Arts & Entertainment

Music in Milpitas

Whether you wish to learn to play an instrument or sing beautifully, or just come to hear some wonderful music or find a venue to play in, welcome to the world of Milpitas Music!

Instrumental Music & Vocalists
Live Music
Music Lessons
Recording Studios
Other Silicon Valley Musical Resources

Instrumental Music & Vocalists

Community Concert Band
Schedules and upcoming performances, email list, membership info, performance repertoire and music library. Facebook page. For information, contact Lauri Flynn, 408-586-2778.

Manuel Romero
Many of us know this fine young Milpitas singer from his rendition of the Star Spangled Banner at the City Hall Grand Opening and such.

Milpitas High School Music Program
Participation in a music ensemble demonstrates teamwork, focus, and dedication – all of which are invaluable traits for college applicants. Boosters number is 408-945-5543 for band information.

Silver Strings Guitar Group. Learn music on guitars.
Silver Strings Guitar Group (Now Defunct)

DONATE A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT

Music in Schools Today (MuST)
Whether you give your time, your money, your expertise, or an instrument that is no longer needed, with MuST there are many ways to contribute to the music education of children everywhere. If an impoverished child needs an instrument, look here! 582 Market St., Suite 213, San Francisco, 415-392-9010.

Live Music

Blue Note Lounge
Yelp review. “There’s an awesome live jazz show every Sunday evening with just a $5 cover charge.”
765 E Capitol Ave.
408-262-8363

Music Lessons

Darrell Leffler’s Academy of Music
Group and private lessons for piano, voice, guitar, and violin.
1209 S. Park Victoria
408-942-7943

Milpitas Guitar Lessons
Learn Guitar Without Feeling Lost with Phil Johnson. Landess & Piedmont Roads.
408-539-5423

South Bay School of Music Arts
Silicon Valley’s music education facility. (Instrumental and vocals) Site down temporarily, so linked to Yelp Reviews.
330 South Abel Street
408-945-8014 or jsantoro@sbsma.com.

Veksler Academy of Music and Dance
We offer dance classes in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop and music lessons in piano, guitar, voice, violin, flute, saxophone, clarinet and drums.
91 S Abbott Ave.
669-252-0277

Recording Studios

Bill Hare Productions
Located in the hills above Milpitas, and established in 1984. Specializing in Contemporary Professional and Collegiate A Cappella.
4001 Calaveras Road
408-942-5580

Stoneman Studios
Services include Recording/Tracking. Post Production, ADR, Voice Overs, Videos, Film, Podcasts, Music Recording and Production, Commercials, Arrangements, and Field Recording.
930 Wrigley Way
650-799-1355.

Other Silicon Valley Musical Resources

Meeting Halls for Events in Milpitas
Whether you need a meeting hall for business, a wedding, or large event, there’s a place to rent in Milpitas!

Metro Active | Silicon Valley Music This Week
Metro lists and links by type of music the hottest spots this week in Silicon Valley.

San Jose Chamber Music Society
The San Jose Chamber Music Society is dedicated not only to keeping the old masters alive, but also to bringing fresh sounds to the Bay Area.

Theatre in Milpitas and Silicon Valley

The 2023-2024 theatre season in Milpitas and the San Jose-Fremont, Palo Alto, South Bay Area amateur, professional theaters, and colleges are back to full production with lots of shows to choose from.

Children’s Theatre
Comedy Clubs
General Theatre
Musical Theatre
Shakespeare
Ticket Sales

Children’s Theatre

Milpitas Community Theatre
Milpitas Community Center. A youth theatre program for ages 8-18. Center Stage Performing Arts is the contracted youth theatre program for ages 8 and up. Our young performers produce several shows throughout the year. Follow on Facebook
November 2-5, 2023: Matilda Jr. (Ages 8-18)
March 7-10, 2024: Mean Girls High School Version (Ages 12-18)
May 24-26, 2024: Little Shop of Horrors (Ages 18+)
August 1-4, 2024: Madagascar Jr. (Ages 8-13) (Website has incorrect date. Can’t contact them.)

Children’s Musical Theatre San Jose
We produce a full season of shows, ranging from classical Broadway fare to exciting new hits and original works seen by an audience of more than 42,000 annually.
Montgomery Theater (CMT)
271 S. Market St, San Jose
July 6 – 9, 2023: Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.
July 14 – 23, 2023: 13 the Musical
July 28 – August 6, 2023: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Milpitas Community Theatre
Milpitas has expanded its longtime theatre program to welcome performers of all ages and offer a wider variety of productions. Performances are held in the Milpitas Community Center auditorium. Shows are selected by a committee that includes participants, volunteers and residents who enjoy theatre.
A Year with Frog and Toad – Early Summer 2023
The SpongeBob Musical – July 21-30, 2023

Milpitas High School Theatre (Facebook)
Keep tuned in by “Liking” this page.
Check after school back in session in September.

Palo Alto Children’s Theatre
1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto CA 94301
June 18, 2023: Summer Hot Dog Production: Snow White

Star Struck
A non-profit organization dedicated to providing excellent, accessible theatre training for youth, with high-quality performances for families and the entire community at the Ohlone College Smith Center. See link for acting classes for kids.
July 21-30, 2023: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

Comedy Clubs

ComedySportz
Competitive, team improvisational comedy, played just like a sport. 288 S. Second St., San Jose. (the old Camera 3 theaters). Show times are Fridays at 9p and 11p, and Saturdays at 7p and 9p.

