My First Stockton Kings Game

Posted on April 5, 2024April 5, 2024 by Intern DSA

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By Alvin Cho

On April 4^th, I went to see a Stockton Kings play-off game against the Santa Cruz Warriors, that started at 7:00 PM. There was plenty of parking nearby, so it was easy to park in Fremont East Lot, which has a clear view of the freshly updated Stockton Kings crosswalk mural.

As soon as I entered the Adventist Health Area, the home of the Stockton Kings, I was given a free T-shirt with the Stockton Kings logo on it. The arena was a bit smaller than a regular NBA arena, but thanks to that, I could see the players and the game closer. The person I was with said that you can buy seats right next to the court at an affordable price.

Various performances for the audience were held during the game; during a few of them, the audience could participate directly on the court to win prizes. The best performers were the athletic Stockton Kings dancers.

The end of the game was the most exciting, with everyone yelling and cheering for the home team’s victory. Fortunately, the Kings took the win, 112-109! They are officially moving forward in the G-League play-offs.

For those who find the price of attending NBA games burdensome, or who are eager for a close-up view of competitive basketball players, coming to Stockton’s Adventist Health Arena is a great option. The next Kings play-off game is happening this Sunday, April 7^th, @ 6:00 PM. Be sure to buy your tickets below! To learn more about the Stockton Kings, check out our recent Talk to Downtown interview with Aaron Morales, VP – Business Operations, Stockton Kings.

For April 7^th Kings Tickets: https://gleague.nba.com/game/2042300311?view=pre-game

For 2024-2025 Season Stockton Kings Tickets: https://stockton.gleague.nba.com/season-ticket-memberships

Stockton Kings website: https://stockton.gleague.nba.com

DSA’s Stockton Kings business listing: https://www.downtownstockton.org/businesses/stockton-kings

The Stockton Lantern Festival: A Central Valley Wonderland

Posted on November 30, 2023December 1, 2023 by Shaun Chatrath

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By Shaun Chatrath

There’s a magical event taking place at Banner Island Ballpark in Downtown Stockton, California this year. The Stockton Lantern Festival is a celebration of culture, art, and storytelling that illuminates the city and creates an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Each display at the ballpark is hand-crafted by lantern artisans using the ancient technique of Chinese lantern merged with the technological evolution of LED lighting.

Walking through the Lantern Festival, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Koda, a fearless adventurer as he journeys through a magical forest in Caballococha, Peru. Each sculpture and light fixture is strategically placed within Banner Island Ballpark’s playfield to further the story of Koda’s quest. Some of these art displays include butterflies, owls, and even a smoke-breathing dragon. In addition, live stage acts including a wide range of musical talent, dance, and acrobatics complement the visual experience of the Magic Forest.

“This was all about creating a safe, fun and family friendly event that would welcome the Stockton community and beyond” said Jason Perry, General Manager ASM Global. “From the moment one walks into the ballpark we want them to feel transformed to a magical place that is filled with bright lights, interactive lanterns and something awing at each turn. It is all about new traditions being made, life long memories that we can share for years to come.”

Moreover, for those looking for delicious specialty meals and drinks at the festival various Peruvian-inspired dishes are available for sale at each food stand around the Ballparks concession stands. These dishes include Peru Tacos made with seasoned ground chicken, tomatoes potatoes, green olives, jack cheese, and onion cilantro mix all on a flour tortilla. Top this dish off with delicious fruit spears covered in Tajin and Chamoy and you have yourself a recipe for an immersive experience. Don’t forget to also keep an eye out for souvenirs ranging from miniature art displays to festival merchandise available for sale around the ballpark.

The Stockton Lantern Festival is an extraordinary celebration that blends artistry, culture, and community spirit into a dazzling display of light. From the captivating lantern displays to the immersive cultural experiences, this festival offers a little something for everyone. So, mark your calendars and prepare to be mesmerized by the enchanting beauty of the Stockton Lantern Festival. It’s an event that will leave you feeling inspired, connected, and in awe of the power of illumination and artistic expression.

Tickets:

Children ages 2-12 start at $19

Adults start at $23

Special Discounts:

Military/Veterans: Save $5 with Valid ID with Proof of Service at Box Office.

