The Summer Fest VIP experience goes well beyond the VIP Pavilion this year. In addition to front-row main stage access, complimentary drinks and snacks, and the legendary VIP Pavilion hang, VIP ticket holders unlock a curated lineup of exclusive off-grounds activations — before the music even starts.
From a kick-off pool party to sound meditation, a high-energy dance lab, a guided painting session and a custom fragrance bar, there’s something for every vibe. The Havana Music Lounge at the Westin Sainte Claire rounds out the weekend with live Latin music and hosted refreshments.
Spots are at some workshops are limited. Grab your VIP tickets now and click the links in your ticket confirmation to reserve early! Questions? Email us.
Friday, August 7
Signia by Hilton
Kick-Off Pool Party
Drop-in 3–6pm
Dive into the weekend at the SJZ Summer Fest Kick-Off Pool Party, hosted at the iconic Signia by Hilton. We’ll have a live DJ spinning a curated mix of sun-drenched beats to set the festival vibe and a no-host bar. To ensure everyone is festival-ready, every guest receives a Summer Fest Essential Goody Bag packed with all the must-haves for a weekend of music and sun. It’s the ultimate “hang” to jumpstart the Summer Fest experience.
San Jose Marriott
Jazz in Bloom Bar
Friday, August 7, 3–5pm
Capacity Limited–Reservation Required
Reservations must be made in the name of the ticket holder; no additional guests.
Take a beat before Summer Fest kicks off at the Jazz in Bloom Bar, hosted in the San Jose Marriott Lobby. Much like a great jazz standard, a perfect bouquet is all about composition and layers. Craft your own custom arrangement with seasonal stems while enjoying a curated festival soundtrack that brings an extra layer of vibrance to your weekend. It’s the ultimate sensory pitstop for the modern Fest-goer.
Our facilitator, Crazy Flower, has been telling the story of flowers for over 20 years, earning a reputation in European countries as a creator of beautiful and memorable floral creations for any occasion and setting. In January 2024, Crazy Flower opened its salon and started operating in San Jose.
Questions? Email us. Return to your VIP Ticket confirmation email for links to all the exclusive programs you are eligible for.
Saturday, August 8
Signia by Hilton
Sound Meditation
Saturday, August 8
Session #1 9–10:30am
Session #2 11am–12:30pm
Just Added–Sunday, August 9
Facilitator: Daniel Sarabia-Mason
Location: Signia Hotel – Gold Room 2nd Floor
Session #1: 9–10am
Session #2: 10:30–11:30am
Reservation Required. Valid for ticket holders only; no additional guests.
Before the music begins — return to yourself. Start your day by slowing down and reconnecting with your body. This gentle yet immersive morning experience offers a space to arrive, release tension, and prepare your body and mind before entering the vibrant energy of the festival.
The session includes:
- Soft body awareness
- Gentle guided breathing
- A deep sound immersion with gongs and subtle supporting instruments creating a layered field of vibration
- Participants are invited to simply lie down, breathe, and receive.
This is not music, but a space of sound and vibration that is felt through the body, supporting deep rest, presence, and reconnection.
No prior experience is needed.
Sessions are facilitated by Olesia Trok, a California Certified Massage Therapist offering somatic bodywork, massage, and sound healing in the East Bay. Her work is rooted in intuitive Somatic integration–a gentle, body-centered approach that supports safety, presence and deep rest.
Westin San Jose (Ste. Claire)
Havana Music Lounge
Drop-in 12–2pm
No reservation required; You must be wearing a VIP wristband for the day of entry
Have a refreshment, catch up on emails or texts or talk with fellow VIP ticket holders. The Havana Music Lounge is your exclusive spot before Fest stages heat up. Located in the lobby of the luxurious Westin San Jose (Ste. Claire), enjoy this air-conditioned, historic setting featuring live Latin music, refreshments, and comfortable lounge seating before entering festival grounds.
Four Points by Sheraton
Sip, Paint, and Create
Saturday, August 8, 11am–1pm
Location: Westin Hotel – Atrium
Capacity Limited–Reservation required; You must be a VIP 3-Day Pass holder to reserve; no additional guests.
