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International Mother Language Celebration
Free Event – 12:30pm – 4pm
Cadence Amphitheatre – enter through side entrance

Join us as we host an afternoon of art, language and dance with a free program sponsored by Abierto, H&A in Action, Alborz Academy, and iSF. There will be art workshops, face painting, an art exhibition*, cultural performances, and much more to celebrate.

Cultural dance performances: 1-3pm
Art workshops with Behnaz Art: 12:15pm – 2:15pm

*An art exhibition will take place inside the Children’s Discovery Museum Theatre but will require a paid admission through the Museum’s front entrance.

Juneteenth Community Celebration
Monday, June 19
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Let’s celebrate African-American culture together with our partner, Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF). Watch a variety of short animated films, find your rhythm during a drumming workshop, and catch the beat by making your very own drum to practice at home. Discover the vast richness of the African Diaspora through a mix of short films created for children by seasoned and emerging filmmakers that will run throughout the day. Drummer Pope Flyne, a Ghanaian-born performer, composer, and educator, will lead a drumming workshop and invite you to try your hand at some traditional African drums. Then top off the day by making your own percussion instrument!

Silicon Valley African Film Festival Selections

About SVAFF

Silicon Valley African Film Festival
Africa through the African lens!
13th annual SVAFF, October 13-16, 2022
http://www.svaff.org

We stand strong together.

Proud of My Family
Saturday, June 3
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
 
Adding a positive voice to the national narrative around inclusion and diversity, Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose hosts its eighth annual Proud of My Family event. Visitors will enjoy activities designed to celebrate all types of families, especially LGBTQ+ parents, relatives, and friends. The museum’s Proud of My Family event is one of the few Pride events that is held every year for young children and their families.

The event fosters understanding and builds awareness of family diversity while recognizing that families come in all configurations and what binds people together are the shared hopes and dreams for their children and their futures.
 

Performers

Ryan, aka Christopher Milan, has been a member of the Ballroom community for many years. He has been walking (and winning) the Old Way category since 2013. He has also been learning and sharing the unique history of Ballroom taught to him by the many pioneers, icons, and legends that have graced his Ballroom experience. Christopher served as Father of the House of Energi and then Amor for over a decade before closing the doors on those Houses. Recently, Christopher returned to the runway after nearly a year off and debuted as a member of the royal, iconic House of Milan! Christopher is passionate about preserving and sharing both Ballroom history and Vogue movement. He’s excited to Vogue with you and your family as we celebrate Proud of My Family day at Children’s Discovery Museum, San Jose.
 

Day of Activities:

• Make rainbow streamers to spin, twirl, and whirl.
• March in the visitor parade.
• Rainbow Reflections: Learn the meaning behind the Pride Flag colors with a scavenger hunt.
• Strike a pose to make lasting family memories with a commemorative photo.
• Craft a rainbow and magical designs on faces, hands, and arms with paint in the Museum’s Face Painting Room.
• Move and groove in the Rainbow Dance Zone.

The program was created in partnership with the museum’s LGBTQ advisory committee and is part of the museum’s Cultural Competence strategic commitment. The museum was the recipient of the prestigious Diversity, Equity, Access and Inclusion Award in 2020 by the professional association American Alliance of Museums, which represents over 5,000 museums of all disciplines.

2021 Livestream Celebration

Additional Resources from the Museum’s Minds in Bloom blog

Family Diversity: Talking to Children About LGBTQ Topics

Representation is Everything! Gender & Family Diversity in Children’s Books

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

HIGHLIGHTS FROM PAST EVENTS

Art Projects

Bring the whole family to this popular celebration of Vietnamese culture!

Children of the Dragon
Saturday, April 29
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Explore some of the rich Vietnamese traditions at this festive celebration. Don’t miss the thrilling Lion and Dragon dances from Yun Yee Tong USA – a spectacular favorite among museum visitors and staff. Make a dragon puppet, pose for a commemorative family photo in a xich-lo, and stop by the theatre to watch a short video to learn more about Vietnamese cultural heritage and the legend of Children of the Dragon.

Art Activity in the LeRoy Neiman Art Studio

Cities and Celebrations! What do celebrations look like in your city? What shapes, colors and patterns might you see? Help us celebrate by layering shapes to create new and exciting skylines in 3 dimensions!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM PAST PROGRAMS

 
This celebration is created in partnership with the Museum’s Vietnamese Cultural Advisors.
 

