If you are visiting University of the Pacific in July, save some time to explore the greater Stockton area. From Independence Day fireworks to baseball games, farmer’s markets and concerts on the waterfront, this month’s event calendar if full of fun and diverse celebrations.
Pacific’s Stockton Campus is in the heart of one of the most diverse cities in the nation. Established during the California gold rush and nestled in the heart of the California Delta, Stockton serves as an inland port for the Central Valley. Since its beginning, this port city has attracted entrepreneurs, adventurers and artists from around the world. Today, Stockton is known for its cultural festivals and diverse dining options. With its prime waterfront location, over 300 days of sunshine and state-of-the-art event facilities, it is also quickly becoming a sports tourism destination.
Celebrate Independence Day
- July 3: Join the Stockton Ports baseball team for family fun during the game and stay for after-game fireworks at the Banner Island Ballpark on the waterfront.
- July 3: The Barron Hilton Fireworks Display delights the community every year at Mandeville Tip County Park (near the King Island Marina Resort).
- July 4: Stockton’s 4th of July Fest at the Weber Point Event Center starts with a parade at 10 a.m. followed by live entertainment, food trucks and family activities. The celebration culminates with a firework display over the downtown waterfront at around 9:30 p.m.
If you’re looking for sports and recreation
- Baseball: Stockton Ports are a Minor League Baseball team of the California League and the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. They will play at the waterfront Banner Island Ballpark on July 1-3 and 12-17.
- Car races and dirt trucks: Get an adrenaline kick at Stockton 99 Speedway.
- Golf: From public to private, explore Stockton’s golf courses.
- Kayaking or paddle boarding: If you’d like to explore California Delta from the water, several local businesses offer rentals.
- Ice skating: Oak Park Ice Arena is the Valley’s premiere ice skating rink.
- Exploring: Micke Grove Regional Park is the perfect place for a picnic on a lake or a leisurely stroll through a Japanese Garden. You can also visit the zoo, a mini amusement park or learn about regional history at San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum.
If you prefer arts and culture
- San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum’s featured exhibit is “Tattooed and Tenacious: Inked Women in California’s History.”
- Haggin Museum’s featured exhibit is Victor Vasarely’s Op Art Collection showcasing his optical illusion and kinetic art works.
- July 15: Bob Hope Theatre, a vintage movie palace, presents the Academy Award and Grammy Award-winning movie “Independence Day.”
- July 15: Watch a flick right from your car at The City of Stockton’s Drive-in Movie Series presenting “Sing 2” in the UEI College Parking Lot (behind the Weberstown Mall)
- Through July 17: The classic Broadway musical “Gypsy” plays at Stockton Civic Theatre.
If live entertainment is what you need
- On Wednesday evenings, bring a picnic blanket to Victory Park for concerts under the oaks.
- On Fridays, Lincoln Center turns into a summer concert venue for their popular series Music on the Brickwalk.
- July 7: Wendi Maxwell and Tres Hot Jazz Band perform at the Haggin Museum.
- July 9: Unchained, Van Halen Tribute Band will rock the stage at Ghostlight.
- July 17: Classic rock band Network plays at Windmill Cove Resort and Marina.
- July 21: A blues evening with award winning singer/songwriter Patty Castillo Davis at the Haggin Museum.
- July 23: Nuestra Cultura Presenta Musica Regional with seven renowned Latin performers at the Stockton Arena.
- July 31: Punjabi singer and actor Ranjit Bawa performs at the iconic Bob Hope Theatre.
- July 31: Damage Inc will give a rocking tribute to Cliff-Burton-era Metallica at Windmill Cove Resort and Marina.
Check our local farmer’s markets and street fairs
- July 21: Stockton Cruise Night on the Miracle Mile
Thursdays
- Lodi’s Certified Farmers Market
- Stockton’s year-round Weberstown Mall Farmers Market
Fridays
Fridays & Saturdays
Saturdays
- Year-round Flea Market at Delta College
- Farmers & Street Market at Stockton’s Yosemite Street Village
- Manteca’s Certified Farmers Market on Maple
Sundays
- Year-round Flea Market at Delta College
- Stockton’s Year-round Weberstown Mall Farmers Market
- Lodi Street Fair
New events are always added to the Stockton event calendar. Go to the Visit Stockton website to learn more.