Labor Day weekend gives Stockton one last big celebration before summer begins to fade.
Favorite traditions return alongside a handful of debut events, all providing plenty of opportunities to get out before the season changes.
Here are a few events happening Sept. 3-6.
The LYTE returns for its monthly open mic at Huddle Co-Work, welcoming musicians, poets, comedians and artists of every discipline. Hosted by Dante Milano, the 18-and-over gathering offers performers the chance to take the stage with live band accompaniments while creating a welcoming space for Stockton's creative community.
Paint and Chat
Residents can slow down for an evening of creativity at Paint and Chat inside the Ursula Meyer Library and Community Center. The free program pairs a guided painting activity with casual conversation, making it easy for beginners and experienced artists alike to create something while meeting new people.
Labor Day Stockton Community Pow Wow
The Stockton Community Pow Wow returns to the University of the Pacific for a weekend honoring Native American traditions and culture. Visitors are invited to experience traditional singing and dancing, browse Native artists and vendors, enjoy food and spend time learning about Indigenous history in a welcoming environment.
Disney fans have a new event to look forward to as The Market at 1313 makes its debut at the Downtown Stockton Marina. Inspired by the Disney parks, the market features themed merchandise, photo opportunities, pin trading, character appearances and small businesses serving treats reminiscent of a day on Main Street.
Taco the Town returns with a race built around one simple reward: tacos at the finish line. Participants can complete a 5K or 10K before celebrating with complimentary tacos, local beer samples and a festival atmosphere designed to keep runners in Stockton instead of traveling out of town for race weekends.
St. George Church Festival
Families are invited to St. George Church for a full day of homemade food, games and live entertainment. The annual festival welcomes everyone to enjoy one of Stockton's longtime neighborhood celebrations, with free admission, free parking and performances throughout the day.
The San Joaquin County Fairgrounds hosts another day dedicated to tacos, tequila and live entertainment. Guests can sample food from local vendors, enjoy margaritas and tequila tastings, listen to live performances and browse displays of custom cars, motorcycles and bicycles throughout the festival.
The long holiday weekend has a way of bringing people together, and this year’s calendar reflects that. Some events have been part of Stockton for generations, while others are just getting started.
However you spend the long weekend, there are plenty of opportunities to discover something new close to home.
Find additional events and updated listings on Stocktonia’s community calendar.
Have an event to share? Add it for free to Stocktonia’s event calendar.