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    Bark In the Park

    4.7 (40 reviews)

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    Tater Tot styling with @KayKosDogShades, Bark in the Park, 2017
    Cherylynn N.

    4.5 STARS You know how after 7-10 shots in a dark club, e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e is cute? That Ron Jeremy look-a-like in the corner ain't looking too bad now after them patron shots... "Hey, look at that cutie over there!" "Where?" "There!" "Where?" "Dude, there's thousands of dogs here and they're all hella cute!" And, I didn't even need a drop of liquor. If you're a dog lover, Bark in the Park is a must go to event! It's the largest dog festival in America and is held annually at William Street Park in Man Jose: https://www.yelp.com/biz/william-street-park-san-jose-2. I had no idea that this festival has been going on since 1996 and just found out about it last year. Each year, it draws thousands of hoomans and their dogs. We drove here from SF (for the second year in a row) and it's totally worth the drive. There was even a vendor from Singapore! All dogs must register at the entrance and they receive a wristband to wear on their collar. There's a suggested donation of $5 per a dog that goes to the Humane Society of Silicon Valley and San Jose Animal Care Center. (+) Extremely well-organized event. Once you exit the freeway, there's signs leading you to the park. At the registration counter, you're given a map, schedule of demos, and vendor list with their contact info. They even have a human/pet aid and a lost & found area. (+) All the vendors are spread far apart in a large circle so it was easy to walk around without bumping into people. (+) Over 75 dog-related vendors including veterinary hospitals, dog trainers, pet insurance, dog rescue groups, pet photographer, dog clothing, dog hotels, dog toys, and dog treats. **One of the most popular vendors was KayKos Dog Shades. They sold out last year so we were super happy to have snagged a pair ($12) this year: http://bit.ly/2xjBMbY. (+) Lots of freebies: dog treats, reusable tote bags, samples. For a handful of vendors, you can spin a wheel for free to win a prize or a discount on items they're selling. (+) For the most part, dog owners were responsible and all the dogs were well behaved. No dog poop in site (they provide everyone with a poop bag at the entrance). No dog fights broke out that I saw. Dogs in rehabilitation were muzzled. (+) Live music and DJs. (+) Demos/Performances: Dog Agility, K-9 Unit, Sheep Herding, etc. (+) Low cost vaccines and $5 microchipping available by PAWS for San Jose Welfare Society. (+) Kid's entertainment center with face painting, bounce house, and agility course. (+) Handful of food trucks for hoomans. Beer and wine available. (+) Water mist tent!!! And, a hose to cool your dogs off. The large dogs ruuuuuuvvveed it! (+) Plenty of shady areas to rest. (+) Lots of fairly clean porta-potties with foot activated sinks (-) The biggest negative is the festival is held during Indian summer. Last year, it was in the high 90s. Many dogs were struggling with the heat and I saw one dog collapse after leaving (it looked really serious - poor thing!). Thankfully, it was a cooler 79 degrees this year but I hope they consider holding future festivals during the spring or late fall when it's not as hot. (-) Dog pools and water bowls were filthy and the water was brown with debris. Saw several dogs launch into the [kiddy] pools to cool off while the owners screamed, "Noooo!" Damn stubborn huskies - it was pretty hilarious. (-) It's a festival so some things are going to be overpriced BUT some vendors were just taking advantage of the event with insane markups. **Example #1: I bought a pair of doggy socks that were $24 to protect Tater Tot's feet in the heat. When I went home and looked online, the same socks were $8.99. Talk about feeling like a sucker. **Example #2: A vendor was selling doggy birthday hats made of cardboard for...$17! The same hat can be found at dog boutiques in SF for $4.99. (-) Skip the dog ice cream vendor (same vendor at the doggy birthday hats) - it was disgusting. It tasted like a warm ball of salty dough. Tater Tot wouldn't touch it and other people were trying to give theirs away because their dogs wouldn't eat it either. TIPS: (1) Bring your own doggy water bowl. Cold, bottled water was $2. (2) Wear flats or tennis shoes - there's lots of uneven ground and gopher holes. (3) If you have an elderly dog or one that easily overheats, you may want to consider bringing a stroller or dust off your radio flyer in the garage. (4) Come at opening (10 am) or later in the afternoon to snag closer street parking from earlier attendees leaving. Both years, I came at 3 pm and easily found parking less than a block away. Otherwise, there's a parking lot: $10 flat fee. I think I had more fun cooing over all the dogs than Tater Tot who had sensory overload. Usually, he sniffs one booty at a time but didn't even know where to start. First world problems... See y'all next year!

