Fun Around the Fest

The magic of Summer Fest is found not only on our stages. In addition to regular Fest sets, there are a host of fun ways to experience music and San José culture in and around the Fest grounds.

 

Summer Fest Latin Tropical Stage Pre-Party

Fri, Aug 11, 8pm–2am
386 Lounge

Start Summer Fest with a bang with high energy salsa music, courtesy of longtime DJ and Latin Tropical Stage emcee Santos Lopez. Featuring two floors of music and DJs, live music from the Latin Rhythm Boys, a beginner’s salsa class, and hours of social dancing, the event is free to everyone with Priority Access or VIP wristbands, and just  $15 otherwise. Get Tickets

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Fest Buskers

3 Locations around the Fest Grounds
Sat–Sun, Aug 12–13

Music is everywhere at Summer Fest and you’ll find buskers entertaining in three locations around the fest. You can find the full schedule online closer to the festival dates and a map of where to find the artists. Leave a tip for these local musicians, start a dance-off on the pavement, or just enjoy the music as you walk to your favorite stage. Find the schedule on our Buskers page.

 

Youth Jazz Jam

SJMA Next Gen Stage
Sat Aug 12, 4-5pm

This is a great opportunity for youth jazz musicians (ages 8-24) to jam together on Saturday afternoon. This jam is open to all music abilities–bring your instrument of choice and jam with other youth from around the Bay Area! While you are there, be sure to view the Museum’s galleries; they’re free (with wristband) all weekend long. 

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Community Fest @ Circle of Palms

Circle of Palms, in front of San Jose Museum of Art
Sat–Sun, Aug 12–13, 12–5pm

A collaboration between San Jose Jazz, San José Museum of Art and Mosaic America, Community Fest@Circle of Palms, is an all new way to celebrate local San José culture at Summer Fest, where you can explore, discover, and create with a variety of activities from educational and creative experiences to cross-cultural games, performances and programs, artist projects, art displays, and more. 

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Culture Night Market

The Serpentine, Latin Tropical Stage
Sat, Aug 12, 3–11pm

Culture Night Market made its Fest debut in 2022 and was an instant hit. Enjoy food, local artists,crafts, a bar and live music between sets at the Latin Tropical Stage, all in the unique atmosphere of the Serpentine Pavilion, commissioned by Westbank and created by Bjarke Ingels. You won’t want to miss this spectacular work of environmental art  in San José following displays in London and Toronto.

 

San José Museum of Art

Sat–Sun, Aug 12–13, 11am–6pm

Fest partner SJMA is the home to the SJMA Next Gen Stage. While you’re there, be sure to take advantage of the Museum’s galleries which are free with a wristband, all weekend. Be sure to catch the temporary exhibition “Yolanda López: Portrait of the Artist” and Pae White’s spectacular “Noisy Blushes” (2020), commissioned for the Museum’s thirty-foot high atrium.  Learn more at sjmusart.org.

 

Tech Interactive

Sat, Aug 12, 10am–5pm
Sun, Aug 13, 11am–5pm

Just outside the Main Stage fence, Tech Interactive is a family-friendly science and technology center in the heart of downtown San José. During the Fest, admission is free with wristband, and all scheduled movies in the IMAX Dome Theater August 11–13 are only $5 with wristband. You’ll also find our buskers in the atrium on Saturday, 10am–12pm and 1–3pm, and Sunday 11am–1pm and 2–4pm; and our Progressions education program staff interacting with the Tech’s “Reactable” exhibit. Learn more at thetech.org.

Imax Dome Theater Schedule

Fri, Aug 11
10am: America’s Musical Journey
11am: Serengeti
12:15pm: Dinosaurs of Antarctica
1:30pm: Everest
2:45pm: Dinosaurs of Antarctica

Sat, Aug 12
10am: America’s Musical Journey
11am: Serengeti
12:15pm: Dinosaurs of Antarctica
1:30pm: Ireland
2:45pm: Dinosaurs of Antarctica
4pm: Wings over Water

Sun, Aug 13
10am: America’s Musical Journey
11am: Serengeti
12:15pm: Dinosaurs of Antarctica
1:30pm: Ireland
2:45pm: Dinosaurs of Antarctica
4pm: Wings over Water

 

Unitarian Jazz Service

First Unitarian Church of San José
Sun, Aug 13, 11am
60 N Third Street, San Jose

On Sunday morning, join our friends at First Unitarian for a celebration with a jazz accent. This year, they pay tribute to inspiring female musicians who inspired and raised us up spiritually such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Mary Lou Williams, Nina Simone, and Celia Cruz. All proceeds from this morning’s collection will go to our Progressions education program in Title I schools. Learn more at sanjoseuu.org.

 

Gospel Brunch

Marriott San Jose
Sun, Aug 13, 11am–1pm

On the final day of the festival enjoy a Sunday morning filled with delicious food and uplifting music,. Just order off the regular restaurant menu; the music is free! This year’s brunch will feature vocalist Joyce Randolph accompanied by Janice Maxie-Reid on keys.