DOWNTOWN STOCKTON HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES: December 7th!

Posted on December 3, 2024December 3, 2024 by Intern DSA

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By Zachary Hulsey

When: December 7^th, 3:00 – 7:30 PM
Where: Weber Point Events Center, 221 N. Center Street

As the December Christmas season approaches, downtown Stockton is getting ready for the annual tree lighting and boat parade ceremony.

Tree Lighting

Beginning on the first Saturday of December (December 7), the tree lighting ceremony will begin when the gates open at 3:00 pm at Weber Point Events Center, located at 221 N. Center St. This year, Downtown Stockton is going to showcase its holiday cheer, with free cookies and hot chocolate, and a festive event where the community gets to see the annual lighting of the Christmas tree, starting at 5:30 pm – two and a half hours after the gates open.

This festive holiday event will consist of many food trucks and vendors – so you’ll have the chance to either start or finish your Christmas shopping spree!

Lynn Hahn Memorial Delta Reflections Boat Parade

Make sure to wear nice, warm, comfortable clothing, and don’t forget to bring your lawn chair to watch one of the most anticipated parades year-round – the Lynn Hahn Memorial Delta Reflections Lighted Boat Parade. This boat parade will begin at 6:30 pm along the beautiful and historic waterway of the Stockton Deep Water Channel and McLeod Lake.

Put on by the Stockton Yacht Club, the boat parade has been a treasure for the Stockton community for over 40 years. The Stockton Yacht Club is organizing this boat parade, and every year it seems to get bigger, better, and brighter!

In a statement from the City of Stockton’s Community Relations Officer, Connie Cochran, she shares, “It’s been part of our tradition for decades, and we have many families that return to the tree every year to take a picture.”

That’s true; the tradition of this ceremony is what makes it extra special, given its 40-year annual return. Downtown Stockton is glad to be the home of this ceremony, and with activities like these, it makes downtown’s holiday season truly special.

Oh What Fun!…

Cochran noted of the December 7^th festivities: “We have lots of other activities… We have food vendors and local artist vendors. The kids really love the fact that we have a snow machine.” The news release from the City of Stockton shows us just how much fun and joy we can expect from this event. In addition to the amazing activities mentioned, you’ll be able to take a picture with none other than Santa and the Grinch!

Along with Weber Point, MLK Plaza will have nicely decorated lights on the park trees. The Civic Auditorium, Cesar Chavez Library, and City Hall will all have festive decorations, such as lights and wreaths, that’ll leave downtown Stockton with a Christmas spirit. Families near and far will be able to enjoy the festive atmosphere of downtown, and we at the Downtown Stockton Alliance strongly encourage business owners to decorate their businesses (enter in the Downtown Stockton Business Holiday Decoration Contest!), along with the residents of downtown.

In addition to the Weber Point tree ceremony, various other fun activities will be there. I remember attending this event last year, and they had a carriage ride, festive trees and light poles, a snow machine that sets the mood, and most monumental, when 5:30 PM hits, everyone is staring at the beautifully decorated Christmas tree waiting for the lights to turn on. It was amazing, and it’s a must-see event for all families in Stockton.

Best of all, ITS FREE ADMISSION!

As stated previously, the main tree lighting ceremony and boat parade event at Weber Point Event Center, located at 221 N. Center St., will take place December 7th, beginning at 3:00 pm. The actual lighting of the Christmas tree will take place at 5:30 pm, and the boat parade will begin at 6:30 pm.

Make sure to bring your family and friends downtown for this holiday fun!

Opening Night Thrills: Stockton Kings vs. Salt Lake City Stars

Posted on November 22, 2024November 28, 2024 by Intern DSA

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By Sungyeon Park

Reasons to Watch a Stockton Kings Game
- The Stockton Kings game delivers thrilling basketball action with high-level plays.
- There are fun events throughout the game such as halftime shows and giveaways.
- The games are affordable and family-friendly.
Tickets: here

On November 13th, I had the exciting opportunity to attend the Stockton King’s Opening Night for the 2024-25 season at the Adventist Health Arena. The way that fans filled the arena with energy and cheering was amazing!

The Stockton Kings are more than just a basketball team; they are part of the NBA G League, the official minor league of the NBA and affiliated with the Sacramento Kings. It was my first time watching a G League game, and it was quite fast and thrilling. The Stockton Kings faced off against the Salt Lake City Stars in a well-matched competition.

