18th Annual Sandhill Crane Festival
Tuesday November 7- Thursday November 9
Each year, thousands of visitors come to Lodi’s wildlife refuges and farmlands to celebrate the return of the magnificent Sandhill Cranes in a natural spectacle that is the Sand Hill Crane Festival. At the end of their long migration from nesting grounds as far away as Siberia, the Cranes descend into the rich Californian Delta. The celebration of these birds and their Southern migration includes workshops featuring lectures about the Crane’s journey, workshops, tours and exhibitions focused on birding, preservation and even kayaking! Hutchins Street Square, Lodi. 800-581-6150. Cranefesival.com
Incredible Edible Science and Mixology
Saturday November 8
This over 21 event will feature several local chefs from regional restaurants for an evening adventure in molecular gastronomy. During the event, located at the World of Wonders Science Museum, guests will get the opportunity to wine, dine and participate in raffles, auctions…and of course, enjoy incredible edible creations. There will also be a special presentation by Brand Alderson. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance because space is limited! World of Wonders Science Museum, 2 S. Sacramento St., Lodi. (209) 368-0969. Wowsciencemuseum.org.
Stockton Civic theatre Presents “The Sound of Music”
Wednesday November 19 –Sunday December 14
Bring the entire family and enjoy the world’s most popular and beloved musical of all time at the nation’s third longest running community theatre. The musical, directed by Jim Coleman, is rated G and will feature music by Rodgers and Hammerstein by a live orchestra. This historical, captivating and romantic story depicts a family’s narrow escape from the Nazi-invaded Austria to Switzerland during the eve of WWII. Stockton Civic Theatre, 2312 Rosemarie Ln., Stockton. (209) 473-2424. Sctlivetheatre.com.
Stockton Symphony Presents: Classics 11
Barber, Tchaikovsky and Beethoven
Saturday November 15
Join world class violinist Chee-Yun as she performs classic music by Beethoven, Barber and Tchaikovsky. Chee-Yun’s passion for the ever-evolving world of classical music is apparent in her charming, flawless performances with world-renowned orchestras such as the Philadelphia Orchestra, the London Philharmonic and several top notch national symphony orchestras. Chee-Yun will perform alongside distinguished guest conductor David Amado for an enthralling musical experience full of romanticism and soul. Warren Atherton Auditorium at San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton. (209) 951-0196. Stocktonsymphony.org.
San Joaquin Potters Guild Fine Arts Festival
Friday November 21- Saturday November 22
Check out a broad range of artwork from more than 35 professional Northern Californian artists at this year’s 21st Annual Fine Arts Festival presented by the San Joaquin Potters Guild, the area’s largest festival of its kind. From pottery to paintings, and clothing to jewelry, guests are welcome to join this free two-day event featuring clay, glass, fiber, wood, metal and photography, among other fine and functional forms of artwork. Spanos Community Center, St. Basil’s Greek
Orthodox Church, 920 W. March Ln., Stockton. Sanjoaquinpottersguild.org.
Star Wars Night with the Stockton Thunder
Saturday November 22
In an arena not so far away, the empire will invade a hockey game at the Stockton Thunder Arena in Stockton. Don’t miss the action at this Star War themed event, one of the most popular and anticipated nights of the season. Fans will get the opportunity to meet, hang out and come dressed as their favorite characters from the movies to participate in the costume contest. The first 500 guests 12 and under will receive a free lightsaber thunderstick. Stockton Thunder, 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton. (209) 373-1500. Stocktonthunder.com.
Alice Cooper
Tuesday November 25
Witness this Rock and Roll Hall of Famer live at the Bob Hope Theatre in Stockton in an epic performance as part of his Raise the Dead Tour. Experience the ‘King of Nightmares,’ the original shock rocker, and his legendary gothic rock with mesmerizing concert theatrics with the state of the art lights and sounds systems at the historic theatre. Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E. Main St., Stockton. (209) 337-4673. Stocktonlive.com.
26th Stockton Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday November 25
For millions of Americans, tree lighting ceremonies are the perfect way to kick off the Christmas season and get into the holiday spirit. This year, join the Hospice of San Joaquin County for Stockton’s 26th annual tree lighting ceremony. Each year, the organizations offers community members a chance to remember lost loved ones, friends and co-workers during the holidays by
attributing a light on the Memorial Tree of Lights, which is also accompanied with a card to the family of the deceased. All donations support the county
Hospice foundation. Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Ave., Stockton. (209) 957-3888. Hospicesj.org.
Run against Hunger
Thanksgiving morning, November 27
Keep those extra holiday pounds off while supporting San Joaquin’s food banks at the 10th annual Run Against Hunger, commencing Thanksgiving morning at the Stockton Ports Baseball Field in Stockton. Join more than 5,000 people as they enjoy a run/walk around the scenic waterfront and back to the field in an effort to stay active and raise funds for the area’s nutrition and food bank programs which serve up to six million people per year. Participants can volunteer by running/walking, pledging or virtually contributing. All proceeds from the event will support the Stockton Emergency Food Bank and Family Services. Stockton Emergency Food Bank and Family Services, 7 W. Scotts Ave., Stockton. (209) 464-7369. Runagainsthunger.org.
Festival of Trees
Saturday December 6 – Sunday December 7
The 23rd annual Festival of Trees, located at the San Joaquin Historical Museum, will kick off the holiday season with historic and handcrafted flair. The festival will feature more than 60 differently decorated Christmas trees and plenty of activities, including holiday arts and crafts for children. Guests will have the opportunity to take a step back in time and explore the museum’s exhibits, docents dressed in Victorian or pioneer clothing, entertainment, food and photos with Santa. San Joaquin Historical Museum, 11793 Micke Grove Rd., Lodi. (209) 331-2055 or (209) 953-3460. Sanjoaquinhistory.org.