Angelaydet RochaThe Stockton Record
Enjoy the new year by attending new events and creating new memories through lived experiences.
The new year is full of them from the ongoing Stockton Lantern Festival to the annual Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekendor the Stockton Brick Convention Lego Fan Expo.
Here are 10 events you don't want to miss this winter.
Stockton Lantern Festival
The Stockton Lantern Festival continues in downtown Stockton through January 14. The Stockton Ballpark transformed into Koda's Journey to the Magic Forest with over 20,000 LED lights.
"Follow the footsteps of an 8-year-old boy named Koda to take on an exciting adventure to the deep woods of Caballococha, Peru," the Stockton Live website states. "The lines of reality and imagination start to blur as you weave through the forest."
Tickets are now on sale on Ticketmaster starting at $20 for adults and $16 for children ages 2 to 12. Prices are lower from Monday through Thursday. On Friday through Sunday, ticket prices are $25 for adults and $21 for children.
- Location:Stockton Ballpark, 404 W. Fremont St. in Stockton
- Hours:5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 14
- Information:stocktonlive.com
Stockton Restaurant Week
Stockton Restaurant Week is back on Jan. 19 through Jan. 28.
The 10-day dining extravaganza is presented by Visit Stockton. This dining experience is an opportunity for local restaurants to showcase "their most popular dishes and/or newly curated dishes at a unique fixed-price," the Visit Stockton website states.
Participants have the opportunity to win a $50 gift card when they enter the Stockton Restaurant Week Gift Card contest.
- Location:Various participating restaurants in Stockton
- Dates:Jan. 19 through Jan. 28
- Information:visitstockton.org
Disney on Ice presents Frozen & Encanto at the Adventist Health Arena
The Adventist Health Arena in Stockton will be transforming into "Disney on Ice presents Frozen & Encanto" at the Adventist Health Arena in February.
Tickets start at $20.
- Location:Adventist Health Arena, 248 W. Fremont St. in Stockton
- Hours:times vary, Feb. 1 through Feb. 4
- Information: stocktonlive.com
Lodi Wine and Chocolate Weekend
The annual Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekendis back for its 27th year. This is the perfect spot for handcrafted Lodi wines and chocolates to accompany your wine. This is a self-guided tour with more than 30 local wineries participating.
This is a 21+ event with different experiences over three days.
- Location:Various wineries in Lodi
- Dates:Friday, Feb. 2 through Sunday, Feb. 4
- Information: lodiwineandchocolate.com/
Stockton Brick Convention Lego Fan Expo
A new convention will be in town this February in Stockton.
The Stockton Brick Convention Lego Fan Expo will be at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds. This two-day experience will be the perfect event for those who love anything LEGO.
There will be play areas, games, and meet-and-greets with LEGO artists, vendors and LEGO accessories.
"A portion of the proceeds from each Brick Convention is donated toCreations for Charity," the Brick Convention website states.
- Location:San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way in Stockton
- Dates:Saturday, Feb. 3 and Sunday, Feb. 4
- Information: brickconvention.com
Sopas de Amor at the Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery
On Tuesday, Feb. 9 the Annual Sopas de Amor event will take place at the Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery.
With 15 unique soups made by local restaurants highlighting different regions of Mexico. The evening will also include entertainment, art sales and raffles.
Tickets are $40 per person in support of the Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery.
- Location:Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery, 111 S. Sutter St. in Stockton
- Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9
- Information: mexicanheritagecenter.org/
Ripon Almond Blossom Festival
The annual Ripon Almond Blossom Festival will take place Feb. 22 through Feb. 25 this year. From a queen coronation to carnival fun. This is a family-friendly event in Ripon presented by the Chamber of Commerce.
There will also be a parade and a 1 mile and 8k races.
- Location:Mistlin Sports Park, 1201 River Road in Ripon
- Hours: times vary, Feb. 22-25
- Information: riponchamber.org/almond-blossom-festival/
Stocktoncon Winter
Stocktoncon Winter is back another season with artists, exhibitors, special guests and vendors. Dress in your best cosplay and head over to the Adventist Health Arena for a two-day event.
Online pre-sale tickets start at $15 for one day and $20 for two days, plus fees. Children 12 years old and under enter for free with a paying adult.
- Location:Adventist Health Arena, 248 W. Fremont St. in Stockton
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 and Sunday, Feb. 25
- Information: stocktoncon.com/
Annual Quilt and Fiber Arts Show
The Manteca Quilters present the annual Quilt and Fiber Arts Show. A two-day event with "more than 100 quilts, soft dolls, and wearable arts exhibits."
There will be a cafe, vendors and raffle baskets.
- Location:San Joaquin Board of Education Wentworth Center, 2707 Transworld Drive in Stockton
- Hours: hours vary, Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3
- Information: visitstockton.org/events/manteca-quilt-show/
Jurassic Quest at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds
Jurassic Quest is a "Dino event" with "life-size dinosaurs" and "stationary dinosaur rides." This is a two-day event at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds.
- Location:San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 .S Airport Way in Stockton
- Hours: noon to 8 p.m. Friday, March 22, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 23 and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 24
- Information: tickets.jurassicquest.com
Record reporter Angelaydet Rocha covers community news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached atarocha@recordnet.comor on Twitter @AngelaydetRocha. To support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record athttps://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.