    Ziggs checkin' out the other pooches in her Doggles.
    Vivian A.

    We love coming to this event. There are so many vendors and pooches to keep you and your fur baby entertained! We like to come early as parking can be a bit of a bear (street parking or paid parking in the school next door). $5 donation gets your puppy inside and goes to a good cause. There are so many vendors there: free food samples, discounted clothing, leashes, pet goodies, your dog needs it? They will have a booth for it! Such a fun place especially for kids (even if you don't have a puppy!). http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/bark-in-the-park-san-jose?select=p86ZCNeDPpgaLGl8_Gtk7A#O_MBHXfsPM5upl6HnXlU_w http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/bark-in-the-park-san-jose?select=p86ZCNeDPpgaLGl8_Gtk7A#fd2IYxSbM6eIlaGFxcz4wQ http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/bark-in-the-park-san-jose?select=p86ZCNeDPpgaLGl8_Gtk7A#5gEzPVacndymyiB0tcPKvw

    Will H.

    Great event for dog and owners! There's a $5 donation per adult and a form you'll need to fill out before entering. We came a towards the end of the event so we didn't get as much free stuff because some vendors ran out. So come at 10am when they open if you want to maximize collecting free stuff! Parking is really hard to find even around 3:30 when the event ends at 5pm. I just kept driving till I found a spot on the street. There's a good amount of food trucks and food vendors for people. I highly recommend Feed N' Treat. Their crepes are really good! Overall fun for the entire family especially our doggos

    Bark in the park 2014
    Michelle M.

    Parking was a challenge. Street parking in the residential it is. There's a registration they ask you to sign in and nicely ask for $5 donation, but I only had $3 cash but they take whatever they can get. Lots of tables from vet hospitals, boutiques, daycare, dog food, etc. Free tote bags and goodies from many tables. Free wheel spins for goodies but some charge you to spin. A few food trucks. Some shade but still a hot sunny day, too hot for most dogs. 80's temperature in late Sept. Stage with activities but I didn't watch it. Too busy walking around the tables and meeting new doggy friends. Overall a great event and fun. Nice park and nice neighborhood, not ghetto. Although the residential area there was a lot of poop not picked up so beware.

    Krystal G.

    I'm so glad my friend told me about this event.. I had the best time ever!! Maybe even possibly more than my dog, Karma. Lol. I've never seen so many cute dogs at once. And you know I tried to pet and talk to every single one that came close to me. I'm obsessed, obviously. Haha. There were plenty of booths, shows and free treats!! I will definitely go back next year. Paws up to the organizers of this event ;)

    Hanna P.

    The reviews speak for itself. This year was the first time I took Bosley to Bark in the Park and I must say, I cannot believe I didn't know about this event before. This is such a great place to bring you whole family and pets. It's basically like a festival for your dogs. There are tons of vendors where you can see different products and there are many events to spend time with your pet. The park itself is HUGEE and it can easily fit 100s of people and dogs. To get to the event, you must cross a bridge over a creek and get to the registration tent. You need to register your dog for the event just for precautions. (Just in case you lose your dog etc.) Also, a $5 donation is greatly appreciated. Once you're in, there are countless things to do. You can purchase merchandise for your dogs from accessories to clothing or you can even get a professional portrait of your dog. There are treats, agility courses, contests, even a couple of dog competitions to watch. Also, if you're hungry, there are a couple of food vendors. (Humans only) But there are plenty of vendors that have samples of dog food and treats if your dog is hungry. This event was so much fun. Bosley had such a great time meeting new friends and checking out all of the vendors. If you have a dog, you MUST come here next year!

