
Arts groups in San Jose and on the Peninsula have rolled out their seasons, galleries are posting exhibits and theaters are booking touring acts. Here’s a sampling of experiences that await local culture vultures.
DANCE
Giselle: Grand Kyiv Ballet A haunting masterpiece of the Romantic era. Principal dancers from the National Opera of Ukraine bring the ethereal story of the Wilis—vengeful spirits of betrayed brides—to life with breathtaking technical precision. WHERE: Hammer Theatre, San José. WHEN: Feb. 5, 7:30pm. INFO: hammertheatre.com
Images 2026 The future of choreography. Santa Clara University’s signature dance showcase features new works created by students and faculty, spanning contemporary, jazz and experimental movement. WHERE: Louis B. Mayer Theatre, SCU. WHEN: Feb. 5–8. INFO: scupresents.org
Aterballetto Italy’s premier contemporary dance company makes its West Coast debut. The program features the athletic Rhapsody in Blue, Crystal Pite’s cinematic Solo Echo, and the U.S. premiere of Diego Tortelli’s Glory Hall. WHERE: Memorial Auditorium, Stanford. WHEN: Feb. 11–12. INFO: live.stanford.edu
Cinderella: World Ballet Company A classic fairy tale for all ages. Featuring a cast of international artists, this production pairs Prokofiev’s lush score with hand-painted sets and over 150 stunning costumes. WHERE: Heritage Theatre, Campbell. WHEN: Feb. 14, 7pm. INFO: worldballetcompany.com
Fast Forward: New Ballet Cutting-edge and collaborative. This program spotlights world-premiere choreography by emerging artists, pushing boundaries of classical ballet in a high-energy setting. WHERE: Hammer Theatre, San José. WHEN: March 27–28. INFO: newballet.com
sjDANCEco Dance Festival A massive, free community celebration. In honor of National Dance Week, dozens of local professional and student groups take over the mall for two full days of continuous performances. WHERE: Eastridge Center Mall, San José. WHEN: April 25–26. INFO: sjdanceco.org
Fast Forward
WHAT: New Ballet presents a high-energy program of contemporary works from emerging and guest choreographers, including Emmy-winner Natasha Adorlee and former Mariinsky principal Joseph Phillips. WHERE: Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. WHEN: March 27–28; Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm & 7pm. TICKETS: $19 and up. INFO: newballet.com
CLASSICAL & OPERA
Mission Chamber Orchestra: Italy by the Bay A sun-drenched program of Italian-inspired masterworks. Guest clarinetist Francesco Darmanin performs Mozart’s final concerto alongside his own evocative Foglie di Narciso, plus rare symphonic gems by Salieri and Rossini. WHERE: Italian American Heritage Foundation, San José. WHEN: Feb. 1, 3pm. INFO: missionchamber.org
Opera San José: Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci Passion, betrayal and the famous “clown’s lament.” This iconic operatic double bill delivers the raw intensity of Italian verismo in a production that explores the drama of village life. WHERE: California Theatre, San José. WHEN: Feb. 15–March 1. INFO: operasj.org
Pocket Opera: Madame Butterfly An intimate, bilingual reimagining. Puccini’s heart-wrenching masterpiece is performed in a translation that highlights the cultural clash of the original story, bringing East and West together in a devastatingly personal scale. WHERE: Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. WHEN: Feb. 20, 7:30pm. INFO: pocketopera.org
Palo Alto Philharmonic: Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique PA Phil pairs Debussy’s shimmering, impressionistic textures with the raw, emotional weight of Tchaikovsky’s final finished symphony. WHERE: Cubberley Theatre, Palo Alto. WHEN: Feb. 21, 7:30pm. INFO: paphil.org
