Ten Great Dates
compiled by AMANDA RIFE
MACCHIA WINE RELEASE PARTY
May 2-3, Acampo
Celebrate with the owners of Macchia Winery at their annual spring fling, debuting the latest wines in their repertoire. Live bands, barrel tastings, food, and other vendors will be featured at the party, which drew over one thousand revelers last year. Carpooling is suggested. 12-5 p.m. $10 per person, $5 wine club members. Macchia Winery, 7099 E. Peltier Rd., Acampo, (209) 333-2600, www.macchiawines.com
LODI STREET FAIRE
May 3, Lodi
Downtown Lodi is perfect for strolling on breezy spring days. Add about thirty food vendors, around seven hundred arts, crafts, and antiques booths, and some live entertainment, all put on by the Lodi Chamber of Commerce, and you’ve got yourself the perfect afternoon. Held twice yearly, once in October and once in May, the faire brings about thirty thousand fellow strollers to the ten square-block area that makes up Lodi’s downtown. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Downtown Lodi, (209) 367-78
CARLOS MENCIA
May 9, Stockton
Carlos Mencia, stand-up comedian and star of Comedy Central’s Mind of Mencia, is coming to the Bob Hope Theatre for an evening of humor and cultural observations. This performance is sure to be one of the year’s biggest shows at the theatre. 8 p.m. $39.50. Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E. Main St., Stockton, (209) 337-HOPE, www.bobhopetheatre.com
AIDS WALK ON THE WATERFRONT
May 9, Stockton
The fifteenth annual AIDS Walk raises money to serve those affected with HIV/AIDS and to combat the disease through awareness and education throughout the San Joaquin community. Funds are raised through public sponsorship of individuals or teams of walkers for a 5K journey that will begin at Banner Island Ballpark and follow streets in downtown Stockton. Registration 9 a.m., walk 10 a.m., no registration fee. Banner Island Ballpark, 404 Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 608-9255, www.aidswalksj.org
STOCKTON ARTS AND MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL
May 9, Stockton
Celebrate the cultural diversity of San Joaquin at this full-day festival featuring music, dance, theater, and art exhibitions. Divided up into four stages and “villages,” each dedicated to the different art mediums, as well as a designated multicultural village, the festival will have something for everyone including an open-mic stage, performer workshops, jam sessions, and delicious food from different ethnicities. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Weber Point Event Center, 221 N. Center St., Stockton, (209) 430-5117, www.playmulticultural.com
SAN JOAQUIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
May 14-23, Stockton
In its second year, the San Joaquin International Film Festival will be screening over one hundred twenty films from thirty countries. The festival will last for ten days, with films ranging from documentaries to animation to short films. Guest filmmakers and festive events will supplement the festival throughout the week. Various times. $10 regular screenings, $9 students, $85 for ten-day regular screening pass. Various locations in Stockton, www.sjiff.org
ZINFEST
May 15-17, Lodi
The fifth annual celebration of everything Zinfandel will be held once again with three days of events. Friday evening’s Vintners’ Grille is an exclusive gathering featuring access to winemakers and producers from local wineries, live entertainment, and a silent auction. Saturday’s wine festival will host more than 250 wineries and delicious food around beautiful Lodi Lake. On Sunday, the wineries open their doors for tasting, seminars, and fun. Vintners’ Grille: 6-9 p.m., $75. Festival: 12-7 p.m., $35 in advance, $45 at the door. Wine country open houses: Times and prices vary. Various locations in Lodi, (209) 367-4727, www.zinfest.com
LINDEN CHERRY FESTIVAL
May 16, Linden
Small town charm comes to life among beautiful cherry blossoms at the Linden Cherry Festival. Kicking off with a parade, festival highlights include food, arts and crafts, carnival games and rides, a car show, local cheer and karate club demonstrations, and bake-offs for a range of age groups. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Linden Elementary School Grounds, 18100 E. Front St., Linden, (209) 547-3046, www.lindenchamber.net
CALAVERAS COUNTY FAIR AND JUMPING FROG JUBILEE
May 14-17, Angels Camp
Mark Twain published his first work about this old-time event, and it still remains a tradition during the Calaveras County Fair. The four-day fair has frog jumping contests throughout the week, and also includes a rodeo, barn animals, food, games, and carnival rides. Start training your award-winning jumper now to beat out the world record of 21 feet, 5 and ¾ inches. 8 a.m.-midnight daily. $9 adults, $5 kids. Calaveras County Fairgrounds, 101 Frogtown Rd., Angels Camp, (209) 736-2561, www.frogtown.org
AVENUE OF THE VINES HALF MARATHON AND 5K
May 17, Lodi
What better way to enjoy the scenic backroads of Lodi wine country than on-foot with 1,500 other fitness enthusiasts? The race benefits the Lodi Boys and Girls Club and the American Heart Association, and one lucky participant will win a 4-day cruise to Baja Mexico. Half marathon, 7 a.m. 5K, 7:15 a.m. Registration fees $35-$62, depending on distance and date of registration. Woodbridge Winery, 5950 E. Woodbridge Rd., Acampo, (209) 952-1446,
www.fleetfeetstockton.com
