We are very much looking forward to welcoming all of the performers, music lovers, volunteers and vendors that make Summer Fest such an exceptional experience of community. Due to the recent occurrence of violence at the nearby Gilroy Garlic Festival, we have re-examined and tightened our security plans. We would like to inform you of several changes we have made this year to keep the Fest the safest and most enjoyable experience possible.
All attendees must be wearing the proper day’s wristband at all times when in a Fest venue. To buy or upgrade wristbands or exchange advance tickets for wristbands, proceed to the Fest’s sole Admission Booth at the Circle of Palms between the Museum of Art and the Fairmont Hotel.
We have reduced the number of entrances to the Fest grounds this year. The most noticeable reductions are that the East Gate located by the fountains in Plaza de Cesar Chavez at Paseo de San Antonio and the West Gate on Park Avenue are now EXIT ONLY. Entrance gates are now located at the north and south ends of the park.
All attendees will be subject to search as you enter the gated Fest grounds. PLEASE be wearing your wristband and have any bags, purses, pouches, etc. open and ready for search. Folding chairs need to be removed from their carrying case.
The following may not be brought onto the Fest Grounds:
- Weapons, knives, or sharp objects of any kind
- Backpacks
- Cans or glass bottles
- Alcohol and illegal substances
Please review our FAQ for complete details.
A total of three entrances provide access to the combined Main, Blues/Big Easy, Salsa and Sonido Clash stages area. Once inside, you will not need to have your bags re-checked to move between these specific areas.
You will notice an increased security and public safety personnel presence both inside and outside the festival this year. If you see something say something to a security or public safety officer. Please see the map to familiarize yourself with the locations of exits from the Fest grounds.
Please read the message below from our Executive Director. If you have any additional questions, please email us or call us at 408.288.7557, x2330.
See Fest 2019 Map for Reference
Greetings All,
Each year we work closely with the City of San Jose’s public safety departments, our own private security firm and our venue partners to insure a safe and enjoyable Summer Fest. There are several new measures that will be implemented this year. Some of these measures the public will see and many they will not. We recognize that we are in a new era with new threats to community events such as ours, and we are taking the necessary steps to ensure your safety.
This year, Fest goers will encounter new procedures related to entering and exiting the festival. Specifically, we are reducing the number entrances into the Fest grounds, adding metal detection wanding at each gate entrance and further restricting what items may be brought into the Fest. Please consider limiting the number of belongings you bring onsite. The more items you bring, the longer the entrance process will be for everyone.
We are also adding additional private security roles to be stationed on the outside perimeter of our Festival stages. We greatly appreciate the assistance of SJPD, SJFD, and the Office of Cultural Affairs in helping us plan for a great and safe event.
In addition, we ask that we all remain vigilant and aware of our surroundings. “If you see something; say something.” Thank you for making our 30th anniversary both fun AND safe.
Warmly,
Brendan Rawson
Executive Director
Photo by Trisha Leeper