Cinco de Mayo weekend has landed, and downtown San Jose is stacked with festivals, live music, an IMAX dome, and a closing Broadway curtain — all a short drive from Santa Clara. Here is what is worth your Saturday and Sunday, whether you are bringing a date, the kids, or the group chat.
1. Cinco de Mayo Salsa Fest in SoFA
When: Saturday, May 2, 1–8pmWhere: 500 South First Street, SoFA DistrictCost: $5 (benefits Opening Doors Silicon Valley)
An outdoor block party with DJ Rich Tek, Patron Latin Rhythms, and Qiensave & Tiburon Mayor, plus a lowriders show and food vendors. Lawn chairs recommended. Details at sjdowntown.com.
2. 3rd Annual Downtown Cinco de Mayo Festival
When: Sunday, May 3, 11am–8pmWhere: Plaza de César Chávez, 194 South Market StreetCost: Free, all ages
The biggest free event downtown this weekend takes over the plaza with main-stage music, traditional dances, food vendors, and family activities.
Organizers skipped the parade this year, and Hoodline reports road closures around the plaza May 2–5 — rideshare or Caltrain is your friend.
3. Zakir Khan Live at San Jose Civic
When: Saturday May 2 and Sunday May 3, 2:30pm and 7pmWhere: San Jose Civic, 135 West San Carlos StreetCost: From around $130; tickets via Ticketmaster…