Sizzling Summer Action Summertime Sporting and Theme Park Action

Raging Waters, Northern California’s largest waterpark, offers 23 acres and a million gallons of family fun and attractions. For entry fees of just $23 for kids and $29 for adults, the park features thrilling, high-speed slides, like Dragon’s Den and Shotgun Falls and family attractions like the 350,000-gallon Wave Pool. The park opens for all the summer fun on May 9 through the beginning of September 2009. To learn more, call 408-238-9900 or visit www.ragingwaters.com

California’s Great America, Northern California’s best choice for family fun and adventure, is getting ready to open their gates. The amusement park has the most thrill rides in Northern California but also hosts live shows, live shows, a Kidzville town built just for kids, and Boomerang Bay, an Australian-themed Beach Club full of water rides and ways to cool off in the summer heat. The park is open daily starting June 6. Admission prices start at just $54 for adults and $46 for regular admission. For more information and a full park schedule, please visit www.cagreatamerica.com.

Cool San Jose Summer 2009 Events (some are free)

June 2009

DINE DOWNTOWN Restaurant Week: June 3-13, 2009: For 11 days, and for the first time ever, more than 25 downtown restaurants invite you to dine in Downtown San Jose. The week is packed with promotions and specially crafted menus that showcase each restaurant's unique flavor and flare. The event begins June 3 with $3-or-less sampler plates at the City Bites Kick Off Sampler Event.  Explore Downtown's culinary diversity at prices that will leave you satisfied long after the meal is over. Three-course dinners range from $20, $30 to $40 at more than 25 Downtown restaurants.. Participating restaurants include A.P. Stumps, Billy Berks, Il Fornaio, Morton's The Steakhouse and many more. Reservations recommended. For the full list, please visit www.sjdowntown.com/dinedowntown.html.

This June, the Santa Cruz Mountains Vintners’ Festival 2009 will be in full swing. This two-weekend event includes attractions such as tasting of special wines, food, music, art exhibits, winery tours and barrel tasting. This is your best opportunity to purchase our great wines. Various area winery and restaurant locations to be determined.  Dates: June 6- 7 (Western side) and June 13-14 (Eastern side). Cost: $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Call (831) 685-8463 or check our website www.SCMWA.com for list of participating wineries and other event information.

August 2009

AT&T San Jose Jazz Festival: August 7-9, 2009. Celebrating 20 years of this festival in one weekend, with more than 80 performances on 10 stages throughout Downtown. Sample a buffet of jazz tastes— Blues, Latin, Salsa, Big Band and more. The music lasts all day with lots of activities after dark. Tickets for 1 day of the festival are only $15 ($10 on Friday). All 3 day tickets and VIP tickets are available. Contact: 408/288-7557 or visit http://www.jazzfest.sanjosejazz.org/

Target Summer Pops: August 23-30, 2009. Target will sponsor a free Symphony Silicon Valley musical festival at the mall at the 4th Street and San Carlos at San Jose State University. Summer Pops kicks off at 7 p.m. with an evening of film scores by the legendary composer John Williams performed by Symphony Silicon Valley led by Maestro Bruce Hangen. Hangen will also lead a family concert at 3 p.m. where the first 1,200 children to arrive will receive free harmonicas and a quick lesson. The series continues with four more convert events. For the complete schedule, please visit http://www.sanjoseca.gov/cityManager/releases.asp.

September 2009

San Jose International Mariachi Festival: September 23-27, 2009. This event is a fiesta for the eyes and ears, showcasing both mariachi’s energetic music and its vivacious culture. This year’s festival will be Latin contemporary and traditional music takes over the Mexican Heritage Plaza and stages in Downtown San Jose, with performances by Grammy winners and top bands. Target will sponsor this year’s festival and a free outdoor performance at the Feria Maricachi, held 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, September 27 in Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Also this year, “ A Convert Tribute to Cesar Chavez” featuring Los Lobos, Carlos Santana and a special surprise guest. This tribute will be held Sunday, September 27 at 8 p.m. at the San Jose Event Center. Festival tickets go on sale in mid-May. Contact: 408/928-5501 or www.sanjosemariachifestival.com.

San Jose Complimentary To-Do’s

Intel Museum: The Intel Museum showcases Intel's history through unique, educational exhibits designed to let you explore Intel's advanced technology and manufacturing first hand. The museum is 10,000 square feet of fun and interactive learning for children and adults. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. http://www.intel.com/museum/visit.htm.

The San Jose Convention & Visitors Bureau (SJCVB): The San Jose Convention & Visitors Bureau (SJCVB) mission is to enhance the image and economic well being of San Jose by marketing San Jose as a globally recognized destination.  The SJCVB offers visitors, meeting planners, and tour operators, a range of services to ensure a successful event and fun visit to San Jose. For a copy of the Official Visitors Guide, please contact the SJCVB at 1.800.SAN.JOSE (1.800.726.5673) or visit http://www.sanjose.org.

San Jose Renovations and News