by Mary Pope-Handy | Jul 28, 2026 | Los Gatos Government, LG Lifestyle
Los Gatos has a noise ordinance and also has “quiet hours” from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. 7 days per week. As a general rule of thumb, Sundays and legal holidays are quiet days. But there are many nuances between types of noise, days / times, and even where in town a property is located.
The quiet hours are also referred to as a curfew by the town.
What is included in the noise ordinance? The noise ordinance covers all kinds of nuisance sounds related to construction, music, landscaping machinery, pickleball, barking dogs, loud air conditioners or other machinery, pool parties, entertainment at home, or any other source of irritation for nearby residents.
Construction noise, days and times permitted
Construction noise may be among the worst nuisances, particularly because it can extend for long periods of time when remodeling or additions are extensive, so let’s start here. If you’re hiring contractors to work on your home or yard, you’ll want to check out the Los Gatos Construction Ordinance.
It’s important to know when work is or isn’t permitted on your Los Gatos property:
Construction work hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday it’s 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. No Construction on Sundays or legal holidays.
There’s a caveat, though. Some homeowners or tenants are working on their own home, and it may not be possible for them to advance their project during normal business hours or Saturdays from 9 – 4. The town has made an accomodation for them:
A homeowner or tenant may personally perform construction, alteration or repair activities on their own property between 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through
Saturday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.
This exemption should be fairly rare, and it would be great to let nearby neighbors know if you’re planning to be sanding your own floors, using a ceramic tile saw, or jackhammering in your yard on these unusual days or hours.
Some contractors mistakenly believe that if they work on a vacant house or store, it “won’t bother anyone” if they are extra loud, start early, run late, or come on a forbidden day. In many parts of the town, homes are close together, or close to shops, and excessive sounds, or those which are early or late, or on a quiet day, can be grating on the neighbors.
Quick summary for nearly all circumstances is in the table below.
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by Clair Handy, Mary Pope-Handy | Jul 25, 2026 | Events, Irrelevant Fun, Kids, LG Lifestyle, Los Gatos Art & Entertainment, Los Gatos Events, Los Gatos History, Parks, Visiting Los Gatos
This weekend enjoy some family-friendly fun and local history at Oak Meadow Park with back-to-back celebrations for National Carousel Day and Billy Jones Day!
National Carousel Day: July 25th
Today, Saturday July 25th 2026, is National Carousel Day! To celebrate, take a ride on the historic (and beautifully restored) W.E. “Bill” Mason Carousel. Come learn about the history of this centenarian ride from carousel volunteers, or just enjoy the music of the band organ, the lights, the art, and festivities. Did you know that each horse has a name? Not only that, you can learn a little about each horse (or even adopt one) by visiting the Carousel Horses page on the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad website.
Hear a little more about what to expect from Will Whitney here: https://fb.watch/IAOlcNzb5Z/ And adults and older kids may enjoy reading about the preservation project, covered in this Los Gatan article by Amanda Senior earlier this year: In the workshop with carousel restorer Cheryl Stuermer.
Billy Jones Day: Last Sunday in July
The last Sunday of July is Billy Jones Day, also this weekend on July 26th! This annual celebration “honor[s] the man who started it all by doing things the way he did on his ranch.” (BJWWR) That means all rides (on both the train and carousel) are an open donation instead of their usual fee – donate as much or as little as you like to support the nonprofit, Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, Inc., that is keeping these rides running and open to the public, and preserving them and their history for the next generation.
This year they’re going full-steam ahead and firing up all the locomotives plus one guest steam enegine for the event!
Both days, the train and carousel will be on their usual summer weekend hours, running from 10:30am – 4:30pm. The Snack Shack will be open both days from 11:00am – 3:30pm. There may be a fee of $6 to park at the Oak Meadow Parking lot if there is an attendant at the booth, however the lot can fill up early on summer weekends, so plan accordingly!
by Clair Handy, Mary Pope-Handy | Jul 15, 2026 | Downtown Los Gatos, Events, LG Lifestyle, Los Gatos Art & Entertainment, Los Gatos Events
Summer 2026 is flying by, and Los Gatos is having a season of music to remember! The last couple of years have transformed Los Gatos’ free music scene, with some favorites returning and new events to look forward to, while others have taken their last bow.
The staples of Los Gatos’ summer music scene, Jazz on the Plazz and Music in the Park, are back with performances from long-time favorites. Knowing that you are as excited about these as I am, I have compiled a calendar of free outdoor music events for us all! (Not all artists and schedules have been announced, so please check the official event websites for the latest news).
Below please find a compilation of the 2 different Los Gatos free musical concert series, 2 festivals with live performances, and a few one-day events featuring local bands. As always, the information below is believed to be reliable, but as with any concert or outdoors event it may be subject to change, so double check the website (and the weather) prior to going and always read the rules, especially if you plan to picnic. Hope to see you there!
Note: This post is often updated twice in the season, once before all bands are announced, and again with the complete lineups for all of the events mid-season. Some events have now passed, but there’s still plenty more coming. We’ll see you there!
2026 Summer Concert Series: Free Music and Fun in Los Gatos
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by Clair Handy, Mary Pope-Handy | May 1, 2026 | Downtown Los Gatos, Events, Food & Drink, LG Lifestyle, Los Gatos Art & Entertainment, Los Gatos Events
If you enjoyed The Promenade of previous years, check out the newest event in town!
