San Jose’s art scene is about to get seriously spicy, and Japantown is ground zero for this creative explosion.

San Jose Walls, the public art festival masterminded by Empire Seven Studios, is returning for its ninth year with a mission that’s part urban beautification, part cultural revolution. Founded by Juan Carlos Araujo and Jennifer Ahn, this festival transforms blank walls into vibrant storytelling canvases that scream identity, resilience, and pure artistic swagger.

A Mural Marathon Like No Other

This year’s lineup is a killer mix of artistic talent that’ll make your Instagram feed go absolutely wild. We’re talking wire artist Spenser Little, the husband-and-wife creative powerhouse Giorgiko, and international artists who turn city walls into their personal playground.

More Than Just Pretty Pictures

But this isn’t just about making things look good. “We’re uplifting neighborhoods through public art,” says Araujo. What started as a necessity has blossomed into over 100 murals that have fundamentally transformed San Jose’s urban landscape.

Art Meets Community

The festival kicks off with a retrospective exhibition at Empire Seven Studios, featuring nearly 30 artists. An art walk on June 7th will let you explore Japantown’s creative hotspots, from Roy’s Station to Zonkey, proving that art isn’t just something you see – it’s something you experience.

So grab your walking shoes, charge your phone’s camera, and get ready to witness San Jose’s creative revolution, one wall at a time.