Welcome to the 408

SJSU Loves SJ: Welcome to the 408 is a celebration connecting San José State students to the heart of the city we call home. From August 20 to September 20, discover free and discounted events hosted by local businesses, artists, and community partners across downtown San José. Whether you're new to campus or a returning Spartan, Welcome to the 408 is your invitation to explore the culture, food, and creativity that make San José special.

Spartan Discounts is your passport to exploring San José with your student ID! Show your Tower Card at participating local businesses and unlock exclusive deals just for SJSU students. Whether you're grabbing coffee, shopping local, or planning a night out, these discounts are our community’s way of saying: Welcome to the 408!

2026 Event Series & Discount Opportunities Below!

AUGUST

Morning Moves
🗓 Date & Time: Wednesday, August 19, 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
🤝 Community Partner: AS Transportation SOlutions, SJSU Parking, SJSU Student Involvement, SJSU Community & Government Relations
📍 Location: South Campus Garage
📄 Description: Start your morning right! Join us for Morning Moves at South Campus Garage for snacks, quick games, and free swag!!

Downtown Farmer’s Market
🗓 Date & Time: Wednesday, August 19, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Regional Farmer’s Market Association
📍 Location: 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113
📄 Description: Come and get fresh produce, packaged goods, and hot meals made by local food producers!

 Nirvana Soul Community Night
🗓 Date & Time: Friday, August 21, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Nirvana Soul
📍 Location: 315 1st St. Nirvana Soul
📄 Description: We have community nights every Friday! SJSU Students and staff may follow us on NSAfterdark to stay updated!

Spartan Bouquet Workshop
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, August 22, 10:00 - 11:30 AM 
🤝 Community Partner: Studio Petall
📍 Location: 98 Paseo
📄 Description: Join Studio Petall for a free hands-on bouquet making workshop during Welcome to the 408. Learn about the art of floral design, create your own bouquet to take home and enjoy 10% off all in-store purchases during the event, flowers for the event will be purchased at the time of the class. No experience necessary, all are welcome!!

Sonic Bloom Wellness Fair at San Jose Japantown
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, August 22, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Sonic Bloom Fair, Yu-Ai Kai, JAMsj
📍 Location: Akiyama Wellness Center | San Jose Japantown
📄 Description: Discover a different side of San Jose at Sonic Bloom, a free community wellness fair in the heart of San Jose Japantown! Explore local wellness practitioners, artists, makers, small businesses, community organizations, live performances, interactive experiences, and more—all while connecting with the people and culture that make the 408 feel like home. As part of SJSU’s Welcome to the 408, participating Sonic Bloom vendors will also be offering special discounts and offers for SJSU students. Bring your student ID, explore the fair, meet local businesses, try something new, and discover more of the community beyond campus.

 
SJSU Day at Under Armour Outlet in Milpitas
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, August 22, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Under Armour, SJSU Athletics
📍 Location: Under Armour Outlet, Milpitas Great Mall
📄 Description: Join us for a San José State Day at the Under Armour Outlet in Milpitas on Saturday, August 22! SJSU students, staff, and faculty can enjoy an extra 20-30% off current store deals with a valid SJSU Tower Card.

SJSU Night at the Institute of Contemporary Art San Jose
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, August 22, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Institute of Contemporary Art San José
📍 Location: Institute of Contemporary Art San José
📄 Description: Connect with the local arts scene in San José! The ICA is a free space that collaborates frequently with SJSU. Meet the staff, learn about our upcoming programs and exhibitions, and build community through a fun night celebrating our exhibitions. The evening opens with a panel from 5-6:30pm on technoshamanism featuring artist Miguel Novelo, UC Santa Cruz art history professor Dr. Edward A. Shanken, Asian Art Museum Assistant Curator Naz Cuguoğlu, and moderated ICA curator Zoë Latzer. The night continues with a closing performance from 6:30-7pm by Miguel Novelo and the spirit formerly known as Champoy, activating [𝘴𝘶𝘦ñ𝘰𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘰]. The performance will be followed by a reception from 7-8pm. This event is free, but RSVPs are appreciated. 

