Older person using a puppet to entertain two young children near a play area with building blocks.
Kimberly, left, plays puppets with Emeila, center, and Cirilla, right, at the Children's Museum of Stockton in Stockton, California on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (Photo by Annie Barker/Stocktonia/CatchLight Local/ Report for America)

The last weekend of September is stacked with family-friendly events, outdoor fun and ways to give back in Stockton and nearby cities. Whether you’re cheering on Pacific athletes, stargazing at Oak Grove or dressing up for a superhero-themed 5K, there’s no shortage of reasons to get out and enjoy your community.

Read on for a sampling of events from Visit Stockton, Stocktonia’s event calendar and other community event organizers.


Pacific Men’s Water Polo vs. USC
Sept. 26, 7–9 p.m.
Chris Kjeldsen Pool, University of the Pacific
3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton | (209) 946-2540
Tickets: $13 adults, $11 seniors, $8 youth
Support the Pacific men’s water polo team as they take on USC at home in a top-level Division I matchup. Fans are encouraged to bring donations for Pacific Pantry. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.


CASA Superhero Run
Sept. 27, 8–11 a.m.
Lodi Lake, 1101 W. Turner Road, Lodi | (209) 464-4524
Admission: $35+ for adults, $20 for kids
Dress up and walk or run for a good cause. This 5K run supports the Child Abuse Prevention Council and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). The event features a timed run, a kids dash at 10:15 a.m., medals for top finishers, and superhero-themed swag for registered participants.


Astronomy in the Park
Sept. 27, after sunset
Oak Grove Regional Park, 4520 W. Eight Mile Road, Stockton
(209) 953-8800 | Admission: Free, $6 parking
Join the Stockton Astronomical Society for a night of telescope viewing under the stars. The Moon and Saturn will be visible through high-powered scopes. Indoor activities for kids will also be available at the Nature Center.


Worldwide Day of Play
Sept. 27, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Children’s Museum of Stockton
402 W. Weber Ave., Stockton | (209) 465-4386
Admission: $10 per guest (ages 1 and up)
The Children’s Museum is dedicating a full day to the power of play. Kids and families can enjoy interactive exhibits, craft stations, and movement-based games included with general admission.


Give Every Child A Chance Bowl-A-Thon
Sept. 27, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Bowlero Manteca, 1251 E. Yosemite Ave., Manteca | (209) 823-6222
Admission: $250 team entry fee
Support students and have fun doing it. This annual fundraiser brings together teachers, businesses, and community teams for a day of bowling and prizes. All proceeds support the TEACH tutoring program for local youth.

Have an event to share? Add it for free to Stocktonia’s event calendar.