Compiled by Nora Heston Tarte
Pixie Woods 61st Birthday Bash
June 4
Come celebrate the 61st birthday of Pixie Woods, Stockton’s very own enchanted amusement park. In addition to the daily wonder that can be found at the forest, visitors can enjoy festive entertainment, birthday cake and special guests from 11 AM-4 PM. 3121 Monte Diablo Ave. (209) 937-7354 Stocktongov.com
San Joaquin Bicycle Coalition Long, Slow Distance Ride
June 4, July 2
Join the SJBC for a 10- or 30-mile ride through Lodi wine country, including a stop at Phillips Farms for snacks and refreshments. All riding levels are accommodated in this leisurely ride through the country roads. Participants under age 18 are required to wear helmets. Riders will meet at McNabb Street, north of Bear Creek High, 10555 Thornton Rd., Stockton, at 8 AM. (209) 969-3875 Sjbike.org
Temple Israel Jewish Food Fair
June 5
Foodies unite! The Temple Israel Stockton will play host to this annual, all-day event, where members of the temple gather to prepare and serve traditional Jewish cuisine. Don’t miss live music, food, baked goods, dancing, and more. Paid admission is required. 5105 N. El Dorado St., Stockton (209) 477-9306 Templeisraelstockton.com
DeltaFusion Workshops
June 6-24
For three weeks, students age six and up are invited to join DeltaFusion’s summer workshops. Held at the University of the Pacific’s theater arts building, classes will include mask making, puppetry, movement, and storytelling. Classes for children age six to 12 run 1:30-3 PM, and those for kids ages 13 and up are held from 3:30-5:30 PM. 3601 Pacific Ave, Stockton (209) 940-6315 Deltafusionstockton.com
Wednesday Concert in the Park Series, Victory Park
Jun 8, 15, 22, 29, July 6
Grab a friend and a picnic and head to Victory Park in Stockton where the summer Concerts in the Park series has returned for its 63rd year. All shows begin at 6 PM on Wednesdays. June 8: Valley Concert Band, June 15: RBX, June 22: Trucco, June 29: Tropical Nights, and July 6: Valley Concert Band returns. 1001 N. Pershing Ave.
Downtown Tracy Artwalk
June 10
On the second Friday of each month, Downtown Tracy (in conjuction with the Grand Theater) will host a summer series that celebrates both visual and performing artists. The free, public event will take over downtown venues and streets to showcase local talent where guests can purchase art, meet the artists and enjoy an evening downtown. Perfect for date night, or for the family. (209) 831-6858 Atthegrand.org/Artwalk
Leadership Stockton, application deadline
June 10
Leadership Stockton is an 11-month program aimed at educating participants on the region’s history, diversity, justice system, politics, government, economy, education, human services, and health care. Those involved work on servce projects to better the community while gaining a better understanding of the inner workings of Stockton. The application deadline is June 10. (209) 547-2770 Leadershipstockton.com
Stockton Relay for Life
June 11
Relay for Life is hailed as the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. Teams get together to raise funds as they remember loved ones, celebrate those who have triumphed, and—ultimately—walk to end cancer. Stockon residents can participate by walking the track at San Joaquin Delta College’s Merve Smith Football & Track Complex from 9 AM-9 PM. 5151 Pacific Ave. (209) 941-2676
Friends of the Fox Presents Mary Poppins
June 12
As part of its classic movies series, Mary Poppins will play at the Bob Hope Theater for families who want to relive this Disney favorite. Released in 1964, a magic nanny comes to work for a cold banker’s unhappy family. Showtime is at 2 PM. Art, wine, and snacks will be available starting at 1 PM. 242 E. Main St., Stockton (209) 373-1400 Stocktonlive.com
San Joaquin Ag Fest
June 13-18
This June, Future Farmers of America and 4-H team up to put on the annual San Joaquin Ag Fest at the SJ County Fairgrounds. Here, livestock projects student livestock projects and vocational projects will both be for sale, the former of which during a livestock auction! Enjoy a week of daily livestock shows, vocational exhibits, food, and vendors as well as a Farm to Fork gourmet evening of local restaurants using the freshest of local ingredients. Winners will be recognized during Friday’s Master Showmanship competition and on Saturday livestock and vocational projects will be for sale. Don’t forget the costume contests, hay bucking and more fun throughout the week as community members support the agricultural youth of San Joaquin County. The 2016 Ag Fest Queen will also be crowned! 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton (209) 466-5041 Sanjoaquinfairgrounds.com