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    9 years ago

    12/10 dogs. It was amazing. Also I got a really good leash and bowl for a great price from one of the booths.

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    Review Highlights - Bark In the Park

    What I didn't know prior to getting there was that you had to make a "donation" in order to get into the event.

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    Sunnyvale Art & Wine Festival

    Sunnyvale Art & Wine Festival

    3.7
    (47 reviews)
    9.3 mi

    The Sunnyvale Art & Wine Festival celebrated its 50th year this past weekend, bringing good eats,…read morelive music, art and merchandise booths, and just a lovely atmosphere for individuals of all ages. The event was set up along East Washington, near Historic Murphy Avenue, and stretched to East McKinley (near Target), with the main food vendor and entertainment area taking over an entire parking lot and block. Seating was limited. But there were more than ten food trucks/stands offering pizza, bbq, vietnamese cuisine, ice cream from Mister Softee, and more. There were also drinks stands selling lemonade and alcoholic beverages (of course, wine). I snacked on some savory filipino empanadas from Tita Weewin's and a delicious sushi taco from Aki (a vendor based in SF). I also perused the amazing variety of merchandise tents and displays lining the streets, including some of the most beautiful collections of artwork I've ever seen, especially one of my faves, CatZooArt as well as as a vendor selling awesome vintage menu art. I enjoyed the live music taking place throughout the festival. On the main stage, Ryan Woodward & J Stewart played a variety of songs on the guitar and vocals, like Tom Petty and Dave Matthews Band covers, followed by the Sean Carscadden Trio entertaining the crowd on Saturday afternoon. Other tribute bands were scheduled to take the stage throughout the two-day event too, as well as street performers such as Bob Culbertson, a musician playing lovely tunes, including the Harry Potter theme song, on the chapman stick, a unique string instrument I was unfamiliar with until this day. In addition, the event offered art workshops and fun activities for kids, like a spider jump bungee trampoline and water ballerz (giant "hamster balls" for humans to climb inside and walk on water). No shortage of options for things to see, do, and appreciate. I certainly had a good time.

    The festival is at the same place as the farmers market. So there is plenty of parking…read more The art just seemed ok. Nothing really stood out. Same with the food trucks. Nothing really looked good or smelled appealing. The line for soft serve was the longest..the high light was the many options for kids

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    Art & merchandise vendors
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    Willow Glen Holiday Lights

    Willow Glen Holiday Lights

    4.8
    (117 reviews)
    3.0 mi

    I've been coming to the Willow Glen Holiday lights for almost 10 years now, and it is pure…read moremagic...minus the crowds. It's amazing to see how all-out so many of the houses go, just about every single one has some sort of Christmas or Hanukkah display, light, or decoration. It's also amazing how much more crowded it gets every year. I used to drive it, but now I don't dare try. I'll typically park near one of the main streets and get out and walk. This is usually much more enjoyable since you aren't having to fight nonstop car and foot traffic. This year I went a little late in the season and even walking it wasn't all that enjoyable because of the groups of 15+ people together and the people running around doing a scavenger hunt, so lesson learned. This past year we parked a bit further and got to see some displays that I either haven't seen in the past or are newer, but it was nice to stroll the less crowded streets and still enjoy the holiday magic. Unlike in years past, there were even street dog vendors out this time around. Felt like I was leaving a concert or a sporting event!

    The wonderful people of Willow Glen produces amazing holiday displays for both Halloween and…read moreChristmas. The festivities and major decorations are very much appreciated by those who may not have the resources to partake in decorating. There are a few neighborhoods in Willow Glen you can walk through and look at beautiful displays. It is animal and kid friendly Another way to view these decorations is something called the Holiday Trolley Ride that you purchase to participate and The trolley rides through the decorated neighborhoods. (Not pet friendly) I recommend bundling up because it gets chilly at night. Don't miss out! Thank you people of Willow glen!

