Families ride the Flying Elephants ride at the Lodi Grape Festival on Sept. 19, 2026. (Photo by Zackary Kirk-Newton/Stocktonia)
A stone’s throw away from Stockton, the Lodi Grape Festival celebrated the annual harvest with a flurry of food and fun.
This year’s festivities included carnival games, musical performances, and a tribute to singer Taylor Swift complete with a lookalike competition with the spotlight on her husband, pro football star Travis Kelce.
Regardless of the fun and games, attendees still cherished the focus on community.
“It’s a community thing that’s been going on,” said Janet Mason, a Lodi resident. “It’s a always a way to celebrate our community, and the grapes, and the harvest.”
The festival concludes on Sunday and runs from noon until 11 p.m. with live entertainment throughout the day, highlighted by a 6 p.m. performance by Grupo Bryndis, and Ezequiel Pena Jr. Y Banda Vallarta Show taking the stage two hours later.
Several attendees of the Lodi Grape festival are lifted into the air by a frog themed carnival ride on Sept. 19, 2026. (Photo by Zackary Kirk-Newton/Stocktonia)The “Mardi Gras” funhouse at the Lodi Grape festival. (Photo by Zackary Kirk-Newton/Stocktonia)A display showcasing the history of the Lodi Grape Festival. (Photo By Zackary Kirk-Newton/Stocktonia)A young attendee scales a climbing wall at the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds on Sept. 19, 2026. (Photo by Zackary Kirk-Newton/Stocktonia)Funky Tim & the Merlots perform at the Lodi Grape Festival on Sept. 19, 2026. (Photo by Zackary Kirk-Newton/Stocktonia)Young attendees of the Lodi Grape Festival taking a ride around on ponies on Sept. 19, 2026. (Photo By Zackary Kirk-Newton/Stocktonia)Families ride the Flying Elephants ride at the Lodi Grape Festival on Sept. 19, 2026. (Photo by Zackary Kirk-Newton/Stocktonia)The Fireball carnival ride sends visitors for a loop at the Lodi Grape festival grounds on Sept. 19, 2026. (Photo by Zackary Kirk-Newton/Stocktonia)