10 Great Dates

Fusion Friday

August 7, Lodi
Borra Vineyards will feature Greek food, wine pairings, and live entertainment at their Friday evening soiree. Included are appetizers compliments of Stockton’s Yasoo Yani restaurant, music by Stefanie D. Trio, wine tasting, and a souvenir wine glass. 5-7:30 p.m. $10. Borra Vineyards Winery, 1301 E. Armstrong Rd., Lodi, (209) 368-2446, www.borrawinery.com

Science at Bare Ranch

August 8, Lodi
Lodi’s World of Wonders Museum will host an elegant “Great Gatsby-style” garden party at Michael-David Winery’s Bare Ranch property. The event will offer hors d’oeuvres, wine, desserts, live music, wine demonstrations, a silent auction, and raffle. All proceeds will benefit the WOW museum. 6-9 p.m. $35-$40, 21 and over. Bare Ranch, 19877 N. Davis Rd., Lodi, (209) 368-0969, www.wowsciencemuseum.org

International Cultural Event

August 9, Tracy
The Tracy Sister City Organization presents an International Cultural Performance and Fashion Show. This fun-filled event features a variety of traditional performances, such as Japanese and Polynesian drumming, Greek and Polynesian traditional dancing, Geisha dancers, Filipino bamboo dance, Native American hoop dance, a kajukenbo martial arts demonstration, and a fashion show of traditional clothing from around the world. 2-5 p.m. $8-$20. Tracy Grand Theatre, 715 Central Ave., Tracy, (209) 834-5297, www.atthegrand.org

Bob Dylan

August 15, Stockton
Bob Dylan comes to beautiful Stockton for a very special concert, and he is bringing some high profile musical friends with him. Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, and John Mellencamp will perform at Stockton’s ballpark for their twenty-second and final stop in their summer tour. 5:30 p.m. $67.50, children under 14 free with purchase of adult ticket. Banner Island Ballpark, 404 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 644-1900, www.bobdylan.com

Diana Krall with Dave Koz and Brian Culbertson

August 16, Murphys
Come and enjoy one of the most esteemed Jazz vocalists, Diana Krall, on her Quiet Nights world tour, when she makes a stop at the Ironstone Vineyards Amphitheater. Krall’s twelfth album, Quiet Nights (2009), is described as a sensual record with a Brazilian, bossa nova style. Krall received a Grammy for her album When I Look into Your Eyes (1999), and she is sure to give a knockout performance. 7 p.m. $45-$225. Ironstone Vineyards Amphitheater, 18946 Mile Rd., Murphys, (209) 728-1251, www.ironstonevineyards.com

Car Show at Lincoln Center

August 21, Stockton
Live! At Lincoln Center presents a classic car show event not to be missed. Vehicle owners from around the Central Valley will have their cars on display for all to enjoy. Live entertainment by the McDowell Band and the Partime Band will accompany the evening, and Lincoln Center’s restaurants will have a variety of delectable treats for sale. 6-9 p.m. Free. Lincoln Center, Benjamin Holt and Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 477-4868, www.lincolncentershops.com

Heirloom Tomato and Wine event

August 22-23, Lockeford
Boitano Family Wines will host an heirloom tomato lunch paired with an impeccable selection of gold medal wines. The lunch will feature a selection of various heirloom tomato dishes spotlighting locally-grown tomatoes. Enjoy the afternoon while also spending time with wine and food lovers from around the Valley. 12-5 p.m. $10. Boitano Family Wines (at Vino Piazza), 12470 Locke Rd., Lockeford, (209) 286-1595, www.boitanofamilywines.com

Raider Nation Pirate Night with the Ports

August 22, Stockton
Raider Nation will take over Banner Island Ballpark for Pirate Night with a special appearance by the Raiderettes. Attendees are encouraged to come to the game in their pirate attire, for pirate-themed games, film clips, food, and post-game fireworks. 7 p.m. $5-$10. Banner Island Ballpark, 404 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 644-1900, www.stocktonports.com

Taste of Art and Wine Fundraiser

August 29, Stockton
The Tidewater Gallery will host its summer fundraiser in the beautiful Brookside home community. The fundraiser will feature wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, and a selection of exquisite raffle items. This year’s event will feature a new centerpiece raffle item titled “Art by the Yard,” where attendees will have the opportunity to bid on sections of this 6 by 40-foot piece of artwork. The Tidewater and various local artists have all contributed, so that each individual buyer can cherish a component of this larger work. 5-7 p.m. $35. For tickets, (209) 463-4033, www.tidewaterartgallery.com

Ultimate Chef Challenge

September 2, Stockton
Chef Michael Post of Papapavlo’s, Chef Richard Hyman of Le Bistro, and Chef Julio Camberos of Black Tie Gourmet will battle for the title of Ultimate Chef 2009 in this third annual event. The chefs will be asked to compose a dish using the “secret ingredient” which will be announced at the beginning of the challenge. Chef Julio is defending last year’s title. Also included is an hors d’oeuvres competition between selected local restaurants, wine tasting with several local wineries, auctions, and a chance to win a seat at the exclusive chef’s table. Proceeds benefit Charterhouse Center for Families. 6-9 p.m. $50-$500. Stockton Civic Auditorium, 525 N. Center St., Stockton, (209) 464-8707, www.charterhousecenter.org  SJM