India Community Center
Indians with a sense of humor.
525 Los Coches St, Milpitas, CA 95035
July 14, 2023 – Sangeet Sandhya With Anup Jalota
September 22, 2023 – Over Take Tour With Raftaar And Vaani Kapoor

Made Up Theatre
Made Up Theatre is BACK! Join us for live improv comedy shows featuring YOUR suggestions. That’s right! You provide the inspiration for unscripted scenes, games, and musicals that are sure to keep you laughing your butts off! You can watch our shows live and in-person, or you can enjoy them from the comfort of your own homes with a Virtual Viewing Ticket.

San Jose Improv
Check Twitter for upcoming acts. Sign up for the San Jose Improv newsletter to receive show announcements, presale codes and special offers!
62 S. Second Street
San Jose
408-280-7475

General Theatre

This Week’s Top Events in the San Jose Metro Area
Mercury news listings from talks and exhibits to ballet and opera.

City Lights Theater Company of San Jose
January 26  – February 26, 2023: Miss You Like Hell
March 23 – April 23, 2023: Blithe Spirit
May 18 – June 11, 2023: The River Bride
July 13 – August 20, 2023 : Kinky Boots

Hillbarn Theatre
OCTOBER 5 – 22, 2023: KEN LUDWIG’S BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY
NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 17, 2023: THE SOUND OF MUSIC
FEBRUARY 8 – FEBRUARY 25, 2024: RENT
MARCH 21 – APRIL 7, 2024: ONCE
APRIL 25 – MAY 12, 2024 : SOMETHING ROTTEN

Los Altos Stage Company
A professionally managed, community based theatre company that serves Los Altos and the greater South-Bay area. Most LASC Mainstage productions contain adult-themed material and are recommended for mature audiences.
97 Hillview Avenue
Los Altos, CA 94022
June 1 – 25, 2023: Sunday in the Park with George
September 7 – October 1, 2023: Significant Other
November 30 – December 24, 2023: ELF, The Musical
January 25 – February 18, 2024: Heroes of the Fourth Turning
April 11 – May 5, 2024: The Skin of Our Teeth
May 30 – June 23, 2024: Young Frankenstein

Naatak
Bay Area Indian Theatre with presentations at the India Community Center and other venues.
Cubberley Theater, 4120 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
June 9 – June 18, 2023: शतरंज के खिलाड़ी, Palo Alto
September 2 – October 1, 2023: Bombay Talkies, Palo Alto
December 2 – December 17, 2023: The Mousetrap, Campbell

Palo Alto Players
Perform at the Lucy Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, right off of Embarcadero about one block. The theme of our 91st season is “Reconnecting.” After a long intermission, we are back to in-person theater once again, ready to share experiences and stories that will inspire, entertain, and enrich you.
June 10 – 26, 2022, Twelfth Night
Aug 26 – Sep 11, 2022: School of Rock – The Musical
Nov 4 – Nov 20, 2022: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Jan 20 – Feb 5, 2023: The Play That Goes Wrong
Apr 28 – May 14, 2023: The SpongeBob Musical

The Pear Avenue Theatre
The Pear offers audiences a theatrical alternative–intimate, startling productions that prove you can work wonders on a shoestring, as long as your spirit is willing and your imagination wide. 1220 Pear Avenue, Unit K, Mountain View. 650-254-1148.
Jun 16 – Jul 2, 2023, Puffs
Sep 8 – Sep 24, 2023: Matilda The Musical
Nov 3 – Nov 19, 2023: The Wizard of Oz
Jan 19 – Feb 4, 2024: Misery – The Play
Apr 26 – May 12, 2024: The Music Man
Jun 14 – Jun 30, 2024: Murder On the Orient Express

The Stage
Producing plays that address truth and illusion. Season 39 theme: Resilience
JUNE 7 – 25, 2023: Othello

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley
Shows at either the Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto or the Mountain View Center For the Performing Arts.
June 7–July 2, 2023, STEEL MAGNOLIAS
Aug 11–20, 2023, 20TH ANNIVERSARY NEW WORKS FESTIVAL
Oct 4–29, 2023: Mrs. Christie
Nov 29–Dec 24, 2023: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Jan 17–Feb 11, 2024: How I Learned What I Learned
Mar 6–31, 2024: Queen
Apr 3–28, 2024: Tiger Style!
Jun 5–30, 2024: Being Alive: A Sondheim Celebration

Smith Center
A fine and performing arts center located at Ohlone College in Fremont. All performances will be presented in Jackson Theatre, unless otherwise noted.
JULY 7-8, 13-15, 2023: Little Shop of Horrors
JULY 21-30, 2023: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
Performance Calendar

Musical Theatre

Lyric Theatre ­ The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of San Jose
HAMMER THEATRE CENTER
101 Paseo De San Antonio
In downtown San José
Lyric Theatre presents a new concept – a summer festival with 13 performances of 3 shows over a 3 weekend period from July 22 – August 6, 2023.
Ragtime
Iolanthe
The Best of Lerner and Loewe

Opera San Jose
Maintaining a resident company of principal artists, this company specializes in showcasing the finest young professional singers in the nation. California Theatre, 345 South First Street, San Jose.
September 9-24, 2023: Gounod’s Romeo et Juliette
November 11-26, 2023: Rossini’s The Barber of Seville
February 17 – March 3, 2024: Verdi’s Rigoletto
April 20 – May 5, 2024: Daniel Catán’s Florencia en el Amazonas

