Your Silicon Valley Weekend: March 20-22 -- First Day of Spring, Cherry Blossoms and Outdoor Fun
Your Silicon Valley Weekend: March 20-22
First Day of Spring, Cherry Blossoms and Outdoor Fun
This Friday marks the spring equinox—the official first day of spring. And Silicon Valley is ready to celebrate. We're talking perfect weather for outdoor adventures, cherry blossoms starting their bloom across the Bay Area, live music and entertainment, and fresh farmers market produce. Whether you're into live comedy, professional sports, hiking with a view, or farmers market wandering, we've got your weekend covered.
Live Entertainment and Sports
If you're looking for a night out, Silicon Valley's got some fantastic options this weekend.
Stand-Up Comedy: Bobby Lee
Comedian Bobby Lee (known for MADtv, the Bad Friends podcast, and Tiger Belly) is performing at San Jose Improv this weekend. He's a comedy legend who brings high-energy, crowd-engaging humor. Showtimes are Friday March 20 at 7:30pm and 9:45pm, and Saturday March 21 at 7pm and 9:30pm. 21+ event. It's a perfect night out for those who appreciate classic comedy with a modern edge. Tickets available at improv.com/sanjose.
San Jose Sharks vs Philadelphia Flyers
If hockey is your game, catch the Sharks taking on Philadelphia this Saturday, March 21 at 1:00pm at SAP Center. Weekend day games are perfect for families, and you'll catch some intense playoff-caliber hockey during a critical stretch of the season. The energy at SAP Center is always electric.
Foreigner and Rock Orchestra
If you're a rock fan, Foreigner (with Rock Orchestra) is performing at San Jose Civic Auditorium on Sunday, March 22 at 4:00pm. Nothing beats a classic rock show with live orchestral arrangements. This is a must-see for fans of 1980s rock and timeless ballads.
Matilda The Musical
Looking for family-friendly entertainment? Matilda is performing at the Roberta Jones Junior Theatre at Mission City Center for Performing Arts in Santa Clara. Performances run Friday through Sunday, March 20-22. It's a wonderfully imaginative show that appeals to kids and adults alike.
Get Outside: Spring Hikes and Nature
Spring hiking season is in full swing with wildflowers beginning to bloom along local trails. Photo: Unsplash
Spring is the absolute best season for hiking in Silicon Valley. Temps are perfect, wildflowers are blooming, and trails that were muddy in winter are now dry and pristine. Here are four incredible hikes to explore this weekend:
Fremont Older Open Space Preserve
Located in Cupertino, this park has shaded trails through oak woodlands. The main loop is about 5 miles and offers valley views. Pro tip: Get there early—parking fills up fast on spring weekends.
Almaden Quicksilver County Park
With over 4,000 acres, this Los Gatos-area park offers miles of trails through rolling hills. Spring wildflowers are abundant. The Alamitos Trail offers moderate difficulty and stunning views of the Santa Clara Valley.
Alum Rock Park
One of the easiest hikes near San Jose, with shaded trails and valley views. The 2-mile Overlook Trail is perfect for a quick morning hike. Creek crossings add to the spring experience.
Santa Teresa County Park
The Coyote Peak Trail is a moderate 4-mile loop with 800 feet of elevation gain. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mount Diablo. Wildflowers and oak-dotted slopes make this a spring must-do.
Cherry Blossoms Are Starting to Bloom
While peak season is still a few weeks away (late March through mid-April), cherry blossoms are beginning their spectacular show. Head to Cupertino Memorial Park, which will host the official Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival on April 25-26, or explore Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos, where Japanese cherry trees dot the shoreline. Even in early bloom, they're worth the visit.
Farmers Markets and Fresh Food
Spring farmers markets are in full swing with fresh produce, flowers, and local prepared foods. Photo: Unsplash
Make This Weekend a Farmers Market Tour
Spring is when farmers markets really come alive. Spring greens, asparagus, strawberries, and fresh herbs are all hitting the stands. Support local farmers while you stock up on the season's best produce.
Arts, Culture, and Family Fun
Triton Museum of Art
Located at 1505 Warburton Ave in Santa Clara, the Triton Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00am to 4:30pm. Best part? Free admission. They feature rotating contemporary art exhibitions and have beautiful outdoor sculpture gardens perfect for a spring stroll.
de Saisset Museum at Santa Clara University
Open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4:00pm, also free admission. This smaller museum has an excellent collection of art and offers a quieter, more intimate experience than larger Bay Area museums. The campus itself is beautiful in spring.
Theater: Matilda and Beyond
Beyond Matilda, check out what's playing at local community theaters and performing arts centers. Spring is a great time for local theater productions, and you'll often discover hidden gems that rival Broadway-level productions.
Looking Ahead: The Cherry Blossom Season Approaches
While this weekend offers early cherry blossoms, the real cherry blossom season is coming. Mark your calendar for April 25-26 when Cupertino hosts the official Cherry Blossom Festival. The San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival runs April 11-12 if you're willing to venture over the hill.
These festivals celebrate Japanese culture with food, entertainment, crafts, and of course, thousands of blooming cherry trees. They're Silicon Valley traditions worth experiencing.
Spring Weekend FAQs
What time should I arrive at farmers markets?
Get there at 9:00am or 9:15am when markets open. The best produce and prepared foods go quickly, and parking is easiest early. By 11:00am, parking can be tight and popular items sell out.
Are cherry blossoms worth seeing if they're not in peak bloom?
Absolutely. Early blooms create a beautiful, delicate look. Plus, the crowds are much smaller before peak season. If you wait until late March, parks can get very busy, especially weekends.
Which hike is best for beginners?
Start with Alum Rock Park's Overlook Trail. It's shaded, manageable, and gives you confidence for longer hikes. Once you conquer that, move up to Fremont Older's main loop or Santa Teresa's Coyote Peak.
Is March 20 really the first day of spring?
Yes! The spring equinox happens on March 19 or 20 each year (depending on the year and your timezone). This year, it's Friday, March 20. It's the day when day and night are roughly equal length, marking the official start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
Make This Your Spring Season
The weekend is yours to explore. Whether you hike, visit farmers markets, catch live entertainment, or simply enjoy the blooming trees, spring is the best time to experience what makes Silicon Valley special. Tag us in your adventures at @bradbellrealty and let us know where you spent your first day of spring.
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