California - Annual Events

JANUARY :
New Super Sale
Parkside Hall’s multi-vendor public consumer show is staged in early January, and on other dates through the year. Call (734) 822-0643 for more information.

San Jose International Auto Show
From specialty models to race cars, San Jose McEnery Convention Center showcases some 350 vehicles from more than 36 manufacturers, displayed in tandem with an accessory arcade. Call (717) 566-6100 for more information.

San Jose Coin, Stamp & Collectible Show
Sponsored by the San Jose Coin Club, the show at McEnery Convention Center includes more than 125 coin, stamp and collectible dealers with exhibits, sales merchandise and appraisal resources. Call (408) 226-2404 for more information.

FEBRUARY:
Modern Bridal Faire
Featuring bridal party fashion shows and honeymoon destinations, more than 150 exhibitors assemble at Parkside Hall to showcase options on apparel, catering, cosmetics, cakes, invitations, limousines and more, all geared to make each wedding day special. Call (800) 400-2099 for more information.

Presidents Day Volleyball Tournament
Volleyball action in tournament format provides family-style fun. Call (408) 295-9600 for more information.

Vietnamese Spring Festival & Parade
Food, entertainment, fun and games unfold showcasing Vietnamese heritage in San Jose. Call (408) 295-9600 or (800) 726-5673 for more information.

MARCH:
Golden Circle Theater Party
Proceeds from this annual black-tie theater party benefit the Santa Clara University Board of Fellows Endowed Scholarship Fund. Call (408) 551-1821 for more information.

San Jose Arts Festival
More than 170 contemporary craft and fine arts exhibitors gather at the McEnery Convention Center for a juried show. Shoppers find works in all price ranges. Call (408) 295-9600 for more information.

APRIL :
Annual Iris Show
Themed each year at Westgate Mall, the Cara B. Rees Iris Society’s show provides a chance to talk with cultivation experts while displaying gorgeous arrangements and plants for sale. Call (408) 264-4278 for more information.

57th Annual Spring Style Show
West Coast Beauty Supply, a leading full-service wholesale beauty product distributor, produces the Annual Spring Style Show at McEnery Convention Center with hair, nail, and body products galore. Call (800) 233-3141 for more information.

Rhythm Spirit
San Jose Taiko celebrates each year at the Campbell Heritage Theatre in nearby Campbell with classics and new works. Call (408) 293-9344 for more information.

MAY :
Annual Nikkei Matsuri
Among the three remaining Japantown communities in the U.S., San Jose celebrates Japanese American heritage at the annual Nikkei Matsuri, featuring handmade crafts, performing arts and food. Call (408) 241-0900 for more information.

Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival
San Jose’s Cinco de Mayo includes a downtown Market Street parade heading south to Cesar Chavez Plaza. The Outdoor Fiesta at Guadalupe River Park features Banda, Salsa, Tex-Mex and Latino Sounds. The Battle of Puebla, known as Cinco de Mayo, is commemorated. Call (408) 288-9470 for more information.

Downtown Farmers Market
On Fridays, from early May through December, San Pedro Square (between Santa Clara and St. John streets) showcases flowers, fruits and vegetables from California-certified growers. Tastings and music add to the festive mood. Call (800) 949-FARM for more information.

St. Joseph Annual International Festival
St. Joseph School hosts a blend of food, entertainment, carnival rides, bingo and a raffle with free admission and parking. Call (650) 691-1531 for more information.

Zee Heritage India Festival
The spirit of India comes alive at the Santa Clara Fairgrounds with Zee Heritage India Festival, featuring regional cuisine, exotic dancers, and vendors from New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and elsewhere, with children’s activities including kite making and magic shows. Call (301) 731-0300 for more information.

JUNE :
International Cat Show
The Pacific Coast Cat Fanciers showcases assorted breeds for feline lovers. Call (408) 274-0625 for more information.

Downtown Farmers Market
On Fridays, from early May through December, San Pedro Square (between Santa Clara and St. John streets) hosts the Downtown Farmers Market, showcasing flowers, fruits and vegetables from California-certified growers. Tastings and music add to festivities. Call (800) 949-FARM for more information.