Shakespeare

Silicon Valley Shakespeare
Performances held at Sanborn-Skyline County Park outside of Saratoga, CA., Thursdays-Sundays at 7:00pm.
June 9-25, 2023 Twelfth Night
July 28–September 1, 2023 King Lear
August 4-September 3, 2023 Shakespeare in Love

San Francisco Shakespeare Festival
Cupertino – Redwood City – San Francisco – Orinda
JULY 22 – SEPTEMBER 24, 2023: Cymbeline, Shakespeare’s epic romantic adventure

Santa Cruz Shakespeare
All Santa Cruz Shakespeare performances are at The Audrey Stanley Grove at DeLaveaga Park.
July 8 – August 27, 2023: The Book of Will, A love letter to William Shakespeare
July 9 – August 6, 2023: The Taming of the Shrew
July 26 – August 27, 2023: King Lear

Ticket Sales

Theatre Bay Area
Half-price tickets available for shows from Carmel to Mill Valley. A great way to get tickets “tonight!”

Video Production Groups

There are a number of good video production groups and companies in Milpitas. Some are non-profit and some are commercial. The City of Milpitas does have a TV studio, but it has limited production capabilities.


DZ Open Lens Productions
Dox and I have been working and volunteering with non-profit KMVT15 in Mountain View and have access to their studios for producing educational and community service videos. There is no charge for what we do, but at this time we’re not doing commercial videos. We have several other volunteers who help us when we need larger crews. We welcome any willing to take a TV production training class or two at KMVT15. Teenagers, retired folks welcome. Mostly we do the productions on a Saturday, and the editing when convenient for those involved.
408-942-5433

Atlas Studios Bay Area
We are committed to professional corporate and commercial photography and video productions in the Silicon Valley. Do you want to take your brand to the next level? Atlas Studios Bay Area will capture your greatness and elevate your next campaign. If you want a studio who will strive for perfection at your next shoot, give us a call for your free consultation and quote today!
27 Winsor St.
408-966-5482

AWAAZ Productions
More than just a production company, AWAAZ Productions’ business structure is both deep and wide, encompassing the entire media spectrum. With its affiliated companies like the AWAAZ Academy of Arts and AWAAZ Studios, it provides services to support all phases of content creation, from training talent and developing show concepts to production and distribution of the finished product (see Projects for more information).
1850 Houret Ct.
408-461-7944

C Sharp Video Productions
Our clients walk in with an idea and walk out with a timeline of videos we create to help them get to the next steps in productivity, in marketing, and in team unity.
1525 McCarthy Blvd.
408-758-8293

Diamond in the Rough Films
Indie film production company which hosts the Diamond in the Rough film Festival and is located at Stage One Creative Space
1759 South Main Street, Suite 128

Simply Timeless Photography and Video
Watching movies has always been a great adventure for me. It’s amazing how much emotion and impact on one’s life can this activity get on somebody’s state of mind and well-being. Delivering still photography sometimes is not enough to tell the whole story. Surely the addition of sounds and movement make the whole picture come alive!
408-803-0508

Stage One Creative Space
We are open for Photo & Video Production, COVID-Safe Meetings, Live Streaming, & Essential Services. A new co-working space developed by Reel Eagle Studios. We created the exchange to support commercial filmmakers and improve the quality of industry resources available to the local community. As a co-working studio, the Exchange curates professional office space and well-appointed studio space for commercial filmmakers, providing members with access to affordable, high-quality tools and resources. As a marketplace, the Exchange provides a one-stop-shop, where clients can find the right vendors and resources to get the job done on-time and under budget.
27 Winsor St.
408-430-3192

Google “video production Milpitas” to locate independent video producers in Milpitas which do not have websites.

Radio Stations to Listen Live Online

Most, but not all of these radio stations can be picked up in Milpitas, but several stations have been added for your online listening enjoyment that can only otherwise be picked up in nearby counties. Still, these are all northern California radio stations. First radio station link usually goes straight to their streaming service; second to the station’s home page. Most stations can also play through your Echo (Alexa). Just say “Alexa, play ….” and say the call letters of the radio station. If there is no comment that the station will work with Alexa, then it doesn’t work when I set up this page. I have not tested with other home devices, but if they can receive TuneIn or iHeart Radio, they should, too.

Live Audio – Santa Clara County Repeaters
If anything real major going on, you can listen in on the emergency radios here. Ones with most listeners usually the most interesting.

FM

KQED 88.5 FM
Informs, educates, and entertains listeners throughout the Bay Area, the state, and beyond with a wide variety of news, public affairs, and cultural affairs programming. Works with Echo/Alexa through TuneIn.

KCEA 89.1 FM
The sounds of the swing era provide the basis for the KCEA musical format – from the original big band and small group recordings of the 30s and 40s to the best of the swing sounds recorded in all the decades that followed. KCEA’s studios are located on the campus of Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton, CA. Works with Echo/Alexa through TuneIn.

KDFC 89.9 / 90.3 FM
KKSF & KDFC let you listen live or learn more about classical music. Win concert tickets. Works with Echo/Alexa through TuneIn.

KSJS 90.5 FM
San Jose State University’s radio station. We aim to deliver underground, local and upcoming music to the Bay Area community and beyond. Station informationWorks with Echo/Alexa through TuneIn.