The Museum is embarking on an exciting three-year project exploring Nowruz, the Persian New Year celebration of the spring equinox. Our goal is to develop a cultural festival and a Museum exhibition by co-creating these projects with individuals and organizations that celebrate Nowruz.

NOWRUZ AROUND THE WORLD CELEBRATION

 
Sunday, March 12, 2023
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Discover the beautiful customs and traditions of Nowruz, the Persian New Year celebration. Join us as we welcome the first day of Spring, new beginnings, and the renewal of nature with this ancient holiday observed by more than 300 million people around the world. Enjoy traditional music and dance, learn about the Haft-sin table arrangement, and engage in hands-on art activities to honor the Spring Equinox that kicks off the ‘new day’ celebration.

This first-time event is a pilot program and part of a Museum-led three-year planning project to develop an exhibition and annual cultural event celebrating the holiday Nowruz.
 

Receive a FREE MUSEUM VAXPASS with vaccination!

(Good for one Museum visit for up to eight people through March 31, 2023)

The Museum is teaming up with the Stanford Flu Crew to support families in the fight against COVID-19 by offering two free vaccination clinics for anyone age 6 months and up. Stanford Flu Crew will provide vaccines for children (ages 6 months and up), parents, grandparents, co-workers and friends.

Here’s what you need to know.

Walk-ups only on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are not necessary and cannot be made.

Children must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver over the age of 12. The responsible caregiver must stay with the minor for the duration of their time at the clinic (registration, vaccination, and observation).

The vaccinations are free and no insurance is required.

First and second doses are available for all eligible people, starting at age 6 months and up. Boosters are also available.

Proof of immigration status is not required.

The Museum is closed today due to severe weather in the area.

Saturday, February 4
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Kick off the Year of the Rabbit in Chinese culture and the Year of the Cat in Vietnamese culture at our annual Lunar New Year celebration bringing together Chinese and Vietnamese traditions.

Create your own branch of beautiful flowers to symbolize health, prosperity, and good fortune in the coming year, signifying the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Be thrilled by the magnificent and ever-popular Lion Dance by Yun Yee Tong USA, as we welcome in the new year together.
 

Explore, investigate, and create!

Let’s play, learn and grow together with kindness!

 
New Year’s Day: One play session – 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
 

Bring the whole family to this popular celebration of Latino culture!

El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos / Three Kings Day

Saturday, January 7, 2023
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Join us for festive fun with the three kings and more at the 25th annual celebration! Make and decorate a crown, enjoy lively and traditional Mariachi youth performers and folklórico dance, delight in gifts (chocolate coins) handed out by the kings, and learn how to make real tortillas. Plus, share your talents during our “Open Mic” sessions. Recognized widely by many cultures around the world, and observed in many Spanish-speaking countries, the Feast of the Three Kings honors the Epiphany. The day is traditionally celebrated with family, food, gift-giving, and a Rosca de Reyes (sweet bread or King’s Cake).

Performances

Morning Session:
11:00 a.m. Mariachi México
11:35 a.m. Los Lupeños Juvenil
12:00 p.m. Open Mic

Afternoon Session:
3:00 p.m. Mariachi México
3:35 p.m. Brenda Lopez Folklórico Group
4:00 p.m. Open Mic

El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos one of most popular events of the year – mainly because of one individual who continues to dedicate himself to helping coordinate this yearly celebration. Arturo Medina recruited and led in the original Advisory Group more than 25 years ago and remains the main force behind the Tres Reyes event today. Read more >>

This program was made possible, in part, by a Cultural Affairs grant from the City of San Jose.

Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is supported in part by an American Rescue Plan Act grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support general operating expenses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM PAST EVENTS

Three Kings

 
This celebration is created in partnership with the Museum’s Latino Cultural Advisors.

 
SoCal’s most popular family event returns to the Bay Area this fall with a day-long takeover at the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose! The event will be open in two sessions:

• Session 1: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Session 2: 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

What You’ll Experience:

• Full access to the museum and all of its current exhibits for the day plus special one day only interactive experiences for kids
• Live entertainment in both the indoor and outdoor theaters including performances by the Beat Buds, princess meet + greets, bubble + magic shows, storytimes and more!
• Samples, gear demos and giveaways, healthy family brands, local resources and educational booths

 
The Museum will have a special ticketed event on Sunday November 13 as the Museum plays host to Aussie Bib’s Great Big Family Play Day presented by Osmo. This means all Members and the general public will need to purchase tickets directly from the organizer on the Great Big Family Play Day website.
 

