My boyfriend and I walked in here during the holiday season, but during the day time so there…read morewasn't any real event or lights on, but it was still nice to see all of the houses, decor, and set up. Plus parking was free and entry was free when we went. Just a BIG FYI, because we didn't go during an event, they DO LOCK UP THE PARK and when I was waiting for my boyfriend to pick me up from our parking area (ended up on the other side of the park somehow), I saw a bunch of people trying to call for help after the gate locked them in. Woops. It seems that they hold lots of events here with outdoor local vendors, food vendors, and also opportunities to go inside the houses and learn about the history of a lot of the buildings. I'd keep an eye out on their social media or website for those, but as a freebie person exploring through. It's fun and cute.

If you've been to medieval or historical towns (where folks dress up in that time period and…read morereenact that time period...), this History Park has that kind of vibe. It's like a small town within a big town. There's a museum. There's a gift shop. There's a garden. There's a bunch of seating areas. There's sculptures. There's trains and horns you can honk. Parking is strange. No idea if they truly monitor and ticket folks because it's self pay.

I frequent the Littlest Little Italy for the yummy arancini from the Salumi Bar. Other than that, I…read moredon't often spend time in the area. However, I attended Little Village's Big Easy Block Party & Beer Fest this past weekend and had an enjoyable time. A bunch of merchandise vendors and beer tents were lined up along West Saint John Street. Talented musicians played awesome tunes for the crowd throughout the day. John Blues Boyd band performing the blues at Poor House Bistro's patio stage where I snacked on some delicious baked dessert while delighting in the spirited musical entertainment, and All Things Swamp putting on an engaging show at the main stage in the early afternoon (I didn't stay for the later bands but I'm sure the remaining performances didn't disappoint). Some great community events are held at Little Italy San Jose, like car shows, cultural celebrations, food fairs, and art & music festivals, many of them free to attend. But on a regular day, it's mainly a small collection of restaurants selling italian cuisine, wine, and other goods. Parking is extremely limited and can be difficult, even when no special events are happening in the vicinity.

We were pleasantly surprised with great food, different types of drinks and an Italian feel…read moreambiance Service was amazing. Easy planning for any occasion. There's a nice size patio, catering room, tap room and the main wine dinning area The food was amazing. From appetizers to the main courses and desserts. Service was warmth and welcoming. Great for all ages as there's food and entertainment for all.

Named after the former beloved CSJ Councilman, who passed away while in office⁠--⁠and not his…read morecriminal son--this place has seen better days. Constructed sometime in probably the late '70s or early '80s this location is in dire need of a retrofit and face lift. The fluorescent lighting, decrepit carpeting and general dullness of the architecture really captures a time when Gub'mint-constructed buildings really lacked any soul. Not to say today's buildings are much better but I digress. Currently housing the Vietnamese American Cultural Center this location is only open ''as needed" according to the city website, so make sure your visits are planned accordingly.

The first ever event in Japantown where the past and the new collaborate for a simultaneous event…read morethat is a feast for the eyes and ears.

i have been dancing with Ta'ere Tia'i for almost 12 years and in those years they've never failed…read moreto make me feel special. every birthday i've ever had has been celebrated with them, even when my dad passed they didn't hesistate to come and be by my families side. Ta'ere Tia'i is more than a dance studio it's a forever family that i'm greatful to have so if you are reading this and thinking about joining i suggest you do!! from the teachers, to the students, to the families you meet it's something that you don't get to experience often and joining ta'ere tia'i will give you the experience you deserve like the one ive had for the past 12 years

I have been dancing with this studio for a little over 2 years. It all started with my daughter who…read morehas always loved to dance. A friend from school told us about the school, so I brought my daughter in for a trial class. She loved it so much we signed her up right away. Not too long after, I noticed that a lot of the parents are very involved with the group. Some of them dance, others play instruments and some help with costumes and events. A couple of the moms invited me to take a class, but I remember trying Tahitian in high school and never quite picked it up. However, the whole culture at the studio is like a family. Knowing that I could bring my kids, I decided to try it out because I needed some form of exercise. Never did I imagine I would be two years in and still loving it. I went from just dancing as exercise to being able to perform in front of people, which I have always been scared to do. The best part of the studio is all the people from the owners/teachers to the families involved. There are no egos or people trying to outdo one another. Everyone is uplifting, supportive and helpful. And just like the name suggests, it is more than a studio, it is a cultural arts center. We are not just taught dances. We are taught the language, the meaning of the songs we dance and even how to make our own costumes. Plus, you are able to participate as much as you like. If you don't want to perform, you are not forced to do so. They even have special classes where they teach you how to play different instruments. There are even fitness classes like Zumba. Of course, right now due to COVID things are different, and extra precautions need to be taken, so we do not have gatherings like prior. However, I highly recommend this studio for anyone who loves the Tahitian culture or just loves to dance.

I most recently came here for a quince but have previously been here for receptions for events and…read moreparties. I believe they have karaoke and dancing on Fridays. It's a very tight parking lot where they only keep on wide open, I think you should have security for your parties there. They have bathrooms in the foyer and an area for the food in the back. Inside they have circular tables and chairs that can fit a lot of people inside and you can have a huge dance floor too. You can do a lot of the space especially when decorated well. Huge space for events and parties!

This is a HUGE UPGRADE from where there LAST location was...very clean w/a welcoming entrance &…read moreparking availablilty...i was here for a funeral service & didn't realize that some of the guests were cleaning up the tables & food area, so I guess that's not part of the package

I was in the area during lunchtime today and found out the OACC had an exhibit of a local bay area…read morecontemporary mixed-media artist, Nimisha Doongarwal, on exhibit and display until the end of this month (November 1, 2025). So I stopped in to view the pieces. The venue is clean and spacious with a main lobby/foyer that leads into their main auditorium for their community music performances and tai chi classes. In addition, they have several small meeting conference rooms for other events. OACC seems like a great non-profit organization that provides lots of social/cultural/health-related activities for the local Asian community and diaspora. They had brochures of upcoming events on-site and the people I spoke with were informative, kind, and helpful. Since they offer many programs and classses for free or a reasonable price and are non-profit, please consider donating/suppporting them for the culture, service, and education they provide to the Oakland and surrounding area. OACC is in the Pacific Renaissance building, on the 2nd floor above the Oakland library. Note: underground parking in the building garage is $2 per every half hour. More expensive than metered street parking but safer and it is patrolled.

I've heard about the Oakland Asian Cultural Center (OACC) for at least over a decade+ and didn't…read moreattend an in-person event until a few weeks ago for a book signing/film screening event. The author and director of American Born Chinese spent their Friday evening with guests sharing their inspiration behind it all. The OACC is located upstairs above the public library. There is an exhibit going on right now with great pictures and historical facts that line up along the perimeter of the inside. There's a main auditorium inside as well, where many awesome events (such as the one I attended) takes place. They also offer various courses from art to health and various topics in between. In the past during the peak of COVID, I attended some of their virtual events, which were also excellent. Thank you OACC for all the cultural awareness you bring to the community and beyond. I'll be attending another in-person event soon. #35/2023