A 28-year-old “Zillennial,” Joanna Acevedo grew up in San Jose going to the Tech as a kid. Now, as a marketing manager for the Tech Interactive, she wanted to find a way to reconnect people her age to the downtown learning center they loved when they were younger.

The answer was Tech at Nite, a series of quarterly evening parties for the 21-and-over crowd that makes them feel like they’re kids again but lets them behave like adults.

The Tech previously held after-hours events like Geektoberfest, but those ended with the COVID-19 pandemic. When Acevedo joined the Tech team in 2024, she saw an opportunity to fill two needs with a revival: reintroduce people to the Tech, especially during its less-utilized hours, and give people her age a new way to get together.

Joanna Acevedo, marketing manager for The Tech Interactive, photographed on Thursday, July 23, 2026, revived the Tech@Nite event series to bring young adults back to the downtown learning center they visited as kids. (Sal Pizarro/Bay Area News Group) 

“There’s a new nightlife crowd, and after COVID there are so many people right now looking for ways to connect,” Acevedo said, calling out the various run clubs and craft clubs that have formed since the pandemic receded. “We need to make sure the experience is unique and centers what people are looking for.”

A key element was bringing in Universal Grammar for music and Local Color for art activities, giving attendees something to do other than enjoy a glass of wine or snack on appetizers. Those two groups know San Jose and know the audience she was trying to appeal to, Acevedo said.

The theme for the next edition on Thursday night is “Camp,” playing on visitors’ nostalgic feelings of childhood summer camp with activities like rooftop stargazing, craft activities organized by Camp Campbell, a “science of mushrooms” demo by Bay Area Applied Mycology and even a s’mores kit.

There’s also an immersive “sound bath” led by Manik Dub and a drag performance by Jackie Layshun (leaning into the other meaning of “camp.”) There’s even a wine and flavor lab being led by J. Lohr Winery. And, of course, the regular exhibits at the Tech are open for visitors to explore.

Visitors take part in activities at the Tech Interactive during the Tech@Nite "Love Labs" edition on Feb. 12, 2026 in downtown San Jose. (Photo by Alex Knowbody) 

Attendance has steadily grown for each of the Tech at Nite events, which have included themes like “Space Out” and “Love Lab.” The crowd has ranged from “Zillennials” in their late 20s and early 30s to an older crowd, including parents and grandparents.

“Our first Tech at Nite was a very nightclub heavy vibe, but as we’re going more and more into themes, different people are coming out who don’t want to go to the bars but they do want to be with people and want to go out,” Acevedo said. And on top of just having a good night out, Tech at Nite visitors can feel content knowing that the revenue raised goes to support the Tech’s education programs.

After the “Camp” event this week, another edition of “Geektoberfest” will return Oct. 8, followed by another Tech at Nite — the theme is still being worked out — on Dec. 17. You can get more information and tickets at thetech.org.

UNDERDOG VICTORY: The grape-stomp contest at the Italian Family Festa last weekend featured former NFL players, Silicon Valley mayors and a giant of a San Jose Giants general manager. But when all the grapeskins were smashed, the best feet standing belonged to the oldest and shortest man in the field, 66-year-old former Atherton Mayor Charles Marsala.

On Sunday, Marsala crushed his way into the finals by defeating San Jose Giants GM Ben Taylor and former 49ers running back Anthony Dixon and then went foot-to-foot against Santa Clara County Assessor Neysa Fligor and last year’s champion, former 49ers quarterback John Paye.

It may have been the upset of the century, but Marsala went into the contest well-prepared. He told the crowd that he trained some in the gym and watched Paye’s “game films” from last year.

MORE THAN A MARKETPLACE: The Jazba Collective, a Bay Area nonprofit, is bringing the Jazba Bazaar to Santana Row on Sunday. This outdoor marketplace will feature more than 50 founder-led brands showcasing their South Asian-inspired fashions, jewelry, gourmet food, home decor items, wellness products and more from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The event, which is free to attend, will include Bollywood music throughout the day, food samples and a fashion show at 5 p.m. Get more information at www.santanarow.com.

TEEING UP A MOVIE: The next installment of the San Jose Downtown Association’s Starlight Saturday series on Aug. 1 is shaping up to be pretty fun.

The movie being screened that night is “Happy Gilmore,” and ComedySportz will get the audience into the mood with some improv games before the show and Urban Putt will have a free minigolf activity set up. Leave your driver at home, but bring a lawn chair or blanket. The fun starts at 6 p.m., and you can get more details on that and the next show in the series, “Bring It On” on Aug. 15, at www.sjdowntown.com/starlight-cinema.