Nova Vista Symphony: Dual Inspirations A showcase of symphonic power and solo virtuosity. Featuring Mussorgsky’s thunderous Pictures at an Exhibition and a double concerto for violin and cello featuring Debra Fong and Christopher Costanza. WHERE: Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. WHEN: Feb. 21, 7:30pm. INFO: novavista.org
Symphony San Jose: The Enigmatic Voice A program of mystery and majesty. From the royal grandeur of Handel’s Zadok the Priest to Elgar’s famously coded Enigma Variations, this concert explores music as a vessel for hidden stories. WHERE: California Theatre, San José. WHEN: March 7–8. INFO: symphonysanjose.org
San Jose Chamber Orchestra: SJCO Strings A masterclass in string intimacy. Concertmaster Liana Bérubé leads a curated program that pushes the boundaries of the chamber orchestra sound, blending traditional and contemporary voices. WHERE: St. Francis Episcopal Church, Willow Glen. WHEN: March 22, 7pm. INFO: sjco.org
Symphony San Jose: Hollywood Spectacular “Out of this World” cinema scores. A tribute to iconic science fiction history, featuring works by John Williams, Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman. WHERE: California Theatre, San José. WHEN: March 28–29. INFO: symphonysanjose.org
SCU Presents: Orff’s Carmina Burana The wheel of fortune turns. Santa Clara University’s combined choral and orchestral forces deliver the visceral power of Orff’s massive cantata in a grand spring showcase. WHERE: Mission Santa Clara. WHEN: April 10–11. INFO: scupresents.org
Les Misérables The global phenomenon returns. This spectacular new production of Victor Hugo’s epic story of love, redemption and revolution remains one of the world’s most popular musicals. WHERE: Center for the Performing Arts, San José. WHEN: April 29–May 3. INFO: broadwaysanjose.com
Cavalleria rusticana | Pagliacci
THE AESTHETIC: Gritty Italian realism. Think “mid-century cinema verité”—sun-drenched Sicilian squares, sharp shadows and the raw, unmasked emotions of a village on the edge. THE DRAW: A double-dose of opera’s most famous “thriller” moments, featuring the return of celebrated composer Alma Deutscher to the conductor’s podium and OSJ General Director Shawna Lucey at the helm. WHERE: California Theatre, 345 S. First St., San Jose. WHEN: Feb. 15–March 1, 2026. THE SCORE: Includes the haunting “Intermezzo” and the legendary “Vesti la giubba” (the famous “clown aria”). INFO: operasj.org
POP, JAZZ & WORLD MUSIC
Sasha Berliner Vibrant, genre-blurring vibraphonist. Berliner brings the lush, intricate sounds of her acclaimed debut Azalea to an intimate studio setting, blending jazz tradition with modern experimentation. WHERE: The Studio at Stanford Live. WHEN: Jan. 17. INFO: live.stanford.edu
Aleman & Gera MX High-velocity Mexican hip-hop. Two of the biggest names in the game team up for a night of rapid-fire lyricism and heavy-hitting trap beats from their collaborative projects. WHERE: San Jose Civic. WHEN: Feb. 3. INFO: sanjosetheaters.org
Air Supply: 50th Anniversary Tour Five decades of “Lost in Love.” The soft-rock legends celebrate a massive milestone with a night dedicated to the sweeping ballads and soaring harmonies that defined an era. WHERE: San Jose Civic. WHEN: Feb. 13. INFO: sanjosetheaters.org
Montalvo Carriage House: Winter/Spring Highlights International virtuosos in an intimate, historic setting. INFO: my.montalvoarts.org
- Leo Kottke: Fingerstyle guitar legend (Feb. 12).
- Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra: Flamenco-tinted acoustic textures (Feb. 18).
- Steep Canyon Rangers: Grammy-winning bluegrass innovation (March 4).
- The High Kings: Ireland’s folk supergroup (March 28).
- Marshall Crenshaw: Iconic power-pop singer-songwriter (April 10). WHERE: Montalvo Arts Center, Saratoga.
