Lodi Locals
Happy Monday, Lodi! ☀️
Can you believe how beautiful it is outside right now? With temperatures warming up and summer just around the corner, this is your official reminder to put the phone down, step outside, and soak it all in. Lately, I have been enjoying riding my bike down Lower Sacramento Rd (the foliage is so well maintained and vibrantly green!) and playing tennis at the local parks!
Here is your fun fact of the day that you can tell your coworkers: California is so large that if it were its own country, it would have the 5th biggest economy in the entire world. Yes, we are out here thriving, and so is our little corner of the Central Valley!
In this edition you will find a $30 Pilates class that comes with a mimosa (you read that right), a Spring Vendor Market packed with local makers and good food, the Opening Night of Lodi's beloved Farmers Market, and a country music night at Jessie's Grove featuring Ashley McBryde that you are going to want tickets to immediately.
There is truly no better time to get out and experience everything this community has to offer. Let's make it a great week, Lodi.
— Kylie Talamantez
📣Events
📷 via lodichamber.com
Farmer’s Market Opening Night | Thursday, May 14th | 5:00-8:30 p.m.
This Thursday, one of Lodi's most beloved summer traditions makes its grand return and we could not be more excited. The Lodi Certified Farmers Market officially kicks off its 2026 season on Opening Night, May 14th, taking over Downtown Lodi's historic School Street from 5:00 to 8:30 PM. It's completely free to attend, so there is zero reason to miss it.
With temperatures heating up, there is truly no better way to spend a Thursday evening than strolling down School Street with a cold, fresh squeezed lemonade in hand. Take your time, soak in the live music, browse 65+ vendors from across the Central Valley, and let yourself slow down for a few hours. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just walk, wander, and let the good energy of your community wash over you.
Here is a fun challenge if you are feeling adventurous — see if you can build an entire meal using only what you find at the market. Pick up some fresh vegetables, grab a protein from one of the local meat vendors, snag some artisan bread, and get creative in the kitchen later that night. You might surprise yourself, and you will definitely be eating well.
Beyond the shopping, Opening Night is just a great excuse to get outside and connect with the people who make Lodi such a special place to live. Grab a glass of local Lodi wine, let the kids run around, and explore the downtown boutiques and tasting rooms that stay open late just for market-goers. Every dollar you spend goes directly back into the hands of the farmers, makers, and small business owners who pour their hearts into this community every single week.
📍 School Street, Downtown Lodi, CA: Every Thursday, May through August, 5:00–8:30 PM. Free to attend.
📷 via jessiesgrovewinery.com
Country In The Grove | Friday, May 29th | 7:00 pm
Country fans, clear your calendar because Friday, May 29th is about to be the best night Lodi has seen all season! KAT Country 103 is bringing Ashley McBryde, Greylan James, and Dustin Heer straight to our backyard for Country In The Grove, which is a live music experience you are going to be talking about for weeks.
Dust off those cowboy boots, throw on your best hat, and get ready to have an absolute blast at one of Lodi's most beloved venues. The doors open at 5:30 PM and the music starts at 7:00 PM, giving you just enough time to find your perfect spot and get in the zone before the first note hits.
Here's what you need to know before you go! Every attendee needs a ticket, it's all ages and general admission, and Jessie's Grove is a cashless venue so leave the paper bills at home. Low back lawn chairs are totally welcome, and you can bring one factory sealed or empty reusable water bottle. Skip the outside food, ice chests, umbrellas, tents, and pets, and keep in mind there are no ins and outs once you're inside. Snag your tickets now since this one is going fast!
📍 Jessie's Grove Winery: 1973 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA 95242
📷 via vrwinery.com
Pilates Class | Saturday, May 16th | 10:00-11:30 a.m.
If you have been looking for a sign to finally try something new this weekend, this is it. On Saturday, May 16th, Van Ruiten Family Winery is hosting a Pilates class from 10:00 to 11:30 AM and honestly, it might be the most fun you have ever had working out. Think sculpting, toning, and renewing your body, all surrounded by the beauty of one of Lodi's favorite wineries (plus a mimosa).
