If you’ve been chasing that open-air 夜市 (yè shì) feeling in the Bay Area — skewer smoke, neon glow, snacks you can’t get at H Mart — the South Bay actually has real lineup from now through October 2026. Most of these are inside San Jose city limits, easy weekend drive from Sunnyvale or Cupertino. Here’s how you should plan the calendar.
### Nikkei Matsuri — Sunday, April 26, 2026- When: 10 AM–5 PM- Where: San Jose Japantown, around San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 640 N 5th St- Cost: Free admission; food à la carte- Family-friendly: Yes — taiko, kids’ games, bonsai and ikebana exhibits
The food is the move: imagawayaki, spam musubi, gyoza, andagi, shave ice, plus the festival’s signature Nikkei Dogs. One of only three historic Japantowns left in the U.S.
Easy 8.5/10 nostalgia hit.
365 Night Market – AAPI Heritage Month Edition — May 29–30, 2026
– When: Friday–Saturday, 4–10 PM- Where: Grand Century Mall, 1111 Story Rd, San Jose- Cost: Free admission; all ages…