Fun Things You Need to Do in Stockton, California this October

Live Music: Donna & Tim Christensen at the Haggin Museum

Kick off October with an evening of Live Music with Donna & Tim Christensen at the Haggin Museum on Thursday, October 1. Arrive at 6:30 pm for a complimentary glass of wine and a chance to catch up with friends, then settle in for live music at 7 pm. Married since 2004, Donna and Tim Christensen are the musicians, writers, photographers, and artists behind A Starry Night Productions. The museum and store stay open until 9 pm, and seating is limited, so plan to arrive early.

Also happening at the Haggin in October:

Free Admission Day - Oct. 3
2nd Saturdays: Scarecrow Collages - Oct. 10
Live Music: Steve Carter & Five Ten - Oct. 15
Wellness Day: Shine Yoga - Oct. 24
63rd Stockton Art League Juried Exhibition - now thru Oct. 25
Stockton Symphony: Inspiring Joy and Building Community Through the Magic of Music - now thru Feb. 7

Halloween & Harvest Fun at Dell'Osso Family Farm

Head out to the famous Dell’Osso Family Farm with the whole family for 20+ different attractions that will surely get you into the Halloween and Harvest spirit. The farm is open daily from Friday, October 2 through Halloween. One admission ticket covers unlimited access to the corn mazes, haunted house, train, hayrides, the new Thrill Hill, mini golf, pig races, and more, and parking is always free. Extras such as the carousel, pumpkin blasters, pumpkin painting, gem mining, and pony rides cost a little more. Weekday prices are lower.

Hours: Monday–Friday from noon, weekends from 10 am, with last entry at 7 pm. On Halloween (10/31), hours are noon–5 pm and last entry is at 3:30 pm.

Pride in the Park with the San Joaquin Pride Center

The San Joaquin Pride Center hosts Pride in the Park on Saturday, October 3, from 10 am to 4 pm at the Magpie Picnic Area (730 E. Fulton Street). This family-friendly LGBTQ+ picnic brings people together for a relaxed day of food, outdoor games, activities, and connection. Come celebrate Pride in a casual, welcoming setting with friends and family, and meet some new people while you’re there.

Brindis por Siempre y Los Caminantes at the Bob Hope Fox Theatre

Two icons of Latin music share the stage at the Bob Hope Fox Theatre on Saturday, October 10. Brindis por Siempre and Los Caminantes are masters of Grupero and Romantic music, and together they’ll deliver a night of heartfelt ballads and Grupero rhythms that spans generations of fan favorites. Doors open at 7 pm and the show starts at 8 pm.

More happening this month at the Bob Hope Fox Theatre:

Friends of the Fox Presents: Space Jam - Oct. 4
Alicia Villarreal: Bendita Locura Tour 2026 - Oct. 17

Stockton Thunder Opening Night at Adventist Health Arena

Professional hockey comes to downtown Stockton. The Stockton Thunder, a Single-A minor professional club in the Federal Prospects Hockey League founded in 2026, hosts its home opener against the Oceanside Shock on Saturday, October 17, at Adventist Health Arena. The season runs October through April. Pro tip: grab dinner or a drink at Delta Bistro & Lounge at University Plaza Waterfront Hotel, before or after the game.

Photo courtesy of Stockton Thunder Hockey

More Stockton Thunder home games in October:

vs. Fresno Falcons - Oct. 23
vs. Baton Rouge Kingfish, Girls in Hockey Night - Oct. 30
vs. Baton Rouge Kingfish, Día de los Muertos Night - Oct. 31

Stockton Chorale: 75 Years of Inspiring Joy at Central United Methodist Church

The Stockton Chorale turns 75, and it’s celebrating with a retrospective concert on Saturday, October 17, at 7 pm at Central United Methodist Church. Past Artistic Directors return to the podium and alumni singers revisit beloved works from across the decades. They’ll be joined by the full Chorale family: the Master Chorale, Valley Youth A Cappella, and the Stockton Youth Chorale. The concert opens the Chorale’s Diamond Anniversary Season.