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    Imaginarium 360

    Imaginarium 360

    3.9
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    5.8 mi

    So imaginarium is a little pop up that comes out in different locations, constantly moving! Seen…read morethis little pop up and had to bring my lil family to explore this! I heard from my coworker how fun and exciting this place is! Definitely a place to take a lot of pictures! You will have to come when the sun is out so you can experience the beautiful lights! They have little coloring games, a bubble foam machine, and even little concerts!

    Took my niece and nephew here and my nephew kept screaming "best day ever" while running around, so…read moreI'd say this place is a resounding success! We went at around 9 pm on July 4th and there was still a lot of people but not enough to dampen the experience thankfully. Tickets are easy to grab online and there is ample parking available because it's in the great mall. When we first walked in we were greeted with lots and lots of foam. Foam in the air like its snowing, and foam on the ground. My nephew was so excited and kept running through it excitedly which was cute. We were also told the last show of the day was about to start so we luckily caught it. Loved watching all 3 performers - aerial, juggling, and hoops. From there we just walked around and saw as much as we could. The little rooms they have with different decorations and aesthetics are great for pictures and selfies. There are so many good photo ops that I basically spent an hour being the munchkins personal photographer :) was a great time

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    Water Lantern Festival

    Water Lantern Festival

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    (33 reviews)
    6.8 mi

    Water Lantern Festival is a must, you have to attend at least once and youll be hooked to come…read moreagain and again. What a fun experience this was to create a lanten and then launch it off into the lake. Got our Water lantern Kits and began getting creative on how to decorate our oun indivitual lanters. You get only one marker so its a good idea to be prepared and bring your own markers of you want to have a veriaty of colors. Dawn was upon us and we began to get ready to launch our lanterns. It was biter sweat launching them because it part of the process however part of you wnts to keep it and take it home. I was curiouse as to what happens to them after they are launched and everyone goes home for the night. You do have your deck of cards both playing cards and conversation cards that were fun to keep as your souvenirs. You also get a wrist band and draw sting backpack that comes in a veriety of colors. Ther are lots of food trucks for purshasing food, drinks and treats. Remember to come early if you want to have dibs on a good spot. Bring a picnic blanket and a pictic to share as they do alow outside food and drinks. Also remember to bring a jacket or light sweater as it gets cooler in the earning. Cant wait for next year and bringing the hubs to enjoy a picnic and the Wate Lanters.

    Cute event and opportunity to launch water lanterns and reflect. Check in is smooth and there are a…read moregood number of food vendors for the event. Things that can be improved are: More guidance towards timing of when to decorate your lantern and a provided template. They bring people on stage to share, but maybe there should be an anonymous reading as well. I personally think the event is better in fall because the crowds in summer were too noisy for the performances and meditation. Bring your own picnic blanket and water!

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    San Jose Greek Festival

    San Jose Greek Festival

    4.2
    (125 reviews)
    3.2 mi

    The annual celebration at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is a wonderful family friendly…read morefestival for all ages. Lots of good food like baklava, kataifi, ellinikos cafe, lamb chops, horiatiki salad. Free parking at the festival is available, with free shuttle service.