This year the Town of Los Gatos adopted a new ordinance to establish an Entertainment Zone, and your first opportunity to enjoy it is at the first ever GOLD Thursday on May 7, 2026!
The Entertainment Zone allows businesses operating in the C-2 Downtown Zone with appropriate permits to sell alcohol to patrons who may carry their beverage out within the Entertainment Zone during Town approved and permitted Special Events. So 21+ adults can grab a sip and wander the event to enjoy shopping, dining, music and more!
GOLD Thursday
GOLD Thursday (#GOLDThursday) is the latest addition to the lineup of summer entertainment here in beautiful Los Gatos, and will continue on the first Thursday of the month from now through October. In addition to extended hours and Entertainment Zone drinks, there will be live music and entertainment and special promotions.
Event-specific offers, as well as year-round promotions, can be accessed through the Los Gatos Perks Pass on your phone, no app required.
The Chamber of Commerce calendar details state the event runs from noon to 10pm, but some businesses may offer all-day perks. Live music and entertainment are scheduled from 5pm to 8pm. See you there!
by Mary Pope-Handy, Clair Handy | Feb 16, 2026 | Los Gatos Neighborhoods, LG Lifestyle, West Los Gatos
Villa Capri is one of very few senior condos in or near Los Gatos. Most senior living places in the area are rentals, not homes to purchase, in our area. The only other 55+ condo in town at the moment is The Los Gatos Commons. More will be added at the North 40 (whenever it is completed).
Where is Villa Capri?
Villa Capri is located at 576 W Parr Avenue, Los Gatos 95032. It’s on the Campbell border in the northwestern side of Los Gatos, and it is not far from Vasona Station or El Camino Hospital of Los Gatos, among other nearby draws. Vasona Station includes some nice eateries, such as Aldo’s and Purple Onion – a great reason to take a stroll! There are gas stations along Winchester and it’s a straight shot up Winchester to downtown Los Gatos.
In other words, this is a great location.
It’s a quick ride to San Tomas Expressway and Campbell Avenue to get onto Highway 17. Even easier is the interchange from here onto Highway 85 northbound (and coming back, there is an exit on 85 southbound). Please note that this is not a full intersection at Winchester. Going south from here requires a little jaunt around Lark Avenue to Los Gatos Blvd, or getting there from 17. It’s a pretty good commute location!
Things to know about Villa Capri condos for seniors
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by Mary Pope-Handy, Clair Handy | Dec 1, 2025 | Events, LG Lifestyle, Los Gatos Events, Parks, Visiting Los Gatos
The 27th annual Fantasy of Lights show at Vasona Lake County Park begins soon! Occasionally people call me to ask about it – please note that I do not run the event – I am only posting information about it. Full info can be found on the county’s park website, linked below.
27th annual Fantasy of Lights:
Get your tickets soon, they sell out fast! Entry with prepaid tickets only!
What: 2025 light show at Vasona Lake County Park. ALL DETAILS can be found on the county’s website, HERE.
Walk-Thru
Fantasy of Lights Walk-Thru
Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7
4:00pm – 9:00pm
Adult (13 and up) – $17
Youth (4-12) – $8
Child (3 and under) – FREE
Admission with pre-paid tickets only. Tickets on sale now.
Purchase walk-through tickets HERE.
Drive-thru Nights
Tuesday, December 9 – Tuesday, December 30
(closed December 25)
Regular Vehicle (passenger capacity up to 12) – $30
Large Vehicle (passenger capacity of 13-20) – $50
Oversized Vehicle (passenger capacity of 21 and up) – $100
Vehicle prices are the same as last year!
Purchase drive-through tickets HERE (subject to date restrictions listed above).
Open rain or shine!
When tickets can be purchased
Tickets are on sale NOW. They typically go on sale around Thanksgiving time. Must buy before going to the venue – prepaid admission only!
Where: Vasona Lake County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 (between University Ave and Los Gatos Blvd, not in San Jose – Google maps gets confused)
How much: Tickets must be purchased in advance available online through the county. See above for various pricing.
Please check the county’s page for this event.
More questions? PLEASE do NOT call me about this event. For ticketing issues, please contact TicketSpice. For general questions, please contact the SCC Parks Department via the Parks Reservations phone number at (408) 355-2201, or you can email your questions to support@fantasyoflights.reamaze.com and check out their website for complete information on the Fantasy of Lights.
Please visit Live in Los Gatos for year round events, neighborhood information, photos around the town, interesting real estate market data, haunted places and the occasional historical tidbit.
Los Gatos is a wonderful place to visit during the holidays, but it’s also a great place to live year round! If you are interested in buying a home in Los Gatos (or selling one), please contact me, Mary Pope-Handy (contact information in the sidebar). I’m both a Realtor based in the Town of Los Gatos and a resident myself, working full time in helping nice folks to buy and sell homes here and throughout the west valley and greater Silicon Valley communities.
If you aren’t familiar with the area, here are a few things to know!
Buy a home in Los Gatos (info on neighborhoods, school districts, homes for sale to browse online, links to important local sites & info)
Relocating and buying a house in Los Gatos
Los Gatos real estate on Facebook
Monthly Los Gatos real estate market update
Los Gatos real estate market statistics & trends for houses
Los Gatos realty trends and stats for condos & townhouses
