Obon-tiful for spacious skies…

It’s gonna be a great week in the 408 — you’ve got the annual Obon Festival kicking off in Japantown, Pop Up SJ’s Vintage Market, the first ever Baychata Festival, and New Japan Pro Wrestling returns with a CMLL collaboration in an unlikely locale.

Have an event you’d like to share? Let me know, and I’ll add it to the next Newsletter.

Wednesday

• San Jose Giants vs. Visalia Rawhide | Excite Ballpark (588 E. Alma Ave., San Jose) | 1 p.m. (Wednesday), 6:30 p.m. (Thursday), 7 p.m. (Friday), 5 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday) | The Giants feeder team returns for a Marvel-themed home stand, featuring fireworks on Friday, Captain America Bobblehead giveaway on Saturday, and a Hello Kitty Bucket hat giveaway on Sunday.

• The Queens of Summer Drag Bingo | Cedar Room (1875 S. Bascom Ave., Ste. 100, Campbell) | 7:30 p.m. | Join local Drag Artists for this weekly bingo game. (Recurring)

• Open Mic at the San Jose Improv | San Jose Improv (62 S. Second St., San Jose) | 8 p.m. | $5 (in person), $8.76 (online) | Join host Ato Walker for a showcase of local talent, with the top 2 winners getting an opener slot for a headliner + a slot an at an upcoming showcase. (Recurring)

• Karaoke Wednesdays | Mama Kin (374 S. First St., San Jose) | 8 p.m. | FREE | Showoff your vocal chops and hear other locals do the same at this weekly all ages singing spectacular. (Recurring)

• What the Blank?! Trivia | Renegades Bar (501 W. Taylor St., San Jose) | 8 p.m. | FREE | Celebrate Chloe Aecha’s birthday with performances by Vixen Six and Slut the Rock Johnson at this weekly trivia + drag show. (Recurring)

• Bizcochito Latin Night | Splash Video Dance Bar (65 Post St., San Jose) | 10 p.m. | FREE | The hottest Latin dance party returns with hosts Niya La Rey + Silvanna Danniels, featuring guest performers Amoura Teese and Zuca.

• The Caravan Lounge Comedy Show | Caravan Lounge (98 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose) | 10 p.m. | FREE | Join this week’s host Luis Murcia for this weekly showcase of local talent (or prove you got the chops by stepping up to the mic). (Recurring) 

Thursday

• Dine Downtown | Various restaurants | Times vary | Prices vary | Support local restaurants and chefs with 40+ restaurants in DTSJ showcasing pre fixe menus, chef specials, and food + drink pairings. (Runs through 7/21)

• Makers Music & Mindfulness: Sewing & Upcycling Fabrics | Creekside Socials (56 Barack Obama Blvd., San Jose) | 5-7 p.m. | FREE (but you’ll want to RSVP) | This workshop series in collaboration with Chopstick Alley features the visual art of storytelling through patchwork and sewing. This week’s instructor is SJ-based Elizabeth Saenz, with music by Lucas Tecson.

• Gordon Biersch Night Market: “Cheat Day” | Gordon Biersch Brewing Co. (357 E. Taylor St., San Jose) | 5-9 p.m. | FREE | Set aside your calorie count for the day and indulge in dishes from Fire & Rice, I Love Cheese Steak, and Luvs Brownies food trucks, while you groove to the sounds of The Hogan Brothers courtesy San Jose Jazz.

• July Pub Run & Birthday Celebration | Barebottle Brewing Company (2520 Augustine Dr., Santa Clara) | 6-8 p.m. | FREE (but RSVP ahead of time) | Gear up and jog, walk, or run your way through Santa Clara with the Bay Area Run Crew. Then, join in on the post-run social hour at Barebottle Brewing Co.

• Pobladores Night Market | Parque De Los Pobladores (510 S. First St., San Jose) | 5:30-9 p.m. | FREE | From beer slurpies to local artists and makers, enjoy local bites while you listen to live music from Santa Cruz-based reggae rockers HI-JINX.

• Viva Parks Presents: “Wonka” | Boggini Park (Remington Way and Millbrook Drive, San Jose) | 6-10:30 p.m. | FREE | Bring a bag chair and blanket and enjoy this magical Timothée Chalamet movie under the stars.

• Lenny White with Tarus Mateen and Joe Warner | SJZ Break Room (310 S. First St., San Jose) | 6 p.m. | $25 | You’ve heard this legendary on Miles Davis’ “Bitches Brew,” Freddie Hubbard’s “Red Clay,” and for his long collaboration with Return to Forever.

• Russell Peters | San Jose Improv (62 S. Second St., San Jose) | 9:45 p.m. | $54-$124 | This comedian had one of the first ever Netflix comedy specials in 2013, and has since headlined national tours + hosted his own “Culturally Cancelled” podcast. (There are multiple shows, but almost all are sold out) 

Friday

• Baychata Festival | Double Tree By Hilton San Jose (2050 Gateway Pl., San Jose) | Times vary | $55-$325 | From masterclass workshops to international performances, to social dances to pool parties, this inaugural event weekend is filled to the brim with what they call “sensual fusion.” (Runs through 7/15)

• Pop Up SJ Vintage Market | Garden at the Flea (1590 Berryessa Rd., San Jose) | 4-9 p.m. (Friday), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Saturday) | FREE | Pull up and support small businesses while you shop vintage apparel, accessories, collectibles, and more.

• Carnivale at Orleans Place | Great America (4701 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara) | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) | Enjoy Big Easy sights, sounds, and eats at this New Orleans-Mardi-Gras-themed day-festival at the park, including a color parade, live entertainment, and evening fireworks. (Runs through 8/4)

• Kuumba West African Dance workshop | Creekside Socials (56 Barack Obama Blvd., San Jose) | 6-7 p.m. | FREE (but you’ll want to RSVP) | Get ready to sweat while you learn the basics of Kuumba in this educational workshop featuring live drumming.

• Fiesta en La Casa Azul | School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza (1700 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose) | 6:30 p.m. | $110-$135 | Honor the late Frida Kahlo’s birthday month with an evening with live mariachi, mezcal and wine tastings, artisanal vendors, and traditional Mexican Antonio’s.

• Open Skate: Disney Night | Roosevelt Community Center (901 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose) | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | $3 (youth under 18 and adults 50+), $6 (adults) | Don your Disney gear, or dress as your favorite character and skate along with your friends and neighbors. (Fridays thru 8/9)

• CMT Rising Stars presents: “Crazy for You” | Montgomery Theater (271 S. Market St., San Jose) | 7 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), 2:30 p.m. (Saturday), 1 p.m. (Sunday), 6 p.m. (Sunday) | $20-$25 | See talented youngsters in this upbeat, high-energy pop rock musical. (Runs through 7/21)

• Hasan Minhaj | San Jose Civic (135 W. San Carlos St., San Jose) | 7 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), 9:30 p.m. (Saturday) | $49 | Everyone knows and has an opinion on this political comedian, former Daily Show correspondent, and host of Netflix’s now defunct “The Patriot Act.”

• Brother Swan | Art Boutiki (44 Race St., San Jose) | 8 p.m. | $15 Advance, $20 Day of Show | This LA-based indie rock trio will be joined by Bay Area rockers Cartoon Hearts.

• Lovers and Friends Party | The Ritz (400 S. First St., San Jose) | 9 p.m. | $15 Advance, $20 Day of Show | Dance to throwback R&B + Hip Hop jams from yesteryear at this DJ party.

• Circus of Sin: Booty Booty Booty Sinnin’ Everywhere | Caravan Lounge (98 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose) | 10 p.m. | FREE (but definitely tip the performers) | Grab yer doubloons for tippin’ and enjoy this burlesque spectacular.