    There was no parking at or near the festival, but it was a nice day for a walk (and my running day)…read moreanyway, so I was fine with this. They accepted both cash and credit cards for the $5 admission fee at the entrance. Taking place at the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, there was plenty of outdoor space for food, drink, and merchandise vendor booths. So many delicious bites sold throughout, from grilled meats to classic greek desserts, I was overwhelmed with choices, but having too much good stuff to choose from is not a bad thing. I ended up grabbing a few delectable specialty dishes, including some to take home, like tiropita, spanakopita, pastitsio, and moussaka. That greek lasagna was especially yummy! Greek beer and wine, and cocktails, as well as frappes/coffee, were available on site too. Church tours were scheduled throughout the day, and of course live entertainment. Music and dance performances full of energy and smiles, embracing the culture, and keeping the crowd in good spirits with lovely sounds. This included live music by Mythos, with open public dancing. A unique song selection played, beyond just classic fast-paced greek tunes. Think a mashup of greek melodies and Wipe Out, yup those musicians definitely kept it interesting. I was captivated by the footwork as guests engaged in chain dancing in front of the stage. The mayor of San Jose joining in the fun as well, putting on his best moves on the dance floor. Also, a greek dance performance by Ethnos on Sunday afternoon (and multiple times throughout the 3-day event), a group of middle school kids dressed in costume showcasing their talents for the crowd. There were plenty of tables and seating throughout, including an air-conditioned indoor hall, and even the entire entertainment stage area outside was shaded for the comfort of guests. Wow, amazing! The festival was organized incredibly well, and a detailed event program and map was available online, which was ideal for attendees to plan ahead of time while learning a little bit of history about the food, traditions, and more. A joyful atmosphere and great sense of community, altogether.

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    San Jose Jazz Festival

    San Jose Jazz Festival

    3.9
    (26 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    The San Jose Jazz Summer Festival is held every year in downtown San Jose…read more It was a great time! Good vibes, multiple stages to choose from, lots of vendors and an awesome grown & sexy vibe. There are levels to the stage access, general access wristband gives access to 4 stages. Then there's an all stages wrist band that gives access to additional stages. Those stages were on the perimeter of the festival at the surrounding hotels and one stage was at the BreakRoom close to the festival main entrance. I arrived to the festival around 12 noon and the lines to enter were long. There are a host of volunteers who show up take the event flow. Day 2 of the festival Patti LaBelle was headlining!! Bring your own chair for a seat at the main stage, people arrive early to set their chair up, so consider this if there's someone you want to see on the main stage. The weather was great and I had a fantastic time. I'll check out next years lineup for sure! Cheers!

    There was a promo saying "beat the rush & buy your tickets online!" So, I did. When I arrived,…read morethinking I just needed to show my QR code get my wristband and away I go - WRONG!!! Everyone else must have seen the same promo because the line snaked around so much I couldn't find the end. No exaggeration. Was in line over 1 hour to get in. They definitely need to improve this. So, once I got in, the music was great. I missed The Altons due to the line fiasco. I did get to see the Sinceres from East LA. They were very good.

    Photos
    Various Vendor Stalls/tents
    Various Vendor Stalls/tents
    Various Vendor Stalls/tents
    Various Vendor Stalls/tents
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    Christmas In The Park

    Christmas In The Park

    4.0
    (816 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    A must for the winter holiday season. The return of the penguins was nice. The whole area should…read morecontinue to be closed off and turned into pedestrian-friendly Christmas town. Thank you

    I have been going to Christmas in the Park pretty much all of my life. It has changed a lot, little…read moreby little every year. Some people might not notice the little changes but I have. It's free and a San Jose tradition and always a treat to walk around and get into that festive Christmas spirit. There are hundreds of decorated Christmas trees around the park and also wonderful lights strung around the park as well. I love checking out the different organizations that have their trees there and also the wonderful displays. I love how some of the displays have been updated year after year with new modern versions. They also have added lots of more food, drink and merchandise vendors and a lot of them are pretty good as well. I do miss having the little replica of the San Jose Light Tower and also the snow machines in the park. I hope they bring both of those back at least. But I know Christmas in the Park keeps on evolving and having new and exciting things every year. I look forward to visiting the San Jose tradition year after year and making more new memories. By the way, there's free parking in the city-owned parking garages for the first 90 minutes. Or you can park on the street for free after 6:00 p.m. as well.

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    Animatronics
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    Bark In the Park - festivals - Updated August 2026

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