The halftime show was a highlight of the night! Christian and his adorable dog Scooby amazed the crowd with their entertaining tricks and performance. It was a delightful break that left everyone smiling. To add to the excitement, I was lucky to catch a free Stockton Kings mini ball during one of the game’s many fun events. I also received a complimentary Stockton Kings T-shirt just for attending—what a great way to kick off the season!

For those who plan to catch a game, I recommend buying some delicious snacks from the arena. You can also stop for meals or snacks at one of Downtown Stockton’s restaurants before or after the event. Supporting local restaurants while enjoying the game is a win-win!

Sometimes, the players will sign autographs and take photos with fans after the game, so keep a look out for this chance if you are a fan of any of these amazing players. Catch them now before they really hit the big time!

Don’t miss out on the fun at the Adventist Health Arena. Whether you’re a big basketball fan or just looking for a fun night out, Stockton Kings games offer something for everyone. Come experience the thrill and explore everything Downtown Stockton has to offer!

👮‍♂️ National Night Out 2024 in Downtown Stockton!

Posted on July 26, 2024July 31, 2024 by Intern DSA

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By Zachary Hulsey

National Night Out is back, bigger and better than ever!

Enjoy a day of family-friendly activities that promote unity, love, and community strength. The 2024 Downtown Stockton National Night Out event – hosted by the San Joaquin County Office of Education, Parents by Choice, Stockton Ports, and the Downtown Stockton Alliance — will take place Tuesday, August 6th, from 5:30 – 8:30 PM at downtown’s Banner Island Ballpark, located at 404 W. Fremont St., Stockton, CA. There will be carnival games, giveaways, community resources, workshops, music, local mascots, raffle prizes, and much more!

The event takes place the same night of a Stockton Ports matchup against the Lake Elsinore Storm, which starts at 7:05 PM. The first 600 people who attend the event will get in free!

As Stockton continues to grow into an even more amazing city, it is imperative that we actively engage and unite! Some of the organizations which will be represented at this event include: Stockton PD, Child Abuse Prevention Council, Visit Stockton, Stockton Kings, LAZ Parking, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority, Youthbuild San Joaquin, SJ Regional Transit District, DCA, Codestack Academy, Head Start San Joaquin, UOP Athletics, YMCA, Ready to Work, Uplift All, Behavioral Health Services, El Concilio, Harvest Home Animal Shelter, Scottish Rite, SJVV, Girl Scouts, SJC Probation, and Children’s Choice. Through events like National Night Out, we engage families across Stockton; bridge community disconnects; and focus on creating a bright future for our youth. By building a better relationship between law enforcement and residents, we can create a greater sense of community and safety.

So, if you’re planning on attending a National Night Out gathering in Stockton this year, don’t miss the chance to come on out to Downtown Stockton’s Banner Island Ballpark to catch a ballgame and enjoy this extraordinary community event! In addition to all of the activities and resources, you’ll have a beautiful view of the Courthouse and the downtown waterfront. You might even see the Stockton Ports mascot, Splash!

I encourage you all to bring your family and friends to this free community event! See you there, Stockton!

When: Tuesday, August 6th, 5:30 – 8:30 PM

Where: 404 W. Fremont Street, Stockton, CA, 95203 | Banner Island Ballpark

Tickets: First 600 attendees get in FREE! First-come, first-served, so get there early! If you aren’t in the first 600 attendees, here is the link to purchase game tickets.

My First Time in an American Movie Theater 🍿

Posted on July 18, 2024July 26, 2024 by Intern DSA

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By Alvin Cho

I recently had the pleasure of watching “Kung Fu Panda 4” at the Regal Stockton City Center, conveniently located just a short 3-minute walk from my house in Downtown Stockton. The proximity alone made the experience incredibly convenient and hassle-free.

Upon entering the theater, I was pleasantly surprised by the cozy and inviting atmosphere. The interior was well-maintained, and the layout made it easy to navigate. What stood out the most were the seats—they were exceptionally comfortable. I could easily recline and stretch out my legs, which added to the overall enjoyment of the movie.

The screening I attended was scheduled for 6 p.m., a perfect time slot for unwinding after a day’s work. Despite the theater being smaller than some of the larger multiplexes, the intimate setting actually enhanced the viewing experience. It felt more personal and less crowded, allowing me to immerse myself fully in the film.

Before the movie started, I had a chance to explore the amenities. There was a game arcade and a snack bar offering a variety of treats. I opted for a bag of Cheetos and a drink. The convenience of having snacks available right there was a definite plus!