KKUP 91.5 FM
KKUP is a community radio station broadcasting a Variety format. Licensed to Cupertino, California, United States, it serves the greater Bay Area. The station is currently owned by the Assurance Science Foundation, Inc. Works with Echo/Alexa through TuneIn.

KALW 91.7 FM
Programs from the San Francisco Unified School District. Previous showsWorks with Echo/Alexa through TuneIn.

KPFA 94.1 FM Berkeley
Much of our programming is local, original and eclectic, with a well produced mix of news and in depth public affairs, an ongoing drama, literature and performance series, interviews, and reviews. Click their Listen Live button. Works with Echo/Alexa through TuneIn.

KBAY 94.5 FM
Soft Rock out of San Jose. Web site offers lots of community connections and fun events. Click on their button to listen live. Works with Echo/Alexa through iHeart Radio.

WILD 94.9 FM
The Bay Area’s party station. Enter contests. Find concert dates. Station information.

Alice 97.3
Sarah And Vinnie, 5:30 AM TO 10:00 AM; Lexy, 10:00 AM TO 3:00 PM; Jayn, 3:00 PM TO 7:00 PM. Works with Echo/Alexa through TuneIn.

KFOX 98.5 FM
Classic rock and the broadcast home of the Sharks! You’ll hear all your Sharks games right here. Station info.

KKIQ 101.7 FM
Hot adult contemporary hits. Heard in Alameda, Contra Costa and San Joaquin communities. Click on their streaming button. Works with Echo/Alexa through TuneIn.

KBLX 102.9 FM
The Quiet Storm. Soft and smooth R&B from the 70s and 80s and today. Station informationWorks with Echo/Alexa through TuneIn.

KFOG 104.5 FM/97.7AM
Don’t close the pop-up too fast: it is your entrance to their live music online…. but it only works on Windows. Works with Echo/Alexa through iHeart Radio.

The New ALT 105.3 FM
Live 105 from San Francisco. Alternative music. They take requests online to play songs on the radio. Station informationWorks with Echo/Alexa through iHeart Radio.

KMEL 106 FM
Features Northern California hip hop and R&B radio station. Station informationWorks with Echo/Alexa through iHeart Radio.

KCBS 106.9 FM and 740 AM
With a news style reflecting the Bay Area’s hunger for up to the minute information, KCBS proudly serves the latest CBS Network News, Local News, Traffic, Weather, Business, and Sports. Additional KCBS features include Entertainment, Food, Finance, and Health reports. Station informationWorks with Echo/Alexa through TuneIn.

AM

KNBR 680 AM
Broadcasts whole sporting events.: Giants, 49ers, Quakes, and more. Station informationWorks with Echo/Alexa through TuneIn.

KGO Newstalk 810 AM
All sorts of community resources and news. Station informationWorks with Echo/Alexa through iHeart Radio.

Real Talk 910 AM
Plays smooth jazz all day long. Check for free concerts or have them email you their daily schedule. Works with Echo/Alexa through iHeart Radio.

KFAX 1100 AM
Christian station. Listen to sermons or read articles online. Works with Echo/Alexa through TuneIn.

RadioMirchi 1310 AM
Listen live to our Milpitas-based Indian radio station. Check weekly schedule here. Works with Google Play.
162 S. Hillview Dr.
408-934-1310

On Air or Podcasts – But Not Streaming

KSFO 560 AM
Hot Talk: news and views you won’t here anywhere else. Podcasts available of recent shows. Works with Echo/Alexa through iHeart Radio.

KRTY 95.3 FM
Hot Country music from San Jose. Read album reviews, enter contests and enjoy celebrity interviews. Works with Echo/Alexa through TuneIn.

KEZR 106.5 FM
Today’s Best Mix has everything you need: Brooke & Jubal Fun. Works with Echo/Alexa through iHeart Radio.

KSAN 107.7 FM
Be a bonehead. Listen for music news and interviews, concert events. Join with other boneheads for chat online. Works with Echo/Alexa through iHeart Radio.

Movies in and near Milpitas, California

Century 20 Great Mall

Century 20 Great Mall Milpitas show times. Don’t wait. Guarantee your seat before you go and avoid a sold out show. A fair number of non-English films.
1010 Great Mall Drive
Milpitas, CA 95035

CinéArts-Endorsed films are also playing at this theatre.

Cineark Popcorn Calorie Count
You may want to order the “Junior” size and hold the butter! There are some inconsistencies in this database, but you’ll get the general idea.

Theaters nearby with Covid19 cleaning and procedures in place. All are quite far from Milpitas.

Nearby Movies with advance ticketing. Most open with Covid restrictions in place.

State/Local mandates require masks be worn at all times. Therefore, no food or beverage permitted.

AMC Mercado 20 open
AMC Saratoga 14 open
Pruneyard Cinemas, Campbell closed
Century Cinemas 16, Mt View open
Century at Pacific Commons, Fremont open
Cinelux Almaden Cinema, San Jose only cafe open
Cinelux Plaza Theatre, Campbell open
CinéMark, Santana Row, San Jose open
Hackworth IMAX Dome, San Jose closed
Niles Essanay, Silent Film Museum, Niles closed for renovation

More Theaters…

Film

Kanopy
Watch up to 15 free movies a month through the library service. All you need is your library card number and password.

iTunes Movie Trailers
Dozens of QuickTime movie trailers from the Apple website. These are larger than you’ll find on most theatre sites, and cover not only what is out there now, but also popular recent videos and DVDs. Send to your iPod touch or iPhone.

