Here are 38 things to do this October in Stockton and San Joaquin County

Angelaydet Rocha, The Stockton Record
·19 min read

Summer was fun, while it lasted. Now it's time for some fall activities and the month of October will not disappoint.

Pumpkins need to be picked. Trick-or-treats will hit the streets. Music will fill the night air at parks, and festivals...well there are plenty of those this month.

Whether you are looking forward to singing your lungs out with Peso Pluma at the Stockton Arena or you are eager to handout candy, October may be the busiest month of the year.

Here are 38 things to do in town this spooky season.

Pumpkin Maze at Dell’Osso Family Farm

Looking for a pumpkin maze? No need to keep looking further than the 27th annual Pumpkin Maze at Dell’Osso Family Farm in Lathrop.

General admission is necessary to enter the farm, but parking is free.

Prices are as follows: Monday through Thursday $19.95 per person, on Friday it’s $24.95 per person, and on the weekends it’s $28.95 per person. Children ages 2 and under enter free.

General admission wristbands include access to the corn maze, the hunted castle, mini golf, Kiddie Play Land and more. Other attractions not included are the gem mining for $10, blasters for $8, carousel for $4, pony rides for $10, pumpkin painting for $5 or visit their new costume store.

  • Location: Dell’Osso Family Farm, 501 S. Manthey Road, Lathrop

  • Hours: 12-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, open Sept. 30 through Oct. 31.

  • Information: pumpkinmaze.com

Lodi Street Faire

The Lodi Street Faire is back this month with its second biannual event of the year. A “14-square block area” filled with more than 500 vendors in downtown Lodi. You'll find antiques, arts and crafts and of course food.

Parking for this event will be free at the parking garage on Sacramento and Pine streets. The free event is sponsored by the Lodi District Chamber of Commerce.

Stockton Pride

Ellen Tanouye creates soap bubbles for children at the 3rd annual Lodi Pride Festival at the High Water Brewery in Lodi on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
Ellen Tanouye creates soap bubbles for children at the 3rd annual Lodi Pride Festival at the High Water Brewery in Lodi on Saturday, June 10, 2023.

The San Joaquin Pride Center is celebrating 10 years of Stockton Pride.

Head over to Yosemite Street Village from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1 for a block party with lots of pride, a costume contest, food vendors and dancing. Proceeds from the festival will help keep the San Joaquin Pride Center open.

  • Location: Yosemite Street Village, 937 N Yosemite St, Stockton

  • Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1

  • Information: sjpride.center/

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) at Stockton Arena

Enjoy watching professional wrestling in action?

You do not want to miss the All Elite Wrestling (AEW) at the Stockton Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 4. Watch AEW Dynamite and Rampage in the ring.

  • Location: Stockton Arena, 248 W Fremont St in Stockton

  • Hours: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4

  • Information: bit.ly/3PT2u3e

Stockton First Fridays

The Reinvent South Stockton Coalition is having its last Stockton First Fridays of the year on Friday, Oct. 6. There will be live music, food trucks, art displays, and more.

  • Location: 8th Street and Airport Way, 2222 Airport Way, Stockton

  • Hours: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6

  • Information: bit.ly/3ZxtZCN

Dia de los Muertos Symposium

Want to learn more about Día de los Muertos? Head over to The Catalyst - Arts and Wellness Studio at 926 N. Yosemite St. In Stockton and learn about the origins of Día de Los Muertos with an educational presentation like ofrendas and prominent symbols related to Día de Los Muertos.

There will be performances by Ballet Folklorico Raices Mexicanas. Beverages and light snacks will be provided. This is a free event for the community.

  • Location: The Catalyst - Arts & Wellness Studio, 926 N. Yosemite St, in Stockton

  • Hours: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6

  • Information: bit.ly/466zhHQ

Oktoberfest with the German Guys at Waterloo Gun and Bocce Club

The German Guys are celebrating their outdoor Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 7 and Sunday, Oct. 8 at the Waterloo Gun and Bocce Club. There will be authentic German food, live entertainment and beer during this two-day event.

Tickets vary per day. On Saturday, tickets are $20 for entry or $35 for entry and a German Guys schnitzel meal. On Sunday, tickets are $10. Everyone under 21 enters for free.

  • Location: The Waterloo Gun and Bocce Club, 4343 N Ashley Ln in Stockton

  • Hours: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 and 12-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8

  • Information: bit.ly/3PNqRzr

Fire K Run

The fifth annual Morada Fire K Run returns on Saturday, Oct. 7. The Waterloo Morada Professional Firefighter Association with co-sponsor the Morada Area Association are bringing back an event not only for runners but also for anyone who wants to walk or bike.

Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. at Davis Elementary School on 5224 E. Morada Ln. Registration includes a free T-shirt. Awards for first, second and third places will be awarded in each category.

Bring your furry animals to join the run too. Canned nonperishable food donations are encouraged. Proceeds from the event will benefit firefighters for training purposes and outreach events.

Manteca Pumpkin Fair by Sunrise Kiwanis

The Pumpkin Fair is returning to Manteca for the 38th year. The Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis is bringing back this fall event to downtown Manteca, free for the community.

A beer garden, food, and even a kid’s zone. There will also be a pumpkin carving and decorating contest. With over 150 booths there's a little bit of everything for all from a haunted house to a car show.

  • Location: Downtown Manteca, Yosemite Avenue in Manteca

  • Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 and Sunday, Oct. 8

  • Information: mantecapumpkinfair.org/

Miracle Mile Car Show & Concert

The Miracle Mile is having a Car Show and Concert event free for the community. Enjoy watching classic cars along Pacific Avenue from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7.

Día de los Muertos Nichos Workshop at The Catalyst

The Catalyst - Arts & Wellness Studio is having a workshop for Día de los Muertos. The workshop is to create your personal “nicho.” A “small three-dimensional boxed” frame to honor your loved ones who have passed away.

The workshop is $10. To participate, bring with you your photos of loved ones who have passed away, yes, including your furry pets.

Peso Pluma at the Stockton Arena

Peso Pluma attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey.
Peso Pluma attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey.

Peso Pluma is coming to Stockton this October.

The Mexican star who recently performed “Lady Gaga,” at the MTV Video Music Awards will perform at the Stockton Arena on Thursday, Oct. 12 as part of his Doble P Tour.

After performing in Stockton, he will perform in the Bay Area and SoCal. He also has a few shows scheduled in Mexico in late October and November.

Tickets start at $95.

Trunk O’ Treat at Micke Grove Regional Park

Dress up in your Halloween costume and head over to the Trunk O’ Treat at Micke Grove Regional Park.

The event is free for the family. There will also be zoo activities, pumpkin decorating, food trucks and Halloween candy. This is for children 12 and under. Scary or oversized costumes are discouraged.

Gate opens at 3:30 p.m. at Micke Grove Regional Park.

  • Location: Micke Grove Regional Park, 11793 Micke Grove Rd in Lodi

  • Hours: 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13

  • Information: facebook.com/events

San Joaquin County Tractor Fest

The San Joaquin County Tractor Fest is returning for a third year.

Small tractors, big tractors, tractors of all sizes will be on display at the San Joaquin County Historical Museum at the Micke Grove Park. A parade will take place at 11:30 a.m. and there will also be activities for the kids, food trucks, and more.

An event sponsored by Holt of California and Mulrooney Auction Company.

Admission for the event is as follows: $7 adults, $6 seniors and military, $5 17 years old and under, free, 5 years old and under. Parking at Micke Grove Park $6.

  • Location: San Joaquin County Historical Museum, 11793 N. Micke Grove Road in Lodi

  • Hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

  • Information: sanjoaquinhistory.org

FAHM Fest at San Joaquin Delta College

FAHM Fest is back for a third year at Delta College from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Dolores Huerta Plaza in Stockton.

The free one-day event will have performances, interactive art installations, food, and much more.

“FAHM Fest Stockton is dedicated to the late Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon co-founder of Little Manila Rising along with the 20th year anniversary of the Historical Site Designation of Little Manila in Stockton, and in celebration of Filipino History Month,” Visit Stockton website states.

There will be an announcement by the Delta College Asian Pacific Islander American Staff Association President Dr. Cirian Villavicencio on the implementation of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Student Achievement Program.

  • Location: San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Ave in Stockton

  • Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

  • Information: eventbrite.com/e/fahm-fest

Boricua Block Party

Puerto Rican Food and music will be coming to Stockton by the Sofrito Socity of Stockton for a Boricua Block Party at the Yosemite Street Village.

Latin House, Reggaetón, Merengue Hip-Hop music will be blasting as you enjoy some traditional Puerto Rican food, live art and more.

  • Location: The Catalyst, 926 N. Yosemite St, in Stockton

  • Hours: 12-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

  • Information: facebook.com/events

Wicked Wine Stroll

Dress in your best Halloween costume and head over to downtown Lodi for some wine sipping. With over 20 Lodi wineries and different flavors. Shop and sip in your costume as downtown business host.

If you dress up, you can even have the opportunity to win prizes at the incredible Wicked Wine Stroll After Party at Blend Ultra Lounge. There will be a costume contest at 9:30 p.m. and drinks are half-priced from 8 to 10 p.m., what’s better than that?

