On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, in more than 120 countries around the world, musicians young and old, amateur and professional, of every musical persuasion — will pour onto streets, parks, plazas, and porches to share their music with friends, neighbors, and strangers.

San José is taking part – wanna join?

Launched in 1982 in France, Make Music has become an international event and the City of San José has been proud to lead the local edition of Make Music since 2017.

Make Music San José is open to anyone who wants to take part. People get together in their neighborhoods and create musical events in a do-it-yourself fashion. Venues can be anywhere, and performers can be anyone. No cost to register or attend. All events are free and open to the public.

Performances have taken place at community centers, parks and libraries. This year there will also be music at hub spots including the Mexican Heritage Plaza, Eastridge mall and Downtown San José.

With free events and performances across the city from sunrise to sunset, Make Music San José has something for everyone.

“As a past performer for Make Music San José, I would say that the event is a day we erase boundaries....I got to play the street piano that was painted by local artist Force129 for anyone who passed by that afternoon, especially our unhoused community members who frequent St. James Park. In 2022, my organization hosted a lineup of musicians who ran the gamut of ages and linguistic and musical cultures. We created a performance space without any stage, and it looked and sounded fantastic.” - Esther Young, Musician

Would you like to host a musician or perform?

Anyone can host music! A venue host can be your back porch, a local business, café, church, school or a non-conventional space to gather. Sign up on our Make Music San José site and start matching with local artists today.

Anyone can perform! We welcome musicians of all levels, from students, community bands, professional musicians and everything in between. If you would like to host a music workshop, gather your friends around for a jam session or celebrate Karaoke style, you are welcome to sign up on the Make Music San José website today.

Register by May 21 to get your event listed in the print program!

“I've participated in Make Music San José for several years now as a performer. What's exciting about this event is the accessibility and diverse representation that it typically has. With the weather projections looking good and some of the programming this year, I truly believe this could be one of the best Make Music Days San José has had yet! “ - Francis Experience, Musician

For more information or if you have any questions about Make Music San José 2023, visit the event website or contact Danielle Siembieda, Senior Arts Manager with the Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) at danielle.siembieda@sanjoseca.gov. Follow OCA on Instagram at @SJCulture.