Spirit of '45 Living History Day and Swing Dance
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Join us as History San Jose and Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive Bay Area host the annual Spirit of '45 Living History Day and Big Band Swing Dance!
The event captures the WWII war and home-front experience with exhibits and interactive activities for all ages. The day features live big band music, swing dancing, a WWII tent city, vintage cars, a fashion show, 1940s-era children's games, trolley rides, and open historic buildings. The afternoon climaxes with a reenactment of President Truman's announcement, the famous Times Square kiss, and a homecoming victory parade!
As the sun goes down, the victory celebration continues as History Park transforms into a USO-style swing dance under the glow of the Electric Light Tower.
--- SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ---
LIVING HISTORY DAY | 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Take a trip back in time as our 14-acre park is transported to the 1940s.
* Fun for the Kids: Try your hand at code-breaking, complete an agility course, learn to care for the wounded as a junior nurse, or learn about canning fruit!
* Fun for the Kids at Heart: Enjoy vintage vehicles, ride our historic trolley, explore permanent exhibits, and snap photos in your best vintage outfits.
* Living History: Meet living World War II veterans and Rosies, enter real historic valley homes, and learn from costumed guides.
BIG BAND CONCERT & SWING DANCE | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dance under the lights to the tunes of the big band era!
* Live Music: Grab a beverage and jump and jive to the sounds of The Swing Solution, a premier 19-piece big band.
* Dance Lessons Included: Don't know how to swing dance yet? No worries! An instructor will show you the basic moves before the band begins.
* Food & Drink: Dance in the streets and enjoy delicious options from local food trucks.
--- EVENT DETAILS ---
* When: Saturday, August 1, 2026
* Time: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
* Where: History Park (1650 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112)
* Attire: Period attire is highly encouraged! Dress up for a family day out or a unique date night.
* Tickets: Available online or at the door via cash or card. (Please note that online prices include service fees in the interest of transparency).
Get Tickets in advance here:
https://historysanjose.org/programs-events
We hope to see you there!
The event captures the WWII war and home-front experience with exhibits and interactive activities for all ages. The day features live big band music, swing dancing, a WWII tent city, vintage cars, a fashion show, 1940s-era children's games, trolley rides, and open historic buildings. The afternoon climaxes with a reenactment of President Truman's announcement, the famous Times Square kiss, and a homecoming victory parade!
As the sun goes down, the victory celebration continues as History Park transforms into a USO-style swing dance under the glow of the Electric Light Tower.
--- SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ---
LIVING HISTORY DAY | 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Take a trip back in time as our 14-acre park is transported to the 1940s.
* Fun for the Kids: Try your hand at code-breaking, complete an agility course, learn to care for the wounded as a junior nurse, or learn about canning fruit!
* Fun for the Kids at Heart: Enjoy vintage vehicles, ride our historic trolley, explore permanent exhibits, and snap photos in your best vintage outfits.
* Living History: Meet living World War II veterans and Rosies, enter real historic valley homes, and learn from costumed guides.
BIG BAND CONCERT & SWING DANCE | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dance under the lights to the tunes of the big band era!
* Live Music: Grab a beverage and jump and jive to the sounds of The Swing Solution, a premier 19-piece big band.
* Dance Lessons Included: Don't know how to swing dance yet? No worries! An instructor will show you the basic moves before the band begins.
* Food & Drink: Dance in the streets and enjoy delicious options from local food trucks.
--- EVENT DETAILS ---
* When: Saturday, August 1, 2026
* Time: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
* Where: History Park (1650 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112)
* Attire: Period attire is highly encouraged! Dress up for a family day out or a unique date night.
* Tickets: Available online or at the door via cash or card. (Please note that online prices include service fees in the interest of transparency).
Get Tickets in advance here:
https://historysanjose.org/programs-events
We hope to see you there!
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Where is it happening?
1650 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA, United States, California 95112
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherSpirit of '45 Bay Area
