Quakers host fun afternoon July 27; admission is free

When: Sunday July 27, 2025, 12-3:30pm

What: Live music by Against the Grain string band, Climate Carnival games for all ages, song circle led by Sharon McCorkell. Food for sale includes hot dogs (beef & vegan), Mexican tinga, homemade baked goods, jams, and treats. Make a protest sign. Cash and Zelle accepted for purchases. See event details below.

Presented in celebration of the 140th anniversary of the oldest Quaker meeting house in the West and in honor of the U.N. International Day of Friendship. 

Free admission.

Where: San Jose Friends’ historic 1885 Quaker meeting house, at 1041 Morse St, San Jose, CA 95126 and adjoining property

Who: Open to All with Free Admission. Organized by San Jose Friends Meeting (Quakers). Learn about San Jose Quakers at sanjosefriends.org.

Proceeds support wheelchair accessibility for the 1885 meeting house. Donations accepted.

Contact: sanjosefriends@gmail.com 

DETAILS 

Against the Grain: These friends play old-timey and contra dance music. Sharon McCorkell, Susan Goodis, Ann Whitesell, Patti Bossert, and Anita Baldwin will have you tappin’ your toes along with their fiddles, guitar, mandolin, bass, accordion, whistle, and keyboard. www.atgstringband.org

Climate Carnival: Andrew the Artist says “Step right up” to the games he has created for kids of all ages. The games present fun physical challenges and prompt climate questions and discussions. For “Knock ‘Em Out!,” players toss bean bags at common barriers to sustainability. “The Tipping Tower” will test your knowledge and dexterity. See all the games at andrewtheartist.com/climate-carnival.

Song Circle: Sharon McCorkell (from Against the Grain) leads this activity using the popular folk music book Rise Up Singing. All are invited to join in.

Sign-Making: Get ready for your next anti-war protest or march to protect democracy: Visit our sign-making station. Supplies provided (while they last), donation requested.

Baked Goods: Homemade cookies, cake, jam, dried fruit, and other goodies for sale. Get ’em while they last.

Note: Bring your water bottle and wear flat shoes for uneven lawn and pavers. United Nations International Day of Friendship started on July 30, 2011.

There’s plenty of free parking.

 Meeting House Wheelchair Accessibility: This event benefits our accessibility project. See plans at https://www.sanjosefriends.org/wheelchair-accessibility/

History of San Jose Quakers since 1861 is here. See other events that celebrate our meeting house’s 140th anniversary at http://tinyurl.com/140th.    

What’s with Quakers and Oats?

Support for the Friendship Festival has been provided by Downtown San Jose Grocery Outlet Bargain Market (272 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose), Costco (1601 Coleman Ave., Santa Clara), Safeway Grocery Store (2760 Homestead Rd., Santa Clara), Trader Joe’s (635 Coleman Ave., San Jose), and an anonymous donor.

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