10 Great Dates

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Barnum's Funundrum

September 16-19, Stockton
This September the Stockton Arena will be celebrating 200 years of P.T. Barnum with a "funundrum" so gigantic it you won't want to miss out. See over 130 performers from six continents including cowboys, clowns, mermaids, pirates, and of course, elephants. Showtimes vary. $14-$90. Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 373-1400, www.stocktonarena.com

San Joaquin Valley Regional Culinary Showcase

September 9, Lodi
If you love watching Top Chef, then be sure to partake in this live culinary event. Four local chefs will draw straws to see which course they have to prepare, creating a four-course meal for each guest. Each table along with four professional judges will then rate the dishes and award a $500 prize to the "Top Chef" and the "People's Choice" winners. All proceeds benefit the Charter House Center for Families. Cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. $75. Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St., Lodi, (209) 476-1106, www.charterhousecenter.org

Final Fusion Friday at Borra Vineyards

September 10, Lodi
This is your last chance to visit Borra Vineyards Fusion Friday event this summer. Come relax and listen to live music as you enjoy the pairing of Borra wines with great local food. For the final Friday, Waterloo, CA restaurant will be providing their barbecue cuisine, including their not-to-be-missed Bette's World Famous Black Barbecue Sauce. What a great way to end the summer. 5-7:30 p.m. $12. Borra Vineyards, 1301 E. Armstrong Rd., Lodi, (209) 368-2446, www.borrawinery.com

Tracy Dry Bean Festival

September 11-12, Tracy
Each year, downtown Tracy is filled with thousands of locals who come to celebrate Tracy's abundant bean production. Along with great events like a Chili Bean Cook-Off and the 10k and 5k Bean Runs, there will also be a carnival for kids, bean crafts, and a beer garden to wash down all the, well, beans. Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Downtown Tracy, 10th St., Tracy, (209) 835-2131, www.tracybeanfestival.com

Teddy Bears' Picnic

September 12, Stockton
Bring your family to Victory Park on Grandparents Day and enjoy lunch and other great activities at the Haggin Museum's 18th annual Teddy Bears' Picnic. The day's itinerary will include big bubble blowing, kite decorating, cookie decorating, and other fun crafts for all ages. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $10, or free for kids under 2. Victory Park in front of the Haggin Museum, 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton, (209) 940-6300, www.hagginmuseum.org

Lodi Grape Festival and Harvest Fair

September 16-19, Lodi
This festival helps to promote San Joaquin's agriculture and to provide related programs like 4-H Clubs and the Future Farmers of America with fundraising opportunities. The day also includes carnival rides, food, and live entertainment for plenty of fun, and don't miss seeing the Haai Shark Adventure, an amazing live shark exhibit that includes live feedings and up-close encounters. Hours vary. Adults $8, youth 6-12 years $4, children 5 and under Free. Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, 413 E. Lockeford St., Lodi, (209) 369-2771, www.grapefestival.com

Gospel Explosion 2010: Battle of the Choirs

September 18, Stockton
Come hear Stockton's most powerful and talented voices as choirs compete for bragging rights during this all-day event. If you love the soulfulness of Gospel music, this show is sure to get your hands clapping and body swaying. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. $37-$43 for adults, $23.50 for kids. Stockton Civic Auditorium, 525 N. Center Street, Stockton, (209) 373-1700, www.stocktontickets.com

St. Mary's High School Scholarship Golf Classic

September 20, Stockton
Over the past twenty-two years, the St. Mary's High School Golf Classics have raised over $480,000 for student academic scholarships. This year, in addition to a great game of golf, participants will enjoy lunch, course games, and refreshments, as well as a chance to win a "hole-in-one" car, gift cards, and dinner. Bidding will be open in silent and live auctions, and a raffle will win one lucky person a five-night stay in Hawaii including airfare for two and $1000 cash. Check-in and lunch at 11 a.m. $250. Stockton Golf and Country Club, 3800 W. Country Club Rd., Stockton, (209) 957-3340 ext 180, www.saintmaryshighschool.org

Stockton Symphony Classics

September 23 and 25, Stockton
Come see the first show in what's sure to be another fantastic season with the Stockton Symphony. Heroism with Heart will tell stories of romance and bravery through the powerful music of Beethoven, Bruch, and Prokofiev. This show will also feature the talents of guest artist Elena Urioste on the violin. 6-8 p.m. $22-$55. Atherton Auditorium at San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 954-5110, www.stocktonsymphony.org

Taste of Lodi

September 26, Lodi
Enjoy forty wineries and eighteen restaurants as they show off their culinary prowess at Taste of Lodi, San Joaquin's premier food and wine event. Taking place this year on the beautiful grounds at Lodi's Wine and Roses, the evening will include plenty of great food and wine as well as live music by Joe Lennigan's Little Big Band. 1-5 p.m. $40 in advance, $50 at the door, $25 designated drivers. Wine and Roses, 2505 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, (209) 365-1195, www.tasteoflodi.com

Carrie Underwood

September 28, 2010
Carrie Underwood was given her first shot at fame as a contestant on American Idol. She went on to win the competition and quickly became a smash success, nominated for six awards this year at the Academy of Country Music awards. After having to add more dates due to high demand, Underwood will be bringing her Play On Tour to Stockton so you can hear her perform all her hits live, including her powerhouse revenge ballad, "Before He Cheats." 7:30 p.m. $35-$55.
Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 373-1700, www.stocktonarena.com, www.carrieunderwoodofficial.com