Students: Save $3 at the gate on Wednesday’s only with your student ID at Box Office.

Groups: A $3 per ticket discount is available for groups of 10 or more. Call 209-373-1400 or email [email protected] to purchase.

Ticket Locations:

Adventist Health Arena Box Office – 248 W Fremont St. on the North Side of the building.

Monday 11am- 2pm

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 11am- 2pm

Thursday: Closed

Friday: 11am- 2pm

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

Stockton Ballpark Box Office – 404 W Fremont St.

11/25 – 1/14: 2pm to 9pm

Online Tickets are available at stocktonlive.com.

Festival hours/times:

5PM to 10PM daily, last ticket sold at 9PM. Please give yourself around 1 hour and a half to enjoy the phenomenal view.

Acrobatic Stage Performance Times:

Mon to Thurs – 5:30, 7pm and 8:30pm

Fri-Sun- 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30pm

Location: Stockton Ballpark, 404 West Fremont, Stockton, Ca 95203

Parking: City Lots $15

Wheelchair Access: Yes. Please take note that the event is on grass and dirt.

Website Links / Sources:

http://www.stocktonlive.com

https://www.downtownstockton.org/businesses/banner-island-ballpark

www.visitstockton.org/events/stockton-lantern-festival

Downtown Stockton’s “Bourbon Street”: Dreaming Tomorrow’s Downtown

Posted on July 8, 2022 by digitalgear

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by Shaun Chatrath

Throughout the 21st century, Downtown Stockton has improved substantially, in large part due to the many businesses, people, and organizations who have helped revitalize this area.

Since the 1990s, the Downtown Stockton Alliance has played a massive role in marketing, informing, and giving life to Downtown. Through this effort, many projects, such as musical events and the restoration of Mun Kwok Lane, have seen the light of day.

With that said, we have only scratched the surface of Downtown Stockton’s potential.

We believe that Downtown Stockton one day can become one of the premier landmarks in the state of California.

This belief is due to the picturesque port that flows across Downtown, the convenience of Stockton’s geography, and the vast amount of land Downtown suited for businesses and entrepreneurship.

To reach Downtown Stockton’s full potential, why not look at the following American cities for inspiration: New Orleans and Reno?

Like Downtown Stockton, New Orleans has rich architecture and history, many of which oversee a body of water that cuts through the city (Mississippi River).

According to the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, 58% of tourists to New Orleans tour these historic sites and architecture.

In that same study, they found that tourists to the city of New Orleans spent an average of $50 more than the average tourism spending in the United States.

Thus, growing the economy of the local area. elements of New Orleans into its urban planning, we’d be drawing from a proven foundation of success and establishing a tourism-friendly culture for Downtown.

Now obviously, the area size of Downtown Stockton is significantly less than New Orleans, but that’s where a town such as Reno comes in. Reno, Nevada, is billed as “The Biggest Little City in the World.”

Like Las Vegas, the city has several casinos and shows such as Circus Circus Resort or Atlantis that draw visitors each year. According to a study by Travel Nevada, Reno has seen a $95 increase in average tourism trip spending between the years 2016-2019. Las Vegas has seen an $88 increase in the same time period.

Reno is a successful mini–Las Vegas.

To entice tourists, Downtown Stockton needs its own mini–Bourbon Street or North Virginia Street. A stretch of road where food, history, music, and most importantly, people gather at every corner together to celebrate.

What features would make Downtown Stockton the next tourist hotspot? Which street could be our Bourbon Street?

SOURCES

Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism 2019-2020 Study: https://crt.state.la.us/Assets/Tourism/research/documents/2019-2020/2019%20Louisiana%20Visitor%20Profile.pdf

Reno 2016 -2020 Travel Nevada Study:

Reno-Tahoe-Territory-CY16-20.pdf (travelnevada.biz)

Las Vegas 2016 -2020 Travel Nevada Study:

Las-Vegas-Territory-CY16-20.pdf (travelnevada.biz)

Live music returns to downtown Stockton for new series

Posted on April 26, 2022 by digitalgear

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by Ben Sanchez

The Downtown Sounds music series launched this past month with some amazing rockin’ sounds from Haywired. While their weekly music set is coming to an end, we had a variety of questions regarding this new, outdoor music event downtown. We wanted to take all your feedback and answer as many questions you have about Downtown Sounds. We all know you are curious about who is performing next in downtown. Let’s take a look at how this event has evolved over the past year.