 
A special event for children with autism ages 2-15 and their families, Play Your Way is an opportunity to relax, have fun, and learn.

Play Your Way This Halloween
Monday, October 31
4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Join us for Halloween family fun at this fall’s Play Your Way event designed for children with autism, ages 2-15, and their families.

It’s going to be a frighteningly fangtastic time with sensory activities, an “It’s Time to Boo-gie” Monster Mash Dance Zone, and a healthy treat trail in Bill’s Backyard. Make sure to dress up in your fave Halloween costumes, so you can capture a family memory in front of our spooktacular backdrop.

The event is being held in the early evening with limited attendance so your child can enjoy all the fun things the museum has to offer, just with fewer people and less noise and bright lights. Our goal is for your family to have a positive experience… not to mention, a wickedly awesome time!

$5 per person, infants under 1 are free
Advance registration is required.

Social Story: Text and pictures to gain familiarity about your visit to the Museum Download

The evening is part of the Museum’s longstanding Autism Initiative.

Performance Times

October 1st
11:00 a.m. – 45 minutes to one hour
3:00 p.m. – 45 minutes to one hour

After a little Fall break week for museum upgrades, join us back at the museum for interactive fun with the Grammy Award Nominated performer, David Sharpe! David Sharpe, AKA PapaHugs, has performed for thousands of children around the country at libraries, children’s museums, festivals, and more. All of his music comes from the observation of all the wonderful and imaginative things children say and do. Many of his songs have been influenced by his experiences with his own children and grandchildren. Get ready to jump, clap, sing, and move along!

Receive a FREE MUSEUM VAXPASS!

(Good for one Museum visit for up to eight people the day of the clinic or through January 29, 2023. One pass per vaccinated family.)

The Museum is teaming up with the Stanford Flu Crew to support families in the fight against COVID-19 by offering two free vaccination clinics for anyone age 6 months and up. Stanford Flu Crew will provide vaccines for children (ages 6 months and up), parents, grandparents, co-workers and friends. Boosters available 5 months after last dose.

Learn More

Diwali: Festival of Lights

Saturday, October 22
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Let’s gather together for one of the most celebrated holidays in Indian culture. Discover the meaning and rich traditions of Diwali by making a Diya lamp and enjoying music and dance. Diwali is one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. The festival usually lasts five days and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika.

Hands-on Activity in the LeRoy Neiman Art Studio: Natural Illumination

Connecting with the Diwali and Día de los Muertos celebrations, artists will cut-out and color paper candles and flowers and transform them into 3D shapes to honor life, light, nature, and community.

Performances: 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Sindhu Shivani Ravuri has trained in Kuchipudi dance under the tutelage of Padmabhushans Raja, Radha and Kaushalya Reddy. She became one of the youngest dancers to be selected for the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival and has performed for the Parliament of India and Germany and received numerous awards, including an International Certificate of Recognition from UNESCO, placement in the Santa Clara County Youth Hall of Fame, YoungArts National Arts Award, and first place in Sony TV’s national Boogie Woogie competition. As one of few Indian American students trained by her gurus, she aims to integrate contemporary experiences and storytelling into Kuchipudi dance.

Indraadhanush – Center for Excellence has Odissi, Folk dances, Semi-classical, and Bollywood dances. The students are winners across prestigious dance competitions in Bay Area, CA. These Odissi dance students are certified by the Pracheen Kala Kendra, and Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal, India.

Video in the Theatre: Priya Raman AKA Miss Priya
 

Learn More about the Celebration

HIGHLIGHTS FROM PAST EVENTS

Meet the Artist

This celebration is created in partnership with the Museum’s South Asian Cultural Advisors

The museum is committed to promoting the region’s diversity through the Cultural Celebration Series so that families of all backgrounds can explore the many cultures and traditions in Silicon Valley. Cultural celebrations offer opportunities for building global awareness for people to explore and understand their cultural differences and similarities.

The series includes: Mid-Autumn Moon Festival,  Diwali Festival, Dia de los Muertos, Menorahs & Miracles, El Dia de Los Tres Reyes Magos, Lunar New Year, Children of the Dragon, Proud of My Family, and Juneteenth.