San Jose

One of the largest shopping malls in Northern California, Valley Fair has over 250 stores and several restaurants. Valley fair has gone under tremendous renovations within the last few years making it bigger and more modern.

Across from Valley Fair is a "European-style" village of high-end and specialty shops, restaurants, and high-priced condos. There is also a giant chess board where you can battle using pawns that are half your size.

All the Westfield mall basics for those that are addicted to malls. Since its renovation, seems to largely be a clone of Valley Fair

Comedies and dramas with a creative flair; the Rep puts on six main-stage classic and contemporary plays a season.

San Jose's resident opera company performs on a restored 1920s vaudeville stage and features some of the most accomplished young voices in the country.

This children's theater puts on productions the whole family can enjoy, from 'Peter Pan' to The Who's 'Tommy'.

Formerly the San Jose Cleveland Ballet and more recently Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley, this highly skilled and innovative company includes dancers from all over the world. Each season, they perform an extensive repertoire of classical and contemporary works.

Known for putting on high-quality Chicano/Latino plays in San Jose for over 25 years, Teatro Visión celebrates community, culture, and the vision of a better world.

After losing their soccer team to Houston, the Earthquakes have resumed play as an expansion team after being on "hiatus" for the 2006-07 seasons of Major League Soccer. The "Quakes" currently play at Santa Clara University's Buck Shaw Stadium, as well as in Oakland at the Oakland Coliseum for larger games. A new stadium is planned for 2011.

San Jose's single-A minor-league baseball team affiliated with the San Francisco Giants plays in the California League from April to September. Games are held at historic San Jose Municipal Stadium. The BBQ area next to left field is a hit with fans before the game.

A downtown venue showcasing well-known comedy acts, they have a full restaurant and bar. The club is also great for group outings for 10-400 people.

Named "Best Local Theatre" by the Metro's "Best of the Silicon Valley", ComedySportz is an interactive improv comedy show where two teams of "act-letes" compete in various comedic games, with the audience as the judge.

A film festival emphasizing digital production, with screenings and guest speakers at venues throughout San Jose. Named one of the Top 10 Film Festivals in the world by the Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide.

A weekend of jazz as well as blues, salsa, and big bands, playing on a dozen mostly outdoor stages. Billed as the world's largest free jazz festival. Not available 2012

. Free concerts weekly throughout the summer, sponsored by the San Jose Downtown Association. Music in the Park has many food, drink and crafts vendors

Starlight Cinemas

It doesn't get more California than an outdoor ice skating rink surrounded by a circle of palm trees. The admission price includes rental skates and ice time.

One of the world's largest conventions for fans of furry anthropomorphic animals or creatures art, writing, comics, and costuming. If you like walking around in a dog costume, this 4-day event is for you.

A long-running regional science fiction convention.

The largest anime convention in Northern California.

An all-you-can-play exhibition of classic pinball machines and arcade games. All games are free with for attendees, so you can leave your quarters at home!

A small science fiction convention with a media track.

With roller coasters, thrill rides, children's attractions, the Boomerang Bay water park, and Vegas-style live shows, this huge theme park is fun for the whole family.

A favorite local spot to cool off in the summer, this water park features slides, rides and a 350,000 gallon wave pool.

Classic miniature golf course, plus water slides in the summer and a great arcade.