San Joaquin County Fair
June 15-19
Step right up to the San Joaquin County Fair! With live entertainment, a carnival, food, livestock, agriculture, exhibits and more, it’s sure to be fun for the whole family. Take a spin on the Ferris wheel, or grub on local eats. Tickets are free for children under age five, $5 for kids ages six to 12, and $10 for adults. Get an unlimited ride wristband for $30. Seniors, military, and students with ID pay $7. Hours vary. San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton (209) 466-5041 Sanjoaquinfairgrounds.com/fair
Stockton Civic Theater Presents “1776”
June 15-July 10
The Stockton Civic Theater presents its newest live show, a G-rated foray into American history fit for families of all ages. Directed by Kevin Costello, the Tony-award winning 1776 is the newest show in the 2015-2016 season. The story takes place in summer 1776 when the nation is ready to declare independence. The compelling historic drama follows our founding fathers as they strive to get the second Continental Congress to sign the Declaration of Independence. 2312 Rosemarie Ln. (209) 473-2400 sctlivetheatre.com
Lodi Craft Beer Festival
June 18
The 2nd Annual Lodi Craft Beer Festival is coming to Lodi Lake Park! Created by the Lodi Tokay Rotary Club, the goal was to create a first class festival of craft brewers within the Northern California area while also championing some of the best food venders near Lodi. Craft beer enthusiasts will drool over more than 100 beer varieties presented by 50+ of Northern California brewers. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be distributed to local community and international projects. 1101 W Turner Rd., (209) 368-5624 Lodicraftbeerfestival.com
The STOCKMARKET
June 18
Join other shoppers at the STOCKMARKET; an indoor/outdoor curated market place featuring the best of Central Valley. Peruse locally made goods and food, as well as a variety of vintage vendors at the once-a-month event. Don’t forget to sample snacks and sips from food trucks and vendors while listening to music, making new friends, and soaking up the atmosphere! Open 10 AM-4 PM. Downtown Stockton, 630 E. Weber Ave., Stockton (209) 323-4389 Stockmarketca.com
Jelly Belly Visitor Center Ribbon Cutting
June 18
Celebrate these classic candies and the new Jelly Belly Visitor Center at its ribbon cutting ceremony at 9 AM, followed by a free tour of the factory. Get an insight to the manufacturing process while you taste free samples! Jelly Belly Visitor Center, 1 Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield, (800) 953-5592, JellyBelly.com
BACONFEST at Dell’Osso Family Farm
June 18-19
For the first time ever, Dell’Osso Family Farm is playing host to BACONFEST, a celebration of beer, bacon, and bands suitable for the whole family. Over father’s day weekend, attendees can participate in amateur bacon eating contests, sample small plates from local food spots, and be entertained by live music, pig races, pig costume contests, and more. Not to mention the Dell’Osso favorites including kid attractions and rides. Join the all-day fun 9 AM-8 PM Saturday and 9 AM-6 PM Sunday. One-day tickets are $12.50 for children ages six to 14, $25 for ages 15 and older, and free for kids under six. 26 Stewart Rd., Lathrop Baconfest.com
Pixie Woods Father’s Day Celebration
June 19
Return to the forest for a Father’s Day Celebration fit for the family when Pixie Woods in Stockton hosts fathers for free. Open 11 AM-4 PM. 3121 Monte Diablo Ave. (209) 937-7354 Stocktongov.com
Wednesday Evening Social Paddle at Lodi Lake
June 22
Spend warm summer nights in the water! This weekly paddle allows you to socialize with friends and meet new people! Led by the Headwaters’ staff, you’ll get to explore Lodi Lake and the Mokelumne River. Bring your own kayak, paddleboard, or canoe, or rent one for $25. The two-hour paddle launches from the Lodi Lake boat house at 5:30. Lodi Lake, 1101 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, HeadwatersKayak.com
30th Annual Pixie Woods Wine Tasting
June 24
Sip, savor and surround yourself with the summertime charm of childhood memories when you drop by Pixie Wood’s for their 30th Annual wine tasting event. Featuring locally made blends from our Lodi appellation and beyond, it’s a sampling extravaganza with raffles, music and auctions hitting home on everyone’s list. Pixie Woods Park, 3121 Monte Diablo, Stockton (209) 403-2942
Justice Fair at Delta College
June 25
