First time attending the Lodi Fair. I'm used to the 2 in Oakland growing up. This was the same just…read moreupgraded! They had a lot more to offer from food vendors, regular misc vendors and activities for the kids. Plenty of parking (however pin your car and remember what lot you're in!) I didn't realize there were 2 entrances. We entered in the front, yet when we were leaving we walked out through the back and didn't recognize or notice until we got all the way out that our car was on the entirely opposite side. Luckily they allowed us to re-enter so we didn't have to walk around. It was definitely packed, parking can be paid with Apple Pay! Purchase tickets online a few days before the fair for the best deals! I can't wait for next year to come back and enjoy some sun, rides, and carnival foods.

Operating hours are during hot to very hot time of the day. Didn't know there were two different…read morewrist bands. One all you can ride and the other was limited. But the limited one was more expensive. If you wanted to get tickets instead they were a $1.00 each. Each game (had only 3 different kinds) were 10 tickets each and the rides were at least 5 tickets each. Every ride we went on had at least 4-8 empty seats left. Very disappointing and won't go back.

A Friend talked me in to donating some time to help out, WOW i am sure glad i did. I have been a…read morevolunteer for 4 years and what amazing people and experiences i have had. I am honored to be apart of such a wonderful and fun event I'm hooked thanks to all that make this an event so awesome, its one to look forward to each year.

Happened to find this Fest by accident, AWESOME! Well run, excellent place to have a great time, if…read moreyou like bands right in your face don't miss this annual event! Had a fantastic time!

Can you believe it?! Three World Series wins in five years for the Giants! This is the third trophy…read moretour in five years, this stop in Lodi. I attended the original tour in 2010 when it stopped in Stockton, so seeing it in Lodi is a complete treat. Most of this review will also apply to the other stops in the tour. The trophies were on display for pictures from 5PM-7PM so you had to get there a little early to ensure that you would be able to see the trophies. (All three of course..) They actually started letting people in early so it really doesn't hurt to get there early. You had to be inside the doors by 7 to make it in...they are not very forgiving when it comes to the time. Once you were inside they had you sit in the theater in order that you were in line, and let you watch highlights of the whole World Series while you were waiting. They took people back in rows of two, and then would fill those two rows up with people waiting outside. We probably waited 20 minutes outside and 40 inside, which was really awesome. Instead of a hour standing in line most of the time waiting was reliving the Series in a comfy chair. Bravo to whoever thought of that idea. The line moves pretty fast, they have their own "team" photographer who takes the picture or pictures you want (no touching the trophies themselves) but they try and discourage people from taking their own shots. The pictures end up online for you to order or do a digital download. You could also buy them there, we bought all three pictures we took for 50 bucks, it sounds like a lot but they turned out great and the first thing I did when I got home was scan them and turn them digital. So yes, it's all about publicity and probably a little about money but isn't everything? It's awesome to see ALL THREE trophies without the travel and special passes somewhere else. Totally worth the time, and just a reminder what an amazing time it is to be a San Francisco Giants Fan!! Orange and Black forever!!

The Golden State Pinball Festival is the ultimate gaming time in the heart of Lodi, California…read more Collectors and local enthusiasts donate their pinball machines to be played on a "free play" mode for hundreds of eager players. A flat rate at the door gets you all day play or but a 3-day pass for the ultimate weekend of pinball. There is a silent auction and a raffle and a chance to win a pinball machine. This is a wonderful event that supports the World of Wonders (WOW) Science Museum in downtown Lodi.

This was my first year attending and I can't wait for next year! I was honestly blown away with the…read moreamount of pinball machines they had. With admission, you have free play on all machines that span the decades of pinball history. It was great fun and a great vibe. If you're hungry they have a food truck and beverages can be purchased for consumption outside of the pinball areas. Well worth the money AND all proceeds go charity. Volunteer run, please come and support!

Soul Food Festival- Location Weber point in Stockton, CA…read more So this was the 8 th annual Soul Food Festival in Stockton, Ca. It's on August 1st of every year. This was the first time I ever heard of the event. I came here with my Grandpa and our friend to check things out. The admission was free and the parking was free since it was on a Sunday. Inside there was all kinds of booths with different types of soul food. We decided to try out some Jamaican food from Delroys. I had this chicken called jerk chicken with rice, beans and a salad. The jerk chicken was really good, whatever spice they use. It hit the spot and the Jamaican rice was bomb as well. The beans were like a pork n beans and the salad was pretty much a house salad. My Grandpa had a tri tip sandwich and he enjoyed the Sammy. Our friend ribs, greens, Jamaican rice and beans. From what our buddy said "the ribs are really good". There was some booths that sold clothes and some had where you can get your hair did. There was live entertainment and it was under a big tent. So you wouldn't be in the sun. Also the water fountain was on for the kids to have fun in the sun. So yeah, I had a great time. We'll definitely be back next year on August 1st. Hope to see you there. Sincerely VD taking yelp into a different direction.

