10 Great Dates
The Great Asparagus Dine Out
April 1-11, Stockton
Spotlighting Stockton’s native spear, the Great Asparagus Dine Out will give local restaurants the chance to create their most inventive dish featuring the green veggie, anything from appetizers to dessert. Zuckerman Farms will be supplying the locally-grown greens, and restaurants like Cocoro, Le Bistro, and Papapavlo’s will be opening their doors to foodies from all over San Joaquin, with selections like tempura-fried asparagus, asparagus and bacon pizza, asparagus enchiladas, and ahi and asparagus salad. Times and prices vary. Various locations in Stockton, (209) 547-2770, www.dineoutstockton.com
The Brubeck Festival
April 8-10, Stockton
Modeled after the musical ideals of renowned jazz pianist Dave Brubeck, this unique jazz festival runs three days, presenting concerts by some of the most notable musicians in jazz. The festival celebrates the tenth anniversary of University of the Pacific’s Brubeck Institute by bringing the 2007, 2009, and 2010 Brubeck Jazz Quintets to the stage. Saturday April 10, free discussions about the state of jazz education will be held throughout the day. Concerts at 7:30 p.m. Prices TBA. Faye Spanos Concert Hall, University of the Pacific, 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 946-3113, www.brubeckfestival.org
Crossroads Street Festival
April 10-11, Manteca
Over 300 vendor booths, entertainment, and food come together at the crossroads of Main Street and Yosemite Avenue in beautiful Manteca for the Crossroads Street Festival. This event is produced by the Manteca Convention and Visitors Bureau. Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Yosemite Ave. and Main St., Manteca, (209) 823-7229, www.visitmanteca.org
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
April 11, Tracy
Come watch classic film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, starring Audrey Hepburn in her most iconic role as a lively Manhattan socialite so hungry for jewelry and cash, she won’t even give her cat a name. Follow her adventures on a dating spree through New York City, with wealthy men, designer clothes, and presents from the famous same-name jewelry store. 2-5 p.m. $4.50. Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 Central Ave., Tracy, (209) 831-6858, www.atthegrand.org
Stockton Ports - Opening Day
April 15, Stockton
Bring the whole family out to kickoff Stockton’s 2010 baseball season when the Stockton Ports play the Visalia Rawhide. Get introduced to the Stockton Ports as they present the 2010 full team lineup, and enjoy the night’s promotions: a magnetic schedule giveaway and post-game fireworks. Game time 7:05 p.m. $6-$12. Banner Island Ballpark, 404 W. Fremont St., Stockton, www.stocktonports.com
School Street Wine Stroll
April 16, Lodi
Spotlighting Lodi’s local wineries and merchants, this springtime evening on the town offers wine, appetizers, and special sales at select stores, all while supporting Lodi Adopt-A-Child. 5:30-9 p.m. $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Various downtown Lodi locations, (209) 367-7840, www.lodichamber.com
Earth Day Festival
April 18, Stockton
Dedicated to its mission of education, conservation, and recycling, Stockton’s Earth Day Festival promises to be a day of fun with plenty of activities, from crafts to interactive booths. Organized by volunteers with participating sponsors, schools, and community organizations, this annual event hosts live music performances, food, over one hundred vendors, and information booths to encourage the ever growing eco-activist. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Victory Park, 1001 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton, (209) 937-8389, www.livegreensanjoaquin.org
Stockton Asparagus Festival
April 23-25, Stockton
Grab some silverware and feast on the silver (twenty-fifth) anniversary of Stockton’s Asparagus Festival. Commemorated by this year’s collector’s cookbook, the festival features the best in asparagus cuisine, arts and crafts, and a celebrity kitchen. Other highlights include plenty of shopping, the festival-favorite asparagus eating competition, and performances by Sha Na Na, Blue Oyster Cult, and Loverboy. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. $7-$12. Downtown Stockton Waterfront, (209) 644-3740, www.asparagusfest.com
Grease
April 30-May 9, Stockton
Grease is the word at Delta College, as the Fine Arts Department presents their production of Grease, the pop culture hit musical about teenage life in the 1950s with stories of love, gangs, and friendship. Singing and dancing reflects the rock n’ roll and jive styles of the era. 8 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. $13-$15. Tillie Lewis Theatre, Delta College, 5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 954-5110, www.deltacollege.edu
AIDS Walk San Joaquin
May 1, Stockton
Form a team or come on your own with your walking shoes to join in the AIDS Walk on the Stockton waterfront, benefiting the San Joaquin AIDS foundation, which promotes education and awareness of AIDS. A health and resource fair will also take place, alongside live entertainment. Fundraise donations before the race to win prizes. Registration 9 a.m., walk 10 a.m. Free. Banner Island Ballpark, 404 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 608-WALK, www.awsj.org