Pandora y Flans: Inesperado Tour Latin pop royalty. Iconic ’80s and ’90s supergroups share a stage to perform their greatest hits. WHERE: San Jose Civic. WHEN: Feb. 22. INFO: sanjosetheaters.org
Zee Zee (Zhang Zuo) Romantic piano at its peak. Celebrated pianist performs a program of “literary music,” including Ravel’s Gaspard de la nuit and Liszt’s Années de pèlerinage. WHERE: Bing Concert Hall, Stanford. WHEN: Feb. 22. INFO: live.stanford.edu
ALL(H)OURS Next-gen K-Pop energy. The rising boy group makes its South Bay debut with sharp choreography and high-production spectacle. WHERE: Hammer Theatre, San Jose. WHEN: Feb. 24. INFO: hammertheatre.com
Violent Femmes Pioneering folk-punk returns to perform their legendary self-titled debut album in its entirety, along with deep cuts from their 40-year career. WHERE: The Guild Theatre, Menlo Park. WHEN: March 4–5. INFO: guildtheatre.com
Peso Pluma The face of the corridos tumbados revolution. Global chart-topper brings his traditional-meets-trap sound to South Bay big stage. WHERE: SAP Center, San Jose. WHEN: March 18. INFO: sapcenter.com
Durand Jones & The Indications Soulful, sunset-drenched grooves. On their Flowers Tour, the group delivers impeccable harmonies and a retro-soul sound. WHERE: San Jose Civic. WHEN: March 20. INFO: sanjosetheaters.org
Foreigner: Orchestral Tour Cold as ice, but with a full symphony. Rock legends reimagine their greatest hits with The Rock Orchestra for massive, cinematic concert experience. WHERE: San Jose Civic. WHEN: March 22. INFO: sanjosetheaters.org
Jerry Harrison & Adrian Belew Remain in Light reimagined. Two Talking Heads alumni join forces with a powerhouse band to breathe new life into the 1980 classic, along with other era-defining hits. WHERE: The Guild Theatre, Menlo Park. WHEN: March 26–27. INFO: guildtheatre.com
Gary Numan Godfather of synth-pop celebrates 45 years of The Pleasure Principle and Replicas, blending dark industrial textures with his signature mechanical hooks. WHERE: The Guild Theatre, Menlo Park. WHEN: April 8. INFO: guildtheatre.com
David Byrne An evening of avant-pop brilliance. Talking Heads frontman brings restless creativity and singular stage presence to iconic outdoor amphitheater. WHERE: Frost Amphitheater, Stanford. WHEN: April 16. INFO: live.stanford.edu
Il Volo Italian operatic pop. The world-renowned trio brings their “Grande Amore” to the stage, performing everything from traditional arias to modern crossover hits. WHERE: Center for the Performing Arts, San Jose. WHEN: April 17. INFO: sanjosetheaters.org
Angelique Kidjo The queen of African music. Kidjo’s electric performances bridge continents and cultures, celebrating a legendary career of activism and artistry. WHERE: Bing Concert Hall, Stanford. WHEN: April 25. INFO: live.stanford.edu
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL MUSIC SERIES
Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival Silicon Valley’s premier film festival returns with red-carpet premieres, Maverick Spirit awards and a global lineup of independent cinema across downtown theaters. WHERE: San Jose & Mountain View. WHEN: March 10–22 INFO: cinequest.org
Our Hearts, Our Home: CPAA Spring Festival Gala A multicultural Lunar New Year spectacular. To welcome the Year of the Horse, Chinese Performing Arts of America presents large-scale gala of traditional dance, orchestral music and storytelling. WHERE: Center for the Performing Arts, San Jose. WHEN: Feb. 22, 7pm. INFO: cpaasv.org
Make Music San José The city becomes a stage. From sidewalks to parks, musicians of all skill levels take over the streets for a global celebration of music-making on the summer solstice. WHERE: Citywide, San Jose. WHEN: June 21 (Registration for venues and artists opens in spring). INFO: makemusicday.org/sanjose
THEATER & MUSICALS
The Wiz Soulful, Tony-winning reimagining of The Wizard of Oz returns to the stage with its iconic score and high-energy choreography. WHERE: Center for the Performing Arts, San Jose. WHEN: Jan. 27–Feb. 1. INFO: broadwaysanjose.com
