Summer Fun Guide
compiled by Jamie Menaker

Summer is upon us. And with summer comes the most exciting, relaxing, rejuvenating, good-for-the-soul events that the Central Valley has to offer. Enjoy!

JUNE

June 4-8
First San Joaquin Film Festival
In the tradition of other film-savvy cities that have put themselves on the map, Stockton will be home to our region’s first international film fest. Screening films from all over the world, the film fest will kick off with an Opening Night gala at the Bob Hope Theatre, showing the outstanding selections of the festival, and previewing the week’s films, followed by a rooftop shindig at the Hotel Stockton. Sponsored by San Joaquin Cross-Cultural Media (SJCCM), over forty other film-centered events and programs will take place throughout the festival’s run. See website for an events lineup and ticket prices. Various locations in Stockton, (209) 298-0827, www.sjccm.org

June 8
Ironstone Vineyards Barbecue Competition           
In our opinion, there’s nothing quite like a summertime barbecue to capture the spirit of the season. Ironstone Vineyards shares the sentiment, and invites local self-titled barbecue gurus to duke it out, to determine once and for all who the master of the grill really is. Each team will have one captain, and up to four other cooks in the “kitchen.” $25 to compete in one category, $5 for each additional category, free to watch. Ironstone Vineyards, 1894 Six Mile Rd., Murphys, (209) 728-1251, www.ironstonevineyards.com

June 13-15
Isleton Crawdad Festival
This is local fun, Louisiana-style. According to Isleton, the festival boasts the most crawdads anywhere outside of the Southern state, with over 24,000 pounds of crawdads served up in one weekend. With almost as much beer and wine, and plenty of Cajun music, this twenty-third annual festival, taking place Father’s Day Weekend, has been known to bring over fifty thousand revelers into the delta riverfront town. Highlights also include crafts booths and kids activities. Admission $5 adults, free for children 12 and under. Downtown Isleton, off Hwy. 160, (916) 777-5880, www.crawdadfestival.org 

June 15
Sierra Railroad Father’s Day BBQ Train
Surprise dear old Dad this Father’s Day with something different—take him aboard an old-fashioned steam train for a scenic view of the land between the Central Valley and Gold Country, with the added perk of a three-course barbecue aboard the rails. Barbecue offerings include tri-tip, barbecue chicken, spare ribs, or veggie kabobs. 11 a.m. Tickets $49 adults, $25 children. Sierra Railroad Train Station, 330 S. Sierra Ave., Oakdale, (209) 848-2100, www.sierrarailroad.com/dinnertrain

June 18-22
San Joaquin County Fair
It’s that time again, when all your friends and neighbors will turn out for some good ole’ festival fun. Enjoy five days chock full of carnival rides and games, livestock, food and drink, and big-name concert acts (past performers have included Lee Ann Womack, Faith Hill, the Gin Blossoms, and REO Speedwagon to name a few). Friday June 20, admission is free for anyone at the fair before 3 p.m. Admission $9 adults, $5 children, with discounted tickets available online before the fair. San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton, (209) 466-5041, www.sanjoaquinfair.com

June 18-July 13
The Full Monty
In this cheeky musical by Terrence McNally, a group of unemployed steel workers notice how much fun their wives have enjoying male strippers on their “Girls Night Out,” and are struck by some creative genius to earn themselves some extra cash. After its first Broadway run in 2000, this show has stood the test of time, but might not be one to bring the kids to see, since some included brief nudity and language aren’t meant for young viewers. Tickets $15-$22. Stockton Civic Theatre, 2312 Rose Marie Ln., Stockton, (209) 473-2424, www.sctlivetheatre.org

June 20
Summer Sunset Wine Tasting
Make the most of the Central Valley’s summer evenings as you sip on Napa and Sonoma wines in the gardens at Pixie Woods, and sample hors d’oeuvres from some of the finest culinary establishments that our Valley has to offer. Also, enjoy live music throughout the park and a silent auction, to benefit programs and improvements at the children’s theme park. Past restaurants have included Stockton’s Taste of Brittany, Angelina’s, and Le Bistro, among others. 5-8 p.m. Tickets $40. Pixie Woods Children’s Playland, in Louis Park, Stockton, (209) 937-7366, www.stocktongov.com/pixiewoods

June 27-29
Lodi Street Rod Show
At the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, over three hundred classic cars from 1972 and before will be on display, ready and waiting for “oohs” and “ahhs.” Unique vendors, food, music, and fun make this an event not to be missed. Admission free on Friday, $5 adults, free for children 12 and under. Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, 413 E. Lockeford St., Lodi, (209) 369-2771, www.grapefestival.com/lodistreetrodshow

JULY

[Possible 4th of July sidebar with these events?]