Tickets also include a commemorative wine glass, and other goodies. If you are not drinking, designated driver tickets may be for you. You will receive free water and soda and can enjoy appetizers at participating merchants.

This is a 21 over event. Tickets are as follows: $50, $60 at the door, $15 DD tickets.

Astronomy in the Park

Want to see the moon, Jupiter, Saturn and M13 or Star Cluster in Hercules up close through the lens of a telescope? Then head over to Oak Grove Regional Park on Saturday, Oct. 21.

The Stockton Astronomical Society members will again bring out their telescopes for Astronomy in the Park this October. Telescope viewings take place once a month and feature a different deep sky object every time. This also happens on the Saturday closest to the first quarter moon.

Sunset is at 6:20 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21: The Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, M13, or Star Cluster in Hercules can be seen then. After 8 p.m., the Deep Sky Object M27 or The Dumbbell Nebula can be seen.

The event is free, but the county charges $6 for parking.

  • Location: Oak Grove Regional Park, 4520 W. Eight Mile Rd. in Stockton

  • Hours: 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21

  • Information: bit.ly/46b0VUJ or (209) 471-1674

Día de los Muertos at The Catalyst

The Catalyst is celebrating Día de los Muertos on Saturday, Oct. 21 with crafts, food, altars, music and even a Catrina pageant. A free community event to remember loved ones who have passed away. If you are interested in participating email info@catalyst926.com.

  • Location: The Catalyst Art & Wellness Studio, 926 N Yosemite St, in Stockton

  • Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct.21

  • Information: catalyst926.com/event

Lodi Zombie Walk & Halloween Faire

Zombie Tonya, of Sacramento, walks on kangaroo stilts at the Lodi Zombie Walk at IDOL Beer Works, on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022.
Zombie Tonya, of Sacramento, walks on kangaroo stilts at the Lodi Zombie Walk at IDOL Beer Works, on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022.

Ever wanted to be part of something spooky for Halloween season? This is your time to shine or scare other ones at the Lodi Zombie Walk & Halloween Faire in downtown Lodi. The event returns for their 13th year.

Watching or walking the parade are both free but if you want to join in on some more fun at the entertainment area, Creeper Alley Haunt and more tickets will be available for purchase.

This event is presented by the Zombie Club. Children 10 years and under are free with a paying adult.

A wrestling show will kick off at 5 p.m. following with “scare” runs that will go from 6-8 p.m. and at 8 p.m. the Zombie walk will begin. The Zombie Walk will begin at 8 p.m. but “scare” runs will go from 6-8 p.m.

  • Location: Idol Beer Works, 100 South Sacramento Street in Lodi

  • Hours: 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21

  • Information: joinzombieclub.com

John Milton “Duermase” at the Bob Hope Theatre

Ever wanted to experience a hypnotist live? Well, no need to keep looking because John Milton “Duermase” will be in Stockton. Head over to the Bob Hope Theatre to watch the show.

Tickets start at $39.

Trick or treat at The Children's Museum of Stockton

Stop by The Children's Museum of Stockton from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 22 for some Halloween fun. Children are encouraged to dress in their Halloween costumes for the free family event. Walk around and receive some candy from community booths.

Trick or Treat at the University of the Pacific

Dress up in your best Halloween outfit and head over to the University of the Pacific for their trick or treat event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25. Students and faculty will be giving out candy across campus. This is a free event for the community.

Lovotti Trunk or Treat Event

Lovotti Inc will be having a free family friendly Trunk or Treat event from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26. There will be candy, food, and games.

  • Location: Lovotti Inc, 3717 West Lane in Stockton

  • Hours: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26

  • Information: facebook.com/lovottiinc

Nitro Circus 20th Anniversary at Stockton Arena

The Nitro Circus 20th Anniversary Tour is coming to the Stockton Arena on Thursday, Oct. 26. After 5 years, the Nitro Circus is back to indoor arenas. You will not want to miss the show. Tickets start at $35.

Safe Trick or Treating event at the Courthouse Plaza

Parents by Choice is bringing Halloween fun to downtown Stockton. Head over to the Courthouse Plaza for a Safe Trick or Treating event.

Not only will there be free candy but games, raffle prizes and giveaways and a haunted alley. This is a free event for the community.

  • Location: Courthouse Plaza, 306 E. Main St., in Stockton

  • Hours: 3-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27

  • Information: courthouseplaza.net

Jessie’s Grove Halloween Bash

Live music, a costume dance party and much more will all be part of the Halloween Bash at Jessie’s Grove. There will also be food trucks to enjoy some food for purchase.