BATSHIT A wildly theatrical, “psycho-siren” requiem. Direct from the Edinburgh Fringe, Leah Shelton delivers a darkly comic one-woman reckoning with the pathologizing of female madness. WHERE: The Studio at Stanford Live. WHEN: Feb. 4–7. INFO: live.stanford.edu
The Lehman Trilogy A three-act epic of American capitalism. Three actors portray generations of the Lehman family, from humble Bavarian immigrants to the architects of a global financial collapse. WHERE: San Jose Stage Company. WHEN: Feb. 11–March 1. INFO: thestage.org
The Drowsy Chaperone A “show-within-a-show” parody of the Golden Age. This CMT Rising Stars production features a cast of talented performers (ages 8–14) in a madcap, jazz-age musical comedy. WHERE: Montgomery Theater, San Jose. WHEN: Feb. 13–22. INFO: cmtsj.org
The Sex Lives of Puppets Dionysian puppet-mastery. Blind Summit presents a puppeted, fun, frank and surprisingly deep exploration of human desire and hang-ups. WHERE: The Studio at Stanford Live. WHEN: Feb. 18–21. INFO: live.stanford.edu
My Fair Lady Pear Theatre strips away high-society polish to view Eliza Doolittle’s journey from working class floor scrubber’s perspective. WHERE: Pear Theatre, Mountain View. WHEN: Feb. 20–March 8. INFO: thepear.org
Electricidad Chicano take on the Sophocles classic, set in the city of San Jose. WHERE: Fess Parker Studio Theatre (SCU), Santa Clara. WHEN: Feb. 27–March 8. INFO: scupresents.org
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Six eccentric adolescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime in this fast-paced, Tony-winning musical comedy. WHERE: Montgomery Theater, San Jose. WHEN: Feb. 27–March 8. INFO: cmtsj.org
The Book of Mormon Irreverent, outrageous and internationally adored. The nine-time Tony-winning musical returns for limited weekend engagement. WHERE: Center for the Performing Arts, San Jose. WHEN: March 6–8. INFO: broadwaysanjose.com
Primary Trust Pulitzer Prize-winning play follows a bookstore employee who is forced to step out of his comfort zone after 20 years. WHERE: TheatreWorks (Lucie Stern Theatre), Palo Alto. WHEN: March 4–29. INFO: theatreworks.org
Kennedy: Bobby’s Last Crusade Solo performance portrays Robert F. Kennedy during his 1968 presidential campaign, focusing on his vision for a divided America. WHERE: Montgomery Theater, San Jose. WHEN: March 21, 9:30pm. INFO: sanjosetheaters.org
Ride the Cyclone Six teenagers from a Canadian choir perish in a roller coaster accident and must compete for a mechanical fortune teller’s prize: a return to life. WHERE: Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts (SecondStage). WHEN: March 20–22. INFO: mvcpa.com
The Bardy Bunch The Bradys meet the Partridges—with Shakespearean vengeance. A cult-hit parody that mashes up ’70s TV optimism with blood-soaked Elizabethan tragedy. WHERE: 3Below Theaters, San Jose. WHEN: March 28–April 26. INFO: 3belowtheaters.com
VISUAL ARTS & EXHIBITIONS
Cunning Folk: Witchcraft & Magic A haunting exploration of the occult in early modern Europe. This exhibition features “cunning” folk charms, diabolic imagery and magical rites through historical paintings and works on paper. WHERE: Cantor Arts Center, Stanford. WHEN: Now through Feb. 22, 2026. INFO: museum.stanford.edu
Animal, Vegetable nor Mineral A deep dive into the uncanny. Featuring the works of Miljohn Ruperto, this exhibition challenges our classification of the natural world through film, salt-crystallized objects and digital animation. WHERE: Stanford University. WHEN: March 12–Sept. 14. INFO: museum.stanford.edu
Works/San José: Back to Square One Community-driven and tile-focused. Following their “Back to Square One” exhibition, the space transitions into its high-energy annual community art auction. WHERE: Works/San José. WHEN: Jan. 25–Feb. 16 (Exhibit); March 7–April 5 (Auction). INFO: workssanjose.org