MLV NORCAL FAN FEST
🗓 Date & Time:  Monday, August 24, 2026  4:00 –6:00 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Major League Volleyball & San Jose Downtown Association
📍 Location: San Pedro Square Market
📄 Description: Join us for MLV NorCal Fan Fest, a free, family-friendly community celebration at San Pedro Square Market in San Jose. Held in partnership with the San Jose Sports Authority, the City of San Jose, Visit San Jose, and the Chamber of Commerce, the event will feature interactive volleyball activities, giveaways, family-friendly entertainment, and more.

Enjoy special appearances by three-time Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and MLV NorCal players. Fans will also be part of a historic milestone as MLV NorCal makes a special announcement about the organization’s future and its upcoming 2027 inaugural season.

Lunch and Learn at Peanuts
🗓 Date & Time: Tuesday, August 25, 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Peanuts Cafe 
📍 Location: 275 E San Fernando St
📄 Description: LUNCH & LEARN provides a unique engagement opportunity at iconic Peanuts Deluxe Cafe, a SJSU landmark since 1964.  On TACO TUESDAYS between Aug 20 and Oct 15 students will have the opportunity to hear from brilliant faculty members, elected officials, and student and community leaders to understand the poltical, economic, and social issues of our time. Dialogue with exceptional speakers and buy 3 tacos and a soft drink for only $10 during the Taco Tuesday noontime LUNCH & LEARN.  

Viva CalleSJ at SJSU
🗓 Date & Time: Wednesday, August 26, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Viva CalleSJ
📍 Location: 275 E San Fernando St
📄 Description: Stop by the Viva CalleSJ tent at SJSU in front of the SJSU Dining Commons to purchase Viva CalleSJ merchandise and receive a student discount, play lawn games and learn more about Northern California's largest "open streets" event!

City Dance at San Jose Museum of Art
🗓 Date & Time: Thursday, August 27, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Cesar Chavez Park
📍 Location: 275 E San Fernando St
📄 Description: Presented by the Office of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the San Jose Museum of Art, CityDance San Jose is a free open-air instructional dance series with professional instructors and live bands/djs! This all-ages event takes place downtown at Circle of Palms (Plaza Park in August) and is an atmosphere-driven event comprised of downtown workers, residents, visitors, students, families and friends gathering in the space to learn a variety of social dance genres. With live bands and a professional dance instructor to teach the fine points of the evening's dance style, you can learn something new, tune your skills, or just show off!  

FREE Concert with MACLA at St. James Park
🗓 Date & Time: Sunday, August 30, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana (MACLA)
📍 Location: St. James Park
📄 Description: MACLA & Levitt Pavilion San Jose are hosting a free concert on Sunday August 30th from 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM at St. James Park. This special collaboration is a celebration of Afro-Cuban music featuring the band Los Calderones.

Silicon Valley Pride
🗓 Date & Time: Sunday, August 30, 10AM
🤝 Community Partner: SJSU Pride

📍 Location: Julian Street & Market Street, to Plaza de César Chávez Park
📄 Description: Walk with SJSU Pride at the Silicon Valley Pride Parade!

SEPTEMBER 

SJSU Flag Raising at City Hall
🗓 Date & Time: Tuesday, September 1, 12:00 PM - 1:30 AM
🤝 Community Partner: Office of San Jose City Council District 3, SJSU Community & Government Relations, Associated Students
📍 Location: San Jose City Hall
📄 Description:  This annual tradition celebrates the strong and growing partnership between the City of San José and our university community. Your presence would be a testament to the partnership that SJSU holds with the City of San Jose and local communities. We hope you’ll be able to join us in uplifting this milestone together.