After the movie, my friends and I were quite hungry; thankfully, there were several Downtown Stockton restaurants nearby offering a variety of dining options. This proximity to dining choices added another layer of convenience to the overall outing.

In conclusion, my experience at Downtown’s Regal Stockton City Center – located at 222 N. El Dorado Street – was positive and enjoyable. The combination of convenience, comfortable seating, and a cozy atmosphere made it a great place to catch a movie. I recommend this theater for your next movie outing!

Click Here to See What’s Playing Now at Regal Stockton City Center

The Most Anticipated Event of the Year, StocktonCon!

Posted on July 12, 2024July 12, 2024 by Intern DSA

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By Zachary Hulsey

This weekend, visit StocktonCon, presented by Utility Telecom, where you’ll find a huge variety of comics, games, collectibles, anything anime, costume contests, and maybe even meet some great actors from your favorite TV show! The two-day event takes place at the newly named Adventist Health Arena in Downtown Stockton. The doors will be open to the public on July 13th and 14th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the best part is, kids under 12 are free to enter StocktonCon with a paid adult!

Let’s not forget about our food and drinks now. At StocktonCon, you’ll find many different types of treats, ranging from fresh hotdogs to delicious cotton candy!

Looking for trading cards, artwork, action figures, and other comic memorabilia? This family event has hundreds of small vendor businesses that I know you will absolutely love.

Stockton’s Annual Pop-Culture Convention is aimed at bringing the community together for a two-day festival of anime, comics, and creative costumes! So, get your family and friends together and gear up for one of the most anticipated events of the year, StocktonCon!

If you’re looking to attend StocktonCon for one day, buy the one-day ticket for $15 plus fees, and you’ll be able to attend on Saturday or Sunday. If you’re looking to attend both days, buy the 2-day ticket, which is $20 plus fees. And remember, kids under 12 are free if accompanied by a paid adult!

Enjoy a full weekend of comics and fun!

Buy Tickets Here

Click Here for Parking Information

Independence Day In Downtown!

Posted on July 3, 2024July 12, 2024 by Intern DSA

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By Zachary Hulsey

There’s no better way to celebrate our national Independence Day than in downtown Stockton with your beloved family and friends, located at our Weber Point Event Center for the annual 4th of July parade and festival.

Hosted by the United Veterans Council of San Joaquin County, this perfect day of festivities and fun will begin with an annual 4th of July parade show in the morning at 11:00 a.m. At 12:00 p.m., the gates of the Weber Point Event Center will open up, where you’ll find a mix of diverse food trucks, creative vendors, a special guest, live band music, constant entertainment, and various other family-friendly activities!

Then later on in the evening, at 9:30 p.m., the amazing firework show will begin and last for approximately 20 minutes. This event is the perfect time to engage with your diverse local community for an entire day of fun, festivities, and the best entertainment activities!

Don’t miss out on this once-a-year opportunity to celebrate our national independence here in downtown Stockton with your family and friends! The weekend after the 4th of July festival only gets better.

The Fourth of July weekend is full of many creative and fun things to do here in downtown Stockton. On Saturday, July 6th, the Stockton Ports have a ball game against the San Jose Giants. From 7:05 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., you can attend this game to cheer on the Stockton Ports! Lots of food and drinks will be available at this game; there will also be a great view of the downtown Court House and the Waterfront.

Later the next day, Coach’s Lounge in downtown has open-mic smooth jazz music with the Sizzle Band. If you love jazz, head on over to the Coach’s Lounge from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 7th.

Main Street Market 🎶

Posted on June 11, 2024July 12, 2024 by Intern DSA

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🍔 Happening June 11th at 242 E. Main Street, Stockton, CA! 🍻

By Alvin Cho

Hello!

I’m Alvin, the new intern at DSA from Korea. Today, I’d like to introduce you to the Main Street Market, which has become a cultural staple in our downtown area. This market – held outside the Bob Hope Theater and hosted by the Downtown Stockton Alliance, Parents By Choice, and ASM Global – is incredibly popular among both locals and visitors. Its charm can be divided into three main attractions: lively bands, delicious food, and various business promotions.

Lively Bands

The first thing that captures your attention at the Main Street Market is the live music. Several local bands take the stage to perform a wide range of musical genres. From jazz and blues to rock and pop, you can enjoy music that suits your taste. The passionate performances of the bands and the enthusiastic responses from the audience create a vibrant atmosphere. Walking around the market while listening to the music can make all your daily stress melt away.

