Happy Monday!
Okay real talk this week snuck up on me fast. Between school drop off, a million errands, and trying to keep everybody fed and happy, I almost forgot it was already Monday.
But then I started putting this newsletter together and remembered why I love doing this so much. This town genuinely has so much going on and honestly, some of my favorite childhood memories happened at the exact same places I'm about to tell you about.
There is nothing better than watching your kids fall in love with the same town you grew up loving. So here's what's happening in Lodi this week — let's make some memories! 💛
- Kylie Talamantez
Events This Week
Lodi is bringing the good vibes this week! From moonlit paddles and starry sound baths to comedy nights and birding adventures, there's truly something for everyone. Whether you're looking to relax, laugh, or explore the outdoors, your next favorite memory might just be happening right here in town.
Full Moon Paddle | Tuesday, March 31st | 7-9 p.m.
Missed the Sunset Paddle? No worries, there's a guided full moon paddle at Lodi Lake this week! Launching from the Boathouse at 7:00–9:00 pm, arrive 20 minutes early to get your gear ready. Expect clear skies by departure, but it'll be chilly, so dress in layers. Skip the flashlight and bring glow sticks instead!
Pricing: $45 with your own gear, $72 to rent, and $25 for kids under 10 (gear included).
Book here!
Lodi Lake Bird Walk | Saturday, April 4 | 8–11 a.m.
Grab your binoculars and head to Lodi Lake for a guided bird walk hosted by the San Joaquin Audubon Society! Join leader Cavan and fellow birding enthusiasts for this monthly outing, exploring the lakeside oaks along Laurel Avenue before venturing into the nearby Nature Area in search of both resident species and spring migrants.
All skill levels are warmly welcome, especially beginners curious about the hobby. Loaner optics will be available, so nothing is holding you back! Free parking is available along Laurel Avenue, where the group meets at the southeast border of Lodi Lake Park. Every season brings something new to discover!
Comedy Night at Stonum Vineyards | Friday, April 3rd | 7 p.m.
Looking for an instant dopamine release? Check out Comedy Night at Stonum Vineyards this Friday night. The show starts at 7:00 pm and tickets are only $20! The humor is going to be a bit spicy so it is an 18 years+ event. The starring local comedians are Nick Larson and Danielle Arce. If you wanted to check out some of their past sets and get a feel for the comedy, here are their Instagrams:
The show will take place in the tasting room and you can book your tickets ahead of time here.
Full Moon Sound Bath | Wednesday, April 1st | 5 p.m.
Another event is happening under the moonlight this week! WOO GIRL! Cellars are hosting their monthly lunar sound bath and this month, it’s happening under the full moon on April 1st! Starting at 5 pm, you can expect two hours of relaxation and intentional reflection time as you listen to the beautiful sounds of crystal bowls. And, if the weather allows it, you’ll also be able to take in gorgeous views from the river deck and enjoy a glass of wine.
If you’re planning on attending, it’s for ages 21+ and it’s encouraged to bring a yoga mat, blanket, and a cushion or pillow for your comfort. The pricing is $40 a ticket and you can book through their website here.
Family & Kids Corner
We got you Moms and Dads! Both free and paid for events for the kids to have fun and learn, while giving peace of mind and one less thing to plan.
Lodi Public Library | Paws to Read
Looking for a fun and low-pressure way to help your child build reading confidence? The Lodi Public Library Paws to Read program pairs kids with a calm, furry companion for a relaxed reading session, no pressure, just pages and paws. It's the perfect environment for young readers to practice out loud, grow their skills, and maybe even fall in love with reading along the way!
Paws to Read 📍 Lodi Public Library | 📅 Every Wednesday | ⏰ 3:00–5:00 PM | 🎟️ Free
Lodi Public Library | Storytime Programs Looking for a free and fun activity for the kids? The Lodi Public Library hosts weekly storytimes for children of all ages! Little ones aged 0–5 can enjoy stories, songs, and peer interaction every Tuesday morning or afternoon, while older kids aged 6–11 can join in on Elementary Storytime every Monday, complete with stories, discussions, and a short craft. A great way to spark a love of reading right in your own community!
Storytime (Ages 0–5) 📍 Lodi Public Library, Community Room | 📅 Every Tuesday | ⏰ 10:30 AM or 4:30 PM | 🎟️ Free
Elementary Storytime (Ages 6–11) 📍 Lodi Public Library, Community Room | 📅 Every Monday | ⏰ 4:00 PM | 🎟️ Free
Lodi Parks & Recreation | Youth Sports Programs Calling all young athletes! Lodi Parks & Recreation offers a fantastic lineup of youth sports programs for kids of all ages, from toddlers taking their first swing at a ball to middle schoolers leveling up their game. Whether your child is into volleyball, basketball, soccer, cheer, pickleball, flag football, or tennis, there's a spot for them to play, grow, and make friends right here in Lodi!
