The plaza was rededicated after Californian civil rights activist César Chávez in 1993.

From 1889 to 1958, San Jose's city hall occupied the center of the park before the local government moved it northward to North First and Mission Streets.

[2] Today, San José City Hall is located nearby on Santa Clara Street.

[citation needed] At different times of the year it hosts live music, cultural festivals, arts and crafts fairs, food shows, the official city Christmas tree, water fountains, and open-air theater.

[3][4] The San Jose Jazz Summer Fest has its main stage in the park.