Things to do in San Jose this weekend, Nov. 12 to 15
A monument to Japanese American WWII veterans is dedicated
By Lou P. and the San Jose Loop editors. Thursday, November 12, 2026
On Saturday morning the Japanese American Museum of San Jose hosts the dedication of its World War II Japanese American Veteran Monument. SJSU Theatre stages Sweeney Todd at the Hammer on Friday, and Opera San Jose brings Fiddler on the Roof to the California Theatre on Sunday afternoon. The Friends of the Campbell Library hold a used book sale Saturday.
IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING
World War II Japanese American Veteran Monument: Dedication & Gathering
It is a dedication and gathering for the World War II Japanese American Veteran Monument, held Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at the Japanese American Museum of San Jose.
The museum unveils a monument honoring Japanese American veterans of World War II, with a community gathering and refreshments. Medal recipients, relatives and friends are warmly invited. Free with RSVP.
Saturday at 9:30 am · Japanese American Museum of San Jose, 535 North 5th Street, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
FREE THIS WEEKENDcosts nothing
Free Shopping Spree: Clothing Giveaway // Compras gratis: Ropa de regalo
Friday at 3:30 pm
Educational Park
A free clothing giveaway with gently used pieces in sizes XS to XL, handy for job interviews, everyday wear or the holidays. Students get the first hour, then it opens to everyone. No registration needed.
Something Sensational to Read: A Tour of Silicon Valley LGBTQ+ Publications, 1950 to Today
Friday
King Library, 150 E San Fernando St, San Jose, CA 95112
An SJSU Special Collections exhibit tracing more than 70 years of LGBTQ+ newspapers, magazines, newsletters and programs from San José and the Bay Area. It covers the first Pride events, the early AIDS epidemic and debates over marriage and employment.
WITH KIDSbring them
Make Your Own Nature Mobile
Saturday at 2 pm
Woodland Branch Library
Drop in on the terrace to build a hanging mobile from natural materials. Supplies are provided, and you can bring your own twigs, leaves or feathers. Recommended for ages 5 and up, with young children joined by an adult.
Music with Farmer Arann
Saturday at 11 am
Saratoga Library
Farmer Arann brings instruments, a big voice and original songs for a morning of live music and silliness. Wear your dancing shoes. Good for all ages, and it takes the place of regular Family Storytime.
DATE NIGHTfor two
SJSU Theatre presents Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Friday at 7:30 pm; also Sat 2 pm
Hammer Theater Center, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San José, CA 95113
SJSU Theatre stages Sondheim's dark musical about a wrongfully imprisoned barber seeking revenge, with Mrs. Lovett and her suspicious meat pies. Student performers, musicians, designers and technicians bring it to life.
South Bay Dance Center - Coppélia
Saturday at 6:30 pm; also Sun 12:30 pm
The Heritage Theatre - 1 W. Campbell Ave. Campbell CA 95008
Young dancers from South Bay Dance Center and South Bay Ballet Arts perform the ballet Coppélia at the Heritage Theatre. A nice way to cheer on local students after months of hard work.
BRING A TOTEmarkets and sales
Friends of the Campbell Library Used Book Sale
Saturday at 10 am
Campbell Library
The Friends of the Campbell Library sale has puzzles, games, hardback fiction, children's books, romances, thrillers, audio books, DVDs, CDs and how-to titles. Bring a bag. They take cash, check, Zelle, card or Venmo.
Saint Martin of Tours School Holiday Artisan Market
Sunday (see the event page for times)
St. Martin of Tours Parish, 200 O'Connor Drive,, San Jose, CA, 95128
BIG SHOWSyou've heard of these
- FRI 7 PMJerry Seinfeld, San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
- SUN 2 PMOpera San Jose: Fiddler on the Roof, California Theatre - San Jose
- SUN 7 PMMarisela: Eterna Tour 2026, San Jose Civic
PLAN AHEAD
WHAT DID WE MISS?
We do our best to read every calendar in San Jose, and we still miss good stuff. The church supper, the band at the corner bar, the block party your neighbor is throwing. If you know about something, tell us. Just write hello@loopcities.com. We read every note.
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