What is Downtown Sounds?

Last year, the Downtown Stockton Alliance hosted a series of music events downtown with local musicians. The open space in Janet Leigh Plaza was a great opportunity to present a free outdoor event for the community. In May 2021, University of the Pacific’s Patrick Langham Jazz Sextet was the first group to appear in Janet Leigh Plaza performing live jazz outdoors!

The first outdoor music event was dubbed ‘Jazz in the Plazz’ and throughout the month had more attendance every Tuesday. With the success of the outdoor music series, two more monthly events would appear in 2021. The Mike Torres Jr. band would play in September for Torres Tuesdays and Phillip Bailey Moncrease appeared in October to bring more amazing sounds to downtown.

Initially, the music series did not have an official name tied to each monthly event downtown. Each musical performance was tied to a different, monthly title. This year, we wanted the music series to fall under one title as we introduce Downtown Sounds in 2022. With more performances planned throughout the year, you will want to follow our social media platforms to stay updated on who is playing live on Tuesday nights.

When is Downtown Sounds?

Our music series is every Tuesday night at Janet Leigh Plaza.

Live music starts at 6 PM and will run until 8 PM.

Is there a charge for this event?

No. This event is FREE to the public.

Jazz in the Plazz highlight from 2021.

Will I need to bring a chair?

Plastic chairs will be provided. You may bring your own chair to this event. The plaza has plenty of space for you to sit and enjoy music.

Who has performed this year?

We reached out to Haywired, a “Rockin Americana” style band with dynamic vocals that are welcome sounds to downtown Stockton. With a versatile musical style, this band is inspired by country, rock, pop, folk, R&B and blues.

Will Jazz in the Plazz return to downtown?

Absolutely! We heard all the feedback from the community and are happy to announce that Jazz in the Plazz returns in May for our Downtown Sounds series. Langham, Professor and Program Director of Jazz Studies at the Conservatory of Music at University of the Pacific, is excited to perform for our community in downtown Stockton. You can catch live jazz downtown starting on May 3rd at 6 PM.

Are restaurants open during the live event?

Yes! All restaurants in the surrounding area of Janet Leigh Plaza will be open. Grab food during the show! Drinks are also allowed outdoors! Here is a list of restaurants in the plaza serving tasty food on Tuesday nights.

Grab food and drinks at the Plaza!

Share your #DowntownStockton experience

While you’re exploring downtown – snap a photo and share it on social media with us! Be sure to tag us in your photos at @Downtownstockton and use the hashtag #DowntownStockton for the chance to be featured on our social channels.

Check out the downtown vlog episodes on our YouTube channel!

Subscribe now and catch all new episodes in downtown Stockton.

Downtown Stockton Vlog

Local co-op offers sanctuary for small businesses

Posted on December 18, 2021 by digitalgear

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by Ayaana Williams

In the heart of downtown Stockton lies a hidden gem that is a symbol of local fashion, diversity, and creative influence for the adaptable nomads of the Central Valley.

DRYCLEANERS, is an LGBTQ+/POC-owned co-op store that offers local vendors and creators an opportunity to network, showcase, and sell their goods/art.

“The overall goal is to activate downtown and bring everyone together. We have lots of different communities here,” said Oliver Opus, co-owner of DRYCLEANERS. “We have the queer community, we have POC, we have the streetwear community, we have crafters and creators and musicians and drag queens, and this is a space where all of those people can co-mingle and experience each other’s worlds.”

In terms of activating downtown, DRYCLEANERS aims to invoke liveliness and connection to bring excitement and opportunity to such an underappreciated part of the city.

DRYCLEANERS is locally owned by long-time friends Ruschawn Williams and Oliver Opus, who met in Atlanta prior to moving to Stockton.