Video Production Groups
There are a number of good video production groups and companies in Milpitas. Some are non-profit and some are commercial

Other shopping categories at the Great Mall

Art Clubs and Associations in Milpitas

Join Milpitas art clubs to share tips. Come to a gallery to view our art. Take a class to learn or improve your favorite art form.


Arts Commission
Serves as an advisory body to the City Council on matters pertaining to the Arts, performance or visual in the City of Milpitas. The Commission reviews Phantom Art Gallery artist applicants, and reviews the Cultural Arts Support Program.

The Arts Commission meets at the Milpitas City Hall, Committee Conference Room, 455 East Calaveras Boulevard. It holds regular meetings on the fourth Monday at 7:00 p.m. on alternating months of January, March, May, July, September and November. If a scheduled meeting occurs on a holiday, the meeting will be deferred to the same day of the following week.

Art Clubs and Associations

Camera Club
Photographer Kaz has organized local photography enthusiasts interested in meeting monthly or more often to share photography tips and occasionally go on photographic field trips. Meetings held either on Zoom or at the Milpitas Police Station, located at 1275 N. Milpitas Blvd. 7 PM, second Tuesday each month.

Golden Hills Art Association
This art club holds its monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month at the Community Room of the Milpitas Police Station, located at 1275 N. Milpitas Blvd., at 7:30 PM. For more information, please call 408-263-7929.

SV Creates
We are a network of art club leaders who care about the cultural and aesthetic quality of life in Silicon Valley. Our mission is to ignite investment and engagement in our creative culture.

Art Clubs, Classes, Studios and Galleries

Artistic Art Studio
Come and learn art from artist Erric Yang. He is an alumni of Academy of Art University in San Francisco. He was the head art instructor at San Jose Art Academy for 7 years.
1209 S. Park Victoria Drive
408-400-7780

Bayshore Art Studio 七棵松藝術工作室
We keep our art classes no more than 6 student per class. Expert one-on-one art instruction is tailor-made just for your child.
1613A S Main St.
510-449-1638

Dove Art Gallery
Art Gallery on the site of Park Victoria Baptist Church in Milpitas, California. Displaying a wide variety of arts and crafts from artisans of all ages. The Gallery is open after every Sunday Service which starts at 10:30 AM and ends around 11:45 AM. Calling all ARTISTS! Dove Gallery in Milpitas Ca. is accepting submissions for REFLECTIONS of LIGHT. Exhibit Dates September 26 – December 5, 2021. Seeking art with reflected, refracted, mirrored, patterned or sunlit imagery. This could include reflections on water, looking through glass, mirror images, light effects and much more! Depictions of angels and other subject matter that reflects God’s glory is also encouraged. Entry is FREE. Submissions can be emailed to dove@parkvictoria.org.
875 S. Park Victoria Drive

Hwu’s Art Studio
Milpitas Art & Drawing Class: Oil Pastel, Pencil Drawing, Pastel, Watercolor.
1369 Jacklin Road
408-821-3297

Mook Art Gallery
Handmade oil paintings. We specialize custom framing. Art class is available from age 6 yrs old to seniors.
141 – Neighborhood 5 in Great Mall.
408-262-4801

Paintilicious Art Studio
Paintilicious Art Studio offers art classes for kids, teens and adults. Unleash your creative and artistic side and learn from a variety of talented artists. Facebook.
63 Dempsey Rd.
408-507-0979

Ceramics

Clay Magic House
We provide adult clay art classes and kids clay art classes, we also provide instructor training and birthday party activity as well.
322 S Abel St.
408-930-6246

Grants for the Arts

Grant Writing Help
A list of organizations that provide technical assistance, consulting, classes and research materials in the San Francisco Bay Area.

  • Grant Writing
    Too often grant writers fall into these traps when applying for community grants.

Calendars of Events In and Near Milpitas

Are you looking for something fun or entertaining or enlightening to do this month? Here are calendars of events from South Bay organizations that list their activities online.

Milpitas Calendars

***GoMilpitas Event List***
View numerous events posted on GoMilpitas. Do you have an event you’d like to list? Either email or call our webmaster, Ann Zeise, or join the site and enter your own event.

Big Dog Vineyards
Select Events by month. Calendar of Wine Tasting – usually first weekend in warm-weather months – and concerts.

Chamber of Commerce
Parties, mixers, forums, luncheons and more. Requires proof of Covid vaccination.

City of Milpitas Meetings Calendar
Most meetings in Zoom, YouTube or Facebook for now. City Council and Commission meetings. Watch streaming city meetings here. During the live meeting, comments in writing may be submitted for Public Forum at the beginning of the City Council or Commission meeting, or for a public hearing or a listed item on the agenda, via this form, and the comments can be read aloud for the public record. Please use this link to provide your comments:  Public Comments

City Special Events Calendar
Most events cancelled or postponed for now. In person events require proof of Covid vaccination. Outline of special events scheduled on the City Calendar. See the Virtual Community Center for online activities.

Community Library Events
Upcoming in-person events are cancelled right now from the Milpitas Library. Change listings in database to suit your age or interests. During Covid-19, there are online events for anyone living anywhere. Some require registration, so be sure to “show more” and register for events further out.

Community Organization Meetings
We have many community organizations, many of which welcome visitors to their meetings and social events.

Eventbrite: Things to do in Milpitas
See what’s going on in our sunny city!

