San Jose Jazz Summer Fest returns for its 35th year August 8–10, 2025! Experience over 100 artists across nine stages for three unforgettable days of live music. Held at Plaza de César Chávez, this beloved event has become an essential part of San Jose’s cultural life, offering a vibrant mix of jazz, soul, R&B, and contemporary music.  

This year’s Opening Night features Academy Award, Emmy, and Grammy-winning artist Common! He joins Lalah Hathaway, Bilal, PJ Morton, and more to create a weekend full of powerful performances and community celebration. Whether you’re a longtime jazz enthusiast or just someone who loves live music under the sun, Summer Fest promises an experience you won’t forget.  

And that’s not all: joining the festival are eight monumental, magical alebrijes sculptures! Ranging from 20 to 22 feet tall, these sculptures will be placed throughout Plaza de César Chávez during Summer Fest and remain on display through September 28.  

To help you get to Summer Fest, VTA is offering a promotional three-day pass via Token Transit. This $15.75 Summer Fest pass is valid for unlimited rides on VTA Local Bus & Light Rail from Friday, August 8, through Sunday, August 10. 

VTA promotional passes for Summer Fest can be purchased directly in the Token Transit app—available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.  

Once you get your pass, make sure to take VTA’s Blue or Green Light Rail Lines or Bus Routes 22, 23, 64A, 64B, 66, 68, 72, 73, Rapid 500, Rapid 522, or Rapid 523.  

Call VTA Customer Service at (408) 321-2300 for assistance or use the Transit App for trip planning.  

For more information, please check out summerfest.sanjosejazz.org