36th Annual Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival
April 27 & 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

No need to fly to Japan – this fun family festival honors Cupertino’s sister city relationship with Toyokawa, Japan by sharing Japanese arts, culture and food with the entire community. Spend a day watching the artistry of exquisite painters, talented performers, superb chefs and a parade of dancers colorfully adorned in Japanese costumes and lots of arts and crafts for kids of all ages. A delicious tea ceremony and a selection of delicate souvenirs await you. Sayonara.

Tickets and Information

Free admission; free parking at De Anza College (Lots A&B)
Cupertinocherryblossomfestival.org
Memorial Park at Quinlan Center
10185 Sterling Road in Cupertino

Photo courtesy of Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival

Find Your Heart with Tony Bennett in San Jose
May 3 at 8 p.m.

While Tony Bennett left his heart in San Francisco, you can find it in San Jose while the legendary crooner will sing his famous song “I Left my Heart in San Francisco” among a number of his popular songs. In 2017 the Library of Congress honored Tony Bennett with the prestigious Gershwin Prize for Popular Song during an all-star concert. Glad Tony Bennett will find his way to San Jose. Tony’s very special guest will be his daughter singer Antonia Bennett. Its all about love for Tony and the audience. It should definitely be a romantic evening.

Tickets and Information
Prices range from $77 to $92
1-800-745-3000
sanjosetheatres.org
City National Civic
135 San Carlos Street in San Jose

Photo courtesy of Larry Busacca

2019 Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame Enshrinement Gala
May 2 at 5 p.m.

A special celebration will take place on May 2 in San Francisco as five Bay Area Sports Legends: Tara VanDerveer(Basketball); Keena Turner (Football); Jason Kidd (Basketball); Brad Gilbrt (Tennis) and Dave Dravecky (Baseball) will be inducted into the 2019 Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame (BASHOF). If you are a major sports fun aficionado, enjoy meeting, chatting and taking photos with some of the most famous and outstanding sports personalities among this year’s inductees as well as the distinguished presenters, with Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, Eddie DeBartolo, Mario Alioto, Kate Payne among them. Don’t miss “The Biggest & Best” Sports Banquet in Town!

Tickets and Information
650-576-6370
Bashof.org
Proceeds go to helping at risk kids play sports
Westin St. Francis Hotel
Union Square in San Francisco

Photo of Tara VanDerveer courtesy of BASHOF

Beer Mitzvah
April 28, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Temple Israel of Alameda is celebrating craft beer coming of age at a “Beer Mitzvah” by offering a Jewish-themed beer festival while offering the attendees unlimited pours from 10-plus breweries, as well as two locally-crafted hard ciders. Sip. Taste. Vote for your favorite beer to be crowned as “The Chosen One.” Enjoy music, food, fun activities and a bake sale. You don’t need to be Jewish to attend. Everyone is welcome. Cheers!

Tickets and Information
Admission: $36 pp
Temple Israel of Alameda
3183 Mecartney Road in Alameda

Photo courtesy of Alameda Island Brewing Company

Lina Broydo immigrated from Russia, then the Soviet Union, to Israel where she was educated and got married. After working at the University in Birmingham, England, she and her husband immigrated to the United States. She lives in Los Altos Hills, CA and writes about travel, art, style, entertainment, and sports. She hardly cooks or bakes, with no borsch or piroshky on her home cooking menu. Therefore, she makes reservations and enjoys dining out, mostly sushi.