Sandhill Crane Festival
Nov. 2,3
The Sandhill Crane Festival is easily one of San Joaquin County’s most beloved annual events. The festival marks the return of the Sandhill Cranes to Lodi as they come to rest in the rich Delta wetlands after a long migratory season. For 23 years, bird watchers from afar mingle with community members nearby as they marvel at this natural wonder where impressive numbers of cranes descend onto the nearby farms and wetlands to roost until it’s time to takeoff again. Hutchins Street Square, Lodi, (800) 581-6150, CraneFestival.com
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
Nov 2
Get your tickets before it sells out! The Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is a holiday tradition for many. Performed at Bob Hope Theatre in Stockton, 40 ballet dancers take the stage to deliver their take on a timeless tale. Magical effects such as falling snow, handmade Russian costumes, and colorful backdrops make the family-friendly show come alive. Get your tickets now on Ticketmaster or at the box office and kick off the holiday season with a night you won’t soon forget! Bob Hope Theater 242 E. Main St., Stockton, (209) 373-1400, StocktonLive.com
Punkin’ Chunkin at the Wow Museum
Nov 2
What do you do with all those pumpkins after Halloween? What better fun than to smash them without making a mess on your street. The WoW Museum hosts a thrilling send off after the holiday just for this purpose where visitors catapult used jack o lanterns in trebuchets down Sacramento Street. Cost is just $1 per launch, and, if you don’t have any pumpkins of your own, the museum sells them for $2 apiece. General admission into the museum is required to participate. Event runs 10 AM-3 PM. WOW Science Museum, 2 N. Sacramento St., Lodi, (209) 368-0969, WowScienceMuseum.org
Water Lantern Festival
Nov. 2
The national Water Lantern Festival is coming to Sacramento! During the festival, participants let go hundreds of floating lanterns scrawled with messages of love, hop, and happiness in Gibson Ranch Park. The result is a gorgeous display of lanterns illuminating the water below. As an added bonus, the rice-paper lanterns are eco-friendly so they won’t harm the environment. Be part of the experience, starting at 4:30 PM, by purchasing a ticket online. 8556 Gibson Ranch Rd., Elverta, WaterLanternFestival.com/Sacramento.php
Margarita Crawl
Nov. 2
Come one, come all to the greatest margarita bar crawl of all! If you love a good margarita, now is your chance to taste the best ones being served up in Stockton. Ticketholders get exclusive drink specials, discounted margaritas, and free early bird giveaways. Purchase your ticket and sample margaritas from 2-8 PM. Venues throughout Stockton, BarCrawlUnlimited.com
Fall in Love Bridal Showcase
Nov. 3
Are you getting ready to tie the knot? The Fall in Love Bridal Showcase in Stockton offers brides a one-stop shop for their wedding needs. Visit with vendors, enjoy interactive displays, become inspired during the bridal fashion show, and start planning your magical day. The event runs 1-3:30 PM. Stockton Golf & Country Club, 3800 W. Country Club Blvd., Stockton, (209) 466-4313, StocktonGolfCC.com
Stockton Kings
Nov. 8, 13, 26, 29, 30
The Stockton Kings are back on the court! The G-League basketball team associated with the Sacramento Kings opens the season at the Stockton Arena on Nov. 8 against the Santa Cruz Warriors. Come down and root for the home team! Tickets are also available for home games on Nov. 13, 26, 29, 30. Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 373-1400, StocktonLive.com
Sacramento Coffee Beerfest
Nov. 8
This hybrid event takes on two of the nation’s most popular beverages—beer and coffee by supporting blends of coffee-flavored brews from more than 30 commercial craft breweries. Every vendor brings a keg of their favorite coffee brew, as well as one of their other taps, for guests to enjoy as they sway to the music and grub on food from local gourmet food trucks. Come taste at Brickhouse Gallery & Art Complex in Oak Park from 6-10 PM. 2837 36th Street, Sacramento, (916) 229-8681, @SacramentoCoffeeBeerfest
Stockton Symphony Presents Classics 2: Celebrating Greatness
Nov 9
Get swept away by the sounds of the Stockton Symphony as they welcome guest artist Terrence Wilson, who will play piano alongside the rest of the group. The concert will include three features: Suppe: light Cavalry Overature, Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 ‘Emperor,’ and Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra. Peter Jaffe will conduct. The show starts at 6 PM and tickets are on sale now. Warren Atherton Auditorium at Delta College, 5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 951-0196, StocktonSymphony.org
Diwali Festival & Show
November 9
Every fall, Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs celebrate Diwail (also known as Deepavali or Dipavali) with a four- to five-day long festival of lights. If you’ve ever seen homes adorned with strings of blue lights this time of year, that’s because the occupants are marking the occasion, and from 3-9 PM, the entire community is invited to learn more about the holiday with a lively cultural event boasting lights, dancing, a shopping bazaar, and traditional Indian treats. 33 W. Alpine Ave., Stockton, (209) 401-2995, IASJC.org
Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience
Nov. 9
Have you ever wanted to drive a race car? It’s time to make your dreams come true! Kenny Wallace’s Dirt Racing Experience is coming to Stockton for one day only. Packages allow enthusiasts to drive up to three cars a total of 50 laps around the Stockton Dirt Track. And if you have the need for speed but aren’t quite ready to take the wheel, you can still join in on the fun with a ride along experience. Stockton Dirt Track, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton, (916) 370-9417, DirtRaceWithKenny.com
Stockton Veteran’s Day Ceremony
Nov. 11
Pay your respects to America’s heroes by attending the Stockton Veteran’s Day Ceremony. The morning kicks off at 10:45 AM with a moment of silence and reflection at 11 AM followed by a talk given by the keynote speaker, Medal of Honor recipient, and Vietnam Veteran Major James A. Taylor. Hosted at the Bob Hope Theatre, this event is free to the public. Bob Hope Theater 242 E. Main St., Stockton, (209) 373-1400, StocktonLive.com
Peppa Pig: Peppa Pig’s Adventure
Nov 15
Everyone’s favorite British pig is coming to the Bob Hope Theatre. Grab your kids, your nieces and nephews, your grandchildren, or whoever else will enjoy the antics of this silly cartoon star and her family. The famous characters will appear as life-size puppets embarking on an exciting camping adventure in the woods. The show starts at 6 PM. Bob Hope Theater 242 E. Main St., Stockton, (209) 373-1400, StocktonLive.com
One Woman Sex and the City
Nov. 15 at 8pm
If you’re an avid Sex & the City fan, you won’t want to miss this hilarious version of the six-season series all boiled down to a hilarious one-woman show. Kerry Ipema will relive some of the most iconic moments as she writes, produces, and acts in this beloved parody of love, friendship, and shoes. The show starts at 8 PM. 1000 I St, Modesto, (209) 338-2100, GalloArts.org
Lodi Tour of Tempranillo
Nov 15-17
Zinfandel may be Lodi’s claim to fame, but the internationally recognized wine region is also a hefty producer of Spanish varietals. That’s why local wineries are celebrating National Tempranillo Day with a weekend dedicated to this grape. For the fourth year in a row, wine lovers are invited to gather with fellow fans of Tempranillo and taste their way through Lodi’s robust offerings. At each stop, taste the label’s tempranillo as well as indulge in other special tastings. Simply stop by any participating winery to grab a guidebook and get started! LodiSpanishWineTour.com
Annual Trout Bout
Nov. 16
Calling all fishermen of San Joaquin County! Get ready to cast your line and claim your prize at the 34th Annual Trout Bout. Oak Grove Park is a fisherman’s paradise, with over 2,500 lbs of Trout planted in the 10-acre lake, ready for youth and adult anglers to reel in. The biggest catch earns the prize! Kids age 15 and under fish free at the event, while adult anglers will have to pay an entry fee. Prizes will be awarded in youth and adult categories. Come bright and early ready to work! The event runs 6:15 AM-12:30 PM. Oak Grove Regional Park, 4520 W. 8 Mile Rd., Stockton, (209) 331-2050, SJParks.com
Third Coast Percussion at UOP
Nov. 17
Grammy-winning quartet Third Coast Percussion is taking over the Faye Spanos Concert Hall on November 17 for an energetic performance of percussion instruments and musical exploration. Those who attend can also learn from the pros with a master class headed by Arod Quartet in the Conservatory Recital Hall following the show. The fun starts at 2:30 PM. University of the Pacific, 3511 Pacific Ave., Stockton, ChamberMusicFriends.org
Christmas Faire
Nov. 17
Let it snow in Stockton! Lincoln Center’s Christmas Faire gets the community into the holiday spirit early with falling snow, visits from Santa and his reindeer, horse-drawn carriage rides, and free family photos in front of the Lincoln Center tree. Shop around for special holiday faire promotions as you enjoy the festive music playing from every corner of Lincoln Center with family. The fun lasts from 11 AM-5 PM. Lincoln Center, 374 Lincoln Center, Stockton, (209) 477-4868, LincolnCenterShops.com
Central Valley Birding Symposium
Nov. 21-24
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert bird watcher, you won’t want to miss this event. The symposium covers topics from photography basics to more advanced skills perfect for helping beginners get their feet wet in the world of bird photography, and while the event is geared toward those just starting out, intermediate and advanced photographers are welcome to come down and pick up some pointers as well. Hilton Stockton, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd., Stockton, CVBirds-symposium.netify.com
Mark Roberts Signing Event
Nov. 22
Meet Mark Roberts, the mastermind behind a collection of collectible fairies, elves, Santas, and other holiday merchandise sold at With Garden Flair in Stockton. From 11 AM-2 PM on Nov. 22, guests can meet the artist and have existing or new pieces—With Garden Flair carries the spring and fall collections in store—signed, adding to their value. With Garden Flair, 2206 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 933-9009, MarkRobertsChristmasMagic.com
Sacramento Premier Holiday Expo
Nov 23
Get your shopping done all at once with unique gifts you won’t have to worry about recipients re-gifting. The Sacramento Premier Holiday Expo offers a day of shopping from 10 AM-5 PM plus entertainment and activities for the kids. The free event even offers raffle tickets for prize drawings as vendors hock their handmade goods and food trucks prepare a variety of meals for sale. Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 6151 H St., Sacramento, (916) 330-4568
San Joaquin Potters Guild Fine Arts Festival
Nov 22-23
Sponsored by the San Joaquin Potters Guild, this two-day celebration allows local artists to sell their wares, ranging from hand-crafted pieces made of clay, glass, fiber, wood, and metal to paintings and artistic photography. Both functional and aesthetic pieces will be for sale at this free event, so come to browse or to buy. Spanos Community Center at St. Basil’s Greek Orthodox Church, 920 W. March Ln., Stockton, SanJoaquinPottersGuild.org
26th Annual Fine Art Festival
Nov 22-23
Celebrating its 26th year, the prestigious 2019 Fine Arts Festival will host a free two‐day event on Friday, Nov. 22 from 4-8 PM and Saturday, Nov. 23 from 10 AM-4 PM. The festival boasts juried artists from Northern California who are widely acclaimed and some even internationally recognized. Visitors will see handcrafted clay (functional, sculptural, garden, and cooking ware), glass, wood, unique jewelry, wearable art, paper, and paintings that make a beautiful addition to any home, garden, or wardrobe. 920 W. March Lane, Stockton, SanJoaquinPottersGuild.org
Macchia’s Fall Release Party
Nov. 23 & 24
Come dressed in red to celebrate the release of Macchia’s new red blend at Macchia’s Fall Release Party. The label will pour tastes of its newest beverage to guests. Purchase bottles or cases while on site and sign up for the wine club to enjoy a discount. 7099 E. Peltier Rd., Acampo, (209) 333-2600, Macchiawines.com
Annual Thanksgiving Walk and Run Against Hunger
Nov 28
It’s a run for a cause. This favorite turkey trot raises both funds and hunger awareness for the Emergency Food Bank, an organization that provides food to the working poor of San Joaquin County. Those who participate can choose between the 5k run/walk or the 10k run on Thanksgiving morning. Start at Stockton Ports Banner Island Ballpark and stroll along the Deepwater Channel. Walkers will have their own scenic course while runners race to the finish line. Awards are given to the fastest in each class. Stockton Ports Banner Island Ballpark, 404 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 464-7369, RunAgainstHunger.org
A Very Electric Christmas
Nov. 29
This lovable story of a young bird’s misadventure to the North Pole lights up the stage at Gallo Center for the Arts. The adorable tale includes festive displays of dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms, and performing poinsettias, as Max discovers what this pole is all about. With holiday music from top performers including Nat King Cole and Mariah Carey, the Lightwire Theater production is one those of all ages will love. Shows play at 3 PM and 6 PM. 1000 I St, Modesto, (209) 338-2100, GalloArts.org
San Joaquin Kennel Club Annual Dog Show
Nov 29-30
Dog lovers won’t want to miss the Golden Valley Kennel Club’s two-day dog show event. For two days our four-legged friends will compete against the best in all breds to take home the gold at back-to-back dog shows. Come out to the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds where you’ll get front row seats to see some of the best-behaved dogs in the country strut their well-groomed stuff. The show is free to the public but parking costs do apply. San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton, SanJoaquinKC.org