10 Great Dates

compiled by Katy Berry

Dalí Illustrates Dante's Divine Comedy

Through September 25, Stockton

Dante Alighieri's masterpiece, The Divine Comedy, chronicles one man's journey through hell, purgatory, and eventually heaven. As one of the greatest pieces of Medieval European literature, The Divine Comedy is still widely studied and read today. And who better to have illustrated it than the master of surrealism, Salvador Dali? Originally commissioned in 1957 by the Italian government, Dali's Divine Comedy Suite is both breathtaking and jarring, and can now be seen at the Haggin Museum. Hours vary. $5 adults, $2.50 kids. The Haggin Museum, 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton, (209) 940-6300, www.hagginmuseum.org

Waterfall of the Phlegethon Inferno, Canto 34 © Salvador Dalí, Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York, 2011

Forever Plaid

September 7-October 2, Stockton

The Stockton Civic Theatre is presenting this popular musical about four eager young male singers killed in a car crash in the 1950s on the way to their first big concert. The friends are miraculously revived for the posthumous chance to fulfill their dreams and perform the show that never was. Singing in the closest of harmonies, squabbling boyishly over the smallest intonations, and executing their charming choreography with overzealous precision, "Plaids" is a wonderful evening with some of the greatest nostalgic pop hits of the ‘50s. Showtimes vary. $25 adults, $15 students. Stockton Civic Theatre, 2312 Rosemarie Lane, Stockton, (209) 473-2424, www.sctlivetheatre.com

Tracy Dry Bean Festival

September 10-11, 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 the Bean Queen and Princess Pageant. Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Downtown Tracy, (209) 835-2131, www.tracybeanfestival.com

19th Annual Teddy Bears' Picnic

September 11, Stockton

Bring the whole family to this magical event presented by the Haggin Museum in honor of Grandparents Day. The fairy-themed celebration will take place in "Victory Hollow," where the fairies of Happily Ever Laughter will delight guests with face painting, balloon animals, and other fun surprises. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $10, tickets include lunch and reservations are required. Victory Park, 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton, (209) 940-6300, www.hagginmuseum.org

All the King's Men

September 30, Stockton

All the King's Men is a film based on Robert Penn Warren's Pulitzer Prize novel about corrupt southern politics. Interestingly enough, almost the entire movie was filmed right here in Stockton. The film will be screened in tandem with the county library branches' One Book/One San Joaquin program. Read the book, see Stockton in the multi Oscar-winning movie, and take advantage of this great event. 6:30-9 p.m. Adults $8, kids $4. Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E. Main St., Stockton, (209) 337-HOPE, www.bobhopetheatre.com

Dr. Russell B. Steele Memorial Golf Tournament

September 12, Woodbridge

Come tee off at the beautiful Woodbridge Golf and Country Club to raise money for the Lodi Memorial Hospital Foundation. Participants will enjoy a complimentary breakfast and late lunch as well as an exciting raffle and live auction with fabulous prizes. Registration at 8:30 a.m., tee off at 10 a.m. $150. Woodbridge Golf and Country Club, 800 E. Woodbridge Rd., Woodbridge, (209) 339-7833, www.lmhfoundation.org

Lodi Grape Festival and Harvest Fair

September 15-18, 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. Hours vary. Adults $8, kids 6-12 years $4, kids 5 and under Free. Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, 413 E. Lockeford St., Lodi, (209) 369-2771, www.grapefestival.com

Circus Vargas

September 15-19, Stockton

Circus Vargas is bringing an exciting and fun-filled circus extravaganza to the Weberstown Mall this September. Come thirty minutes early and join Jon Weiss, host of ABC's The Amazing Race, as he gives families a close-up look at life under the big top. Kids of all ages will enjoy this show as talented acrobats, aerialists, and comedians take the audience on a journey through the memories of a traveling circus performer. You won't want to miss this captivating spectacle. $15-$50. Show times vary. Weberstown Mall, 4950 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (877) GOTFUN-1, www.circusvargas.com

Coastal Cleanup

September 17, Lodi

Last year San Joaquin locals showed they cared as nearly 1,200 volunteers gathered to clean up twelve tons of trash from roughly 20 miles of our waterways as part of California's Coastal Cleanup Day. Cigarette butts, bits of paper, plastic containers, and even a child's tricycle were removed from areas like the Mokelumne River. Those who would like to join in this year's cleanup can sign up for one of several cleanup locations, where site captains will provide tools and safety materials. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. Various locations in San Joaquin, (209) 468-3073, www.sjcleanwater.org

Rhythms from the Americas

September 22 & 24, Stockton

In "Rhythms from the Americas," the Stockton Symphony will be performing the exciting music of Gershwin, Copland, and Ravel, with pieces inspired by the colorful and soulful cultures of Cuba and Mexico. This show will also feature the talents of guest pianist Martina Filjak. September 22 show at 8 p.m., September 24 show at 6 p.m. $22. Atherton Auditorium, San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 951-0196, www.stocktonsymphony.org