July 3
Fourth with the Ports
The Stockton Ports have the fireworks before the fireworks. The night before the Fourth, it’s “All-American” night at the Ports game, complete with post game fireworks provided by Jackson Rancheria Casino and Hotel—you know the fireworks have to be good when a casino is behind the show. 7:05 p.m. Tickets $5-$15. Banner Island Ballpark, 404 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 644-1900, www.stocktonports.com

July 4
Independence Day at Lodi Lake
Spend the day at Lodi Lake. Wake up early for the Sunrise Kiwanis pancake breakfast (also a great way to get a prime picnic spot early in the day). The south side of Lodi Lake will be open all day for picnicking and family fun, with swimming and paddle boat rental available. On the north side of the park, Lodi’s World of Wonders (WOW) Science Museum, set to open this summer, will be holding an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration, with games and hands-on science exhibits. Food will be available on both sides of the lake, with a beer and wine garden at the WOW celebration. The day will end with a bang, with Lodi’s fireworks display over Lodi Lake. Pancake breakfast 7 a.m., price TKTK. WOW festival 4 p.m., $5 adults, free for children 12 and under. Fireworks 9 p.m. Lodi Lake Park, 1101 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, (209) 333-6742, www.wowsciencemuseum.org or www.lodi.gov
           
July 4
Stockton Fireworks Spectacular
Celebrate the Fourth by the Stockton Waterfront. Start the day off at the ballpark, with entertainment, culinary offerings from local restaurants, and fun activities (we’ve heard rumors of some pretty impressive water games). Following, the gates will open to Weber Point Event Center, for revelers to enjoy live music on the grass until the fireworks show at the end of the night. Ballpark festival 2-5 p.m., Weber Point gates open 5 p.m., fireworks 9:30 p.m. Admission ballpark $8, Weber Point $5, both events $10, free for children 12 and under. Banner Island Ballpark, 404 W. Fremont St.; Weber Point Event Center, 221 N. Center St., Stockton, (209) 937-8099, www.stocktongov.com

July 4
Day in the Park
Boy, has Tracy got a day planned for you. For the early risers, watch a hot air balloon lift off from Lincoln Park at 6 a.m. Later in the morning, a community parade will start at Sixth Street and Central and make its way down to Lincoln Park, where you can enjoy food and crafts vendors, and live music all afternoon. Top the day off with Tracy’s fireworks show—live music will keep the crowds happy at Tracy High’s stadium until the main event of the night lights up the sky. Lincoln Park festival 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tracy High gates open 6 p.m., fireworks 9:30 p.m. Admission to Tracy High Stadium, $4 adults, $2 for children under 12. Lincoln Park, 70 E. Eaton Ave.; Tracy High School, 315 E. 11th St., Tracy, (209) 835-2131, www.tracychamber.org

July 5-August 28
Music Circus
If you think musicals are boring, think again. Try viewing a classic Broadway musical outside the walls of a theatre, in Sacramento’s outdoor amphitheater, where the music is all around you, and the energy is electric. The over one hundred thousand “circus-goers” that enjoy the summer season each year just can’t be wrong. This year’s season has seven shows, including The Sound of Music, Hairspray, and Sweeny Todd, the latter which were both recently made into feature length films. Tickets $41-53. Wells Fargo Pavilion, 1419 H St., Sacramento, (916) 557-1999, www.californiamusicaltheatre.com

July 11
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 for legendary classics like “Free Bird” and “Sweet Home Alabama,” and named one of the top one hundred artists in the history of Rock and Roll music by Rolling Stone magazine, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the legends in person. Presented by 96.9 The Eagle, this will be the second time the group has played Raley Field (the first was in 2006), and who knows, it just may be the last. Better get your tickets soon. 7 p.m. Tickets $45-$75. Raley Field, 400 Ballpark Dr., West Sacramento, (916) 376-4676, www.raleyfield.com or www.lynyrdskynyrd.com