Junior Volleyball (Ages 8–14) 📅 Games: September – October | 🗓️ Registration Opens: July | 🎟️ Fees apply
Junior Basketball (Grades K–6) 📅 Games: November – March | 🗓️ Registration Opens: August | 🎟️ Fees apply
Tennis Classes (Beginner , All Ages) 📅 Monthly sessions through May | 🎟️ Fees apply
Sports Camps via Skyhawks (Ages 2–14) Pickleball, soccer, cheer, flag football, beach volleyball, and more , sessions run year-round! | 📅 Ongoing | 🎟️ Fees apply
Volunteer Coaches Needed! Love basketball? Make a difference , volunteer coaching opportunities are available now!
💻 Register and view all programs here.
Micke Grove Regional Park | 🐰 Easter Egg Hunt Spring is here and Micke Grove is pulling out all the stops! The annual Easter Egg Hunt returns this Saturday with 25,000 candy- and toy-filled eggs, kids crafts, face painting, local food trucks, and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny himself. A perfect way to kick off the holiday with the whole family, just don't forget your basket!
⚠️ Pre-registration required, SPOTS ARE LIMITED! ⚠️ The park will be closed to the general public from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM on event day.
📍 Micke Grove Regional Park | 📅 Saturday, March 28th | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Egg hunt begins promptly at 11:00 AM!) | 🎟️ Free (registration required)
💻 Register here.
🌟 Community Spotlight
Bracelets of Hope: How One Lodi Teen Is Turning Survival Into Service
When Olivia Brown faced a pediatric brain tumor diagnosis, she experienced firsthand what it feels like to be a patient staring down something terrifying, the uncertainty, the long hours in treatment centers, the moments when hope feels just out of reach. What she did with that experience is what sets her apart.
Rather than simply move on after surviving, Olivia channeled everything she'd been through into something for others. She founded Olivia's Golden Hope Project, a Lodi-based nonprofit with a mission that is as straightforward as it is powerful: bring comfort, hope, and encouragement to individuals facing serious medical challenges.
The heart of the project is the Bracelet of Hope, handmade from embroidery floss by volunteers of all ages, and assembled into care packages that are then delivered to patients in hospitals and treatment centers. Each bracelet carries a quiet but unmistakable message: someone who doesn't know you is rooting for you anyway.
Olivia's work is getting a well-deserved moment in the spotlight this month as part of Love Lodi Day on Saturday, April 25, our city's beloved annual day of service, now in its 11th year. Her project at 1510 W. Century Blvd. is one of 32 volunteer opportunities across Lodi that day, and organizers are looking for 20 volunteers to help braid bracelets and organize donated items for care packages.
To sign up for Olivia's Golden Hope Project or any of the 30+ Love Lodi Day projects, visit lovelodi.org/projects. The day kicks off at 8 a.m. at Hutchins Street Square, with all projects wrapping by noon for a free Community Picnic & Nonprofit Fair.
What’s Tasty? 😋
Did you hear that we have a Speakeasy in town? Technically, it’s in Woodbridge but to any Lodi local, Lodi and Woodbridge are like conjoined twins.
Anyways, The Exchange 1884 recently redid their menu and added a secret Speakeasy behind a red door that tends to open Saturday nights from 9:00 pm to 12:00 am. Each week though, the code word to get in changes so you’ll have to keep a lookout for it on their instagram.
Cocktail attire is also a must if you want to get inside so be sure to dress your finest. Music starts late, the lights stay low, and it’s definitely a “if you know, you know” sort of thing.
🎶 LIVE MUSIC | APRIL 2026
FRI • APR 3
The Poison Oakies (Country)
📍 1973 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA • 🕕 6–9 PM
SAT • APR 11
Rob Stevenson (Acoustic Rock)
📍 21 N School St, Lodi, CA • 🕠 5:30 PM
SAT • APR 18
The Jebby Trio (Jazz/Blues)
📍 21 N School St, Lodi, CA • 🕠 5:30 PM
SAT • APR 25
Tribal Seeds + Dub Souljah (Reggae)
📍 Lodi Area (Check Link for Venue) • 🕟 4:30 PM
WED • APR 29
Wine Down w/ Wilson & Friends
📍 18273 N Lower Sacramento Rd, Lodi, CA • 🕕 6 PM