In honor of Proposition 47—a movement to give a million eligible Californians the opportunity to change their records and change their lives—gracing the ballot, Californians for Safety and Justice is convening several groups in San Joaquin County to host a health fair. Dubbed “The Justice Fair,” this free event will be anchored in Prop. 47 record change and will feature free legal assistance, health screenings, education job opportunities, and other family services. Delta College, 5151Pacific Ave. (209) 225-5005 Safeandjust.org
DeltaFusion 2016
June 25
At the sixth annual event, children who enjoyed in the DeltaFusion summer workshops will participate in a pageant and festival at Victory Park that features giant puppets, original music, and scores of community performers from 5-7 PM. Enrollment in the free Haggin Museum’s Summer Art Workshop is required. 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton (209) 940-6315 Deltafusionstockton.com
Lodi Food Truck Mania at Hutchins Street Square
June 26
On the fourth Sunday of every month, Hutchins Street Square plays host to Food Truck Mania. In addition to a fleet of food trucks doling out delicious delicacies from both near and far, the event boasts live music and family-style fun. Hosted by the City of Lodi. 25 S. Hutchins St # A, Lodi (209) 333-6782
Jazz in the Courtyard: Brian Simpson
June 26
The Jazz in the Courtyard Concert Series is music to Stockton residents’ ears. On June 26, Jazz Keyboardist Brian Simpson will play songs off of his six albums, including his latest masterpiece, Out of a Dream. His hits are an expert blend of the music closet to his heart—jazz, r&b, funk, and soul. University Plaza Waterfront Hotel Courtyard, 110 W. Fremont St., Stockton (209) 482-8754 Universityplazawaterfronthotel.com
Lincoln Center LIVE! Wine Stroll
DATE TBD
Every year, Lincoln Center plays host to three summer events, and June marks the return of the much-anticipated wine stroll. Local wineries join forces to help raise money for the Child Abuse Prevention Council while offering a fun event for the community complete with light hors d’oeuvres and live music. Lincoln Center, Pacific Avenue and Benjamin Holt Drive (209) 477-4868
Ebony Boat Club’s Juneteenth Stockton
DATE TBD
The 41st Annual Juneteenth festival focuses on strengthening family and the community around us. It commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, which deemed slavery unconstitutional in the United States. To encourage collaboration, the event is free to all community members, regardless of age, ethnicity, or nationality. Cultural and historical displays will provide both education and entertainment. San Joaquin County Human Services Agency/Taft Community Center, 389 W. Downing Ave., Stockton (209) 468-4168
Red, White and Blues Festival
July 2
Get into the patriotic spirit by listening to some blues! Enjoy music from Blue Diamond Band, Darell Stanley, and the Silverlining Roharpo the Bluesman, and the Real Blues Band. This free community celebration also includes a beer and wine garden. Stockton Waterfront Marina, 333 Tuleburg Levee, Stockton
Free Admission Day at the Haggin Museum
July 2
Peruse the beautiful art at the Haggin Museum in Stockton for free from 12-5 PM! See artwork from 19th and early 20th century American and European artists. Haggin Museum, 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton, (209) 940-6300, VisitStockton.org
Downtown Stockton Fourth of July Fireworks & Parade
July 4
The Downtown Stockton Fourth of July Fireworks & Parade is back! The family-friendly event calls Stocktonians and guests from surrounding areas to come and celebrate Independence Day with festive fireworks and a parade. Visitstockton.org
Stockton Ports vs. Lake Elsinore Storm: Independence Day Fireworks
July 4
Spend Independence Day the American way by taking in a Stockton Ports’ ballgame! In addition to rooting for the home team—and all of the token attractions such as a bounce house, giant slide, and speed pitch game—fireworks will go off after the game. There will also be a jersey auction. Event starts at 6:30 PM. Banner Island Ballpark, 404 W. Fremont St. (209) 644-1900
University Plaza Waterfront Hotel Fourth of July BBQ
July 4
Enjoy a Fourth of July BBQ at the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel in Stockton. At this annual party, visitors can grub at the buffet, watch a spectacular firework show, and listen to live music, all while celebrating Independence Day with family and friends. Take a dip in the pool, or chill on land. University Plaza Waterfront Hotel, 110 W. Fremont St., Stockton (209) 944- 1140 UniversityPlazaWaterfrontHotel.com