Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park

The Plaza de Cesar Chavez is a park located on Post Street near restaurants and historic landmarks. The park is just over two acres and was named after Cesar Chavez, but was originally called The Plaza and then the Pueblo Plaza. The park is probably best known for the music festivals hosted within its confines at various times throughout the year. There are also a variety of arts and crafts festivals, cultural events and culinary shows that are hosted in the park. San Jose's official Christmas Tree is located in the park and every year there is a tree lighting and holiday ceremony that is attended by people throughout the San Jose community. From the lighting through the first of the year, the park hosts the Christmas in the Park event. Each Thursday during the summer visitors come all over the community to attend evening concerts. Plaza de Cesar Chavez is also home to the San Jose Jazz Festival's main stage. The park is also home to a number of water fountains and an open air theater. South Market Street is nearby and features the San Jose Museum of Art, the Tech Museum of Innovation, the Fairmont San Jose Hotel and the Circle of Palms Plaza. From 1849 to 1851 the park was the site of the California state capitol. This time period was important because it was during these years California gained its statehood.