Humane Society Events
Playgroups for dog owners. Summer camps for pet-loving kids. Training for dogs. Orientation for owning a cat. Spay/Neuter clinics, etc.

India Community Center: Calendar
Events, classes, workshops, meetings and more.

Calendars in Nearby Places

Around Town Events
NBC3/KNTV-11 sponsors a wide variety of events in the South Bay. Here’s what’s coming up soon.

Bay Area Orienteering Club Event Schedule
We’ve gone orienteering with this group for several years now at Bay Area parks. Object is, with a map and compass, to locate ‘controls’ and not get lost. For local club, change “All Meetings” to “BOAC.”

Bay Area Parent Events Calendar
Silicon Valley events and activities of interest to families.

Children’s Discovery Museum
Special programs on opened days at this favorite place for the younger set.

Eventful – Things To Do in San Jose, CA
Books, Celebrities, Comics and Games, Restaurants, Events, Eye, Horoscopes, Movies, Local theaters, Videos/DVDs, Music, Concert venues, Nightlife, Performing Arts, Performance venues, TV, Local attractions, Visual Arts.

Fremont Chamber of Commerce Calendar
Check this page for upcoming chamber events in our neighboring city to the north.

Meetups within 2 miles of Milpitas City Center
For today and the next couple of days. (Note: Meetup not always accurate about the mileage to the meetings they list, so double check location.)

SanJose.com Events
To be listed in the Calendar, create an account and list here.

Palo Alto Online’s Master Community Calendar for the Midpeninsula
Instantly find out what is going on around the Midpeninsula. Palo Alto Online has the most complete calendar listings, drawn from three Midpeninsula newspapers — the Palo Alto Weekly, The Almanac and Mountain View Voice — and made them more comprehensive, up-to-date and easier to search.

San Jose Convention & Visitors Bureau
General Visitors Information and Events.

Santa Clara Calendar of Events
From the visitors bureau.

Santa Clara County Parks Calendar of Events
Take hikes with a ranger to discover plants and animals and locations of historical significance.

Stanford Event Calendar for today
Lectures, readings and talks to which all are invited.
Also check out their other calendars, such as Performances.

Sunnyvale Downtown Events
Encourages visitors to downtown Sunnyvale.

UCSC “Prof and a Pint” Lecture Series
A new series of informal discussions served over dinner and drinks at Forager Tasting Room and Eatery in the booming SOFA district of San Jose. Future talks will be held on the second Monday of each month and include everything from organic artichokes to endangered zebras, self-driving cars to Shakespeare. All are welcome.

Museums In and Near Milpitas

I’m not counting the “collection” in our garage, no I’m not! As some of you know, we homeschooled our son. So I’m going to talk about our favorite “field trips” in the area. I’m going to focus on museums for children and the young at heart.

Park and History Museum Plans
Park and History Museum Plans

Plans for Milpitas History Museum

Milpitas is the only large city in Santa Clara County without a museum.

Locating a museum next door to the Milpitas Public Library and Municipal Parking Garage is ideal and must be preserved.

The Children's Discovery Museum
The Children’s Discovery Museum

The Children’s Discovery Museum

We were members for years when Scott was younger, going to the BIG PURPLE BUILDING where they “let you play in the street” almost once a month. Well, the “street motif” is gone, but the newer design provides room for more hands-on exhibits. The Children’s Discovery Museum is easily reached by the Light Rail, stopping right in front of the building. Getting there by train doubles the fun. The museum is located on Woz Way, named after Apple Computer’s inventor, Steve Wozniak, who was the prime benefactor for the museum. The museum is supported by individual and corporate members.

Children are encouraged to get right in exhibits and think and play with the concepts. Interactive workshops are scheduled for Sunday afternoons.

180 Woz WaySan Jose, CA 95110

Contact the Children’s Discovery Museum for more information. Their phone number is 408-298-5437.

Irvingtonian Landscape
Irvingtonian Landscape

Children’s Natural History Museum

Irvington Fossils. This fossil collection was excavated in the 1940’s-60’s in a quarry located in the Irvington area of Fremont by a group of young boys. The collection of fossils included mammoths, sabertooth cats, giant cave bears, dire wolves, camels, western horses, sloths, and pronghorn antelopes.

4074 Eggers Dr.Fremont, CA 94536
510-790-6284

Charlie Caplin
Charlie Caplin

Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum

Best time to visit is Saturday evenings when they show a double feature of classic silent movies. The town of Niles was the Hollywood of the silent movie era, and movies by Charlie Chaplin and Broncho Billy were made in the area. Tours of the town to see the old film day buildings are also available. The whole area is considered historic. You can also ride a train up the Niles Canyon, once scenery for cowboy movies. Map of best things to do in Niles.

We offer weekday tours and activities for school groups that will fill their day of fun in Niles.

NESFM Tour offers:

  • A viewing of one or two silent films made in Niles by Broncho Billy and Charlie Chaplin
  • A brief talk on early film making history and Niles role in it.
  • A tour of the Edison Theatre c1913, Museum exhibits and the original tin lined projection booth.
  • A “Zoetrope”, (moving pictures) workshop where the students get to make their own moving picture strip.
  • A guided walking tour of the historic Niles district with our local historian / docents.
The Tech
The Tech Museum of Science & Innovation

The Tech

Now the Scott’s a teenager, The Tech Museum of Science & Innovation is by far the coolest museum in Silicon Valley. Upon entering, he makes a beeline for the submersible robots on the bottom floor.