Salon Jane: Resonance A decade of dialogue. The artists of Salon Jane showcase a collective evolution of work born from years of shared critique, discussion and technical exploration. WHERE: New Museum Los Gatos. WHEN: Feb. 27–June 28. INFO: numulosgatos.org
Don Hershman: The Art of Code Switching A visual meditation on resilience and adaptation. Hershman’s latest collection explores the mental and social masks we wear to navigate diverse cultural landscapes. WHERE: Mountain View Center for the Arts. WHEN: Feb. 17 (Reception & Conversation: 5:30pm). INFO: mvcpa.com
FAMILY & YOUTH
PACO Youth Ensembles Exceptional student artistry and professional collaboration. A winter-spring season featuring the elite Fry Street Quartet residency and the high-level Chamber Academy showcase. WHERE: Various locations, Palo Alto. WHEN: Jan. 25, Feb. 23–March 1. INFO: pacomusic.org
Peninsula Youth Theatre: Family Series From Cuban folktales to world premieres. A diverse lineup featuring Martina the Beautiful Cockroach, the high-energy Newsies, and a new take on Hansel and Gretel. WHERE: Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. WHEN: Feb. 13–14, March 14–22, April 24–25. INFO: pytnet.org
Disney on Ice: Let’s Dance High-speed magic on the rink. A vibrant celebration of Disney’s biggest hits featuring Mickey, Minnie and a massive cast of fan-favorite characters. WHERE: SAP Center, San Jose. WHEN: Feb. 19–22. INFO: sapcenter.com
Shrek The Musical Jr. Big ogre energy for all ages. Sunnyvale Players brings the swamp to life in this charming, fast-paced adaptation of the Oscar-winning DreamWorks hit. WHERE: Sunnyvale Community Center. WHEN: Feb. 20–March 8. INFO: sunnyvaleplayers.org
PAW Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure Interactive heroism for the preschool set. The pups take on a “Mighty” mission in a musical stage show packed with gadgets and teamwork. WHERE: San Jose Civic. WHEN: March 7–8. INFO: sanjosetheaters.org
Martina the Beautiful Cockroach A colorful, musical retelling of the beloved Cuban folktale. Peninsula Youth Theatre brings this vibrant story of a stylish cockroach and her search for the perfect suitor to life for the youngest theatergoers. WHERE: Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. WHEN: Feb. 13–14. INFO: pytnet.org
LITERARY & READINGS
Center for Literary Arts: Danzy Senna Acclaimed author of Caucasia visits for a reading and conversation on race, identity and the American landscape. WHERE: Hammer Theatre, San Jose. WHEN: Feb. 5. INFO: cla.sjsu.edu
Center for Literary Arts: Venita Blackburn A night of readings and Q&A with the Whiting Award-winning author known for her electric, genre-bending short stories. WHERE: Hammer Theatre, San Jose. WHEN: Feb. 19. INFO: cla.sjsu.edu
T.A. Chan: Author Talk Local sci-fi author T.A. Chan discusses her latest genre-bending work, Ishara Ming, a character-focused space adventure about revenge and a sentient spacecraft. WHERE: Books Inc., Mountain View. WHEN: March 31, 7pm. INFO: booksinc.net
Anne Fadiman with Jim Fadiman: Nonfiction icon Anne Fadiman returns to her signature genre with Frog, a collection of personal essays that find meaning in the mundane. Her brother, microdosing researcher James Fadiman, joins for a wide-ranging conversation on the art of observation. WHERE: Kepler’s Books, Menlo Park. WHEN: March 8, 4pm. INFO: keplers.org
The Lane Lecture Series: Viet Thanh Nguyen Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Sympathizer discusses his work and the enduring power of contemporary literature. WHERE: Stanford Faculty Club (Cedar Room). WHEN: Feb. 25, 7:30pm. INFO: creativewriting.stanford.edu
COMEDY
San Jose Improv Feb 1: Jackie Fabulous, Feb 11: Des Bishop, Feb 13–15: Gabriel Iglesias, Feb 20–21: Steve Trevino, Feb 27–Mar 1: Pete Lee, Mar 6–8: Tumua, Mar 12–14: Phil Hanley, Mar 18: David Nihill (Taking Tangents Tour), Mar 20–21: Bobby Lee, Mar 27–29: Nate Jackson, Apr 3–4: Maz Jobrani, Apr 9–11.
