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2022 National Cinema Day

National days can be fun to celebrate, but saving money is even more fun. For one day, theaters are offering all movies in all formats for $3. The ticket price does not include ticket fees. Enjoy!

Bay Area Theaters

We’ve confirmed these theaters are participating:

Cinemark
Regal
Cinelux
AMC
Maya Cinemas
Chabot
Vogue Theatre in SF
Marina Theatre in SF
Presidio Theatre in SF
Balboa Theatre in SF (Balboa at 38th) has $3 tickets for all screenings other than “The Room.

Check with your local theater to confirm participation.

Cinema Day Concession Special Deals

Cinelux Specials:
$5 Combo Small Popcorn and Drink

Cinemark Specials:
$3 Medium ICEE or Fountain Drink Beverage
$3 Candy
$3 Small Popcorn or upsize to large for $1 more.

Prices do not include applicable taxes and fees.

Monster Jam | SAP Center

Monster Jam comes to San Jose’s SAP Center for Labor Day weekend, Sep 4 – 6, 2026 for three days of family fun at SAP Center. Get the tea about discount codes, Pit Party and local meet and greets at CelebrateFamily.us.

Monster Jam comes to San Jose for labor Day weekend, Friday, September 4 – Sunday September 6, 2026 for three days of family fun! Monster Jam starring the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam trucks! The twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over – OR smash through. These colorful, larger-than-life beasts are sure to capture the hearts of both young and old.

Monster Jam Discounts

Save up to 25% off ticket face value! Use Promo Code: VROM25

Use code TWOWHL for $5 off select seats. Valid until September 5

Monster Jam drivers push these perfectly engineered Monster Jam trucks to their limits in Freestyle, “2-Wheel Skills” and Racing competitions that promise to put families on the edge of their seats in this unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable event!

San Jose Monster Jam Meet and Greets

Courtesy of The Original Super Glue, come to see EL TORO LOCO* on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 3 pm – 7 pm at 3700 Thorton Ave in Fremont (Thorton Ave between Fremont Blvd and Paseo Parkway). * Truck subject to change.

Monster Jam Events in San Jose

SHOW	GATES OPEN	SHOW TIME	PIT PARTY	VIP Meet & Greet	BUY TICKETS
Fri Sep 4	6 PM	7 PM TIX	N/A	7 PM TIX	TICKETS
Sat Sep 5	11 AM	12 PM TIX	9:30 AM TIX	12 PM TIX	TICKETS
Sat Sep 5	5 PM	6 PM TIX	N/A	6 PM TIX	TICKETS
Sun Sep 6	12 PM	1 PM TIX	10:30 AM TIX	1 PM TIX	TICKETS

Monster Jam Pit Party – Just $20

Don’t forget the Party in Pits before the events. The Monster Jam Pit Party provides unprecedented access to the Monster Jam trucks and drivers. This unique experience in the world of motorsports gives you access to see the trucks up close, take pictures, meet the drivers and get their autographs. Arrive early as drivers will depart the Pit Party 30 minutes prior to end time and autographs are not guaranteed. The Pit Party Pass be accompanied by a same-day event ticket. Add the Pit Party Pass OR the Pit Party Early Access Pass at the end of your ticket order.

Ticket prices (both adults and kids): $20 Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com.

Monster Jam Winner’s Circle & Greet

Spend some time after the event at the Winner’s Circle Post Event Meet and Greet.
Special VIP Meet and Greet space at SAP Center.
Chance to talk with the drivers, take photos and get autographs.

Ticket prices (both adults and kids): $40 Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com

2022 Guide to Bay Area County Fairs

County fair season in the Bay Area includes 15 (count them) county fairs and a season that begins in May and runs through September. If we’ve missed an event, let us know!

Alameda County Fair: Pleasanton: June 17 – July 10

Cloverdale Citrus Fair: Cloverdale: April 21 – April 24

Contra Costa County Fair: Antioch: May 12 – May 15

Kings Fair: Hanford: June 9 – June 12

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Fair Trivia: The California State Fair in Sacramento is the only state fair that has its own monorail. The monorail only runs for two weeks every year.
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Marin County Fair & Exposition: San Rafael: June 30 – July 4

Merced County Spring Fair: Los Banos: April 27 – May 1

Monterey County Fair: Monterey: September 1 – September 5

Napa County Fair & Fiesta: Calistoga: August 11 – August 14

Napa Valley Exposition: Napa: August 11 – August 14

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Fair Trivia: Every year, visitors at the Minnesota State Fair eat 500,000 corndogs.
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Salinas Valley Fair: King City: May 12 – May 15

San Mateo County Fair: San Mateo: June 4 – June 12

Santa Clara County Fair: San Jose: July 27 – August 7

Santa Cruz County Fair: Watsonville: September 14 – September 18

Solano County Fair: Vallejo: June 16 – June 19

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Fair Trivia: Dr. William Morrison introduced “Fairy Floss” at St. Louis World’s Fair. We know it now as Cotton Candy.
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Sonoma County Fair: Santa Rosa: August 4 – August 14

Sonoma-Marin Fair: Petaluma: June 22 – June 26

Looking for more county fairs? Check out our post listing all of the county fairs and expos at Guide to California County Fairs (plus the California State Fair).

2021 Christmas in the Park | Downtown San Jose

A much beloved holiday tradition in San Jose that takes place in downtown across the street from the Tech Museum and the Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice.