• Serve | Splash Video Dance Bar (65 Post St., San Jose) | 10 p.m. | $10 (this is the usual cover, so YMMV) | If you’re a Diva who divas, join Catinni P. Vandon with guests for this weekly Drag spectacular. (Recurring) 

Saturday

• San Jose Obon Festival | Japantown (on Fifth Street between Taylor and Jackson streets) | Noon-10 p.m. (Saturday), Noon-9 p.m. (Sunday) | FREE | Check out the delicious food, awesome taiko performances, workshops, and more at this annual Japantown festival.

• Fantastica Mania USA 2024 | Mt. Pleasant High School (1750 S. White Rd., San Jose) | 5:30-8 p.m. | $30-$200 | New Japan Pro Wrestling returns to the South Bay to celebrate Lucia Libre — featuring Mistico, El Desperado, Hechicero, and all the Pro Wrestling goodness you can pack into a high school gymnasium.

• “Three’s Company” Trivia | Wheelhouse of Willow Glen (Lincoln Ave., San Jose) | 5:30-7 p.m. | FREE | Test your knowledge of this classic TV show with themed prizes, themed-cocktails, and more.

• San Jose Earthquakes vs. Sporting KC | PayPal Park (1123 Coleman Ave., San Jose) | 7:30 p.m. | $22-$110+ | Celebrate Portuguese heritage night with a commemorative Quakes bucket hat.

• Michael Echaniz | Art Boutiki (44 Race St., San Jose) | 8 p.m. | $25 Advance, $30 Day of Show | This west coast pianist has won numerous awards for his eclectic jazz stylings.

• We Are Young 2010s Party | The Ritz (400 S. First St., San Jose) | 9 p.m. | $15 Advance, $20 Day of Show | Party rock is in the house tonight, everybody just have a good time.

• The Joint Chiefs | Mama Kin (374 S. First St., San Jose) | 9 p.m. | $12.71-$219 | This Bay Area funk band performs at the coolest venue in San Jose.

• Last Ditch Effort | Caravan Lounge (98 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose) | 9:30 p.m. | FREE | Rock out to local punks Last Ditch Effort and American Standard along with SF punks Panhandlers Union.

• Cattle Call | Renegades Bar (501 W. Taylor St., San Jose) | 10 p.m. | $5 | WooWoo Monroe’s monthly open call Drag Showcase for new and upcoming performers. (Recurring)

Sunday

• Cedar Room Drag Brunch | Cedar Room (1875 S. Bascom Ave., Ste. 100, Campbell) | Noon-2 p.m. | $75-$80 | Enjoy live performances by local Drag performers and delicious Sunday brunch buffet (including, but not limited to bottomless mimosas and Jell-O shots). (Recurring)

• Boombox Brunch + Domingo Sabrosso | Mama Kin (374 S. First St., San Jose) | 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 5 p.m.-Midnight | FREE (Brunch), $12.71-$219.18 (Concert) | Gnosh on delicious brunch while listening to Golden-Era Hip Hop. Then, enjoy tunes from Domingo Sabrosso + Alexis y La Orquestra Original at 5 p.m. (Recurring)

• Bay Area Panthers vs. Duke City Gladiators | SAP Center (525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose) | 6 p.m. | $27-$122 | Following a narrow loss against NAZ last week, the Panthers are still a mere hair’s breadth away from the playoffs.

• Erik Griffin | San Jose Improv (62 S. Second St., San Jose) | 7 p.m. | $30-94 | You may know this comedian as the mustachioed Montez Walker from “Workaholics.”

Thanks so much for reading!

Okay, look. I understand we’re still a super long-shot for the Stanley Cup playoffs next season… but you’ll have to excuse my boundless enthusiasm right now.

This past season was positively dreadful, but Grier took those failings, took this flailing team, shook them by the cap space, and the roster he’s assembled would make even the most disheartened fan of Team Teal feel hopeful.

If you missed Celebrini, Musty, and Smith at last week’s scrimmage games, let’s just say there’s a lot to be excited about for the Sharks’ home opener October 10th.

All together now, say it with me: In Grier we trust.

Until next week,

— Gregg