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Rolling Through the Vibes at a San Jose Roller Rink

Rolling Through the Vibes at a San Jose Roller Rink

There’s nothing like switching up your routine and doing something fresh, and recently we took the good vibes to a whole new level at a local San Jose roller rink. This spot has quickly become one of our favorite hangouts, not just for skating but for bringing our own flavor to the scene.

The first time we hit the rink, we decided to go all out and bring vinyl. That’s right—real records. It was a bit more work setting everything up, but the sound and feel were absolutely worth it. There’s just something magical about skating to vinyl—it gives the entire experience a warm, nostalgic edge that digital can’t replicate.

On our next visit, we decided to push things further. Even though the rink already had a solid DJ setup, we brought an extra system to sneak in some quick mixing sessions. The goal? To layer in our own beats and blend them into the vibe already happening. It was spontaneous, fun, and added a unique twist that the crowd loved.

Musically, we leaned heavily into the old school—think classic funk grooves that keep your feet moving and your soul smiling. That funky, retro energy perfectly matched the rhythm of the skaters rolling by under the neon lights.

It was the last weekend for the roller rink. I am looking forward if they come back next year.

Zip Gardens Downtown Roller Rink: The Hottest Spot in San Jose

Looking for a fun and unique weekend activity in San Jose? Look no further than Zip Gardens Downtown Roller Rink! This vibrant outdoor roller skating experience is bringing the community together every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with great music, delicious food, and plenty of skating fun.

A Skating Experience for Everyone

Located off Second Street, Zip Gardens transforms into a fully functional roller rink where visitors of all skill levels can lace up and hit the floor. Whether you're a pro skater or just learning to balance, this rink welcomes everyone. Rent a pair of skates and groove to the music or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Families can bring their kids for a fun-filled evening, guiding them around the rink or cheering from the sidelines. If skating isn’t your thing, don’t worry—there’s still plenty to do!

More Than Just Skating

Zip Gardens isn’t just about roller skating—it’s a social hotspot with a variety of attractions:

  • Live DJs: Twice a week, DJs spin the hottest tracks, creating an energetic and immersive experience.

  • Food Trucks: Satisfy your cravings with a selection of mouthwatering street food.

  • Craft Beer & Drinks: Enjoy a cold craft beer while soaking in the lively ambiance.

Why You Should Visit

Zip Gardens Downtown Roller Rink is the perfect place to unwind, have fun, and connect with others in San Jose. Whether you’re skating under the city lights, dancing to DJ-curated beats, or indulging in great food and drinks, there’s something for everyone.

Don’t miss out—grab your friends and roll into the weekend fun at Zip Gardens!

Open Format Vinyl Event in San Francisco: A DJ Experience

Open Format Vinyl Event in San Francisco: A DJ Experience

Recently, I had the opportunity to spin at an open-format vinyl event in El Chato in  San Francisco. Leading up to the gig, I was informed that one of the iconic Technics 1200 turntables was malfunctioning, which meant I had to bring my own. My first thought? "I already need to carry crates—now I have to haul a 1200 too?"

The night before, I prepped a four-hour digital playlist, only to stop and reflect: How often do I get to play vinyl these days? If I'm going to bring one crate, why not bring five? And if I’m bringing one 1200, why not make it two?

Despite the setup, we were ready to go well before our 4 p.m. start time. Originally scheduled to wrap up by 8 p.m., the vibe was so electric that we kept spinning until 9.

The crowd was treated to an eclectic mix of genres. We dropped funky grooves from the '80s, jams from the '90s, soulful house, and classic hip-hop bangers. It was a true journey through sound, showcasing the beauty of open-format DJing where anything goes and everything fits.

This event reminded me why I love spinning vinyl. There's something magical about the tactile connection with music and the energy exchange with a crowd when you're digging through crates, dropping needle to wax, and building sets in the moment.

In an age where digital DJing dominates, vinyl still has a way of captivating both the DJ and the audience.