“I moved here a while ago and I didn’t really have a place in Stockton for myself,” said Opus. “I didn’t have a place to meet people like me or express interest that I have, so I decided to create it myself.”

Opus and Williams founded DRYCLEANERS after hosting several pop-up shops at Cast Iron Trading Co. and other local entities, using social media as an advertising ground.

A pop-up is a temporary shared retail space where small businesses can sell goods and services.

“Eric (Lee) next-door at Cast Iron was kind of one of the first people to allow me to venture into this,” said Opus. “He gave us the opportunity to do our first pop-up and that was really successful; and then we went on to do a second one here with Launchpad and that was so successful that Launchpad and Cast Iron had this idea to set up shop here, so we did.”

DRYCLEANERS has visitors and vendors travel from all over Northern California.

“Not only does this help us, but this also helps the community,” said Opus. “We do have people from San Francisco, Sacramento, and Oakland setting up shop here, but they don’t have to come here to sell their products; we have a system where we do that for them.”

Vendors pay a booth fee of $5-$15 a day and DRYCLEANERS keeps track of each individual sale with 100% of sales profits going back to the vendor.

Part of their goal is to support and uplift local artists by providing a platform to create passive income and build friendships that strengthen the community.

“We typically have an application in our bio, and we don’t turn people away,” said Opus. “We wanted to create opportunities for vendors to make money during a pandemic and it’s really hard to come across funds.”

People can find DRYCLEANERS on Instagram @shopdrycleaners as well as visit the storefront to meet the owners, vendors and local artists on San Joaquin St. in downtown Stockton.

Deliberation Room

Posted on December 12, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Nissi Guiao

Downtown is coming alive right before our eyes. And it’s because of good-hearted Stocktonians like Jacob Benguerel, owner of the local hotspot, Deliberation Room, who can see a better future for our city before it’s ever even in plain sight. Benguerel opened up shop not too long ago and he shares, “Deliberation Room was something that I decided to do because, as a kid, I saw what Modesto went through when it was worse than Stockton is now. My dad owned a business downtown and they had the same struggles we have, but it all began to turn around when restaurants and bars moved in. Being a big part of the downtown Stockton turnaround, I decided, ‘Why not?’”

That same care hasn’t changed for Benguerel as he understands that what’s “most important is that right now downtown businesses have to be a destination.” He’s been paying attention to the needs and wants of the community and states that they “are trying to respond to what [their] customers have told [them] they want.” Since taking notes on what their regulars are looking for, DR has gone through a bit of a transformational process, only making it an even better place to spend nights and weekends locally. “I’ve always been conscious of the fact that we need to be willing and able adapt in order to survive in the early stages of the revitalization process,” says Benguerel, and he’s not all talk. They’ve recently added an adult arcade (AN ADULT ARCADE!!!) “on top of the craft cocktails and handmade pizza” (yum) they’ve got going on, which truly “makes [them so] much more of a destination” nowadays.

Bringing life and excitement to Downtown

DR brings so much life and excitement to our community downtown. “Historically [they’ve] done drag shows, comedy shows, costume parties, live music, paint parties…” which naturally promotes the ever-growing nightlife scene in the area. As they’re getting ready to celebrate their “three year anniversary this coming New Year’s Eve,” Benguerel says, “We are looking at our events calendars starting next year to see what events we might carry over and if there are any new events we wanna bring in like arcade tournaments….” (and if that happens, we are so here for it).

Picture non-boring hangs with all the nostalgic feels playing retro games, drinking through their “good selection of signature cocktails.” Nothing quite beats that set-up, especially with your fave hype (or chill) crew. There’s always a reason to come in as “Melanie is always coming up with different drinks each week using fresh produce,” says Benguerel. As far as the changes go, what he enjoys “the most about the new concept is that [they] have this mixture of a completely unique ambiance, great pizza and awesome craft cocktails.” He tells us that “the two most popular [are] the ‘Stop and Frisk’ and the ‘Barely Legal,’ so go give those a try if you haven’t treated yourself to them yet.