Second Sunday each month is free admission.

We also like to see whatever movie is playing at the IMAX theater.

If you can’t make it to The Tech today, visit their online exhibits and mess around with science for a bit.

The Tech has STEAM activities for home education.

The Tech Interactive
201 S. Market St.
San Jose, CA 95113

Intel Museum
Intel Museum

The Intel Museum

At the Intel Museum in Santa Clara, you can experience the power of computer chips first hand, and the evolution of their development. Explore the pages of the site and interact with our Web movies to learn more about the museum and computer chips.

Intel Corporation’s Robert Noyce Building, Main Lobby
2200 Mission College Boulevard
Santa Clara, California
95052-8119
408-765-0503</a>

Display at the Computer History Museum
Computer History Museum

The Computer History Museum

Spend a day at the Computer History Museum. Find out why computer history is 2000 years old. Learn about computer history´s game-changers in our multimedia exhibitions. Play a game of Pong or Spacewar! Listen to computer pioneers tell their story from their own perspective. Discover the roots of today´s Internet and mobile devices. See over 1,100 historic artifacts, including some of the very first computers from the 1940s and 1950s.
1401 N. Shoreline Blvd
Mountain View, CA 94043

650-810-1010

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo

An affordable, sustainable, conservation-centered outdoor adventure for families with children.

Come play with us! The education department at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo encourages children of all ages to embrace their wild side. Join us as we explore our natural world and make new friends!

In the 1950’s, people from all over the USA fell in love with Disneyland, and wanted some place like Disneyland in their home town. Jaycees, Alden Campen and Ernie Renzel (former Mayor of San Jose) took this dream to heart, and following Oakland’s lead (the creation of Oakland’s Fairyland), approached City “fathers” in 1956 with the idea of developing a children’s park on property owned and for sale by the Kelley Family.

Beginning the week of Oct. 4, 2021, Happy Hollow’s new operating hours will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This schedule will continue through the fall and will be reevaluated as we approach the winter holidays.

Parking Lot at 748 Story Road, San Jose.

O'Brian's at the San Jose Historical Museum
O’Brian’s at the San Jose Historical Museum

San Jose Historical Museum

When you’ve completed your stay at the park and zoo, take the little train over to the San Jose Historical Museum, which is more of a city than a “museum.” I think all the historic buildings in the area are hauled here, renovated, and then opened to visitors. Children will like the horse drawn trolley rides and O’Brian’s Candy Store. The dentist office will help them appreciate their dentist even more!

1650 Senter Road
San José, CA 95112

Phone: 408-287-2290

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

Egyptian Museum

A four year old once told me he didn’t believe in mummies, so I took him along with us to the Egyptian Museum. Maybe ghosts are debatable, but mummies are in abundance here! The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, architecturally inspired by the Temple of Amon at Karnak, houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in the western United States — including objects from pre dynastic times through Egypt’s early Islamic era.

Planetarium: Journey to the Stars 2:00 pm every day
Tomb Tours: Wed – Sun
1660 Park Avenue
San Jose, CA 95126

Winchester Mystery House
Winchester Mystery House

Winchester Mystery House

No feature about area museums would be complete without a note about our most famous tourist trap/historical house. You are kept waiting for the next tour in the gift shop, so it’s a bit hard not to spend more than you intended.

Not many remember, but the Winchesters not only invented rifles but also roller skates! One section of the store is dedicated to a “museum” of the inventions of Mr. Winchester. If you stick to this end of the premise before the house tour, you’ll have a much less expensive stay.

The mansion was continuously under construction for the life of its owner, Sarah Winchester. I’ll let the link tell the story. What is myth and what is fact is frequently debated locally. It’s an especially spooky place to visit in October and open all night on Halloween.

Directions:
525 S Winchester Blvd.
San Jose, CA 95128

Milpitas Camera Club

About the Milpitas Camera Club
Photographer Kaz (right) has organized local camera enthusiasts interested in meeting monthly or more often to share photography tips and occasionally go on photographic field trips. Ann Zeise was co-founder. The club was founded in 2004.Kaz

All are welcome to visit our meetings, and friends of members may go along on field trips. Membership allows you to join competitions and shows, and to get our newsletter and participate in our galleries.

At this time, due to Covid-19, beginning September 14, 2021, the meetings will be held hybrid. Information is being sent out to members with the Zoom link shortly before each meeting. Those who are fully vaccinated and not likely to die from Covid, may attend meetings live.

Next Meeting:
Our meetings are
on the second Tuesday of each month
at the Police Administration Bldg.
Community Room
1275 N. Milpitas Blvd.
At 7:00 p.m. (Social begins at 6:30 p.m., and sometimes at 6 p.m. at Taqueria Las Vegas, 1417 N Milpitas Blvd.)
We are not allowed to bring in snacks like before, so eat before you arrive.