Law Enforcement Torch Run
Cheered on by supporters, law enforcement volunteers from each agency in Santa Clara County run a route carrying the Flame of Hope to Summer Games in Stockton. Call (408) 506-8580 for more information.

JULY :
Downtown Farmers Market
On Fridays, from early May through December, San Pedro Square (between Santa Clara and St. John streets) hosts the Downtown Farmers Market, showcasing flowers, fresh fruits, and vegetables from California-certified growers. Tastings and live music add to the festive mood. Call (800) 949-FARM for more information.

Annual Bodybuilding & Figure Championships
The San Jose Championships at Parkside Hall ranks as northern California’s top bodybuilding contest, with winners competing in the nationals. Call (408) 238-7413 for more information.

Tahite Fete of San Jose
San Jose State University Events Center hosts a three-day celebration of Bastille Day and French Polynesian cultural heritage. Call (408) 295-9600 for more information.

AUGUST :
Annual Comcast Jazz Festival
The San Jose Jazz Society oversees Jazz Festival activity with performances at seven stage venues, master classes, jam sessions, Jazz After Dark, films, Jazz Masses, and more at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Call (408) 288-7557 for more information.

Back to School Fair
Back to School Fair, at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, reigns as the ultimate one-stop place to shop for back to school needs from kindergarten through high school. Call (925) 245-0700 for more information.

Downtown Farmers Market
On Fridays, from early May through December, San Pedro Square (between Santa Clara and St. John streets) hosts the Downtown Farmers Market, showcasing flowers, fruits and vegetables from California-certified growers. Tastings and music add to festivities. Call (800) 949-FARM for more information.

SEPTEMBER :
Desert Dance Festival
Music and dance performances from around world meld with lessons from Egyptian, Gypsy, and American belly dance teachers. Call (510) 667-9333 for more information.

Tapestry Arts Festival
At McEnery Convention Center, the Tapestry Arts Festival has food booths, arts and crafts, music, performances, and a creativity zone for kids. Call (408) 494-3590 for more information.

Downtown Farmers Market
On Fridays, from early May through December, San Pedro Square (between Santa Clara and St. John streets) hosts the Downtown Farmers Market, showcasing flowers, fruits and vegetables from California-certified growers. Tastings and music add to festivities. Call (800) 949-FARM for more information.

OCTOBER:
Halloween at Bonfante Gardens
Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park, with more than 40 family rides and attractions, stunning gardens, and the intriguing Circus Trees, opens in March and wraps up its season on Halloween. Call (408) 840-7100 for more information.

Silicon Valley Marathon
Starting in downtown San Jose, new and veteran runners compete in the marathon, half marathon, 5K run / walk, or kid races. Post-race celebration is in Discovery Meadows, close to the start line. A carbo-loading pasta party takes place the previous evening for the first 300 registrants. Call (408) 295-9600 or (800) 726-5673 for more information.

Downtown Farmers Market
On Fridays, from early May through December, San Pedro Square (between Santa Clara and St. John streets) hosts the Downtown Farmers Market, showcasing flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables from California-certified growers. Tastings and live music add to the festive mood. Call (800) 949-FARM for more information.

NOVEMBER :
Tech Museum Awards
At Parkside Hall, the black-tie Tech Museum Awards gala honors 25 companies, non-profits and individuals for using technology to benefit humanity, with $250,000 in cash awards also made. Call (408) 795-6315 for more information.

Downtown Farmers Market
On Fridays, from early May through December, San Pedro Square (between Santa Clara and St. John streets) hosts the Downtown Farmers Market, showcasing flowers, fruits and vegetables from California-certified growers. Tastings and music add to festivities. Call (800) 949-FARM for more information.

Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony
Decorated, illuminated floats circle waters of the River Walk in a spectacular parade to mark holiday season. Call (210) 227-4262 for more information.

DECEMBER:
Nuestra Navidad
Staged at the Montgomery Theater, an enactment of La Romeria Navideña includes traditional music, song and dance, highlighting influences shaping Mexican Christmas celebrations. Call (408) 984-0342 for more information.

Downtown Farmers Market
On Fridays, from early May through December, San Pedro Square (between Santa Clara and St. John streets) hosts the Downtown Farmers Market, showcasing flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables from California-certified growers. Tastings and live music add to the festive mood. Call (800) 949-FARM for more information.