10 Great Dates

compiled by Katy Berry

Easter EGGtravaganza

April 6-7, Tracy

Did you know that Peter Cottontail has living grandparents? There's plenty of magical fun to discover as you join Zeke and Petunia Bunny for this high energy musical show. Come and experience the fun with lots of audience participation and even an Easter egg hunt. April 6 at 7 p.m., April 7 at 2 p.m. $7- $9. Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 Central Avenue, Tracy, (209) 831-6858, atthegrand.org

Reptile Roundup at the World of Wonders Science Museum

April 7, Lodi

Reptile lovers both young and old will enjoy this interactive, hands-on experience brought to you by local reptile stores and museums. Come face to face with creatures of all shapes and sizes, and learn about them from local experts. Kids can also enjoy arts, crafts, and other great activities. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $4-$6. World of Wonders Science Museum, 2 North Sacramento St., Lodi, (209) 368-0969, wowsciencemuseum.com

Classics 5: From Russia with Love

April 7 & 9, Stockton

Featuring pieces by Glinka, Rackmaninoff, and Stravinsky, this concert will bring back the talented Chu-Fang Huang, who is making her second appearance with the Stockton Symphony in less than three years. As fi rst-prize winner of the 2005 Cleveland International Piano Competition and a fi nalist in the Twelfth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, Ms. Huang has made concert appearances around the globe. For lovers of classical music, this is sure to be a night to remember. April 7 at 8 p.m., April 9 at 6 p.m. $22-$55. Atherton Auditorium, San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacifi c Ave., Stockton, (209) 951- 0196, www.stocktonsymphony.org

Stockton Cambodian Temple New Year Celebration

April 13-15, Stockton

The Wat Dharmararam Buddhist Temple in Stockton will be hosting festivities all weekend long in celebration of their New Year. Stop by to browse vendors, enjoy food, live music, take tours of the temple, and view their stunning collection of over 90 larger-than-life statues, each one more vibrant than the last. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free. Wat Dharmararam Buddhist Temple, 3732 E. Carpenter Rd., Stockton, (209) 423-9356 (for English), (209) 915-1164 (for Cambodian)

 

 

 

Stockton Ports vs. Modesto Nuts

April 12, Stockton

Spring has sprung, and that means it's time for the opening game of the Ports' 2012 home season! With over 60 seasons under their belts and 11 league titles to their credit, the Stockton Ports are truly a rich part of our city's and Professional Minor League Baseball's history. Come out to the beautiful Banner Island Ballpark on the waterfront and cheer them on. 7 p.m. Prices vary. Banner Island Ballpark, 404 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 644-1900, stocktonports.com

 

 

2nd San Joaquin Children's Film Festival

April 21-22, Stockton

For two days, families can enjoy a fantastic selection of today's best fi lms in children's cinema at the Janet Leigh Theatre at the University of the Pacifi c. The festival is centered on the Valley premiere of "A Cat in Paris," one of the fi ve fi lms nominated this year for a Best Animated Feature Film Oscar. Centerpiece highlights also include the new English-language version of the adventurous and meaningful "Mia and the Migoo." And the festival will close with world-renown auteur Michel Ocelot's latest work, the enchanting "Tales of the Night." Showtimes Vary. $7-$10. Janet Leigh Theatre, University of the Pacifi c, 3601 Pacifi c Ave., Stockton, (209) 227-0210, sjiff.org

Stockton Earth Day Festival

April 22, Stockton

"Think Global, Act Local" is the theme of this year's 24th annual Earth Day Festival in Victory Park. The event will have dozens of informative, interactive booths, displays and exhibits, plus plenty of great food and exotic crafts. Begin the day with Yoga on the green at 10 a.m., or join the hundreds of cyclists who will bike as part of the Family Fun Bike Ride and Parade (registration is at 10:30 a.m.) Or come for the entertainment, which will feature colorful ethnic dance groups and great area bands. Offi cial festival start is at 11 a.m. Free. Victory Park, North Pershing Ave. and Argonne Dr., Stockton, (209) 937-8389, livegreensanjoaquin.org

Stockton Asparagus Festival

April 27-29, Stockton

It's back and better than ever! Join the rest of San Joaquin County for the Best of the West Food Fest, including the annual Spear-It Run, tons of artisan vendors, live concerts, family entertainment, kids rides, cooking demonstrations, and of course, Asparagus Alley which will be serving up fan-favorites like asparagus ice cream and deep-fried asparagus. Hours vary. $7-$12. Downtown Stockton, 221 N. Center St., Stockton, (209) 644-3740, asparagusfest.com

Pops & Picnic: Oh, What a Night! Billboard Hits of the 1960's

April 28, Stockton

Featuring Billboard hits from 1957 through 1969, this show will have you dancing in your seat. The evening stars three of Broadway's hottest leading men backed by the Stockton Symphony and featuring music by: The Four Seasons, Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, The Beach Boys, Michael Jackson, Bobby Darrin, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, and even the "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin. Pack your picnic, put on your favorite '60s attire, and show up for a party you won't forget. Doors at 5:45 p.m., picnic at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $11-$60. Alex G. Spanos Center, University of the Pacifi c, 1040 Dave Brubeck Way, Stockton, (209) 951-0196, stocktonsymphony.org

D.O.V.E.S. Annual Anniversary Event

April 28, Lodi

The D.O.V.E.S. program offers at-risk children the opportunity to grow through equestrian services. In celebration of their anniversary, an event will be held featuring free hot dogs and drinks, farm wagon rides, pony painting, horse shoe painting, gypsy horse dancing, a horse drill team, and raffle and door prizes. Come meet and greet the horses and staff, and be sure to stick around for a benefit concert that evening featuring world renowned violinist Kim Angelis performing with her husband Josef on the guitar. Daytime events are 12-5 p.m. Free. Concert begins at 6:30. $15 adults, $10 youth and seniors, children free. $45 for family pack. The D.O.V.E.S. Guidance Program Ranch, 13749 E. Kettleman Ln., Lodi, (209) 329-7034, thedovesprogram.com