For just $30, you get the full experience which includes a light breakfast and your choice of a sparkling drink or mimosa are included with your class. So yes, you are absolutely rewarding yourself for showing up, and we fully support that energy. Just make sure to bring your mat and a towel and you are good to go.
Whether you are a seasoned Pilates pro or someone who has always been a little curious about it, this is the perfect low pressure environment to give it a shot. Grab a friend, make a morning of it, and treat yourself to something that is equally good for your body and your soul. Tickets are $30 and can be grabbed at vrwinery.com !
📍 Van Ruiten Family Winery 340 West Highway 12, Lodi, CA 95242
Spring Vendor Market at IDOL Beer Works | Saturday, May 16th-Sunday, May 17th | 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Spring is in full swing and IDOL Beer Works is celebrating! This Saturday AND Sunday, downtown comes alive with the Spring Vendor Market at IDOL Beer Works. It’s a full afternoon of local shopping, great food, and the kind of easy, feel good community energy that makes living here so special. Doors open at 11:00 AM and the fun runs through 4:00 PM, so you have got the whole afternoon to make a day of it.
This is the kind of event where you show up just to browse and somehow end up finding the most perfect, one of a kind thing you did not even know you needed. Local makers and small business owners will be set up with handcrafted goods, unique finds, and all the charm that comes with shopping small. And with food vendors on site plus great drinks flowing at Idol Beer Works, you can snack, sip, and shop your way through the afternoon without a single care in the world.
Bring your friends, bring your family, and bring your appetite for something fun and local. Every purchase you make directly supports a real person in our community who put their heart into what they are selling, and that is something worth showing up for. Come soak up the season and see what Lodi's small business scene is all about!
📍 IDOL Beer Works: 100 S Sacramento St Suite A, Lodi, CA 95240.
🏡 Family & Kids Corner
Grace Playspace and Activities | Saturday, Tuesday, May 12th | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Calling all toddler parents!!! We have the perfect Tuesday morning plans for you and your little one or little ones! Grace Presbyterian Church is hosting a Play Date at the Grace Play Space on Tuesday, May 12th from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, and it is just as good for the grown ups as it is for the kids.
This month's theme is all about getting outside and getting a little messy — kids will be planting and decorating birdhouses, exploring sensory stations, and playing freely on the fenced outdoor climbing structure surrounded by beautiful shady trees. Pack a sack lunch and a picnic blanket, find a cozy spot under the trees, and actually take a breath while the little ones burn off some energy in a safe and welcoming space.
One of the best parts about this event is that it is a real opportunity to connect with other parents who are in the exact same season of life as you. Whether you are a seasoned toddler parent or brand new to this whole thing, there is something really special about finding your people in a setting like this. Come dressed for messy and wet fun, bring a sack lunch, and plan to stay the full hour and a half, you will be glad you did. Open to children up to age 5, with a parent or guardian required. Cost is just $20 per family.
📍 Grace Presbyterian Church: 10 N. Mills Ave, Lodi, CA | Tuesday, May 12th, 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
📷 Golden State Pinball Festival Facebook Page
Golden State Pinball Festival | May 15th - 17th | Times & Cost Vary
If you have got little ones at home who are always looking for something fun to do, this weekend is delivering in a big way. The Golden State Pinball Festival is taking over the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds from May 15th through 17th, and it is exactly the kind of event the whole family can enjoy together. No arguments about what to do this weekend!
With over 300 pinball machines all set to free play with your admission, the kids are going to go absolutely wild. From vintage classics that will hit you right in the nostalgia to modern machines they have never seen before, there is something for every age to get hooked on. Best of all, children 5 and under get in completely free and all passes are purchased on site, no advance tickets needed. They accept cash, card, or tap.
The festival runs dedicated kids tournaments all three days for children ages 5 to 12, with no pre-registration required. Just show up and let them play! Here is a quick breakdown of what admission looks like for the rest of the family:
🎟️ 3-Day Weekend Pass — $60 adults / $30 for ages 13 and under
🎟️ 2-Day Pass (Sat & Sun) — $45 adults / $20 for ages 13 and under
🎟️ 1-Day Saturday — $30 adults / $15 for ages 13 and under
🎟️ 1-Day Friday or Sunday — $20 adults / $10 for ages 13 and under
A portion of proceeds benefits the World of Wonders Science Museum right here in Lodi, so you are doing good while having a blast.
