10 Great Dates
Celebrate America Festival
July 2, Lodi
This long-standing community event has become tradition—bring your family and a picnic dinner to the west lawn at Hutchins Street Square to enjoy the patriotic sights and sounds of the Lodi Community Band and other special guests. Don’t forget to dress in red, white, and blue. 6 p.m. Free. Hutchins Street Square, West Lawn, Lodi, (209) 333-6782, www.hutchinsstreetsquare.com
Downtown Stockton Pub Crawl
July 3, Stockton
The Downtown Stockton Pub Crawl, aka “The Crawl,” is held three times a year in the spring, summer, and fall. Crawlers purchase a wristband which includes trolley transportation, several drinks and appetizers, cover charge into at least ten bars and restaurants, entrance into the Stockton Ports game, and a discounted room at the Lexington Plaza Waterfront Hotel, if needed. 5 p.m.-12 a.m. Register online, $17 designated drivers, $27 for crawlers. Janet Leigh Plaza, 222 N. El Dorado St., Stockton, (209) 464-5246, www.downtownstockton.org
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 barbecue 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 barbecue. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Entrance $1, sampling starts at $1. Weber Point Events Center, 221 N. Center St, Stockton, (209) 464-5246, www.downtownstockton.org
Art Walk
July 10, Stockton
The Downtown Stockton Art Walk is a self-guided tour featuring all mediums of artwork, including photography, sculpture, fine art, live music, and even spoken word. Each gallery, restaurant, or stop along the way features an opportunity to taste wine, sample food, and meet local artists showcasing and selling their work. July’s Art Walk theme is Shakespeare in the Square. 5-8 p.m. Free. Various locations in Stockton, (209) 464-5246, www.downtownstockton.org
Classic Cinema
July 10, Stockton
Friends of the Fox present the classic film, Picnic (1955), preceded by an organ concert featuring Tom Thompson. Picnic tells the story of an ex-college football star turned drifter who arrives in a small Kansas town and is drawn to a girl who is already taken. Cited as a richly detailed snapshot of life in the American Midwest during the 1950s, the film won two Academy Awards and was nominated for four more. 6:30 p.m. Adults $8, youth $4. Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E. Main Street, Stockton, (209) 337-4673, www.bobhopetheatre.com
Knowlton Gallery Opening Reception
July 11, Lodi
Celebrate the gallery opening of “Rough Sawn: Heritage Barns of San Joaquin.” Barns are the symbol of the agricultural heritage of the Central Valley, and the gallery will showcase the history of over thirty San Joaquin barns, artistically interpreted through watercolor, oil, acrylic, pastel, and other artistic mediums. 1 p.m. Free. Knowlton Gallery, 115 S. School St., Ste. 14, Lodi, (209) 368-5123, www.knowltongallery.com
SUMMERFEST
July 11, Acampo
The 24th annual Summerfest at Woodbridge Winery is a celebration of Mondavi wines, San Joaquin restaurants, and the music of “The Backside Kickers.” All proceeds of the silent auction will go to Lodi Memorial Hospital, and each entrant receives a wine glass and tray—but move quickly, there’s only limited tickets available. 6 p.m. $65. Woodbridge Winery, 5950 E. Woodbridge Rd., Acampo, (209) 339-7582, www.lmhfoundation.org
Sax for Stax
July 17, Stockton
Enjoy the unique sounds of the saxophone, featuring saxophone master Gerald Albright and Grammy-nominee Kirk Whalum. The gentlemen will entertain for this one night only, so don’t miss out on this musical treat. 8 p.m. $45-$60. Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E. Main St., Stockton, (209) 337-4673, www.bobhopetheatre.com
Michael McDonald/Boz Scaggs
July 18, Murphys
The summer breeze, beautiful setting, rich history, great wine, and good music—what more could a music lover ask for? The concert will take place at the Ironstone Vineyards Amphitheatre in Murphys, known as one of the top 100 amphitheatres in America. Michael McDonald, formerly of the Doobie Brothers, and Boz Scaggs will not disappoint. 7:30 p.m. $45-$225. Ironstone Vineyards, 1894 Six Mile Rd., Murphys, (209) 728-1251, www.ironstonevineyards.com
Truckin’ for Hospice Motorcycle Run
July 25, San Joaquin Valley
Truckin’ for Hospice, benefiting Hospice of San Joaquin and Community Hospice, is a motorcycle ride that starts in Lathrop and ends with a barbecue and awards celebration at the Community Hospice in Modesto. Various stops along the way feature food and drink for the riders, including Copperopolis, Lodi, Jamestown, and Oakdale. Last year’s Truckin’ for Hospice raised $80,000 with the support of 555 sponsored riders. 8 a.m. Free to watch, $30 per person to participate. Eagles Nest Harley Davidson, 13900 S. Harlan Rd., Lathrop, (209) 983-2400, www.truckinforhospice.com
SJM
