Ten Great Dates
compiled by AMANDA RIFE
FUSION FRIDAY AT BORRA VINEYARDS
June 5, Lodi
Fusion Friday is the perfect summer evening out. The night will feature appetizers from Shadow Oaks Steak House, wine tasting, and live music by bluegrass band Stringin’ Along. Guests will receive a souvenir wine glass, and dinner is also available for an additional charge. 5 p.m. $10. Borra Vineyards, 1301 E. Armstrong Rd., Lodi, (209) 368-2446, www.borrawinery.com
DOGGIE DASH FESTIVAL
June 6, Stockton
The annual Doggie Dash Festival supports the Delta Humane Society’s no-kill shelter. A small donation will get you a shirt and your pup a bandana, as well as participation in the dog walk, and entrance to all doggie contests. Enjoy over fifty vendor booths, food, and prizes, or dress up your dog and enter the pet fashion show. 9 a.m. $20-$25. Victory Park, 1001 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton, (209) 466-0339, www.deltahumanesociety.com
DRAFT FEST 2009
June 11-14, Lodi
Horse aficionados are invited to come out and view the variety of champion horses in attendance at Lodi’s 2009 Draft Fest. June 11-12, horse owners of any breed can participate in clinics covering a range of equestrian topics, like hitching and driving. June 13-14, competitors will show their draft horses in a host of events like reinsmanship and riding, vying for the top titles. Clinic $200, free to watch the horse show. Sargent Equestrian Center, 15757 E. Sargent Rd., Lodi, (209) 727-0200, www.drafthorsefest.com
JOURNEY UNAUTHORIZED
June 13, Tracy
A live rock tribute to Journey, Journey Unauthorized provides nothing less than a great rendition of the 1980s rock band. This talented cover band performs live with no backing tracks or sampling used, and will showcase the songs that die-hard Journey fans have enjoyed through the years, and can now enjoy again, as close to the original as possible. 8 p.m. $20-$40. Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 Central Ave., (209) 831-6858, www.atthegrand.org
LIVE! AT LINCOLN CENTER
June 19, Stockton
A relaxing and fun evening of music, drinks, and shopping that will benefit charities such as United Way and Hospice of San Joaquin, Live! at Lincoln Center will offer live entertainment from some of the area’s best local bands, as well as wine tasting from Michael-David and Klinker Brick wineries. The event also features a trunk show for unique finds. 6 p.m. Free. Lincoln Center, Benjamin Holt and Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 477-4868, www.lincolncentershops.com
SUMMER SUNSET WINE TASTING BENEFIT
June 19, Stockton
Enjoy award-winning wines presented by over thirty Napa and Sonoma wineries to the backdrop of Stockton’s Pixie Woods park. The wines will be accompanied by hors d’oeuvres, live music throughout the park, and a silent auction. Proceeds of the benefit will go towards programs and improvements at Pixie Woods Children Playland. 5-8 p.m. $40. Pixie Woods, Louis Park, Occidental and Shimizu Sts., Stockton, (209) 937-8958, www.stocktongov.com/pixiewoods
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY FAIR
June 24-28, Stockton
The county fair is back, and once again, it’s time for some summer fun. The fair will have all the traditional amenities we love—carnival rides, games, shows, contests, and horse racing. The concert lineup this year includes rockstar Bret Michaels, performing June 24. Check out the website for a full events listing. Tickets $3-$9. San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton, (209) 466-5041, www.sanjoaquinfair.com
ART ON THE SQUARE
June 27-28, Lodi
Art on the Square showcases fine art and unique crafts that capture the spirit of California and Lodi’s wine country. Serious buyers and collectors will be attending, and the show is judged, but the general public will have the opportunity to browse the artworks, alongside entertainment, food, and wine. June 27, 10 a.m.-6 pm. June 28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St., Lodi, (209) 333-5511, www.lodiarts.org
A RED, A WHITE, AND A BLUSH
June 27-28, Lodi
Abundance Vineyards will host an event in honor of those who have fought or are fighting overseas in the war. Inspired by the Fourth of July, the event will showcase wines with commemorative labels that tell the story of how Abundance Vineyards came to be. One member from each branch of the military (army, navy, air force) will be present in uniform. Members of the American Legion will also be present. Portions of the proceeds from wine sales during the weekend event will be donated to a local veterans group. 11 a.m. Free. Abundance Vineyards, 1150 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, (209) 334-0274, www.abundancevineyards.com
TASTE OF SAN JOAQUIN
July 4, Stockton
Come and taste what San Joaquin is all about. Taste of San Joaquin is a celebration of everything local, from entertainment, food, and regional wine, to the West Coast’s best barbeque eats. In addition to sampling cuisine from local eateries, for the first time over thirty of the most talented chefs from all over the western United States will battle for a California State Championship title for the best barbeque. Cooking will last 18 hours, so come indulge in the aromas and watch the chefs at work. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sampling starts at $1. Weber Point Events Center, 221 N. Center St., Stockton, (209) 937- 8206, www.downtownstockton.org SJM