More music, theatre, and entertainment happening this month:

Mariachi Los Mesteños and Mike Torres Band Concert at Atherton Auditorium, San Joaquin Delta College - October 8
The Canticle Experience at Cathedral of the Annunciation - Oct. 9
Delta Drama presents Sophie Treadwell’s Machinal at the Locke Center, San Joaquin Delta College - Oct. 9-18
Other Desert Cities at Stockton Civic Theatre - Oct. 9-24
Stockton Symphony Halloween Spooktacular at Atherton Auditorium, San Joaquin Delta College - Oct. 18

Annual San Joaquin County Tractor Fest

Enjoy family fun and agricultural heritage at the 6th Annual San Joaquin County Tractor Fest on Saturday, October 10, from 9 am to 2 pm at the San Joaquin County Historical Museum at Micke Grove. Presented with the San Joaquin County Farm Bureau, this tradition celebrates the county’s farming legacy. Expect rows of restored and working vintage tractors, modern farm equipment, and hands-on activities for kids and adults. You can talk with collectors and farmers and learn about the machines that put food on our tables.

Admission: $7 adults; $6 seniors and military; $5 youth (6–17); free for kids 5 and under and museum members. Micke Grove Park parking is $6.

Stockton Maritime Museum Fall Open House at the USS Lucid

Take a guided tour of the USS Lucid (MSO-458) on Saturday, October 3, from 9 am to 4:30 pm (last entry). Volunteers and veterans will share the story of this oceangoing minesweeper and how she got to California’s inland port. If you’ve already been aboard, you’ll see big changes, because the ship is now about 85% restored. Stop by the gift shop for new merch, then grab a hot dog and soda in the shade under the fantail awning.

Monster Truck Madness at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds

Monster Truck Madness brings roaring engines, flying dirt, and jaw-dropping stunts to the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 3, with two back-to-back shows at 2 pm and 7 pm. The lineup includes Rock Star, Mixed Up, Identity Theft, Spitfire, Reverse Racer, and the Titan Monster Trucks. Arrive for the Pit Party at noon or 5 pm (included with paid admission) to see the trucks up close, meet the drivers, and get photos and autographs. Monster truck rides are $10.

Other car-themed events going down in October:

Races at the Stockton Dirt Track - Oct. 3
Races at the Delta Speedway - Oct. 3, 23, 24
Races at the Stockton 99 Speedway - Oct. 10, 17, 24
Car shows at Halloween at the Fair - Oct. 29-Nov. 1
Stockton Cruise Night at the Waterloo Gun & Bocce Club, with a trunk or treat - Oct. 30

Día de los Muertos Street Fiesta in Downtown Stockton

On Saturday, October 24, from 11 am to 5 pm, four blocks of Sutter and Market Streets close for a day of celebration and culture at the Día de los Muertos Street Fiesta, hosted by the Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery. All month long, families build altars at the Center to honor loved ones who have passed, and those tributes are open for the public to visit. Past fiestas have included mariachis, folklórico and Aztec dancers, a Catrina pageant, classic cars, face painting, children’s activities, and food and cultural vendors.

Here's just a few more fantastic events going down in October, in case you wanted more:

Wordstock209 at Dolores Huerta Plaza, San Joaquin Delta College - Oct. 3
Stockton Food Plaza Grand Opening - Oct. 8
Astronomy in the Park at Oak Grove Regional Park - Oct. 17
Trick or Treat on Weber Street at the Children’s Museum of Stockton - Oct. 18
Trick or Treat on the Mile - Oct. 24
209 Fight Series Professional Boxing at Stockton Civic Auditorium - Oct. 24
Halloween at the Fair at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds - Oct. 29 - Nov. 1

With so much to experience this month, why not extend your visits by checking in somewhere? Stockton is home to numerous fantastic hotels located in key parts of the city, making it easy to enjoy these tremendous events, take part in a shopping spree, and savor some delicious cuisine. Discover the outstanding hotels in our city by clicking here!

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