With summer in full swing, you might be on the lookout for fun weekend activities for the family. Getting out of the house and enjoying an activity together can be a great way to make some memories together. Whether your family is big or small, we know you’ll enjoy these five family-friendly events coming up in San Jose.
Santa Clara Fairgrounds Music Series

Image via Flickr by voyages provence
Santa Clara Fairgrounds hosts a weekly music series from July 13 to Sept. 28. Every Wednesday evening you can enjoy a performance by a new talented band. Take a look at the roster with your family, then choose the perfect event to strap on your dance shoes and boogie the night away. You can enjoy refreshments from food trucks and booths that sell soda, water, wine, and beer.
Upcoming musical acts include Ohio-based groovy Latin rock group The Everyday People on July 20 and the classic rock band The Usual Suspects on July 27. In August, you can enjoy country rock group Country Cougars Aug. 3, classic rock from Daze on the Green Aug. 10, Motown and pop-rock songs from Smokin’ Slice of Mojo Aug. 17, the rock and soul group The Houserockers Aug. 24, and the Santana tribute band Zebop Aug. 31. Upcoming September bands include The Touch of Class Band, The Hitmen, Soul Kiss, and Bump City Reunion.
Location: Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, Gate C Entrance, 344 Tully Road
Hours: 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesdays July 13-Sept. 28
Phone Number: 408-494-3100
Starlight Cinemas Outdoor Movies
A movie under the stars can be a great way to enjoy the summer weather with your family. Thanks to Starlight Cinemas and the San Jose Downtown Association, you can enjoy a selection of family-friendly movies throughout the summer for free. If you arrive early, the kids can enjoy group games before the show. Adults can also enjoy a beer garden or grab food from the on-site food truck. You can also bring snacks, a picnic blanket, and lawn chairs for maximal comfort.
If you’d like to engage in some fun pre-movie activities for the family, plan to arrive around 7:30. The movie will start at dusk, approximately an hour later. Upcoming films include Disney’s “Zootopia” on July 30th and “Sing 2” on Aug. 20th.
Location: St. James Park, N 2nd Street
Hours: 7:30 p.m. 10 p.m. on select event days
Phone Number: 408-279-1775
San Jose Giants Baseball Game
Baseball is a time-honored summer family tradition. This summer, you can buy your peanuts and applejacks while cheering on the San Jose Giants. Home games are currently scheduled for Aug. 9-21 at the Giants’ home stadium right here in San Jose.
You can also time your visit to the stadium with special events and promotions. For example, thanks to Excite Credit Union, you can enjoy an extra special game, complete with fireworks, if you come on a Friday night. Other promotions include Dia De Los Churros, Rotten Robbie Thursdays, and bobblehead giveaway days.
Location: Excite Ballpark, 588 E Alma Ave
Hours: See the San Jose Giants’ schedule
Phone Number: 408-297-1435
Happy Hollow Zoo Programming
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is an ideal family destination for outdoor adventures that can connect you and your family to the joys of the natural world. You can check out exhibits featuring your favorite animals in their habitats. You can also go for a stroll in the scenic park, catch a ride on classic fair attractions like Danny the Dragon or the Keep-Around Carousel, and learn about the incredible conservation work that Happy Hollow contributes to.
If you’re looking to schedule your day around an event, you’re in luck, as Happy Hollow offers a wide array of fun programming. This includes keeper chats, where you can learn about different animals directly from zookeepers, and animal meet and greets, where you can meet your favorite furry friends up close and personal. You can also enjoy the iconic Happy Hollow Puppet show, one of the oldest puppet theaters in California. The current show is Old King Cole. You can catch it most days at noon, with an additional 2 p.m. show on weekends.
Location: 748 Story Road
Zoo Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Phone Number: 408-794-6400
San Jose Public Library In-Person Shows
The local public library is a great resource for family-friendly fun. In fact, there are two fantastic upcoming family in-person interactive shows. On Friday, 5 Aug., from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., you can attend “Happily Ever Laughter: Pirate.” This adorable show features a friendly pirate who leads activities, songs, and dances with audience members. This show may be best for children ages two through seven.
If you’re busy Friday afternoon, you can attend the “Silly Circus Tooth Fairy Show” at the Evergreen Branch Library from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. the very next day, on Saturday, 6 Aug. This fun and silly show is perfect for kids ages five through 12 and their families. Join our protagonist Bri Cabtree on her circus-themed adventures.
Location: 4001 Evergreen Village Square (for “Happily Ever Laughter”), 2635 Aborn Road (for “Silly Circus…”)
Hours: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 5 (For “Happily Ever Laughter”), 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Aug. 6 (For “Silly Circus…”)
Phone Number: 408-808-3093 (for “Happily Ever Laughter”), 408-808-3060 (for “Silly Circus…”)
We hope you’re feeling inspired by this guide to five fantastic family-friendly events coming up in San Jose this summer. Did we miss the most exciting local event on your family calendar? You can let us know by sending us a message online or giving us a call at 669-231-0397. While you’re at it, we’ll be happy to assist you with any car-related questions you may have before you head out to your next event. You can browse our wonderful collection of new vehicles, check out our available pre-owned cars, or schedule a service visit.


