Lodi Locals
Happy Day, Lodi. This edition is full of the kind of events that only exist because someone local decided to take a risk on this town. The neighborhood market at Sno White is literally keeping the drive-in afloat. Guantonios turned an old gas station on Lockeford into the wood fired spot people drive in from all over for. Hippie Bingo exists because a nursery owner thought it sounded fun. These things do not happen on their own, and they do not stick around unless we actually show up.
In today's Lodi Locals:
Hippie Bingo Night at Star Succulent Nursery on Thursday
Linden Cherry Festival on Saturday
Neighborhood Market at Sno White Drive-In all afternoon Saturday
Multiple mom walks and a spring swap
Last but not least a story about the restaurant that came back because of us
Let's get into it.
— Hunter Talamantez
📣Events
📷 via Angela Sisk Gentry and 3D Horsemanship 4 Partnership on facebook
Cowboy Dressage Workshop | Friday, May 9 | 9:00 AM
The Cowboy Dressage workshop with Angela Sisk Gentry and 3D Horsemanship 4 Partnership is built to upgrade how you and your horse communicate. The clinic zeroes in on soft feel, bend and straightness, smoother transitions, cleaner circles, rider position, and basic biomechanics so your cues make sense to your horse and you both stay more relaxed. It works whether you ride in the arena, out on the trail, or while working cattle, and it is absolutely not limited to show riders. Rider spots are $150 and intentionally capped so you get focused, hands-on coaching instead of disappearing in a big group. If you just want to learn from the sidelines, auditing is $30 and welcome. Go ahead and get your spot on the books early.
📍Cowboy Dressage clinic, 2829 W Armstrong Rd, Lodi, CA
📷 via @starsucculentnursery on instagram
Bingo at the Nursery | Hippie Night | Thursday, May 15 | 7:00 pm
Maybe it has been awhile since you had some truly casual fun, no big plan, no big pressure, just a reason to get out of the house and laugh for a few hours. Hippie Bingo Night at Star Succulent Nursery is exactly that. You sit under the lights surrounded by succulents and peace signs, someone calls out B-12, and suddenly everyone at your table is way more invested than they meant to be. You might win a prize, you might just win a story, but either way you go home lighter than you arrived. This is one of those small-town nights that quietly reminds you why it is good to live here: familiar faces, easy conversation, and a cozy local spot that actually wants you there. If you have been waiting for a sign to say yes to something fun, consider this it.
Spots are limited, so if you want in, book online at their website.
📍 Star Succulent Nursery: 14447 E Tokay Colony Rd, Lodi, CA 95240
📷 via Jennifer Wright on facebook
Neighborhood Market at Sno White Drive-In | Saturday, May 16 | 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
If you are already going to be near Lodi Lake on Saturday, swing by the Neighborhood Market happening at Sno White Drive-In. This is supporting the drive-in itself, and the setup includes a drinks stand, baked goods, boutiques, baby boutiques, and lots of homemade and craft vendors. Something for everyone is the goal here. They are still looking for vendors if you know anyone who wants in. Contact Jennifer Wright at 209-912-8819 to get details.
It runs all afternoon, so you can hit it before or after whatever else you have going on.
📍 Sno White Drive-In: 1210 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA 95242
Linden Cherry Festival Parade | Saturday, May 16 | 10:00 am
Small town parade energy, fresh cherries, and a whole lot of community pride. The Linden Cherry Festival Parade kicks off at 10:00 am on Front Street, and this thing has been a Linden tradition for years. After the parade wraps, the festival opens at 11:00 am at Linden Elementary with food, live entertainment, vendors, a cherry pie eating contest, and kids activities. It is free for everyone, and if you have been looking for an excuse to get out of Lodi proper for the morning, this is a good one.
One of the momwalks.lodi hosts is doing a field trip to the parade if you want to meet up with other local families. Feel free to park on her street and load up the stroller to head to the main road where the festival is held at the school just a short walk down.
📍 Parade starts on Front Street, Linden. Festival at Linden Elementary: 18100 E Front St, Linden, CA 95236
🏡 Family & Kids Corner
📸 via luma.com
Spring Mom Swap + Mile a Day In May Pop-Up | Thursday, May 14 | 10:00 am
If you have been eyeing your neighbor's barely used play kitchen while your kid has officially outgrown the bouncer collecting dust in the garage, this is your Thursday. The Spring Mom Swap is happening at Nelson Park in Stockton, and it is exactly what it sounds like: bring what you do not need, take home what you do, and actually talk to other humans who understand why you have three strollers. The host Araceli is coordinating a donation drop off for leftover items, so if you want to volunteer to help get things to the donation spot, let her know. Worth noting: if you bring large items that do not get claimed, plan to take them back home with you. And if you leave before the swap is over, bag your items and help load them into the donation cars.
This one pairs nicely with getting outside and moving, which is kind of the point.