The San Jose Improv remains a legendary “comic’s room,” cherished by the greats for its high-stakes energy and intimate vibe. The Spring 2026 season is a certified heater, starting in February with the stadium-sized charisma of Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias (Feb. 13–14) and the blunt truths of Steve Trevino. March belongs to the “Slept King” himself, Bobby Lee (Mar. 20–21), whosephysical comedy and raw, infectious energy have made him a cult icon and a “comedian’s comedian.”
Rooster T. Feathers Feb 6–7: Sarper Güven, Feb 15: Phil Griffiths, Feb 19–22: Tim Gaither, Feb 25–28: Don McMillan, Mar 1: Roast Battle Bay Area | Watch local comics trade their best insults. Mar 4: New Talent Competition (Prelims), Mar 5–8: Lara Beitz, Mar 29: Pedro Gonzalez.
Jo Koy Joseph Glenn Herbert—better known to the world as Jo Koy—brings his massive “Just Being Koy Tour” to the Shark Tank. Expect a masterclass in relatable, high-energy storytelling that dives deep into Filipino culture, family dynamics and the universal chaos of adulthood. This isn’t just a comedy show; it’s a triumphant return to San Jose for one of the biggest names in the game. WHERE: SAP Center, 525 W. Santa Clara St., San José. WHEN: Feb. 13, 8pm. TICKETS: sapcenter.com or jokoy.com
Max Amini Passionate observational comedy with a global perspective. The Iranian-American stand-up brings his signature improvisational wit and spot-on impressions back to San José for two high-energy shows. WHERE: Center for the Performing Arts, San José. WHEN: Feb. 7 (4pm & 8pm). INFO: sanjosetheaters.org
Marsha Warfield: Unfiltered OG and razor-sharp. The Night Court legend returns for an intimate night of no-nonsense stand-up, reflecting on a trailblazing career with her trademark wit and candor. WHERE: The Studio at Stanford Live. WHEN: Feb. 27. INFO: live.stanford.edu
Samay Raina: Still Alive Raw, unscripted and provocative “Hinglish” humor. India’s digital comedy powerhouse makes his high-stakes return to the stage with his most personal set yet. WHERE: Center for the Performing Arts, San Jose. WHEN: Feb. 21. INFO: sanjosetheaters.org
Don’t Tell Comedy: Santa Clara & Palo Alto The ultimate underground experience. The exact location (a warehouse, gym or art gallery) and the lineup of pro comics remain a secret until the day of the show. WHERE: Secret Locations (revealed day-of via email). WHEN: Feb. 6 (Santa Clara) & Feb. 7 (Palo Alto). INFO: donttellcomedy.com
Spaced Out: Standup at Mystérieux Brand Downtown San José’s premier indie show. This monthly residency transforms a sleek barbershop into an intimate, hole-in-the-wall comedy den with no drink minimums. WHERE: Mystérieux Brand, San José (near San Pedro Square). WHEN: March 21, 8pm. INFO: instagram.com/spacedoutcomedyshow
Pitches 2 Riches: Narrative Fermentations Beer meets bits. A recurring pop-up showcase featuring rising Bay Area talent performing right in the middle of a working brewery taproom. WHERE: Narrative Fermentations, San José. WHEN: Feb. 6 & Feb. 14. INFO: narrativefermentations.com
Blind Box Comedy A high-stakes “mystery” show from local producers Peter Bui and Sebastian Wong. Every event features a surprise lineup of professional comics—ranging from rising Bay Area stars to Netflix-special veterans—in a relaxed brewery setting. WHERE: Hapa’s Creekside, San José. WHEN: Recurring (Upcoming: Jan. 24, Feb. 21).