Since all of this is legit not fake news or even too good to be true, this is your cue to accept the open invitation to make face at the newly remodeled downtown destination we’re so stoked about. We’ve made it easy for you with all this cool info. Actually, they have (with all the fun additions), so no need to deliberate, just grab some friends and celebrate all the fun changes. Really, now the only thing missing at the Deliberation Room, well, is y-o-u!

(More “deets” about DR, take notes)

Big changes

“Deliberation Room in Downtown Stockton has undergone big changes while maintaining its unique environment and decor. They have installed an adult arcade, pool table, air hockey table, dart board and jukebox. The arcades have ALL of the classic games that you grew up playing…Pacman, Centipede, NBA Jams, Mortal Combat, Street Fighter and many more. Also new to Deliberation Room is a full menu of fresh, hand made pizzas that will soon be available through Grubhub and DoorDash. As always they also have great craft cocktails, craft beer and over 50 different whiskeys! The Deliberation Room is open for happy hour and dinner each Tuesday through Friday and each Friday and Saturday ’till 2am. The new additions make it a perfect spot to host your next business event or to go out with coworkers for happy hour. You will be the hero when your coworkers are introduced to the new Deliberation Room and find out that it was your idea to bring them!”

Downtown Fast Q&A:

What’s your go-to Downtown coffee spot?

“I don’t drink coffee but if I did it would obviously be my neighbors…Trail Coffee!”

2. What Downtown winter event are you most excited about?

“The boat parade. Its a pretty awesome experience down there at the waterfront!”

3. What is Downtown’s Spirit Animal?

“It’s gotta be the racoon….totally shocked the 1st time I saw a racoon run through the city streets!”

4. Describe Downtown in one word.

“Changing”

Connect with them on facebook or on instagram!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeliberationRoom/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deliberationroom/

Refreshing Drinks to try in Downtown

Posted on August 23, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Nissi Guiao

What a bummer that summer is only with us for another month! BUT, all the more reason to make the best of it. Beer week was a splash and Stockmarket was such a hit, why stop the party? Grab your friends (or make new ones) and head downtown to start making your rounds. There’s a few fun spots we love, serving up refreshing drinks that’ll help you forget that the summer days are about to end.

BELLAVISTA ROOFTOP & EVENTS

Part on the rooftop every Tuesday, Thursday & Friday! They’ve got Happy Hour from 5pm-6:30pm and the dance floor’s open from 7pm-10pm. Yeah, they’ve got beer and wine, but maybe venture out and give one of their signature cocktails a try (yumm!).

Try them all for only $6 each:

Terrace Breeze Punch (Rum, blue Curaçao, lemonade, pineapple juice)
Watermelon Margarita (Tequila, lime juice, watermelon puree, agave)
BellaVista Pop (Prosecco poured over Paloma popsicle)
Berry Happy Together Red Sangria (Red wine, brandy, orange juice, mixed berries)
Summer Sunset White Sangria (White wine, rum, lemon, apple, strawberry)

CHANNEL BREWING CO.

“If you like beer and bomb pizza this your place! Good prices, friendly service and hella chill,” one Yelper comments. This is one of the most chill spots we’ve got on our blocks; if you haven’t popped in yet, now’s your chance. Craft beers are their specialty and when you start feeling those munchies, they’ve got your back with their mouth-watering specialty pizzas…#sorrynotsorry if we’re making you salivate. Check ‘em out! They’re open later on Fridays and Saturdays (10pm). Let those quality craft brews satisfy you.

CHARLIE’S BAR & NIGHTCLUB

#savewaterdrinkbeer Maybe you finish up at Channel, but you and your buddies don’t want to head home just yet. Wed-Sun, Charlie’s is open till 2am. Pop a few more beers, brush up on your pool skills and even get your karaoke on. They always know how to have a good time—go join ‘em.

DELTA BISTRO & LOUNGE

This one-of-a-kind spot has a great list of signature drinks. Give yourself an excuse to lounge around and treat yourself to a Dirty Shirley (Grey Goose cherry noir, grenadine, Sierra Mist w/a cherry on top) or a Portside Cooler (Midori, Absolut vodka, Peachtree schnapps, layered perfectly w/three juices). Great location and a great way to end your summer nights (open till 9pm every day)!