 City of San José City Council Career Trek

🗓 Date & Time: Wednesday, September 2, RSVP Required
🤝 Community Partner: SJSU Community and Government Relations, SJSU Career Center, Office of San Jose City Councilmember Rosemary Kamei, City of San Jose
📍 Location: San Jose City Hall
📄 Description: Explore careers in local government during an exclusive visit to San José City Hall. Students will connect with City Council professionals, learn how local government serves the community, and discover career and internship opportunities available to students from **all majors* SPACES LIMITED

Fall 2026 Community Connections Fair

🗓 Date & Time: Wednesday, September 2, 10:00 - 1:30PM
🤝 Community Partner: SJSU Center for Community Learning & Leadership
📍 Location: San Jose City Hall
📄 Description: The SJSU Center for Community Learning & Leadership (CCLL) invites you to participate in the Fall 2026 Community Connections Fair. Please join us to learn about local volunteer, service-learning, and internship opportunities! Food and swag available for students who participate!

Welcome BLACK!

🗓 Date & Time: Thursday, September 3, 6:00 - 8:00PM
🤝 Community Partner: AACSA, SJSU The BLOC, SJSU Black Alumni Network
📍 Location: 304 N 6th St, San Jose, CA 95112
📄 Description: This event ensures incoming and current Black students are equipped with resources, scholarships, internships, job opportunities, and volunteer experiences while connecting with AACSA, the SJSU Black Alumni Network, and BLOC. As part of the SJSU 408 Event Series, this event also helps students engage with local nonprofits, small businesses, and cultural institutions to deepen their connection to San José through art, history, civic engagement, and culture.

Walking Tour of San Jose Japantown

🗓 Date & Time: Friday, September 4 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj)
📍 Location: JAMsj (535 N. Fifth Street, San Jose, CA 95112)
📄 Description: Join JAMsj on Friday, September 4 from 5PM - 7PM for a walking tour of the historic San Jose Japantown, and learn more about the historic businesses and buildings of the neighborhood! This tour is only for SJSU students. RSVP REQUIRED. JAMsj offers year round free admission to any SJSU student, staff, and faculty who show their SJSU ID. 

  
First Fridays Artwalk: Poetry at Chopsticks Alley
🗓 Date & Time: Friday, September 4 1:00 - 9:00 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Chopsticks Alley Art
📍 Location: Chopsticks Alley Art Gallery 38 S. 2nd Street, San José, CA 95113
📄 Description: September 4 – First Friday ArtWalk
Open 1–9 PM • Poetry Performance at 7 PM See our website and IG @chopsticksalleyart for details and registration: chopsticksalleyart.org

AAS x JAMsj Community Engagement Lecture
🗓 Date & Time: Tuesday September 8 4:00 - 5:00 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Japanese American Museum of San Jose, SJSU Asian American Studies
📍 Location: JAMsj (535 N. Fifth Street, San Jose, CA 95112)
📄 Description: Join us for a free JAMsj and SJSU Asian American Studies collaboration, with a special lecture by Dr. Hien Do on an introduction to Asian American Studies and the importance of community engagement. 
JAMsj offers year round free admission to any SJSU student, staff, and faculty who show their SJSU ID. 

SJSU Beautify SJ
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, September 12 9:00 - 11:30 AM
🤝 Community Partner: SJSU Center for Community Learning & Leadership / Office of Mayor Matt Mahan
📍 Location: TBA
📄 Description: Beautification with SJSU CCLL and Mayor Matt Mahan.

SJSU Vs. Cal Poly FOOTBALL GAME 408 Night!
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, September 12 
🤝 Community Partner: SJSU Athletics, SJSU Office of the President
📍 Location: CEFCU

VAR Community Center Grand Opening
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, September 12 12:00 - 4:00 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Vietnamese American Roundtable
📍 Location: Alma Community Center 
📄 Description:We are finally moved into our new space and hope to showcase the space to the greater community at large. With the hopes to become a true third space that serves the South Bay community, the Alma Community Center is the first step for VAR towards a new beginning! 