📍 Lodi Grape Festival Grounds: 413 E. Lockeford St, Lodi, CA 95240
✨What Do YOU Love About Lodi?
📷 via Our fabulous photographer Zoie! Find her work at instagram.com/scrapedkneephotography
We wanted to change the pace a bit with our community spotlight posts, and thought, “Who knows more about what there is to love about Lodi than our readers?” so this week we asked you all on Facebook what is something you love about our town? No strings attached to that answer either. It could be the weather, the Mayor of Pine Street (if you know, you know), your favorite restaurant, the people; truly anything.
Here are some of your responses!
“I love this community. Every single time I have reached out for anything, neighbors who were strangers stepped up. I never experienced community like this before. Love the hearts of those in Lodi”
— Brenda
“Lodi has some great thrift shops! I always find treasures there and for me thrift shopping is affordable. Lodi Lake Nature Trail is a serene place to commune with nature and God. A true gem to spend after a busy week.
Memorial Day at the cemeteries is also a meaningful and beautiful sight with all the flags and flowers, it is an experience to see so many flags that represent those that have died for our freedom. Dog parks are another favorite, I don't own a dog, but just sitting on a bench watching them run and play gives one a smile, and a bit of joy for the day.”
— Kelly
“I love the local coffee and bakery shops! We have a great variety to choose from and they are all amazing!”
— Mia
If you have an answer to that question, please feel free to email us at [email protected]
We created this newsletter because we wanted to connect with you, our community: so thank you for opening your email, reading our newsletters, sharing your thoughts on your town with us, and for taking a chance on Lodi Locals.
See you all Wednesday morning, bright and early!
🐾 Cutest Pups In Lodi
Meet Tux! He is cuddly, addicted to fetch, and the best dog we’ve ever had. He is two years old and is one of our favorite travel buddies. He’s been in the snowy mountains of Tahoe, and on the fishing docks in Clear Lake. Despite being a good swimmer, he is not a fan of the water. His favorite past time is chasing his sister Rosie and friend Daisy.🐾
In the snow!
On the dock!
Road trip!
🎶 LIVE MUSIC | MAY 2026
Wed - May 13
Open Mic Night (Local Musicians / Mixed Genres)
📍 Idol Beer Works - 100 S Sacramento St, Lodi
Thu - May 14
The Traveler / Jeff Carl (Singer-Songwriter – Thursday Night Music) | 5:00–8:00 PM
📍 Oak Farm Vineyards - 23627 N DeVries Rd, Lodi
Donovan Bryant (R&B/Soul) | $5 cover
📍 Five Window Beer Co. - 9 W Locust St, Lodi
Fri - May 15
Neighborhood Noise (Rock/Variety – “After Hours”) | 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Jessie’s Grove Winery - 1973 W Turner Rd, Lodi
Sat - May 16
Western Bound (Honky Tonk/Country) | 5:00–8:00 PM
📍 Jessie’s Grove Winery - 1973 W Turner Rd, Lodi
Corduroy – The Ultimate Pearl Jam Experience (90s Grunge – Rock the Vineyard) | 6:00 PM
📍 Oak Farm Vineyards - 23627 N DeVries Rd, Lodi
Sun - May 17
William Smith Jr. (Acoustic/Soul) | 1:00–4:00 PM
📍 Jessie’s Grove Winery - 1973 W Turner Rd, Lodi
Sat - May 23
Kool Wind & Fire + Sweet Tina (Tribute – Kool & the Gang, Earth Wind & Fire & Tina Turner – Groovin’ in the Grove) | 7:00 PM
📍 Jessie’s Grove Winery - 1973 W Turner Rd, Lodi
Thu - May 28
Big Booty Bob (Thursday Night Music) | 5:00–8:00 PM
📍 Oak Farm Vineyards - 23627 N DeVries Rd, Lodi
Fri - May 30
The Network Band (Rock/Variety)
📍 Five Window Beer Co. - 9 W Locust St, Lodi
Thanks for reading! It means more than you know that you take a few minutes out of your day to stay connected with our little corner of the world. See you around Lodi! 🍇
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