Delicious Food

Another major attraction of the Main Street Market is the delicious food. The market is dotted with a variety of food trucks and stalls, offering a diverse array of cuisines. From fresh, locally-made dishes to street food from around the world, the wide selection can make it hard to decide what to eat. The handmade beverages and desserts available here are particularly worth trying. Sharing tasty food with friends and family while having a great time makes the Main Street Market a paradise for food lovers. This year, the market also features a beer garden, serving refreshing drinks from 4:30 – 7:30 PM.

Business Promotions

Main Street Market is more than just a marketplace. It’s also a platform for various businesses to promote their products and services. Numerous small business owners seize the opportunity to showcase their brands and directly interact with customers. There are product demonstrations, special discounts, and various activities aimed at business promotion. This not only helps in selling products but also builds trust with customers and contributes to the local economy.

Dates

Main Street Market is happening TONIGHT, June 11^th from 4:30 – 7:30 PM (featuring music by Nick Elwood)!

Come on Out!

Main Street Market goes beyond being just a place to buy and sell goods. It’s a special space where the local community comes together. With lively music, delicious food, and various businesses coming together, it offers visitors an unforgettable experience. If you’re ever downtown, I highly recommend visiting! You’re sure to fall in love with the charm of the Main Street Market.

This has been Alvin, the intern from Korea. I’ll be back with more interesting and informative news next time.

Thank you!

Flavorfest: Foodie’s Delight – Happening TODAY!🍕

Posted on May 19, 2024July 31, 2024 by Courtney Wood

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By Courtney Wood

🥓🥙This weekend is the third year of Stockton Flavorfest! If you’re looking for something fun to do this Sunday, come to Weber Point to experience this Visit Stockton-hosted festival full of food and fun! 🧁🍻

Tickets:

Buy tickets here.

Adults/Seniors: $10.00 Saturday & Sunday ($12 at the gate)

Age 6 – 17: $5.00

Kids 5 & Under: Free

When:

Sunday, May 19th, 12 PM – 7 PM

Where:

Weber Point Events Center

221 Center Street

Stockton, CA

Parking:

Surface level street parking and all-day (starting at 9 AM) $10 garage parking is available at Coy Garage and SEB Garage. View the Park Mobile App and the Downtown Parking Guide for more parking information.

ABOUT FLAVORFEST:

With art vendors and exhibits; live entertainment and workshops; over 30 food trucks and booths; a beer and wine garden; and the beautiful Downtown Stockton waterfront, Flavorfest is the best way to spend a mid-May weekend. The event started May 17th, and is running through TODAY, Sunday the 19th!

Director of Marketing & Communications, Amy Alpers, from Visit Stockton shared that “Stockton Flavor Fest is a celebration of the culture, community, and cuisine of our region, and Visit Stockton is so excited to bring back this award winning event to Weber Point Events Center May 17-19.” To her, Flavorfest “is a labor of love from us to Stockton, and we are proud to highlight the diversity and creativity that makes this place a wonderful place to visit, live, and grow. The event is meant for everyone…we can’t wait to welcome everyone!”

🍙 FOOD VENDORS 🥟

Here are a list of some of the mouth-watering food vendors you can enjoy at this year’s event:

Bangin’ Bowls
Black Kat Cafe Company
Bubble Express
Bubble Hive
Casa Pinoy
Chefomeezie Ultimate Comfort Food
Charlie’s Fruitilocos
Cousins Maine Lobster
Cruising Cones 6
Don Tomas Pizza Fever
Drea’s Kitchen
El Parcero Empanadas Colombianas
Flavors Of Chef Nessa
Foxy’s Toffee
Fruitopia Fruit Bowls
Fudging Around
Grajedas Mexican Grill
Hawaiian Honey Cones
Hawkins Burgers On Wheels
Hella Good Kettle Corn
Hyderabadi Eatz
Jeeroz Mediterranean
Jerk Street Tacos
Mely’s Churros
Mike & Niki’s Honey Co.
Miss Dulcelicious
Mr. Jalepeño
Panda’s Smoke Shack
Patrick’s House Catering
Pinorrito
Pizza Lovers Sac
Problem Baker
River City Snowie Shaved Ice
Salmon Going Nuggetz
Saucey Oysters
Snappers Seafood
Street Philly Truck
Supreme Musubi
Sweet Berry Lyfe
Taqueria El Trebol
Taste of Curry Fiji Style
The Drunken Dumpling
The Sweet Life
Treats by Ness