🍷🎨 Guided by artist Arely Cardenas, create a stunning, high-quality themed piece to keep for years to come. Relaxed vibes, curated playlists, and premium wine/champagne included. 🥂 Let’s paint!”
Arely Cardenas is a first-generation Mexican-American self-taught visual artist born and raised in San Jose, California. Her work is deeply rooted in community engagement, exploring themes of cultural identity, intersectionality, and female empowerment.
Questions? Email us. Return to your VIP Ticket confirmation email for links to all the exclusive programs you are eligible for.
Sunday, August 9
Questions? Email us. Return to your VIP Ticket confirmation email for links to all the exclusive programs you are eligible for.
Signia by Hilton
High Energy Dance Lab
Sunday, August 9
Session #1 10:00am – 10:45am
Session #2 11:15am – 12:00pm”
Capacity Limited–Reservation Required; Valid for ticket holders only; no additional guests.
Ever dreamed of singing and dancing on stage, like your favorite Summer Fest artists? Join us for a morning of dancing, singing and grooving to the classics! You’ll leave with the basics of hip-hop grooves and vocal/dance technique, all while feeling like you’re taking the stake for your headlining performance. Join Whetstone, the Bay Area-based artist development community, for an electrifying morning sweat session designed to get your heart racing, Summer Fest style.
This isn’t just a workout; it’s a high-energy countdown to a show-stopping final day at Summer Fest. Whether you’re here to sharpen your footwork or find your rhythm, get ready to move, groove and own the spotlight.
Sessions are led by Joy, a fast-rising soul/hip-hop artist based in the East Bay, whose performance and writing chops earned her an SJZ Jazz Aid Fund commission this year.
Questions? Email us. Return to your VIP Ticket confirmation email for links to all the exclusive programs you are eligible for.
Havana Music Lounge
Drop-in 11am–1pm
No reservation required; You must be wearing a VIP wristband for the day of entry
On day two of our chill Latin live music spot, have a refreshment, catch up on emails or texts or talk with fellow VIP ticket holders. The Havana Music Lounge is your exclusive spot before Fest stages heat up. Located in the lobby of the luxurious Westin San Jose (Ste. Claire), enjoy this air-conditioned, historic setting featuring live Latin music, refreshments, and comfortable lounge seating before entering festival grounds.
Register separately to create your own custom fragrance with Ashy Aromas.
Fragrance Bar
Sunday, August 9, 11am–1pm
Capacity Limited–Reservation required. Valid for ticket holders only; no additional guests.
Inside our exclusively VIP Havana Music Lounge in the historic Westin San Jose (Ste. Claire) on Sunday only, drop by to create your own custom Summer Fest fragrance to complete your “look” for the Fest’s final day.
Guided by an expert “scentologist” from Ashy Aromas, you’ll leave with a small vial of a scent that is completely your own.
Questions? Email us. Return to your VIP Ticket confirmation email for links to all the exclusive programs you are eligible for.
Daily
VIP Massage Therapy (Daily)
Relax. Recharge. Return to the Music.
Signia by Hilton, Valley Room, Second Floor
The Summer Fest VIP experience extends beyond the VIP Pavilion this year with complimentary 15-minute massage therapy sessions designed to help you unwind between performances.
Choose from a relaxing neck, back, or foot massage provided by licensed massage therapists in a comfortable VIP setting.
Session Times
- Friday: 3–6pm
- Saturday: 12–4pm
- Sunday: 12–4pm
Reservation Information
- Complimentary for Summer Fest VIP ticket holders only.
- Advance reservation is required.
- Capacity is limited and appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Each guest may reserve one 15-minute session, subject to availability.
- Reservations are non-transferable and valid only for the registered VIP ticket holder. No additional guests permitted.
Take a well-deserved break, recharge, and get back to enjoying an unforgettable weekend of music at San Jose Jazz Summer Fest.
RESERVE NOW
Spots are at some workshops are limited. Grab your VIP tickets now and click the links in your ticket confirmation to reserve early! Questions? Email us.