Big Changes Coming to St. James Park in San Jose

TAYLOR LAMBERT January 5, 2026

Years ago, I lived in Downtown San Jose near Japantown and used to walk by St. James Park all the time. I always thought it could be such a cool park, right in the heart of downtown, but there was and still is a large homeless population and some other characters I didn’t totally want to run into.

So much potential, but not a lot of people are laying down blankets and picnic blankets.

If you’re not familiar, SJP is a huge park just a block east of San Pedro Square Market, and it really is beautiful.

Well, good news. St. James Park might finally be getting its glow up!

The City of San Jose is moving forward with a long-planned revitalization aimed at turning the park into a place people actually want to spend time, not just walk past quickly while avoiding eye contact.

The centerpiece of the plan is an outdoor concert venue expected to host 40 to 50 free live shows each year. Think music, families, food, blankets on the grass, yes, actual picnics, and a lot more regular foot traffic. The redesign also includes better lighting, upgraded landscaping, gathering spaces, play areas, dog-friendly zones, and more consistent programming.

Earlier last year, the City Council approved a major funding and partnership agreement to move things forward. Final designs are wrapping up now, with construction potentially starting in 2026 and a full opening targeted for 2027 to 2028.

Will it fix everything overnight? Probably not. But more activity, more events, and more eyes on the park could dramatically change the vibe. Just getting people there is important, and could really draw more visitors to downtown San Jose.

Downtown San Jose has been stacking small wins lately, and if this project comes together as planned, St. James Park could finally become the central gathering space it was always meant to be.

Hope you had a great holiday season! Happy New Year!