Events Around the Bay
Enjoy and don’t miss!
The captivating enchantment of the 2-hour spectacular show featuring the diverse talents of over 70 performing artists presented by the International Performing Arts of America Arts Festival at the architecturally stunning California Theater in downtown San Jose.
Under the brilliant direction of IPAA Artistic Director Yang Yang and the world-famous guest choreographer Dennis Nahat, this year’s festival offers a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their individual artistry, fostering collaborations and spontaneous interactions that lead to magical moments.
IPAA’s 2025 annual performance is designed as an intermingling platform for various dance troupes, musicians, and multi-media artists from around the world. Performances include artists from the United States, Japan, Chinese Classical Dance, Martial Arts, Peking Opera, Ballet, Violin and Opera, African, Latin, and Peruvian traditions.
It features IPAA’s 30 local professional dancers and various Bay Area artists contributing their time and talents to produce this spectacular event — a sparkling tribute to the arts from around the world. The IPAA company was founded in commemoration of the life and legacy of the Bay Area’s legendary arts advocate Ann Woo.
Information:
Tickets: www.intperformingarts.org
Phone: 408-605-3217
Photos courtesy of IPAA
San José Chamber Orchestra presents “The Many Colors Of Her”
October 19, 2025 at 7 p.m.
San José Chamber Orchestra (SJCO), under the baton of conductor Barbara Turner, presents its 2025–2026 season opening concert featuring a world premiere by Emily Onderdonk.
Violist and composer Emily Onderdonk, from the San Francisco Bay Area, began as a composition major before focusing on viola performance at the Manhattan School of Music. Her eclectic career includes performances with the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Ballet, Opéra National de Lyon, and more. Her music blends Baroque snippets, funk rhythms, big band, 70’s soul, and contemporary harmonies — always centered on rhythm and groove.
Information:
Tickets: sjco.org | 408-295-4416
Where: St Francis Episcopal Church, 1205 Pine Avenue, San José
Photos courtesy of the artist and SJCO
Symphonic Spooktacular – Presented by Symphony San Jose
October 25–26, 2025
This season features timeless classics and thrilling new discoveries perfect for the entire family. Join everyone’s favorite vampire, Peter “the Count” Jaffe, for the Symphony San Jose’s Spooktacular concert.
Back by popular demand with an all-new lineup of mysterious and macabre melodies, ghostly harmonies, and spine-tingling masterpieces, this concert will get you into the Halloween spirit. Costumes are welcome! Show off your attire, participate in the costume parade, and win prizes — all while enjoying a fabulous symphony performance.
Information:
symphonysanjose.org
Phone: 408-286-2600
Photo courtesy of Symphony SJ
Día De Los Muertos Festivity at Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco
November 1, 2025 at 3 p.m.
The San Francisco Symphony celebrates Día De Los Muertos with concerts, lobby installations, and community activities conducted by Lina González-Granados. The concert features music by Ricardo Castro, Paul Desenne, Gabriela Lena Frank, Jimmy López, Arturo Márquez, and Gabriela Ortiz, with cellist Santiago Cañón-Valencia and dancers from Casa Círculo Cultural.
Every year, Davies Symphony Hall transforms with immersive art installations and altars built by local artists to honor both the living and the deceased. Families can enjoy preconcert activities, live catrinas, and interactive altars.
Information:
Tickets: sfsymphony.org | 415-864-6000
Tickets are 50% off for children and young adults under 18.
Presented in partnership with the San Francisco Arts Commission.
Photos courtesy of SF Symphony
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LOBBY ACTIVITIES
Starting at 1:30 p.m., guests can enjoy art and family activities in the decorated Davies Symphony Hall lobbies — from sugar-skull decorating and mariachi music to children’s workshops led by Bay Area artists. Bilingual docents will guide visitors through installations celebrating Día de los Angelitos (“Day of the Little Angels”).
IMMERSIVE LOBBY ART
Art installations and altars by local artists honor the lives and memories of children through themes of love, protection, and remembrance. Highlights include:
- Memory Forest by AccessSFUSD: The Arc
- Symphony of Bones by Casa Círculo Cultural
- Faces that Speak by Victor Cartagena & Creativity Explored
- Echoes of Innocence by Fernando Escartiz
- Semillas de Luz by The Marigold Project
VISUAL ARTISTS & COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Featuring works and leadership by artists such as Adrián Arias, Victoria Araiza, Fernando Escartiz, Martha Rodríguez-Salazar, and Irma Ortiz. Collaborations include Casa Círculo Cultural, Community Music Center, and San Francisco Arts Commission.
Information:
Concert tickets (including preconcert activities): $27.50–175
sfsymphony.org | 415-864-6000
Tickets 50% off for ages under 18.
By Lina Broydo