 Volunteer with Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition at Viva CalleSJ!
🗓 Date & Time: Sunday, September 13, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition
📍 Location: Provided upon RSVP
📄 Description: Join a team of volunteers to help coordinate free bike valet for attendees at Viva CalleSJ! Volunteers will help event-goers attach valet tags to their bikes, keep the bike corral organized, and verify that each bike is returned to its rightful owner. This is a great opportunity to experience one of San José’s biggest community events while making a positive impact.

 Martha's Kitchen Dinner Service
🗓 Date & Time: Wednesday, September 16, 3:30 - 5:15 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Martha's Kitchen
📍 Location: 749 Story Road, San José, CA 95122
📄 Description: Join Martha’s Kitchen in serving dinner to the community. Volunteers will help distribute meals, soup, and refreshments, assist guests, and keep the dining room running smoothly. You’ll also learn about Martha’s Kitchen’s free hot meals, weekly groceries, and other volunteer opportunities. 10 volunteers needed.

Martha's Kitchen Food Prep
🗓 Date & Time: Thursday, September 17, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Martha's Kitchen
📍 Location: 749 Story Road, San José, CA 95122
📄 Description: Help Martha’s Kitchen prepare food for the community by boxing dry goods, chopping produce, and assembling frozen meals. Volunteers will also learn about the free hot meals and weekly groceries available throughout the year and other ways to get involved. 20 volunteers needed.

CA State Assembly Career Trek at District Office of Gail Pellerin

🗓 Date & Time: Thursday, September 17, 1:00 - 3:30 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Office of State Assemblymember Gail Pellerin
📍 Location: Provided upon RSVP
📄 Description: Explore careers in government and public service through an exclusive visit to the California State Assembly’s San José District Office. Students will meet district staff, learn about Assemblymember Gail Pellerin’s legislative priorities, and gain insight into the day-to-day work of professionals serving their local communities. Spots are limited to 25 students.
🔗 RSVP: LINK

SJSU Night at MACLA: Exhibit Opening for Poetic Utterances
🗓 Date & Time: Friday, September 18
🤝 Community Partner: Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana (MACLA)
📍 Location: 510 S. First Street, San José, CA 95113
📄 Description: Visit MACLA for the opening of Poetic Utterances: Work by Viviana Paredes. Admission is free for students. MACLA Gallery Hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 - 5:00 PM.
🔗 RSVP: N/A

San Jose Earthquakes Game
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, September 19, 4:30 PM
🤝 Community Partner: San Jose Earthquakes
📍 Location: Levi's Stadium
📄 Description: Cheer on the San Jose Earthquakes during their largest match of the year as they take on LAFC at Levi’s Stadium.
🔗 Tickets/Info: LINK

SJSU vs. Fresno State – Pacific Islander Heritage Night
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, September 19, 8:00 PM
🤝 Community Partner: San José State Football
📍 Location: CEFCU Stadium
📄 Description: Cheer on the Spartans as SJSU Football takes on Fresno State for PI Night! Admission is free for SJSU students.

Bay FC SJSU Night
🗓 Date & Time: Sunday, September 20, 4:00 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Bay FC & SJSU Student Involvement
📍 Location: TBD
📄 Description: Join fellow Spartans for Bay FC SJSU Night as Bay FC takes on Louisville on Sunday, September 20 at 4:00 PM.

The Jungle Online Store
🗓 Date & Time: Ongoing
🤝 Community Partner: Under Armour / The Jungle
📍 Location: Online
📄 Description: Looking for official San José State Athletics Under Armour gear? Explore The Jungle’s full selection of SJSU apparel and accessories online.
🔗 Shop: LINK

Youth Networking Mixer
🗓 Date & Time: Sunday, August 30, 2:00 - 4:30 PM
🤝 Community Partner: Vietnamese American Roundtable
📍 Location: Alma Community Center
📄 Description: Connect with high school and college students interested in learning more about student organizing. This networking mixer brings together students and community organizations for an opportunity to build relationships and learn about the inner workings of student-led advocacy and organizing. Hosted in coalition with SIREN, SBYC, LEAD Filipino, and the Vietnamese American Roundtable.