July 12
Taste of the Delta
Sponsored by the California Delta Chambers and Visitor Bureau, this is a celebration of everything to do with the Delta waters right here in our own backyard, including the finest wines and cuisine that the Delta region has to offer. Along with offerings from restaurants like Chitiva’s in Stockton and the Ryde Hotel in Walnut Grove, and wines from Lodi Wine Country’s Lange Twins, Van Ruiten, and more, crafts vendors, a silent and live auction, live music, and waterfront views will round out this day of fun. 1-4 p.m. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Koa Tower Park Resort, Tower Park Marina, 14900 W. Hwy. 12, Lodi, (916) 777-4041, www.tasteofthedelta.com

July 12
Lodi Bike Show and Rally
Quite a few car shows pop up on our events radar as soon as the weather warms up, giving love to the automobile, both classics and newbies. What we don’t see a whole lot of in our area is motorcycles on display for the public. Lodi will be giving some love to the bike this summer in their annual Lodi Bike Show and Rally. A couple hundred bikes will be on display in downtown Lodi, along School Street, along with live music, food vendors, beer supplied by Lodi Beer Company, and unique wares to browse. 11 a.m. Free. Downtown Lodi, School St., (209) 369-8052, www.downtownlodi.com

July 26-27
Stockton Obon Bazzar
The beauty and strength of Japanese culture will be the spotlight at the Stockton Buddhist Temple’s annual bazaar. This is a cultural mecca, filled will all sorts of Japanese entertainment like Taiko drums and authentic dancing; cultural music such as the Japanese string instruments; authentic Japanese cuisine prepared at the church, ranging from sushi and udon noodles to pastries; and activities from martial arts to a Japanese sword display to bonsai plants, and more. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., both days. Free. Stockton Buddhist Temple, 2820 Shimizu Dr., Stockton, (209) 466-6701, www.stocktonbuddhisttemple.org

AUGUST

August 2
Third Annual “Stuck in Lodi” Car Show
Sponsored by the American Steel Car Club, classic cars and street rods from all over California will be on display along quaint School Street in Lodi. Many of the businesses along the downtown drag will participate in the event, including a poker walk, where show-goers can get their card stamped at participating shops and win prizes. Restaurants along the street will also be ready and waiting to accommodate hungry car enthusiasts, and live music will give the whole event that only-in-summer feeling that we all so love. 9 a.m. Free. Downtown Lodi, School St. between Lodi Ave. and Pine St., (209) 369-8052, www.downtownlodi.com

August 2
Chris Isaak
With almost twenty years of bluesy hits, like “Somebody’s Crying,” “Wicked Game,” and “Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing,” it’s worth the drive to Ironstone Vineyards to see Chris Isaak in concert. Set in wine country, amid the vineyards, it will be hard not to get swept away in the moment on this particular evening. Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m. Tickets $45-$225. Ironstone Amphitheatre, 1894 Six Mile Rd., Murphys, (209) 728-1251, www.ironstonevineyards.com or www.chrisisaak.com

August 2
Rock the Square: The Doobie Brothers
Hutchins Street Square is amping up the possibilities of the local arts venue, set to host big-name performer the Doobie Brothers, all to benefit local charities. The event is admittedly pricy, but when again in your life will you be able to see living legends so up close and personal? Expect classics like “Listen to the Music,” “Long Train Runnin’,” and “Black Water” to take you back a few eras. Dinner 6 p.m. Concert 8 p.m. Tickets $3,000 for a table of eight, includes concert, dinner, cocktails. Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St., Lodi, (209) 333-1032, www.hutchinsstreetsquare.com

August 15-September 1
California State Fair
No need to adjust your schedule to make it to this summer event—the fair will run for eighteen consecutive days this season. This year’s special exhibits will include the new “Toytopia: World of Toys,” highlighting toys past and present, and the “California Green Dream Expo,” presenting some of the latest and greatest environmentally-conscious developments. As always, the impressively large carnival midway’s rides, and the big- (and we mean big) name concerts will draw fair-goers from all over the region. Tickets $10 adults, $6 children age 5 to 12, free for children 4 and under. Cal Expo Fairgrounds, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, (916) 263-FAIR, www.bigfun.org

