Viva CalleSJ Brings East San Jose Neighborhoods to Life This Weekend

The first of three 'open streets' events in 2026 highlights the culture and community of Alum Rock, Little Portugal, and Mt. Pleasant.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:07pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a stylized bicycle icon repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the energy and celebration of the Viva CalleSJ open streets event in East San Jose.Viva CalleSJ's vibrant open streets celebration brings the diverse cultures and community spirit of East San Jose to life.San Jose Today

This Sunday, the annual Viva CalleSJ event will close miles of streets in East San Jose to vehicle traffic, allowing cyclists, runners, skaters, and pedestrians to explore the neighborhoods of Alum Rock, Mayfair, Little Portugal, and Mt. Pleasant. The route will connect Alum Rock Avenue and White Road, showcasing the area's Latino markets, historic sites, and residential charm. Four hubs along the route will feature live entertainment, food trucks, bike repair clinics, and other activities.

Why it matters

Viva CalleSJ is an important event that celebrates the diverse culture and community of East San Jose, a part of the city that is often overshadowed by downtown. By opening up the streets and highlighting local businesses, performers, and attractions, the event brings much-deserved attention to these vibrant neighborhoods and their unique character.

The details

The Viva CalleSJ route will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, covering Alum Rock Avenue from King to White roads and White Road from Golf Drive south to Ocala Avenue. Along the way, attendees can explore Latino markets, the historic Calvary Catholic Cemetery, and James Lick High School. Four hubs will host live entertainment, including Pro Wrestling Revolution, Los Lupeños folklorico dancers, and a high-flying BMX freestyle team.

  • Viva CalleSJ will take place this Sunday, April 20, 2026.
  • This is the first of three Viva CalleSJ events planned for 2026, with the next two scheduled for June 14 and September 13.

The players

Viva CalleSJ

An annual event that closes miles of streets in San Jose to vehicle traffic, allowing cyclists, runners, skaters, and pedestrians to explore the city's neighborhoods.

Alum Rock Avenue

A major street in East San Jose that will be part of the Viva CalleSJ route, featuring Latino markets, businesses, the historic Calvary Catholic Cemetery, and James Lick High School.

White Road

Another street in East San Jose that will be part of the Viva CalleSJ route, lined with 1940s and 1950s ranch homes.

Mexican Heritage Plaza

One of four hubs along the Viva CalleSJ route that will feature live performances, including Pro Wrestling Revolution and Mariachi San Jose.

Creekside School

A school in San Jose that provides a specialized learning environment for children and young adults with profound autism, and was recently recognized by the City Council.

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What they’re saying

“Creekside is first and foremost a place of belonging. We work hard every day to make sure that when a student walks through those doors, they feel safe and at home and accepted.”

— Katie Shepherd, Principal, Creekside School

“Four out of five of our students don't have programs they can go to after they age out of Creekside, so we're launching an adult day program to support them.”

— Megan Cooper, Executive Director, Creekside School

What’s next

The next two Viva CalleSJ events are scheduled for June 14 and September 13, 2026, expanding the 'open streets' experience to other parts of San Jose.

The takeaway

Viva CalleSJ is an important annual event that celebrates the diverse culture and community of East San Jose, bringing much-deserved attention to the vibrant neighborhoods and local businesses that are often overshadowed by the city's downtown area.