PX & Molly with Friends A curated local showcase hosted by two fixtures of the South Bay scene. They bring together their favorite “comics’ comics” for a night that typically feels more like a house party than a corporate club. WHERE: San Jose Improv. WHEN: Feb. 12. INFO: improv.com/sanjose
San Jose Improv Open Mic The ultimate local proving ground. Watch a mix of seasoned Bay Area veterans trying out new material and brand-new voices making their stage debut. WHERE: San Jose Improv. WHEN: Feb. 18. INFO: improv.com/sanjose
The Caravan Lounge Comedy Show est. 2014: The quintessential “underground” San Jose experience. This weekly late-night show is a mix of seasoned pros working out new experimental material and hungry local newcomers. No cover charge. WHERE: The Caravan Lounge, Downtown San Jose. WHEN: Every Wednesday, 10pm–12am. INFO: caravanloungesj.com
SPECIAL EVENTS & CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS
Lunar New Year: Year of the Fire Horse
Mitchell Park Lunar New Year Celebration Ring in the new year with the Palo Alto Library. A family-focused afternoon featuring the Joyous Lion Dance Troupe, K-pop dance from PALYCE, and hands-on crafts for children. WHERE: Mitchell Park Community Center, Palo Alto. WHEN: Jan. 25, 2:30–4:30pm. INFO: paloalto.gov
Gamble Garden: Second Saturday Lunar New Year Celebrate among the blooms. This nature-focused festival features a performance by the Sun Hing Dragon & Lion Dance Association, guided nature hunts for kids and garden tours for adults. WHERE: Gamble Garden, Palo Alto. WHEN: Feb. 14, 10am–12pm. INFO: gamblegarden.org
Westfield Valley Fair: Community Celebration Luxury meets tradition. Valley Fair hosts a massive celebration across the center, including the “Fleurs de Villes LUNAIRE” floral installation (Feb. 11–17) and a community day with lion dances and cultural performances. WHERE: Westfield Valley Fair, San José. WHEN: Feb. 15, 12–3pm. INFO: westfield.com/valleyfair
San José “Tết Festival” (Vietnamese New Year) The largest Vietnamese New Year celebration in the region. A three-day extravaganza featuring a carnival, lion dancers, the Miss Vietnam California pageant and an expansive food court of traditional Tết delicacies. WHERE: Eastridge Center, San José. WHEN: Feb. 20 (3–10pm); Feb. 21–22 (11am–10pm). INFO: ustarproductions.com
Palo Alto Lunar New Year Fair A community-wide fair hosted by the Palo Alto Chinese Community. Expect a full day of festive performances, booths from local Asian American organizations and cultural activities. WHERE: Mitchell Park Community Center, Palo Alto. WHEN: Feb. 22, 11am–4pm. INFO: paloalto.gov
Nowruz: Persian New Year Celebration Welcome the Spring Equinox and the renewal of nature. The Children’s Discovery Museum hosts a vibrant day of traditional Persian music, dance and a showcase of the Haft-sin table arrangement. WHERE: Children’s Discovery Museum, San José. WHEN: March 21, 9:30am–4:30pm. INFO: cdm.org
Gamble Garden Easter Egg Hunt An upscale, sold-out favorite. Set in Palo Alto’s historic gardens, this event features a petting zoo, arts and crafts, and light refreshments. WHERE: Gamble Garden, Palo Alto. WHEN: March 29, 9:30am–12pm (Two separate one-hour slots). INFO: gamblegarden.org
Gilroy Gardens Easter Weekend Celebration A full weekend of “Garlic Buddy” fun. The park hosts age-specific egg hunts at South County Grove, along with festive live music and character appearances. WHERE: Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. WHEN: March 28–29, 11am–5pm. INFO: gilroygardens.org