📍 Nelson Park: Stockton, CA
📸 via Lockeford-clements 411 on facebook
Emanuel Lutheran Family Movie Night | Friday, May 15 | 6:30 pm
Looking for a free, easy Friday night that lets the kids actually run around? Emanuel Lutheran Church is hosting their first family movie night of the year on their expansive lawn, and they are bringing hot dogs, chips, and popcorn. The movie is family friendly, it is free to the public, and you just need to bring your own blankets or low back chairs to sit on. If your Friday plan is "something that does not cost money and will not end in a meltdown," this is it.
📍 Emanuel Lutheran Church: 1540 W Lodi Ave, Lodi, CA 95242
📷 via @momwalks.lodi on instagram
Mom Walk & Park Play Date | Tuesday, May 19 | 9:15 am
Another week, another chance to get out of the house with other moms who understand why your coffee is cold and your shoes are on the wrong feet. This one is at Sally's House in Stockton, hosted by @sallystephanie1988. It is a low pressure morning walk followed by park play, which is code for "the kids run around while you actually finish a sentence." These walks are unofficial, no sign ups needed, and times and locations get finalized weekly, so keep an eye on the @momwalks.lodi Instagram for updates.
📍Register to See Address Stockton, CA
Mom Walk & Park Play Date | Wednesday, May 27 | 10:00 am
If the Orchard Lane Trail Loop sounds familiar, it is because it is one of the better spots around here for an easy morning walk with a stroller. This mom walk is hosted by @mskatiethomas, and like the others, it is casual, free, and built around the idea that sometimes you just need to leave the house and be around other humans who are also navigating toddler negotiations and naptime logistics. Walks are weather dependent and schedules shift, so double check @momwalks.lodi closer to the date.
📍Register to See Address Lodi, CA
✨Community Spotlight
The Restaurant That Came Back Because of Us
On December 18, 2025, Nick "Papa Nick" Guantone, the co-owner and heart of Guantonio's Wood Fired Pizza, passed away suddenly after a heart attack. He was the one who made the dough every day using a sourdough starter he had been nurturing for ten years. He helped his son Nick Jr. build out the old gas station on Lockeford Street with their own hands, turning it into the neighborhood restaurant that people drive from all over Northern California to visit. When the family announced they were closing temporarily to grieve, the Lodi community did what this town does best. Two locals, Casey Means and Suzanne Ledbetter, started a GoFundMe to help the family and the staff get through the closure. The goal was modest. The community raised over $42,000 in a matter of days.
On January 3, 2026, Guantonio's reopened. Nick Jr. posted that they were back with regular hours and hopefully a full menu, and he thanked everyone who bought gift cards, donated, and showed up for them when they needed it most. His daughter-in-law Marissa said it felt like a big hug, that they have been so filled because of this community. Every pizza that comes out of that oven still carries Papa Nick's legacy, because the dough is made from the same starter he used, the same one he started with a decade ago when he was baking bread at home.
This is not a story about tragedy. This is a story about a family that poured everything into a dream, and a community that refused to let that dream fall apart when they lost the person who started it. If you have not been to Guantonio's yet, go. Order a pizza, try the Brussels sprout Caesar, and know that the reason that place is still standing is because Lodi takes care of its own.
📍 Guantonios Wood Fired, 600 W Lockeford St, Lodi, CA 95240
🎶 LIVE MUSIC
Thu - May 7
William Smith Jr. (Acoustic/Soul – Thursday Night Music) | 5:00–8:00 PM
📍 Oak Farm Vineyards - 23627 N DeVries Rd, Lodi
Fri - May 8
Playback (Rock / 80s–90s Covers – “After Hours”) | 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Jessie’s Grove Winery - 1973 W Turner Rd, Lodi
Now Now (Indie Pop – Sunset Sippin’) | 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Bokisch Vineyards - 18921 Atkins Rd, Lodi
Thu - May 8
The Network Band (Rock/Variety – Picnics by the Pond) | 6:30–9:30 PM | $5 door fee, kids free
📍 Mettler Family Vineyards - 7889 E Harney Ln, Lodi
Sat - May 9
Los Caminantes de Humberto Navarro (Regional Mexican) | 8:00 PM
📍 El Encanto Event Center - 100 N Cherokee Ln, Lodi
The Nick Elwood Band (Pop/Soul/Rock/Country) | 5:00–8:00 PM
📍 Jessie’s Grove Winery - 1973 W Turner Rd, Lodi
Sun - May 10
The Retrofitz – Mother’s Day Show (Classic Rock / Soulful Covers) | 1:00–4:00 PM
📍 Jessie’s Grove Winery - 1973 W Turner Rd, Lodi
She Calls Him Wilson (Indie/Folk – Sunday Music Live) | 1:00–4:00 PM
📍 Van Ruiten Family Winery - 340 W Hwy 12, Lodi
Geoffrey Miller & Rockin’ Rousers + Guests (Country/Rockabilly) | 7:00 PM
📍 Idol Beer Works - 100 S Sacramento St, Lodi
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! 🍇