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Here’s a sample Sunday afternoon itinerary for you to ponder:

Buy your ticket online for easier check-in and a cheaper price.
Park at SEB Garage or take the bus, if you’re inclined.
Check in at the entrance booth and take a selfie next to the giant Stockton letters near the main stage!
Browse through Art Alley to have your portrait drawn, and maybe get a psychic reading.
Start your foodventure off right with an iced coffee from Mely’s Churros and a healthy fruit cup from Fruitopia Fruit Bowls.
Stop into The Kitchen @ Stonebrier tent to see what you can learn and sample in their demo kitchen.
Peruse the vendors nearby, and wave hello to us at the Downtown Stockton Alliance booth, where we are selling our brand new merchandise – Bob Hope T-Shirts, Chung Wah dragon T-Shirts, Rainbow tank tops, hoodies, and more!
Enjoy a vegan dumpling from the Drunken Dumpling (pictured below – very tasty 😋)!
Walk through the shopping vendor aisle near the Back Porch and pick up some Flavorfest gear.
Pop into the Back Porch beer garden to sip while listening to the styles of CalFamous, Chloe Alexis, or Mundo, and gazing upon the water glittering gently in the background.
Check out the food truck ring behind the Michelob Ultra stage, and try a goodie or two.
Head to the main stage area to dance to the tunes of The Outlaw Mariachi.
Now that you’ve worked up your appetite, finish your experience with a personal pizza from Pizza Lovers Sac and a uniquely shaped treat from Hawaiian Honey Cones.
Roll yourself to your car and dream about what you will try next year!

The Downtown Stockton Alliance booth at Flavorfest - check us out near The Kitchen @ Stonebrier.

WRAP UP

🌯🍤Flavorfest comes but once a year, so bring yourself out to enjoy this incredible food truck extravaganza while it lasts! The foodie in you will be living a candy-coated, caramel-glazed, ice cream dream. 🍧🍦

My First Stockton Kings Game

Posted on April 5, 2024June 12, 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

Stockton Ports: A Preview of the Upcoming 2024 Season

Posted on March 7, 2024March 7, 2024 by Shaun Chatrath

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By Shaun Chatrath

As the Stockton Ports gear up for the highly anticipated 2024 baseball season, fans and players alike are bubbling with excitement and anticipation. The team has been hard at work during the off-season, refining their skills and building upon their strengths in preparation for the challenges that lie ahead.

Fans can expect to see thrilling matchups, dazzling plays, and unforgettable moments as the team vies for victory in every game they play. The coaching staff has been diligently strategizing and fine-tuning their game plans to ensure that the Ports are well-equipped to take on their opponents. From intense infield drills to batting practice sessions, every effort is being made to ensure that the team is in top form for the upcoming season.

Even the playing field at Banner Island Ballpark has been renovated to guarantee peak performance.

To ensure that fans in attendance have the best game day experience possible, the Ports are continuing various promotions and giveaways from last year and having special themed nights.

Stockton Ports General Manager Jordan Feneck has stated “We are ecstatic that the 2024 season is filled with a variety of different promotions, theme nights, and giveaways, making it one of our most jam-packed promotional calendars to date. We currently have 17 giveaways, 14 firework shows, and 4 specialty jersey nights listed, and we can’t wait to see our stands filled with residents of Stockton and surrounding communities. We could not do this without our fans, which is why we pride our organization in our ability to provide affordable, family fun in the great city of Stockton.”

To view a calendar of the Stockton Ports promotions and nights, please look below.

As the Stockton Ports embark on their journey toward another exciting season of baseball don’t forget to follow them on social media (@stocktonports). Get ready to cheer, celebrate, and support your favorite players as they chase their dreams and strive for greatness on the baseball diamond. Stockton Ports fans, get ready for an unforgettable season ahead!

To learn more about the Stockton Ports, check out our Talk to Downtown interview with Jordan.

Stockton Ports home venue: Banner Island Ballpark

Adventist Health Arena address: 404 West Fremont St, Stockton, CA 95203

Parking is available in the Banner Island Ballpark’s two parking lots: located in front and to the side of the ballpark. Parking lots accept credit cards, ATM, and cash payments.

Tickets available at the Banner Island Ballpark box office or through mlb.tickets.com

WANT TO WIN STOCKTON PORTS TICKETS? Follow the Downtown Stockton Alliance on social media for a chance to receive single-game Stockton Ports tickets throughout the season.