Recent Print Show Judging

Enjoy some of our galleries at these links:

Some definitions for photos entered for judging:

  • General-A and General-B: Members choose their category (A=advanced or B=beginner). Almost anything goes. Evaluation will be based primarily on pictorial content with the only restriction being that subject matter should not be offensive to the average adult audience.
  • Monochrome: black and white, sepia, or any other shades of one color and white
  • Travel: Expresses the feeling of a time and place, and portray a land, its people, or a culture in its natural state. Techniques that add to, relocate, replace or remove any element of the original image, except by cropping, are not permitted. Techniques that enhance the presentation of the image, without changing the photo travel content, are permitted. All adjustments must appear natural. Titles are part of the story and will be read during judging. They should be an accurate description of the subject.
  • Creative is an image of altered reality, produced by use of tools or techniques to manipulate the image during any part of the work flow. Emphasis in this Division is placed upon creativity and originality.
  • Mobile images must be taken and edited on a mobile device, such as a smart phone or tablet. Images taken on a GoPro or a drone would be in this category unless the topic fits well in one of the others.

How to print labels for print sharing:
* Attach one label to each to print (upper left corner on backside): attach labels
* Supply a second label with each print (to be removed): sharing labels

Where to submit digital photos for meetings or shows:
Photo Pursuits
Members only with ID and password.

To Join or get More Information: Contact our membership chairs,
membership@milpitascamera.com


Milpitas Camera Club Photography Show 2010.
Music played by the Milpitas Community Band. Music from 1901. Recorded on my iPhone! Ann Zeise.

Milpitas Camera Club

Past Field Trip Reports
Look here if you would like to find interesting places to snap some great photos where we have gone before!

Milpitas Camera Club Favorite Links

MEMBERS’ GALLERIES

Robert Burrill
Over the years, Burrill’s vision was greatly sharpened, his technique refined with exceptional emphasis on composition and historical importance. Today he is busy digitally printing his own fine art photographs, wrote two books on local history, and makes and distributes films in DVD depicting the magic of art and the creative process.

Dave’s pictures
Our member Dave posts his photos from field trips here.

Jim Melton’s Photo Galleries
Jim has some instructional photos here, as well as lots of animals and flowers.

Ann Zeise’s Photos on Facebook
Photos posted on Ann’s Wall from newest to oldest. She shoots and edits mobile.

PHOTO CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENTS

CAMERA CLUBS

Fremont Art Association Digital Photography Group
Over the course of the next year we have 10 free field trips, a critique session, and an entry level photo class. These events occur on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Contact Cooksey, (510) 742-0548.

EXCLUSIVELY DIGITAL CAMERAS

Digital Outback Photo
Fine art outdoor photography using digital cameras.

Digital Photography Review
Where you’ll find all the latest in digital photography and imaging news, reviews of the latest digital cameras and accessories, the most active discussion forums, a large selection of sample images, a digital camera buyers guide, side-by-side comparisons and the most comprehensive database of digital camera features and specifications.

ETCETERA, colors, profiles, etc.
Digital camera profiles, colors, and more.

Steve’s Digicams
Digital camera reviews, amateur to professional, latest industry news, digital camera discussion board, Digital Photo of the Day, photo-quality printers, image scanners, digital video, video capture devices.

GENERAL PHOTOGRAPHY SITES

Photo.net
Learn and share photos and tips.

WHERE WE CAN’T STOOT PHOTOS

Stanford University Film, Photography and Video Requests
The University recently stepped up enforcement of its photography policy, leaving photographers uncertain about whether they are technically allowed to photograph Stanford landmarks. Security guards patrolling the Main Quad and other campus landmarks have been instructed to question the intent of individuals with professional camera equipment.

Dance Troops in Milpitas & Silicon Valley

Milpitas has a rich heritage of dance troops. Children can learn to dance, often in their own culture, and adults can find others and places to go dancing. Sometimes the library holds dances, too.

Aria Studio
Yelp. I’m a bit of an introvert so joining a dance class seemed intimidating at first, but it’s not at all. The owner and the staff here are very friendly.
1535 Landess Ave. Ste 106
(925) 997-3011

remodelingBallet Folklorico
Hispanic culture dance lessons and performance group based in San Jose.
311 North Capitol Avenue, San Jose, CA 95133
408-807-3043

Dance Dil Se
Bollywood Dance Musical, stage theater production company.
Address vaguely given as being on South Park Victoria Dr.
408-800-5237

Fancy Dancers
A community-based youth dance company currently celebrating more than a decade of dance.
1491 N. Milpitas Blvd.
408-262-0770

Jensen’s School for the Performing Arts
The School features five state of the art studios under one roof. This large facility allows us to offer one of the most extensive and diverse programs in the area.
1491 N. Milpitas Blvd.
To register for classes, call 408-262-0770

Mona Khan Company
Bollywood Redefined. Unmatched quality, artistic and creative direction in the studio and on stage.
473 Jacklin Rd
408-826-8247

University of Silicon Andhra
Its mission of providing the highest quality academic programs is inseparable from its mission of developing new understandings of ancient Indian arts, languages and culture through research and creativity.
1521 California Circle
Contact numbers

Veksler Academy of Music & Dance
We have music lessons & dance classes at a variety of times so that you can book classes for different children at the same time to save you hours of driving and waiting time.
91 S Abbott Ave
669-252-0277

Dance Events

Let’s go Salsa, Swing, and Blues dancing in San Francisco!
It’s simple, join THIS group to find Bay Area dance venues and events!

Salsa Dance Events SF Bay Area Salsa Dancing Clubs and Events
Join the SalsaCrazy SF Bay Area Salsa Dance Events group. This group covers events and news from all over the San Francisco Bay Area.

See also: Music in Milpitas
Whether you wish to learn to play an instrument or sing beautifully, or just come to hear some wonderful music or find a venue to play in, welcome to the world of Milpitas Music!

Verified by MonsterInsights