Spirit of ’45

Name: Spirit of ’45
Start: 2026-08-01
End: 2026-08-01
Location: San Jose

The Spirit of ’45 is an annual living history event hosted by History San Jose on August 1, 2026. It relives the year 1945 with a WWII tent city, vintage cars, a fashion show, trolley rides, and a victory parade. The day culminates in a USO-style Swing Dance featuring a 19-piece big band.

Date: Aug 1, 2026
Location: San Jose

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Event summary

Highlights

WWII tent city
Vintage car display
1940s-era fashion show
Victory parade

The Spirit of ’45 is an annual Living History Day presented by History San Jose, scheduled for August 1, 2026. The event takes place at History San Jose, located at 635 Phelan Ave., San Jose, offering visitors a chance to experience the atmosphere of 1945.

Beginning in the afternoon, activities include a WWII tent city, a display of vintage cars, a 1940s-era fashion show, and trolley rides. Guests can also participate in children’s games from the 1940s. The daytime program concludes with patriotic enactments, including President Truman’s “cessation of hostilities” announcement, a recreation of the famous Times Square kiss, and a homecoming victory parade.

In the evening, from 7 to 10 p.m., the celebration continues with a USO-style Swing Dance. This dance features the 19-piece Swing Solutions big band, with attendees encouraged to wear vintage attire.

Admission to the Spirit of ’45 event is free for U.S. veterans, Rosies, and enlisted military personnel. Ticket prices for other attendees vary by age and specific event; details and purchases are available through historysanjose.org.

Practical details

Location described by the source: History San Jose; www.mercurynews.com
Area for browsing nearby events: San Jose

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.