Entertainment Zones
Status Report
A status report on the implementation of entertainment zones, including effectiveness, cost implications, and other key findings to inform the establishment of future entertainment zones.
Community & Economic Development Committee
February 23, 2026
Item (d)3
Kerry Adams Hapner, Director of Cultural Affairs
Melina Iglesias, Director of Events
City Manager’s Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs BACKGROUND: What are Entertainment Zones?
Policy And Ordinance Adoption
CA Senate Bill 969 Effective January 2025, allows cities to create local ordinance for Entertainment Zones
San Jose Entertainment Zone Ordinance approved by
San Jose City Council May 2025
What is an Entertainment Zone?
Designated areas where patrons can purchase alcoholic
beverages from Alcohol Beverage Control licensed
establishments and consume them in public outdoor
common spaces during permitted special events
Provides for safe, lively experiences in
managed public settings that support local businesses and bring people together
2 A new event tool to foster vibrant, safe,
and welcoming spaces, to support local
businesses and energize public life.
Where are the Entertainment Zones?
3 Outreach and Engagement Efforts
Dedicated Entertainment Zone webpage
launched
Business district presentations:
• Eastside Small Business Town Hall
• SoFA
• Post Street
• San Pedro
• Little Italy / Sharks Way
San José Downtown Association-hosted
City-wide webinar for SJ26 preparation
Direct coordination with event producers and
public safety partners
4 Pilot Activations
Assessments • Operational coordination • Public safety controls • Business participation 5 Locations • San Pedro Block Party, 7/31/2025 • Qmunity District Mural Celebration & SV Pride Kickoff, 8/29/2025
• Big Easy Block Party & Beer Fest, 8/30/2025
Feedback • Interest in more flexibility • Business District-wide cohesion • Clearer pathways for participation San Pedro Superfest
First Entertainment Zone
Activation • Three-day event, February 6-8 •Estimated attendance:
approximately 48,000
•Strong preliminary
business performance
reported
• Multi-department
coordination refined
through real-world
application
6 Lessons Learned & Refinements
Entertainment Zones are a New Event & Economic Activation Tool • Fully integrated within the existing Special Event framework •Intentional, phased implementation approach
Opportunities for Standardized Practices to Strengthen Consistency • Guidance and models for clearly defined boundaries and consistent signage •Standardized approved beverage containers and protocols • Front-line business training and operator coordination •Early and ongoing enforcement alignment
Ongoing Outreach & Education
• Refine written guidelines – add clarity
•Pre-event coordination with operators and event producers • Continued collaboration with business districts
• Ongoing engagement and program marketing
7 Activations: Looking Ahead
Planned Activations
• March Madness
• Music Mania
• FIFA World Cup related events
• CityDance Series on SoFA
Positioning
• Scalable tool supporting both local and
major regional and international events
• Continued business district-level interest
and engagement
8 Next Steps
•Continued outreach and engagement
through San José Downtown
Associations and business districts
•Refine education and training materials
•Track economic and operational data
•Biennial review per state legislation
•Evaluate feasibility of future expansion
9 https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/06/20/can-downtown-san-jose-block-party-repeat-its-success/ Entertainment Zones
Status Report
A status report on the implementation of entertainment zones, including effectiveness, cost implications, and other key findings to inform the establishment of future entertainment zones.
10 Community & Economic Development Committee
February 23, 2026
Item (d)3
Kerry Adams Hapner, Director of Cultural Affairs
Melina Iglesias, Director of Events
City Manager’s Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs