Lodi-area Events

Darren Antonovich/News-Sentinel
Representatives of Tokay High School drive a golf cart decked out with lights in this time exposure from Lodi's Festival of Lights.

No shortage of events in Lodi

Lodi is a town of festivals and events.

Not a month passes where there is not a celebration of the community — be it a jazz concert at Hutchins Street Square, a Fourth of July fireworks gala at Lodi Lake, or a farmer’s market or fete celebrating the area’s agricultural heritage.

Below is a sample of some.

Dates are subject to change, so it is worthwhile contacting the events’ organizers before heading out.

June 2000

Downtown Farmers Market and Festival
What: Fresh vegetables, fruits and other items are available at the market, as well as entertainment, crafts, and food.
When: June 22 to late September, in the afternoons.
Where: School Street, between Elm and Oak streets.
Cost: Free.
Contact: Downtown Lodi Business Partnership, (209) 369-8052.

Ted Herman Homecoming
What: Jazz music by Ted Herman.
When: June 23, 8 p.m.
Where: Kirst Hall, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St.
Cost: $15 for tickets. Dinner and show are $35.
Contact: Box office, (209) 339-8119.

Under the Columns
What: Outdoor music performance series, starts June 24.
When: June 24 (Tapestry), June 29 (Ivan Najara and the Tony Unger Quintet), Aug. 19 (Tony Windle and Mombo Hernandez). Shows start at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $5 per person.
Where: Wishek Amphitheater, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St.
Contact: Box office, (209) 339-8119.

July

Oooh Ahhh Festival Fourth of July celebration
What: One of the county’s better fireworks shows takes place over the water at Lodi Lake. An all-day event for families, there are also activities, rides, crafts, beach projects and boating planned during the daytime.
When: July 4, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Lodi Lake, at Mills Avenue and Turner Road.
Cost: $3 for children and seniors; and $5 for adults.
Contact: Steve Whyte, (209) 368-4626.

Celebrate America
What: Prelude to the Oooh! Ahhh! Festival. Includes music and picnicking in the park behind Hutchins Street Square. Wear your red, white and blue. Prizes are given for patriotic dress and table decoration.
When: July 3, daytime. Cost: Free.
Where: The Omega Nu amphitheater, outdoors behind Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St.
Contact: Box office, (209) 339-8119.

Children’s Summer Theater
What: Children’s theater performances. This year’s production is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
When: July 21, 22, 23. Showtimes are Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and 3 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Performing Arts Theater, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St.
Cost: $5 per person.
Contact: Lodi Arts Commission, (209) 367-5442; or box office, (209) 339-8119.

August

Delicato Grape Stomp
What: Take your shoes off (or leave them on), climb into a barrel, and stomp 25 pounds of grapes in 90 seconds to raise money for charity.
When: Aug. 27, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Delicato Vineyards, 12001 S. Highway 99, Manteca.
Cost: Entry is $5 for all ages 14 and up; $10 for a single stomper and $5 each for doubles.
Contact: Delicato Vineyards, (209) 824-3505.

Downtown Lodi Beerfest and Chili Cookoff
What: Food, microbrews and open houses at many downtown businesses, all included in entry fee.
When: Aug. 5, afternoon.
Where: School Street, Lodi Avenue to Elm Street.
Cost: $25, includes commemorative glass and lots of food and drink.
Contact: Downtown Lodi Business Partnership, (209) 369-8052.

September

Kiddie Parade
What: A children’s parade with schools participating. Includes floats, dancers, etc.
When: Sept. 16, 10 a.m.
Where: Starts on School Street and ends at Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St.
Cost: Free.

Grape Festival and Harvest Fair
What: A premier festival for Lodi, and its oldest. Features wine tasting, wine-making exhibits, rides, food and fun.
When: Sept. 14-17; opens 4 p.m. Thursday and noon all other days.
Where: Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, 413 E. Lockeford St.
Cost: $6 for ages 13 and up; $3 for ages 6 –12; ages 5 and under admitted for free.
Contact: Lodi Grape Festival, (209) 369-2771.

Senior Follies
What: Talent show and Broadway review for those over 55.
When: Sept. 24, 3 p.m. Cost: Call for information.
Where: Performing Arts Theater, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St.
Contact: Box office, (209) 339-8119.

October

Lodi Street Faire
What: Antiques, arts and crafts, and commercial products are on display at the faire.
When: Oct. 1, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Downtown Lodi, between Church and School streets.
Cost: Free.
Contact: Lodi District Chamber of Commerce, (209) 367-7840.

Salmon Festival/All Nations Pow Wow
What: A two-day festival celebrating the fall salmon run and Native American culture. Includes boat rides, crafts, barbecue, exhibits, face painting and other activities.
When: Oct. 14-15. Starts 8 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday.
Where: Lodi Lake, corner of Turner Road and Mills Avenue.
Cost: The event itself is free. Parking is $2 for residents ($3 for non-residents); riverboat rides are $6 (limited capacity, so reserve if possible); and salmon barbecue is $8. Contact: Lodi Parks and Recreation Department, (209) 333-6742.

November

Sandhill Crane Festival
What: A celebration of the migratory sandhill crane includes tours, featured speakers, exhibits, and art.
When: Nov. 3-5. Where: Starts at Hutchins Street Square.
Cost: $7 registration fee. Additional costs for tours.
Contact: Lodi Sunrise Rotary, (209) 365-1195.

Parade of Lights
What: City’s largest parade. The holiday fete includes bands, floats, entertainment, etc. Last year, over 25,000 people attended.
When: Nov. 30, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Starts at City Hall and ends at the Lodi Public Library.
Cost: Free.
Contact: Downtown Lodi Business Partnership, (209) 369-8052.

December

Festival of Trees
What: Annual Christmas event features a showcase of decorated trees, plus entertainment, food and activities for children.
When: Dec. 2-3.
Where: San Joaquin County Historical Museum, Micke Grove Park.
Cost: Call for information.
Contact: San Joaquin Historical Society, (209) 331-2055.

Winter Wine Wander
What: Open houses at wineries in the Lodi area.
When: Generally the first Saturday and Sunday in December, noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Lodi area wineries.
Cost: Call for information.
Contact: Call (888) 700-LODI.

January 2001

Nite Time Live Concert Series
What: A six-week series of concerts featuring jazz-based artists.
When: Jan. 12, 19; Feb. 2, 9, 23; and March 2. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Dinner is at 7 p.m.
Where: Kirst Hall, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St.
Cost: $15 per person, $6 for students with ID.
Contact: Box office is (209) 339-8119 (reservations are recommended).

February

Valentine Wine and Chocolate Weekend
What: Open houses at area wineries. Most have chocolate and special gifts for Valentine’s Day.
When: Typically, the weekend before Valentine’s Day.
Where: Several Lodi area wineries.
Cost: Free in the past. Call for information.
Contact: Call (888) 700-LODI (5634).

March

Young Renaissance Art Show
What: A juried art show displaying the works of local school students. This year, an instrument “petting zoo” for kids is planned in addition to a concert by the Stockton Symphony.
When: March 14-18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (until 10 p.m. on Friday). Cost: Free.
Where: Kirst Hall, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St.
Contact: Lodi Arts Commission, (209) 367-5442.

Springtime Wine Show
What: Event includes tasting and other wine-related entertainment.
When: March 23-24.
Where: Lodi Grape Pavilion, Lodi Grape Festival grounds, 413 E. Lockeford St.
Cost: Call for information.
Contact: Lodi Grape Festival, (209) 369-2771.

April

Asparagus Festival
What: Ranked by Sunset magazine as one of the best festivals in the West. Features just about every edible permutation of asparagus — including asparagus ice cream.
When: Last weekend in April.
Where: Oak Grove Park, Stockton
Cost: Call for information.
Contact: Call (209) 943-1987

Cherry Blossom Festival
What: An annual springtime event based on the Japanese celebration of Sakura — cherry blossoms. Typically features Japanese music, dance, crafts, food and drink.
When: April 7-8, noon-5 p.m.
Where: Micke Grove Park, Micke Grove and Armstrong roads.
Cost: Event is free; parking $4.
Contact: San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation Dept., (209) 953-8800.

Smooth Jazz Concert Series
What: Venue of today’s contemporary jazz music.
When: April 6 and 20, May 4 and 18. Showtime is 8 p.m. and dinner starts at 7 p.m.
Where: Kirst Hall, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St.
Cost: $15 for adults and $6 for students with identification.
Contact: Box office, (209) 339-8119.

May

Arts Showcase
What: The showcase is an opportunity for local artists to show their works.
When: May 19-20, 10a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Kirst and Crete halls, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St.
Cost: Call for information.
Contact: Lodi Arts Commission, (209) 367-5442.



Contents • Bicycle Tours • Business Traveler • Downtown Lodi • Downtown Lodi Dining • Downtown Lodi Shopping • Family Activities • Farmers Market • Galt Market • Golf • Hill House • Hutchins Street Square • Lodi Arch • Lodi-area Events • Lodi Facts • Lodi Street Faire • Museums • Rae House • Sacramento Street • Sandhill Crane Festival • Wineries • Wines • Younger Generation
		Darren Antonovich/News-Sentinel Representatives of Tokay High School drive a golf cart decked out with lights in this time exposure from Lodi's Festival of Lights. No shortage of events in Lodi Lodi is a town of festivals and events. Not a month passes where there is not a celebration of the community — be it a jazz concert at Hutchins Street Square, a Fourth of July fireworks gala at Lodi Lake, or a farmer’s market or fete celebrating the area’s agricultural heritage. Below is a sample of some. Dates are subject to change, so it is worthwhile contacting the events’ organizers before heading out. June 2000 Downtown Farmers Market and Festival What: Fresh vegetables, fruits and other items are available at the market, as well as entertainment, crafts, and food. When: June 22 to late September, in the afternoons. Where: School Street, between Elm and Oak streets. Cost: Free. Contact: Downtown Lodi Business Partnership, (209) 369-8052. Ted Herman Homecoming What: Jazz music by Ted Herman. When: June 23, 8 p.m. Where: Kirst Hall, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St. Cost: $15 for tickets. Dinner and show are $35. Contact: Box office, (209) 339-8119. Under the Columns What: Outdoor music performance series, starts June 24. When: June 24 (Tapestry), June 29 (Ivan Najara and the Tony Unger Quintet), Aug. 19 (Tony Windle and Mombo Hernandez). Shows start at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $5 per person. Where: Wishek Amphitheater, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St. Contact: Box office, (209) 339-8119. July Oooh Ahhh Festival Fourth of July celebration What: One of the county’s better fireworks shows takes place over the water at Lodi Lake. An all-day event for families, there are also activities, rides, crafts, beach projects and boating planned during the daytime. When: July 4, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Where: Lodi Lake, at Mills Avenue and Turner Road. Cost: $3 for children and seniors; and $5 for adults. Contact: Steve Whyte, (209) 368-4626. Celebrate America What: Prelude to the Oooh! Ahhh! Festival. Includes music and picnicking in the park behind Hutchins Street Square. Wear your red, white and blue. Prizes are given for patriotic dress and table decoration. When: July 3, daytime. Cost: Free. Where: The Omega Nu amphitheater, outdoors behind Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St. Contact: Box office, (209) 339-8119. Children’s Summer Theater What: Children’s theater performances. This year’s production is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. When: July 21, 22, 23. Showtimes are Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and 3 p.m. Sunday. Where: Performing Arts Theater, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St. Cost: $5 per person. Contact: Lodi Arts Commission, (209) 367-5442; or box office, (209) 339-8119. August Delicato Grape Stomp What: Take your shoes off (or leave them on), climb into a barrel, and stomp 25 pounds of grapes in 90 seconds to raise money for charity. When: Aug. 27, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: Delicato Vineyards, 12001 S. Highway 99, Manteca. Cost: Entry is $5 for all ages 14 and up; $10 for a single stomper and $5 each for doubles. Contact: Delicato Vineyards, (209) 824-3505. Downtown Lodi Beerfest and Chili Cookoff What: Food, microbrews and open houses at many downtown businesses, all included in entry fee. When: Aug. 5, afternoon. Where: School Street, Lodi Avenue to Elm Street. Cost: $25, includes commemorative glass and lots of food and drink. Contact: Downtown Lodi Business Partnership, (209) 369-8052. September Kiddie Parade What: A children’s parade with schools participating. Includes floats, dancers, etc. When: Sept. 16, 10 a.m. Where: Starts on School Street and ends at Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St. Cost: Free. Grape Festival and Harvest Fair What: A premier festival for Lodi, and its oldest. Features wine tasting, wine-making exhibits, rides, food and fun. When: Sept. 14-17; opens 4 p.m. Thursday and noon all other days. Where: Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, 413 E. Lockeford St. Cost: $6 for ages 13 and up; $3 for ages 6 –12; ages 5 and under admitted for free. Contact: Lodi Grape Festival, (209) 369-2771. Senior Follies What: Talent show and Broadway review for those over 55. When: Sept. 24, 3 p.m. Cost: Call for information. Where: Performing Arts Theater, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St. Contact: Box office, (209) 339-8119. October Lodi Street Faire What: Antiques, arts and crafts, and commercial products are on display at the faire. When: Oct. 1, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Downtown Lodi, between Church and School streets. Cost: Free. Contact: Lodi District Chamber of Commerce, (209) 367-7840. Salmon Festival/All Nations Pow Wow What: A two-day festival celebrating the fall salmon run and Native American culture. Includes boat rides, crafts, barbecue, exhibits, face painting and other activities. When: Oct. 14-15. Starts 8 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday. Where: Lodi Lake, corner of Turner Road and Mills Avenue. Cost: The event itself is free. Parking is $2 for residents ($3 for non-residents); riverboat rides are $6 (limited capacity, so reserve if possible); and salmon barbecue is $8. Contact: Lodi Parks and Recreation Department, (209) 333-6742. November Sandhill Crane Festival What: A celebration of the migratory sandhill crane includes tours, featured speakers, exhibits, and art. When: Nov. 3-5. Where: Starts at Hutchins Street Square. Cost: $7 registration fee. Additional costs for tours. Contact: Lodi Sunrise Rotary, (209) 365-1195. Parade of Lights What: City’s largest parade. The holiday fete includes bands, floats, entertainment, etc. Last year, over 25,000 people attended. When: Nov. 30, 5:30 p.m. Where: Starts at City Hall and ends at the Lodi Public Library. Cost: Free. Contact: Downtown Lodi Business Partnership, (209) 369-8052. December Festival of Trees What: Annual Christmas event features a showcase of decorated trees, plus entertainment, food and activities for children. When: Dec. 2-3. Where: San Joaquin County Historical Museum, Micke Grove Park. Cost: Call for information. Contact: San Joaquin Historical Society, (209) 331-2055. Winter Wine Wander What: Open houses at wineries in the Lodi area. When: Generally the first Saturday and Sunday in December, noon to 4 p.m. Where: Lodi area wineries. Cost: Call for information. Contact: Call (888) 700-LODI. January 2001 Nite Time Live Concert Series What: A six-week series of concerts featuring jazz-based artists. When: Jan. 12, 19; Feb. 2, 9, 23; and March 2. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Dinner is at 7 p.m. Where: Kirst Hall, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St. Cost: $15 per person, $6 for students with ID. Contact: Box office is (209) 339-8119 (reservations are recommended). February Valentine Wine and Chocolate Weekend What: Open houses at area wineries. Most have chocolate and special gifts for Valentine’s Day. When: Typically, the weekend before Valentine’s Day. Where: Several Lodi area wineries. Cost: Free in the past. Call for information. Contact: Call (888) 700-LODI (5634). March Young Renaissance Art Show What: A juried art show displaying the works of local school students. This year, an instrument “petting zoo” for kids is planned in addition to a concert by the Stockton Symphony. When: March 14-18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (until 10 p.m. on Friday). Cost: Free. Where: Kirst Hall, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St. Contact: Lodi Arts Commission, (209) 367-5442. Springtime Wine Show What: Event includes tasting and other wine-related entertainment. When: March 23-24. Where: Lodi Grape Pavilion, Lodi Grape Festival grounds, 413 E. Lockeford St. Cost: Call for information. Contact: Lodi Grape Festival, (209) 369-2771. April Asparagus Festival What: Ranked by Sunset magazine as one of the best festivals in the West. Features just about every edible permutation of asparagus — including asparagus ice cream. When: Last weekend in April. Where: Oak Grove Park, Stockton Cost: Call for information. Contact: Call (209) 943-1987 Cherry Blossom Festival What: An annual springtime event based on the Japanese celebration of Sakura — cherry blossoms. Typically features Japanese music, dance, crafts, food and drink. When: April 7-8, noon-5 p.m. Where: Micke Grove Park, Micke Grove and Armstrong roads. Cost: Event is free; parking $4. Contact: San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation Dept., (209) 953-8800. Smooth Jazz Concert Series What: Venue of today’s contemporary jazz music. When: April 6 and 20, May 4 and 18. Showtime is 8 p.m. and dinner starts at 7 p.m. Where: Kirst Hall, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St. Cost: $15 for adults and $6 for students with identification. Contact: Box office, (209) 339-8119. May Arts Showcase What: The showcase is an opportunity for local artists to show their works. When: May 19-20, 10a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Kirst and Crete halls, Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St. Cost: Call for information. Contact: Lodi Arts Commission, (209) 367-5442.
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