Every year tens of thousands of sandhill cranes descend on the small Central Valley town of Lodi,…read moreCalifornia. From September through March the cranes make themselves right at home in the grasslands and marshes, feeding on grains (mostly corn), fish, rodents, loafing around and flying to their evening roost. This fly-in is what you have to experience. Watching a flock of graceful gargalers descend into a sunset-lit field at dusk is utterly amazing. General admission is free and (most) all the events that take place at Hutchins Street Square, including the kick-off Reception, is free. Costs for the numerous nature tours vary, depending on the tour. We did the 'Bald Eagle by Boat' tour early Saturday morning. East Bay Mud Biologists took us to Pardee Reservoir (which is closed for the season) and out on a boat to spot bald eagles, golden eagles, loons, grebes, and red-tailed hawks. At dusk, we went to the Sandhill Crane Preserve, lead by Department of Fish and Game Docents, to watch thousands of cranes converge on the marshland to roost for the night. The sunset behind Mt Diablo mixed with the vocalizations, feeding, and dancing of the cranes will be with me the rest of my life! Sunday morning we got up early and went birding on the Delta. Our boat left Tower Park Marina and we cruised through the waterways for a couple hours watching for cranes, swans, geese, and ducks. We spotted a few Blue Herons and a horned owl asleep in a big pine tree. The sky above us darkened at times from the thousands of birds flying above. Totally AWESOME! Whether you're a beginning birder or advanced, this festival has something for anyone interested in birds, specifically sandhill cranes. Tours are suitable for most ages and range from canoeing to hiking, sitting in a boat, to learning bird photography. There is also a great Art Show, BBQ and Wine Tasting, and a chance to purchase birding souvenirs. I'm already ready for next year already!!!

Have been attending this event for over 5 yrs. They originally started out with speakers either…read morestudying/ photographing /and or working in the species field. They also had guided tours to the various wetlands. And there's the rescued bird discussion out on the patio. (of course i had to collect my t-shirt & whatever other goodies they have for purchase) . the evening fly in is a must see, but get there early if driving own vehicle (parking at site is a bit limited during prime time) .

The Crawdad Festival is home to the $25 cajun crawfish boil! This event takes place during Father's…read moreDay weekend, so it is a great place for families to attend! Great selection of foods, starting with seafood, all the way to sweets.. there is something for everyone. As you make your way through the festival, you'll be surrounded by amazing live music from local bands! Alongside all the food, there are also small business vendors that sell handcrafted goodies. This festival would have earned 5-stars if the prepaid parking lot was located closer to the event. It wasn't necessarily TOO far away, however it was just extremely hot causing many people to attempt to hitch rides from event shuttles or to just endure the heat and make the walk. The walk consists of going through a residential area where there is little to no foliage. The parking itself just seemed a little disorganized.. many cars ended up being blocked in by other cars and had to wait who knows how long in order to leave. We got lucky we found a spot near the exit. Plan ahead and get there early!

Now that the city of Isleton has taken back control of the festival and regained the original name,…read moreit is a far better experience. Lots of crawdad vendors, many other food vendors too, family owned shop vendors, kids carnival, great music and a wonderful, happy crowd. I'm looking forward to next year!

Stockton-Con Here's…read moremy story: My kids have been coming here for the past few years. So, I finally was able to see what's what. The Con is held at the Stockton Arena. It's a nice size arena, in my opinion. The price was $18 for a two day pass with kids free. (12 and younger) . When you arrive there's ticket checkers. Show them the bizz and be on your way. The set up, was done pretty cool. Inside the arena there were tons of booths. Selling all kinds of items from Pokémon gear to Magic the gathering cards. A little bit of everything for those who are into these types of events. There were special guest but I didn't pay really too much attention. There is an upstairs area and booths were all along that area as well. I really liked this retro booth. Had Classic systems hooked up for you to play . There's also food places to eat upstairs and downstairs. The standard ones that are typically in arenas. There's also restrooms up and downstairs for you too. If you're a little tired from walking around. Part of the arena seating is available. I took the liberty to rest a few times. Walking around for several hours wears a person out, lol. I had lots of fun, walking around taking pictures. Checking out all the cool cosplayers. My youngest and her friend had a blast too. I'll definitely be coming back next year. "It only takes a moment to make a moment" Sincerely VD.

So I attended StocktonCon Summer both days this year (2022) and it has always been a favorite of…read moremine. This year it was as good as expected with one major exception, the security was horrible. They attempted to make it look like airport security, but they didn't really check anyone thoroughly. But that wasn't the main issue I had. On Saturday (as with every other day I ever attended the con) you could get your hand stamped so you could leave and come back inside (for instance: if you wanted to drop off purchased items off in your car and return). On Sunday, you were told (via flyers on the door, and by the rude security) that once you leave, you aren't allowed back in. I was also told "This has always been the policy of the arena." WHAT? So I am to believe that security just wasn't properly doing their jobs for the last 10 years, but Sunday... look out! I asked why the sudden change, and nobody would give me an answer. I even called the venue, and a robotic manager told me I was the only one who complained, and that it has always been their policy. It was rumored that some homeless people got in and something happened, but I couldn't get the truth out of anyone. If security can't do their jobs correctly, the guests should not have to suffer for it. They could have simply had those who left, re-enter through the security checkpoint. Instead, they decided to treat everyone with disrespect and inconvenience. I have probably been to a hundred conventions, and I have never been told you cannot re-enter. The con itself was wonderful, but not allowing people to re-enter not ANY reason is ridiculous, and completely uncalled for. I hope they do something about the security, or find a new venue. I really like StocktonCon, but this issue really puts a damper on the experience as a whole.