The San Joaquin Asparagus Festival to the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds later this month will return for its 40th year, bringing together food vendors, local organizations and families for one of the region’s longest-running events.
Organizers hosted a media preview this week to mark the milestone and offer a first look at the food, entertainment and community programming planned for the festival. The event highlights San Joaquin County’s agricultural roots while creating a space for residents to gather.
Festival CEO Tony Noceti said the event continues to reflect the community it serves.
“This is the people’s festival,” Noceti said. “We come from agriculture, and it’s important to keep this here in Stockton and San Joaquin County.”
A festival shaped by the community
The Asparagus Festival has grown into a multigenerational tradition across the region.
“This is something people grew up with,” said Alan Sanchez, a media spokesperson for the event. “Now they’re bringing their kids and even their grandkids.”
Sanchez said the festival also gives residents a reason to feel pride in their city.
“There’s a lot of negative talk about Stockton sometimes,” he said. “But this is a place where families can come out, feel safe and enjoy their community.”
Noceti said the festival nearly disappeared years ago before local leaders and community members stepped in to keep it going.
“When it was announced it was going away, we said, ‘We can’t let that happen,”’ Noceti said. “We brought people together to make sure it stayed.”
He said support from city leaders, law enforcement and community groups helped preserve the event.
“We’ve had mayors, council members and first responders all step in,” he said. “That’s what keeps this going.”
Asparagus is the main attraction
Food continues to be the centerpiece of the Asparagus Festival, with a focus on locally grown asparagus from the Delta.
“If it wasn’t for this festival, local asparagus production would be very different,” Sanchez said. “This helps keep it here.”
Classic items like deep-fried asparagus and bacon-wrapped asparagus will return. Organizers are also introducing new options this year.
“We’re always trying new things,” Sanchez said. “People expect the classics, but they also want something different.”
New additions include asparagus ravioli made with local ingredients and fresh batches of asparagus ice cream.
During the preview, Julie Linesburgh, known as the “Asparaboss,” demonstrated how the dishes are prepared. (Linesburgh is the wife of Stocktonia Editor Scott Linesburgh.)
“The secret is the product,” Julie Linesburgh said. “It’s grown right here in the Delta, and it’s fresh.”
She said the goal is to highlight asparagus in different ways while keeping the food approachable.
“We take one ingredient and show how many ways you can use it,” she said.
Behind the scenes at the fairgrounds
San Joaquin County Fairgrounds CEO Daniel Castillo said preparing for the festival requires coordination across multiple teams.
“There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes,” Castillo said. “We’re working with vendors, rides, security and staff to get everything ready.”
He said the fairgrounds has also undergone updates ahead of the event to improve the experience for visitors.
Castillo said the festival reflects the identity of the Central Valley.
“This is a celebration of who we are,” he said. “Agriculture, food and community all come together here.”
Economic impact and local pride
Beyond tradition, organizers said the Stockton Asparagus Festival plays an important role in the local economy.
“It brings revenue into Stockton and highlights the city,” Noceti said. “People from outside the area come here and see what Stockton has to offer.”
Vendor participation has grown since the COVID-19 pandemic, with more businesses signing up to be part of this year’s event.
“We’re seeing record interest again,” Noceti said. “That tells us people want to be here.”
Sanchez added that the festival also supports nonprofit organizations through fundraising.
“This event gives back,” he said. “That’s a big part of its impact.”
Looking ahead to opening weekend
In addition to food, the Asparagus Festival will include carnival rides, live entertainment and community programming. Organizers also highlighted a pageant that offers scholarships for local youth.
“There’s something for everyone,” Sanchez said. “Families, kids, longtime fans — everyone can find something to enjoy.”
Safety and affordability remain priorities for organizers as they prepare for large crowds.
“We focus on making this safe and accessible,” Sanchez said. “That’s what keeps families coming back.”
Noceti said the milestone year is a chance to reflect on the festival’s impact while looking ahead.
“We’ve made it 40 years because of the community,” he said. “Now we want to keep building on that.”
The Asparagus Festival will take place at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds later this month, with organizers expecting strong attendance throughout the weekend.
The San Joaquin Asparagus Festival draws visitors to the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds for family fun, asparagus food creations, live music, vendors, carnival rides and more.