CHITIVA’S SALSA & SPORTS BAR

Cool down by the Delta after work at this local fave! There’s a lot of hype about Chitiva’s. One reviewer on FB says, “Reasonable prices on drinks and delicious tacos made by Martin! Gabriella is a wonderful bartender who knows how to make drinks! Carlos the owner is a great man. We use to drive to SF till we found this place in Stockton. View by the water, free parking, no issues. What more could you want? Love this place!” Most days, they’re open past midnight. Sounds like an invite—grab a cocktail and salsa your way late into the night.

DELIBERATION ROOM

They are always coming up with something new, you’ll for sure want to try what they’re mixing up on the daily. Their recent refreshing cocktails have the new Absolut Juice (all natural flavored) in them. Stay cool and quench your thirst for delicious drinks—Fri-Sat they’re open until 2am.

DESEO NIGHTCLUB

Another hot-spot right here every Fri-Sat from 10pm-1:30am. They don’t play around; they even have VIP bottle service if that’s more your style (have your bottle…and drink it, too, with some friends!). Make it a lady’s night out or just pop in on a whim. If you make it there on a Saturday before 11pm, you can get in for free! Save that money so you can spend it on your fave drinks instead. They’ve got First Fridays events and hot things happening pretty much every weekend. Here’s your personal invite to go live a little and have some fun. You deserve it.

THE DOWNTOWNER

This spot just celebrated its 1 year anniversary in Downtown Stockton! They pride themselves on offering some of the best #goodmoodfood, including lots of vegan options all week long, but that’s not all! They recently installed a bar and are serving a wide range of Blood Marys, custom mimosas, local & international beer, AND they serve wine on tap. But what’s better than wine on tap? Happy Hour! The Downtowner understands how hard Mondays can be so they offer Happy Hour all day long! They are open 8AM-8PM, Mon-Fri, and are open 10AM-8PM, on Sat-Sun. So head over for Sunday Bruch and order yourself a custom

MR. D’S PIZZA

This local dive bar is one of the most inviting treasures to discover. For one, they’ve got the pizza and burgers to satisfy those cravings. But their amazing prices and great service take their refreshingly cold drinks to the next level. Get more familiar with downtown streets and make your way to Happy Hour after work. They’re so friendly and welcoming, we won’t be surprised if you stay till closing.

MISAKI SUSHI BAR

You don’t even have to be a sushi lover to enjoy yourself at this place (but, I mean, who doesn’t love sushi?). Try their Mai Tai, Mary Jane or AMF drink…or any of their other specialties. They’ve got a lot going on; the locals will prove it, keeping them busy especially during Happy Hour Mon-Fri from 4pm-6pm. Catch a movie and make it an even more special date to celebrate summer at this fave.

NENA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Oh, this spot though. Some of the best Mexican food your tastebuds will ever experience. Make a trip before summer ends and cool off with one of their specialty margaritas or micheladas. They also have draft beer if that’s the mood you’re in. Saturdays, they’re open an hour later until 10pm. Mmmm, go-go-go!

PORT CITY SPORTS BAR & GRILL

Thur-Sat, they keep their doors open past midnight. Everett Hunter, Promotions Manager, gives us the 411 on what they’ve got going on. He tells us the top drinks are Lit, Mai Tai, AMF and Sex on the Beach (#sogood). The “local favorites [are] Trash Can and Long Island” and his “favorite is 1 of 15 different types of cold beer on tap.” Super friendly and helpful, you likely will keep coming back. Say “What’s up!” to Everett next time you’re in. They’ve got cool things going down every month and they “are open 11am to 9pm Mon-Wed, Thurs-Sat 11am to 1:30am” and they even have special hours “Sunday. . .for football season 9am-9pm.” This is the place to be right here.

Sooo, thirsty yet? Don’t let the final days of summer fly by without having some refreshing fun drinking all over downtown. The options are endless; there’s plenty to go around and who knows, maybe you’ll make Happy Hour part of your normal schedule from now on. And remember, drink responsibly!

Celebrate 4th of July Weekend in Downtown Stockton!