Tickets include a complimentary glass of Jessie’s Grove Winery. This is a 21+ event. General admission is $15.

Casting Crowns 20thh anniversary tour at the Bob Hope Theatre

The rock band Casting Crowns will be performing at the Bob Hope Theatre as part of their 20th anniversary. Tickets start at $39.

Día de los Muertos Street Fiesta at the Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery

Itzel Crespo competes in the Catrina pageant at the annual Dia De Los Muertos Community Street Fiesta at the Mexican Heritage Center in downtown Stockton on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.
Itzel Crespo competes in the Catrina pageant at the annual Dia De Los Muertos Community Street Fiesta at the Mexican Heritage Center in downtown Stockton on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.

Stop by the Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery for the 8th Annual Dia De Los Muertos Street Fiesta organized by the Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery.

The event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 28 on four blocks of Sutter Street and Market Street, which will close down for the celebration and culture-filled event. There will be a Catrina pageant, Raices Folkloric Dance Group, Aztec dancers, mariachis and much more. This is a free event for the community.

Monster Mash Halloween Bash at Pixie Woods

Pixie Wood's will be hosting their annual Monster Mash Halloween Bash on Saturday, Oct. 28.

Admission to the event includes a carousel ride, a treat bag giveaway, and entertainment. Children wearing costumes aged 2 to 12 enter free to the event.

General admission is $5. Tickets can be purchased at the Special Events Office at City Hall, Pixie Woods Children's Park. Purchases are cash only. All sales are final. The Pixie Woods Board provided one free drink ticket, free picture booth and the free pumpkin giveaway.

Trick or Treat on the Mile

Head over to the Miracle Mile for a trick or treat on the Mile. There will be a "Candy Crawl" from 12-2 p.m. The Boo-tique Market is from 2-6 p.m. at Tuxedo Court.

  • Location: Stockton Miracle Mile, Pacific Ave, between Harding Way and Alpine in Stockton

  • Hours: 12-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28

  • Information: facebook.com/StocktonMiracleMile/

Día de los Muertos, Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts

The Grand Theatre Center for the Arts will be having a Día de los Muertos celebration with Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno. The performance is part of the Arts Education Program’s Día de los Muertos Family Day. Tickets for the performance start at $20.

Trunk or Treat with the YMCA of San Joaquin at the Stockton Sailing Club

The YMCA of San Joaquin will be celebrating Halloween with a Trunk or Treat at the Stockton Sailing Club at 4980 Buckley Cove Way on Thursday, Oct. 28. There will be games, vendors and resources.

The Primitive Barn Trunk or Treat

There will be a trunk or treat at The Primitive Barn in Linden. Cars will be decorated right outside the barn and will be handing out candy.

If you want to take a photo, head inside the barn for the Halloween display. If you want to shop, there are also some house decorations to check out.

Trunk or Treat at Sherwood Place

Head over to Sherwood Place for a trunk or treat on Thursday, Oct. 28. Lil Vics Ice Cream & Stockton 209 Cares is having their Annual Trunk or Treat outside Sherwood Place.

Not only will there be candy but also awards and much more.

Lodi Hops & Goblins Brewfest

Beer, music, food and games, what’s better than that? The event will be at the Ole Grape Pavillion and the adjacent outside area. There will also be a costume contest. Tickets start at $40 in advance and will be $50 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online or at the following locations:

The Lodi Hops & Goblins Brewfest is back for another year at the Lodi Grape Festival grounds.

  • Lodi Grape Festival office, 413 E. Lockeford Street in Lodi

  • Stogie's Cigar Bar in Lodi

  • Five Window Beer Company in Lodi

Festival of Laughs at The Bob Hope Theatre

Head over to downtown Stockton Bob Hope Theatre for The Festival of Laughs.

On Thursday, oct. 28 you will not want to miss the show with comedians such as Gary Owen, Lavell Crawford, Arnez J, and Guy Torry.

“Each of these distinguished performers contributes their unparalleled comedic artistry of wit and charisma,” Visit Stockton website states. “With their distinctive styles, they craft an unforgettable experience that caters to a diverse audience.”

Tickets start at $59.

Trunk or Treat

The SUSD Department of Public Safety and the Stockton Police Department and members of the community are having the annual Trunk or Treat!

Both public safety departments and local businesses and organizations will hand out candy from 4-6 p.m. at the Weber Point Events Center in downtown Stockton.

Not only will there be free candy at the vent but shows like a car show and reptile show. This is a free community event for the community.

Record reporter Angelaydet Rocha covers community news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at arocha@recordnet.com or on Twitter @AngelaydetRocha. To support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.

This article originally appeared on The Record: October things to do Stockton