Enjoy free entertainment, holiday displays and Christmas trees decorated by community groups and businesses in the area. Highlights include free pictures with Santa and entertainment every night.

Fri, Nov 26, 2021 to Sun, Jan 2, 2022 | Noon to midnight.

Cost: Free! But bring cash for hot chocolate and other goodies, plus WinterWonderland.

Christmas in the Park is across the street from the Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown San Jose outdoor ice rink and The Tech Interactive.

Visits with Santa

Santa visits are free, so be sure to bring your own camera for picture opportunities. Santa’s area will be a festive, outdoor setting located near the park’s North end.

Dates/Times
November 26 – December 24, 2021
Check the Christmas in Park calendar for daily times. Santa is scheduled to hang out every day from 6:30 pm – 9 pm.

Santa is vaccinated, but will be practicing social distancing per county recommendations. Masks are not required, but are recommended.
More information [LINK]

Movie Nights

Come to the park each Saturday night for Family Movie Night. All movies start at 6 pm.
Christmas in the Park at Downtown San Jose Movie Nights

Zoom Santa

This is a free experience offered by Christmas in the Park and Zoom Santa. Dates and times available from November 27 – December 23, 2021
RSVP/More Information [LINK]

Blinky’s Holiday Hunt

Blinky’s Holiday Hunt is an on-site scavenger hunt through Christmas in the Park.

Locate the items around the park, complete the form and you will be entered to win a prize package. More details at Christmas in the Park [LINK]

View our complete holiday calendar of special family events, Santa visits, Nutcracker ballets and more at CelebrateFamily.us Holidays [LINK]

September Fun and Facts for Families

Special events, new movies, events that are popular with the CelebrateFamily.us community, here is a summary of six things to know for this month.

Home Depot Kids Workshop Day

September 4, 2021 9 am – 11

JC Penney Kids Zone Day

September 11, 2021. This month’s project is a Teacher Appreciation Gift.

Free Amazon Prime Games for September

Tools Up!
Knockout City
Sam & Max Hit the Road
Candleman The Complete Journey
Puzzle Agent
Secret Files 2: Puritas Cordis
Unmemory

Each month Prime members can download select PC games for free! Claim by Claim by October 1, 2021. There is also free game content and in-game loot available. [LINK]

Free and Discount Days at the Museum

Computer History Museum – Free | MoU | 9/4/2021 | Link
Contemporary Jewish Museum – Free | MoU | 9/4/2021 | Link
de Young Museum – Free Admission | MoU | 9/4/2021 | Link
de Young Museum – Free Admission Bay Area Residents | 9/4/2021 | Link
Legion of Honor – Free | MoU | 9/4/2021 | Link
Legion of Honor Museum – Free for Bay Area Residents | 9/4/2021 | Link
Oakland Museum of California – Free Admission | MoU | 9/4/2021 | Link
Tech Museum – Free Admission | MoU | 9/4/2021 | Link
Computer History Museum – Free Admission | MoU | 9/5/2021 | Link
Contemporary Jewish Museum – Free Admission | MoU | 9/5/2021 | Link
de Young Museum – Free Admission | MoU | 9/5/2021 | Link
Legion of Honor – Free Admission | MoU | 9/5/2021 | Link
Oakland Museum of California – Free Admission | 9/5/2021 | Link
Oakland Museum of California – Free Admission | MoU | 9/5/2021 | Link
Tech Museum – Free Admission | MoU | 9/5/2021 | Link
de Young Museum – Free Admission (1st Tuesday) | 9/7/2021 | Link
Legion of Honor Museum – Free Admission 1st Tuesday | 9/7/2021 | Link
de Young Museum – Free Admission Bay Area Residents | 9/11/2021 | Link
Legion of Honor Museum – Free Bay Area Residents | 9/11/2021 | Link
Legion of Honor Museum – Free Admission Bay Area Residents | 9/18/2021 | Link
Legion of Honor Museum – Free Admission Bay Area Residents | 9/25/2021 | Link

New Movies This Month

Spirit Untamed PG | 8/31/2021 | VOD and DVD/Blu-Ray Release Date
Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins PG 13 | 9/2/2021 | Buy to watch at home.
Jungle Cruise PG-13 | 9/2/2021 | Buy to watch at home.
Cinderella PG | 9/3/2021 | Prime Video
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings PG 13 | 9/3/2021 | In theaters
The Boss Baby: Family Business PG | 9/14/2021 | On Blu Ray and DVD
Straight Outta Nowhere: Scooby-Doo! Meets Courage the Cowardly Dog | 9/14/2021 | VOD and DVD/Blu-Ray Release Date
Dear Evan Hansen PG 13 | 9/24/2021 | In theaters

CelebrateFamily.us Best Bet: It is better to purchase a movie from Amazon (during early access) that to rent from Disney+ (as soon as the movie is released).

Unless I read the terms wrong, if you rent the movie ($30) you can watch the movie as long as you have Disney+. But if you buy from Amazon, you own the movie and can watch whenever.

Special Events This Month

Monster Jam 9/3 – 9/5 [LINK]
Highland Games 9/4-9/5 [LINK]
Nor Cal Ren Faire [LINK]
Gold Over America Tour Starring Simone Biles 9/26 – 9/28 [LINK]
Oakland A Fireworks Games 9/24 [LINK]
Museum Day 9/18 [LINK]

Category: Family