Posted on June 30, 2019 by digitalgear

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By Jessica Nguyen

If you’re scouring the Internet and scrolling through Facebook event pages in search of things to do 4^th of July weekend, look no further! Close those tabs, sit back, relax, and put on some patriotic tunes ‘cause we’ve put together an itinerary for your entire weekend! Whether you choose to do everything listed below or can only make a few events, you’re sure to have a fun, family-friendly (and wallet-friendly) Fourth of July (or, you can leave the kids at home- hey, it’s your weekend too).

City of Stockton’s 4th of July Celebration, Weber Point

Thursday, July 4^th

Stockton’s Fourth of July Parade

Parade begins at 10am and starts on Weber Avenue and El Dorado Street, travels north on El Dorado, left on Oak Street, and left on Center Street. The grandstand (main viewing area) will be located in front of the Stockton Civic Memorial Auditorium.

Start your 4^th of July celebration early and attend Downtown Stockton’s Fourth of July Parade hosted by the United Veterans Council of San Joaquin County. The parade will honor Gold Star Families, or immediate family members of fallen service members who died while serving in a time of conflict. Bring the entire family and enjoy lively music, colorful floats, and other eye-catching entities while adorned in red, white and blue attire and patriotically waving your miniature American flags. If spectating is not your thing, you can sign up to participate in the parade! Build that float or ready your trumpet and you’re good to go!

City’s 4^th of July Celebration

5:30pm-10:00pm at the Weber Point Event Center, fireworks begin at 9:30pm

How can it be a 4^th of July without fireworks? Bring your loved ones to view a spectacular fireworks show at the Weber Point Event Center! Take along blankets or lawn chairs to settle in before the start of the spectacle; and if you didn’t opt for an early dinner at one of Downtown’s tasty restaurants, then bring a picnic-style dinner to enjoy (turkey sandwiches sound great, but they don’t beat fried soft shell crab followed by a delicious Dynamite Roll from Misaki’s- just sayin’). Bring your mini flags and good vibes, but leave the alcohol, personal fireworks, hard coolers, barbeque grills and pets at home.

Kaboom 4^th of July

6:00pm-10:00pm at the Downtown Stockton Marina, fireworks start at 9:00pm.

Not only are there fireworks, but this FREE event includes face painting, music, and a bounce house- perfect for kids (and adults -if face painting is your thing…)! Food will also be available for purchase. At 9pm, once you’re full and the kids’ faces are covered with drying paint, you and your family will have an excellent view as you bask in the thunderous booms of fireworks and watch them light up the sky with their brilliant hues.

The fireworks will be- as the kids say- lit.

Stockton Ports Baseball

6:10pm-9:00pm at Downtown Stockton’s Banner Island Ballpark

What’s a more patriotic sport than baseball? Join the Ports and fellow fans for the ballpark’s biggest firework show of the year! But first, cheer on our local team as they play against the Modesto Nuts. Grab some ballpark snacks (chomp down on some nuts and show the Modesto Nuts who’s boss) and enjoy the Delta breeze as you view America’s Favorite Pastime on the day we celebrate America’s Independence.

Friday, July 5^th

Regal Cinemas Stockton City Center 16 & IMAX

Hooray, it’s Friday! After an exciting Independence Day, catch a movie and head to the downtown cinema to sink into reclining seats with a refreshing drink in one hand and a bag of popcorn in the other. With so many great movies hitting theaters, it’s almost too hard to choose the film for Friday movie night. Do you go with the highly anticipated Toy Story 4? The action-packed Spider-Man: Far From Home? Or others that are also probably really great but not mentioned because the author of this article is so focused on waiting for Toy Story 4? Good luck deciding!

Mama Coon Live

7:30pm-9:00pm at Channel Brewing Co.

Local favorite Mama Coon will be performing at Channel Brewing Co., playing originals and covers on her guitar. Come by, purchase one of Channel’s delicious craft beers, and revel in the camaraderie of one of downtown’s hottest spots and the energy of the live music.

