Things to do in San Jose

Exploring Live Music in San Jose: The Heartbeat of the City

Take out your earbuds — the live music scene in San Jose, CA, is calling your name.

San Jose is a paradise for music lovers. You'll find cozy corners bathed in soft lighting, where lilting melodies soothe your soul. Crowds gather beneath the stars as legendary bands rock open-air amphitheaters. Throughout the year, the community comes together to attend festivals amidst the emerald-studded cityscape.

The music scene here is more than background noise. It's an immersive element of local culture and one of many things to do in San Jose. The scene stands in contrast to Silicon Valley's tech and business mania, providing a release for some of the world's hardest-working innovators.

But fear not. Everyone with a love of music and live entertainment is welcome here.

Intimate Spaces

Craving an intimate encounter with a band or musician? Attend a gig at one of these spots and forego huge crowds in favor of paired-back sets in front of captivated fans. Think dimly-lit enclaves where local artists with smaller acts hone their crafts.

As candlelight flickers in corners of these cafés and dive bars, music becomes deeply personal. Like an eye-opening story whispered to a select few. Prepare to witness raw talent and discover new favorites within the walls of these intimate spaces.

Photographer: Valentine Angel Fernandez

The Caravan Lounge

The Caravan Lounge is a downtown dive bar dating back to 1963. In its early days, the venue was in the Greyhound bus station. A year later, it reopened on its current site and has been a mainstay of the San Jose, CA, live music scene ever since.

The string lights create a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels familiar, even if you've never been there before. Caravan Lounge showcases local and regional bands playing punk, indie, and rock music. Previous acts have included Law Abiding Citizens, Way II Stoned, and El Guapo.

You won't be disappointed, even on days when there's no live music. Crowds flock to belt out a karaoke tune, play pool, and watch sidesplitting comedy routines. Oh, and did we mention that entry is always free?

Mama Kin

SoFA's soulful sanctuary, Mama Kin, beckons with exposed brick, neon lights, and the sweet sound of songs. Expect the unexpected, as this place hosts artists from a wide range of genres.

Think heavy rock with a blues heart, such as San Jose's ZED. Or the toe-tapping beats of Bay Area jazz veterans, the Jim Witzel Organ Quintet. There's world music, too. The B-Side Players have wowed crowds with their unique blend of Cuban, Mexican, Jamaican, and Brazilian funk, rock, and hip-hop-infused rhythms.

Once the music fades, conversation flows, fueled by the venue's tempting food selection and cocktail menu.

Back Bar SoFA

Bored with the mainstream? San Jose's Back Bar SoFA is a high-wire act, striking an impossible balance between intimacy and chaos. This three-roomed venue hosts a slew of acts, with past sets from Afroman, Great Electric Quest, Brume, and San Quinn.

That's right. One week, you might be headbanging to pulsating doom metal — the next, you're swaying soulfully to sultry hip-hop beats. For most of the year, the patio is sun-drenched. Head outside to breathe fresh air and make new friends who have awesome taste in music, just like you.

SJZ Break Room

Founded in 2010 as an offshoot of the San Jose Jazz Organization, SJZ Break Room is a hotbed for emerging and established jazz artists.

It attracts enthusiasts of the genre like a magnet, although anyone who appreciates music feels at home here. Artists such as Marcus Shelby, Ayo Brame, and Akiko Tsuruga have taken the stage at SJZ Break Room.

Despite its old-school vibes, the technology is cutting-edge. The lighting and sound are breathtaking. To top it off, a 35-inch digital video wall projects what's happening on-stage to the public, giving them a free taste of the spellbinding set inside.

Major Concert and Event Venues

These are the best venues to catch the world's most iconic artists when they roll into town. When we're in San Jose, we attend as many live music shows as possible. Nothing inspires the body and mind like watching a master of their craft wow crowds with a unique talent.

Photographer: Jonathan Ikemura

Shoreline Amphitheatre

The Shoreline Amphitheatre, operated by Live Nation, has hosted a wide array of legendary musicians from practically every genre. Rock-and-roll lovers have enjoyed The Grateful Dead and the Pixies.

Pop primos bopped and sang along to Tears for Fears, The Cure, and Lil Wayne. Over the course of its storied history, it's even hosted Warped Tours.

It's come a long way since it was built on a landfill in the mid-'80s. There's plenty of room to roam and explore before and after the show. And don't forget the renowned sound system, which guarantees a crystal-clear sonic experience no matter where you're sitting or standing.

Mountain Winery

Picture sun-kissed rolling hills. Breathe in the aroma of grapevines and freshly toiled earth as it mingles with the aromatic scent of wine. Tucked away in the Santa Cruz mountains, Mountain Winery hosts an unmissable concert series each year. A California landmark, it offers an unmatched experience for music-loving wine buffs.

Let the sweet sounds of jazz and folk wash over you as you swirl a bold glass of Napa Valley red and watch the sunset. Before the music kicks off, take a guided tour of the historic winery, explore the on-site art gallery, and indulge in a gourmet picnic prepared by local top chefs.

Montalvo Arts Center

The Montalvo Arts Center is a hub of artistic expression and a pillar of the local community. Founded in 1939, the center’s diverse musical offerings keep audiences guessing, just like one of our shows. Over the years, it has welcomed a range of acts, including Mark O'Connor, Emmylou Harris, and The Immediate Family.

Picture yourself languishing in this Mediterranean-style mansion, surrounded by evocative architecture that lends itself perfectly to a musical odyssey. Why not head down early and take a hike on one of the trails winding through the sprawling 175-acre villa's grounds?