August 16
Port City Roller Girls vs. Angel City Derby Dolls
If you’ve never seen a roller derby game in action, you’re in for a wild ride. These ladies are fast, fierce, and fashionable all at the same time, and they’re out to get another set of ladies on skates that are just as tough, in this case the Angel City Derby Dolls. The rules basically have to do with different ways to knock other skaters down, so that your team can sail through to the finish line. Women in skirts and skates duking it out to the death—okay, we’re exaggerating—but you know we’ll be there watching. San Joaquin Fairgrounds, Bldg. 1, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton, (888) 993-3729, www.theportcityrollergirls.com

August 16
Family Fun Day at Calaveras Big Trees
We love the small slice of California we’re lucky enough to call home, but sometimes it’s also fun to get out of town and try something new for a day. Embrace Mother Nature and take a drive to Calaveras Big Trees State Park for a day of nature activities and fun. Highlights include live butterflies and birds of prey, storytelling, nature crafts, live music, barbecue, and more. 10 a.m. Park admission $6. Calaveras Big Trees State Park, off Hwy. 4 past Angels Camp, (209) 795-3840, www.bigtrees.org

August 16-17
Tomatoes and Sangiovese
Locally-grown heirloom tomatoes and the Sangiovese vintages of Boitano Family Wines are the stars of this event. If you think about it, it makes sense—Sangiovese is an Italian derived varietal, and much of Italian cuisine is made with tomato sauce or some variation. Either way, we can’t wait to dig in. Check out Boitano’s website for more information about storing, preparing, and purchasing tomatoes. Boitano will be offering tastings of their other wines as well, and serving gourmet delicacies along with the tomatoes. 12-5 p.m. $10. Boitano Family Wines, 12470 Locke Rd., Bldg. 600, Lockeford, (209) 286-1595, www.boitanofamilywines.com

August 23
Reggae on the Delta
Breadfruit Tree restaurant is only open in the warmer months, and for good reason. The expansive patio out front overlooking the Delta waters is the best part of the eatery. The Caribbean cuisine and island paradise-themed décor come in at a close second, and once this spot adds in some live reggae tunes, you’ve got it made. Breadfruit Tree Restaurant, 8095 Rio Blanco Rd., Stockton, (209) 951-6921, www.breadfruittree.com

August 24
Bethel Island Air Show
Taking place over the waters of the San Joaquin Delta, U.S. Air Force planes will be flying by at the start and end of this impressive air show. In between, the coast guard will simulate a water rescue, the patriot jet team will fly (unique for their role as a civilian jet team not sponsored by the government, and also based out of local Byron), and world-famous stunt pilot Eddie Andreini will demonstrate his talents. 12 p.m. Free. “Margarita Mile,” along the shoreline, Bethel Island, (925) 684-9283, www.margaritamile.com

August 29
Jimmy Buffett Night at the Stockton Ports
“From the Parrothead-themed jerseys to Greg ‘Fingers’ Taylor rippin it up on the harmonica,” Banner Island Ballpark, home of the Stockon Ports, will be smooth sailing along in the “Margaritaville” way of life. If you are a die-hard Jimmy Buffett fan, this night is meant for you. For the rest of us, just expect an easy, laid-back, summer evening—a few margaritas couldn’t hurt either. 7:05 p.m. Tickets $5-$15. Banner Island Ballpark, 404 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 644-1900, www.stocktonports.com

ED: Extra possible events
JUNE June 6
Juneteenth Celebration
Ed: Call for more info (209) 952-6295

June 7
American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Lodi Grape Festival Grounds

“My Camp” kids camp (when?)
 [Ed: call for more info]

JULY

July 12
Summerfest
To benefit the Lodi Memorial Hospital Foundation, at Woodbridge Winery
[Ed: call for more details]

AUG
August 29-31
Greek Food Festival
Jim Salidas and wife Sylvia, (916) 726-3893
(916) 443-2033, www.annunciation.ca.goarch.org

LKL: Clements Rodeo