Stockton Ports Baseball

7:10pm at Downtown Stockton’s Banner Island Ballpark

Why not make it a baseball weekend? Come to downtown’s ballpark Friday night to cheer on the Stockton Ports. The first 1,000 fans to arrive will receive a free pair of American Flag socks- talk about patriotic! But that isn’t the only thing that’ll knock your socks off (pun intended)- come dressed as your favorite superhero, ‘cause it’s Super Hero Day! And yes, He-Man counts.

Saturday, July 6^th

Farmer’s Market

6:00am to 10:00am under the Cross Town Freeway

Get up early to pick up some fresh produce from the open air Asian farmer’s market under the Cross Town Freeway! The market offers fresh seasonal produce of all kinds – herbs, fish, eggs, sweets, and other tasty Asian treats from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, China, and India. Grab the best ingredients for your family lunch and/or dinner!

Brit Floyd

8:00pm to 10:00pm at the Bob Hope Theater

You know what else you need for this 4^th of July weekend? Rock music! Come see Brit Floyd at downtown’s Bob Hope Theater! Brit Floyd is widely regarded as the world’s greatest live tribute to rock band Pink Floyd, complete with a stunning multi-million dollar light show, large circular screen, projections, lasers, inflatables and theatrics. Playing hit songs from Pink Floyd’s classic albums such as Wish You Were Here and Animals, you’re sure to enjoy this performance- besides, you’re probably going to need a break from Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the USA”.

Sunday, July 7^th

Mimosa Sunday Brunch

10:00am to 2:00pm at the Delta Bistro and Lounge in the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel

Sunday is for brunch! And mimosas, of course. If you’ve never been to the Delta Bistro for brunch, Fourth of July weekend is the perfect excuse to try it! Stuff yourself with country potatoes, sweet cream pancakes, house cured and smoked salmon, and some carved to order prime rib! Relax in this chic atmosphere and get your brunch on.

Rooftop Brunch

10:00am to 2:00pm at Bella Vista

If you want to enjoy brunch on a rooftop during a beautiful sunny morning, this is the place for you. Every Sunday, Fleur Bistro partners with Bella Vista Rooftop to bring you a delicious brunch experience in a beautiful setting. This Fourth of July weekend is only the second Sunday of this new collaboration! Come check it out.

Walk With Weber Walking Tour

Since the 4^th of July is all about honoring our nation’s history, why not conclude your weekend by learning the history behind Downtown Stockton’s oldest buildings on the Walk With Weber self-guided tour? All you need is your smartphone, a stocked snack bag, and comfy walking shoes to step back into the early days of Stockton.

Walk With Weber is available on the DSA website for FREE, and since it is self-guided, can be taken at your leisure (though we recommend late afternoon to enjoy the colors of the setting sun as the weather begins cooling down). To take the tour, walk yourself to 125 Bridge Place (where the tour begins), and open the tour menu on your smartphone to view the tour stops, in recommended order. As you walk to each stop, click on the name of the building to enjoy a slideshow of historic photos and insightful narration by historian Manuel Laguna.

With 24 video clips, this tour takes 2 hours to walk, so we recommend a snack break between stops #6 and #7 – sit on a bench facing the peaceful waterfront and observe the row of gently waving American flags along Weber Point. Once you’ve completed the tour, you’ll be ready to reward yourself with something nice and cool, like a thick chocolate milkshake from Moo Moo’s Burger Barn or a fresh fruit smoothie from Edible Arrangements! Indulge and enjoy!

Now that you’re in-the-know about these Independence Day weekend possibilities, we hope you’ll choose Downtown for your red, white, and bluing! Happy celebrating!

To keep informed about any other events going on Downtown this weekend, visit our events calendar. To receive monthly updates on what’s happening in Downtown, sign up for our newsletter.

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By Alvin Cho

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by Shaun Chatrath

SOURCES

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by Ben Sanchez

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Thursday, July 4th

Stockton’s Fourth of July Parade

City’s 4th of July Celebration

Kaboom 4th of July

Friday, July 5th

Saturday, July 6th

Sunday, July 7th

Thursday, July 4^th

City’s 4^th of July Celebration

Kaboom 4^th of July

Friday, July 5^th

Saturday, July 6^th

Sunday, July 7^th