Urbanowski: San Jose celebrates summer with the arts

It’s been a trying spring, with so many challenges and setbacks in our local community. From federal funding cuts, whiplash federal policy shifts and local government budget pressures, to economic volatility and layers of uncertainty in safety net services — we are feeling tired and overwhelmed. The arts can provide both a respite from this stress and a place to come together to build resilience, friendship and mutual support.

A summer season of arts is here to be our refuge and our inspiration. San Jose offers a wide variety of arts festivals, experiences, exhibitions and more, celebrating cultural heritage, families and youth, joy and community. Here are a few upcoming opportunities you don’t want to miss.

San Jose Walls returns for its ninth edition now through June 8, bringing explosive color, creativity and culture to the streets of San Jose — especially in Japantown at Empire Seven Studios at Exhibit J Town. Artists, volunteers, creatives and producers will come together for an exhilarating mural-painting marathon showcasing the power of endurance, imagination and collaboration.

Join South First Fridays ArtWalk SJ on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 for the 16th Annual SubZERO Festival to celebrate local subcultures of art, music, craft and tech in San Jose’s SoFA District. This two-day celebration features outdoor stages, vendors, artists, designers, musicians and performers, forming a creative mashup of indie spirit and innovation.

¡WEPA! Fest is bringing the sounds of Puerto Rico to downtown San Jose with amazing performances from Orquesta Taino, Latin Rhythm Boys, Edgardo Cambon and DjLeydis DeCuba on Friday, June 13 from 5-10 p.m. at Parque de los Pobladores. It’s the second year of this free, family-friendly celebration of Puerto Rican and Caribbean music, culture, food and people in downtown San Jose.

Voted “Best Festival in Silicon Valley 2024 (Silver Award),” the 42nd San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival is a live music event happening June 14-15 at Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park that will bring thousands together for an unforgettable weekend of music, craft brews, great food and family-friendly fun. More than the blues, this festival features an exciting mix of blues, soul, rock, jazz, gospel, R&B and more, celebrating exceptional musicianship and high-energy performances.

Levitt Pavilion San Jose’s mission is to build community through free live music and performing arts, transforming historic St. James Park into a safe and inclusive destination for people of all ages and backgrounds. On June 22, the Sunday concert series will feature Cash’d Out + Opener William Johnston. The band’s live show will respectfully reference the late, great Man in Black’s Sun Records and early Columbia era sound, combined with the energy of the classic multiplatinum live recordings from Folsom Prison and San Quentin. The group’s genuine love and authentic recreation of Johnny Cash’s music and its universal appeal to fans of all ages and of virtually all musical genres makes each Cash’d Out show a must-see event.

ROLL UP! is a partnership between Viva CalleSJ and Local Color to provide all-ages art workshops on Sunday, June 8 at Lake Cunningham. Viva CalleSJ is a free “open streets” program in San Jose that transforms streets into car-free spaces for walking, biking and community connection. At the Lake Cunningham Activity Hub, Viva CalleSJ will provide a bike valet, food trucks, music and Viva CalleSJ resources. ROLL UP! is Local Color’s portion of the hub, featuring curated participatory art activities, live mural painting and community resources.

And that’s just June!

Alexandra Urbanowski is CEO of SV Creates, the state and county designated arts service organization and local arts agency for Santa Clara County. She serves on the leadership committee for the California Coalition of County Art Agencies and as a board member at the School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. Her columns appear every first Wednesday of the month. Contact Alexandra at [email protected].