SAP Center

Once called the HP Pavilion at San Jose, the SAP Center features emerging and established music acts from around the world.

If you're looking for date ideas in San Jose, the SAP Center has you covered. It's a massive venue with more than 17,000 seats, a state-of-the-art sound system, and lighting extravagant enough for a Pink Floyd concert.

In fact, lead singer Roger Waters has graced the stage with his presence on numerous occasions, playing songs like Speak to Me and Breathe. Justin Timberlake, Aerosmith, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Ice Cube are other artists who've performed here.

Aside from loud music, the arena is beloved by sports and comedy fans. Known as the Shark Tank because it's home to the San Jose Sharks, it also hosts national and international sporting events. If comedy is more your style, roll around laughing at comedians such as Tom Segura and Jeff Dunham.

Photographer: Documerica

San José State University's Event Center

Founded in 1989, San José State University's Event Center is more than a sports venue. Its stage has hosted Kelly Clarkson, Green Day, and The 1975. The best part? Despite its 6,500-seat capacity, it maintains a cozy, intimate ambiance. And, of course, the sound, and lighting are impeccable.

Jazz and Blues Clubs

Welcome to San Jose's dusky jazz and blues scene. Don't worry. Once you step inside a venue, you won't be a stranger for long. You'll rub shoulders with like-minded folks and discover long-lost stories of hope and sadness.

Photographer: Alex Zamora

JJ's Lounge

Return to simpler times at JJ's Lounge. It's a San Jose staple and secret retreat where blues lovers gather from near and far. Memorable acts, such as Charles Brown, Albert King, and Gary Smith, have played here as the scent of barbecue wafts from the kitchen.

There’s live music seven nights a week, and the cocktails are affordable. There's even a living blues museum to browse in between sets. Head down to JJ's and let the sweet sound of blues warm your heart as you sip on a perfectly balanced whiskey sour.

Poor House Bistro

Don't be fooled by the name — Poor House Bistro is rich with good vibes and better times. It's an intimate jazz club that's abundant with musical riches. Housed in a restored Victorian building, the music venue blurs paired back decor with timeless sophistication.

In addition to delicious food straight from New Orleans, it features live music from Thursday through Sunday every week. The Lucky Losers and Alastair Greene are a couple of jazz stalwarts who have regaled PHB audiences with music about love and loss.

Hedley Club

Searching for a music concert venue that combines vintage charm with a touch of art deco-inspired elegance? Hedley Club is a jazz bar and lounge with a cocktail list that Gatsby himself would raise a glass to.

Plush velvet seating props you up as you soak in smooth jazz on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. At Hedley Club, the food quality is as exquisite as the lively notes escaping the stage, making it a home-from-home for local jazz-loving foodies.

Community Music Events

Connect with the local San Jose community as you share the majesty of a live performance. Gather your friends, pack some food, and prepare for a day — or weekend — of music and good cheer.

Music in the Park

Unwind under the California sunset with a picnic basket at your feet and unforgettable music surrounding you. Music in the Park is a free summer concert series that merges a joyful mix of San Jose's best local artists and top global talent.

CeeLo Green, Flogging Molly, and Maroon 5 are just a few of the bands that have played at Music in the Park. Santa Clara's Plaza de César Chávez sets the stage for this weekend of festivities. So, what are you waiting for? Bring your picnic blanket and prepare for a weekend of music under the stars.

Photographer: Aranxa Esteve

Blues & Brews Festival

Kick-start your summer with the Fountain Blues & Brews Festival, a vibrant event in downtown San Jose. Come here to celebrate the soulful sound of blues music with the hoppy/malty goodness of craft beer. Each artist brings their own energy to the stage, creating a weekend of passion and diversity where everyone feels included.

Don't forget to indulge in the tempting food offerings from local vendors, serving everything from Japanese to Cajun. Book tickets for the music and beer, stay for the good times, and leave with your head full of bluesy music.

Pacific Feats Festival

Pacific Feats Festival is a global cultural adventure celebrating Pasifika music. Come immerse yourself in the rich tradition of the Pacific Islands. Admire artists as they showcase pulsating Polynesian drums and the soulful rhythms of slack-key guitars.

Beyond music, bustling marketplaces offer authentic art, cute crafts, and seemingly endless stalls of international cuisine. While you're there, you can learn about the Pacific Island's vibrant cultural heritage via captivating storytelling sessions and interactive workshops.

Levitt Pavilion

Looking for a free festival in San Jose? Levitt Pavilion San Jose takes place in the heart of St. James Park, transforming it into a hub of community and connection.

Throughout the spring and fall, an inspiring lineup of musicians takes to the stage, playing everything from indie to jazz and acoustic. This event is perfect for families looking to make friends and celebrate communally.

If music doesn't float your loved ones' boats, there's an endless list of things for family activities in San Jose.

Encore in Silicon Valley: San Jose's Live Music Scene Unplugged

San Jose's live music scene has many faces, including intimate dive bars, sprawling arenas, and community gatherings. It's perfect for seasoned music lovers and casual listeners alike.

Forget the ordinary. Our shows in San Jose are dreamscapes brought to life. In our world, performers soar like weightless birds with feathers of all colors, their bodies symphonies of strength and grace.

Imagine a stage bathed in otherworldly light, where costumes look like shimmering constellations and music pulses in time with your heartbeat. Get your tickets, and prepare to be swept away by a fusion of artistry, acrobatics, and awe-inspiring visuals.

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