SVCM Easter Concert & Festival A musical take on the holiday. The Silicon Valley Conservatory of Music hosts a family concert followed by a festival featuring an egg hunt and spring-themed activities. WHERE: Silicon Valley Conservatory of Music, Sunnyvale. WHEN: March 29, 2pm. INFO: svcm.us
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University’s winter season mixes jazz, dance, theatre and classical music. Highlights include saxophonist Carl Schultz (Jan. 23, 7:30pm, Music Recital Hall), the free Rush Hour concert (Jan. 29, 5:30pm, Music Recital Hall), the large-scale dance showcase Images 2026 (Feb. 5–8; Thurs.–Sat. 8pm, Sun. 2pm, Louis B. Mayer Theatre) and the Winter One-Act Festival (Feb. 14–15, 2pm, Fess Parker Studio Theatre). The Music@Noon lunchtime series continues Wednesdays at 12pm, and major ensemble productions—including Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana and the Winter Jazz Band & Combos Festival—run through late February and early March; check scupresents.org for full program and ticketing.
Mission Chamber Orchestra of San José
Italy by the Bay — Mission Chamber Orchestra’s Italian-themed concert—is Sunday, Feb. 1, 3pm at the Italian American Heritage Foundation, 425 N. Fourth St., San Jose. The program features Antonio Salieri’s Symphony in D Major, La Veneziana, Francesco Darmanin’s Foglie di Narciso and Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A, K. 622, with Francesco Darmanin as guest clarinet soloist. Tickets and details at missionchamber.org.
Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra (PACO)
PACO’s winter/spring season includes youth performances, masterclasses and a week-long residency by the Fry Street Quartet. Key dates: SuperStrings and Preparatory concerts (Jan. 25), Leder Masterclass with Robin Sharp (Feb. 22, 2pm, M2—Cubberley Center), Fry Street Quartet residency with side-by-side rehearsals and public events (Feb. 23–Mar. 1), and the PACO Chamber Academy concert with Fry Street Quartet (Mar. 1, 2pm, Tateuchi Hall). See pacomusic.org for tickets and full schedule.
Center for Literary Arts (San José State University)
The Center for Literary Arts brings three headline readings to Hammer Theatre this season. Danzy Senna reads from Colored Television on Feb. 5 at 6:30pm; Venita Blackburn reads Dead in Long Beach, California on Feb. 19 at 6:30pm. Tickets and program information at the CLA website.
Pear Theatre (Mountain View)
Pear Theatre presents a reimagined staging of My Fair Lady, directed by Sara K. Dean, running Feb. 20–Mar. 8, with select Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm (special matinee Sat., Mar. 7, 2pm). Post-show talkbacks follow matinees. Tickets at thepear.org.
Peninsula Youth Theatre (Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts)
PYT’s family and youth season includes Martina the Beautiful Cockroach (Feb. 13–14, Second Stage) and Disney’s Newsies (Mar. 14–22, Main Stage). Most performances include post-show talkbacks. Schedules and tickets at pytnet.org.
Montgomery Theater / CMT Mainstage (selected shows)
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee CMT Mainstage brings the musical comedy The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, currently running Off-Broadway, to the Montgomery Theater with a local cast.
