San Jose is home to several excellent, often underappreciated film festivals, and this weekend is your chance to experience one of the newest arrivals. The 2nd annual J-Town Film Fest takes place at JTS Northside Community Center and the Japanese American Museum in Japantown from Friday through Sunday. Highlights include Saturday evening's Filmfest Reception, and—because dogs love to chase the ball—we particularly recommend the outstanding ping pong documentary Top Spin on Saturday at 11am. See the full schedule of movies & events and grab your early tickets here.

Hey, does your pit bull love poetry? Does your spaniel dig spoken word? Check out tomorrow night's ImagineSJ Showcase #8 at the Anno Domini Gallery in Downtown San Jose. Moderated by Mighty Mike McGee (which would be a great name for a Scottish terrier) and hosted by Future Arts Now, the event features Santa Clara County Poet Laureate Arlene Biala as well as poets Asha Sudra Finkel, Eric Rummelhoff, and Tshaka Campbell. You'll be so inspired that you'll want to write and ode to your Odie.