10 Great Dates
The Colorists
February 2-27, Stockton
Join two strong artists, Peggi Kroll-Roberts and Ann McMillan, as they give painting demonstrations February 6, at the opening reception for “The Colorists.” Moving away from her beach scenes, Kroll-Roberts shows her work on interior figures with watercolors and drawings. McMillan, painting in oils and in pastels, concentrates on her palette knife work, and Impressionist “dab” work, using a brush. Free. 1-4 p.m. Knowlton Gallery, 115 S. School St., Ste. 14, Lodi, (209) 368-5123, www.knowltongallery.com
In The Mood
February 9, Lodi
Expect high kicks and high energy at this musical show and revue, as singers and dancers revive ballads and moves of the 1940s, accompanied by a 13-piece big band, playing the tunes of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, and others sure to get you In The Mood of the era. $28.50-$36.50. 7:30 p.m. Charlene Powers Lange Performing Arts Theatre, 125 S. Hutchins St., Lodi, (209) 333-6782, www.hutchinsstreetsquare.com
Celebrate Love
February 12, Stockton
Paired with Stockton restaurants, the Downtown Stockton Alliance presents “Celebrate Love.” Couples are invited to enjoy dinner at one of Stockton’s romantic eateries, drinks aboard a private yacht in the Stockton Marina, and romantic gifts like chocolates and flowers for the evening. $75 for the Celebrate Love package, includes a $50 gift certificate for participating restaurants. Various locations, downtown Stockton, (209) 464-5246, www.downtownstockton.org
Valentine Pops
February 13, Stockton
In a special affair of the heart, guest vocalists Teri Bibb and Dennis McNeil will join the Stockton Symphony, as they bring passion to the Valentine Pops show, “Broadway Romance.” Enjoy select love songs from musicals The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Man of La Mancha, Wicked, Carousel, and My Funny Valentine. $20-$55. 6 p.m. Atherton Auditorium, San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 951-0196,
www.stocktonsymphony.org
Wine and Chocolate Weekend
February 13-14, Lodi
Over forty wineries in the Lodi Appellation will open their doors for live music and barrel tastings, as vintners and growers pour their new releases alongside chocolate sure to please the palate. Tickets include a commemorative glass and chocolate bar, which attendees can unwrap to see if it holds the “Golden Ticket” to a wine country getaway. $35-$45. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Various locations, Lodi, (209) 365-0621, www.lodiwineandchocolate.com
Disney on Ice: Worlds of Fantasy
February 18-21, Stockton
Don’t miss out on Disney’s coolest show on ice. Favorites Tinkerbell, Ariel, and characters from The Lion King and Cars take to the ice for singing, dancing, and of course, ice skating. Arrive early to see the Disney Princesses signature dresses on display. $14-$62. Various showtimes. Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 373-1700,
www.stocktonarena.com
San Joaquin International Film Festival
February 18-26, Stockton
Entering into its third year, this much anticipated event is your chance to see some of the world’s best and brightest in cinema. Local, national, and international filmmakers showcase their latest works. Walk the red carpet premiere at the opening night gala, February 18, complete with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and a montage of the festival’s films. Times and ticket prices to come. Various locations in Stockton, www.sjiff.org
Love Letters
February 19-21, Tracy
Capture the message of Valentine’s Day, as cupid aims his arrows toward Tracy’s Grand Theatre, with Love Letters. This token story of love is revealed through a life-long trail of letters between two opposite people, a lawyer and an artist, who find a lasting penchant for one another. $15. Various times. Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 Central Ave., Tracy, (209) 831-6858, www.atthegrand.org
Almond Blossom Festival
February 25-28, Ripon
Ripon’s Almond Blossom festival includes three days of activities, a carnival, diaper derby, parade, and one-mile “fun run.” It all kicks off with the crowning of the Almond Blossom queen and $1 ride night opening night. Free. 10 a.m. Mistlin Sports Park, River Road, Ripon, (209) 599-7519, www.riponchamber.org
Stockton Chinese New Year Celebration
March 6, Stockton
A celebration of Chinese culture, this parade salutes and cheers the Year of the Tiger in an upbeat fashion. Martial artists, drummers, dancers, and many other talented performers sashay and ride among floats through downtown Stockton, rain or shine. A festival follows the parade in front of the Bob Hope Theatre. Free. 10 a.m. Downtown Stockton between Main St. and San Joaquin St., www.stocktonchinese.org
