Lodi Locals
Farmer’s market season has officially come to a close and fall is slowly approaching (or who knows, we could be swimming until October). Either way, there are still plenty of things to do in Lodi and we are so excited to share those with you.
If we haven’t written about it before, the main reason we started Lodi Locals was to combat the common phrase, “There’s nothing to do in Lodi.” That phrase may be true on the surface, but we believe that if you meet enough people, scour Facebook and Instagram 24/7, and happen to be at the right place at the right time to see a flyer, that statement can be disproven.
The aforementioned tasks take A LOT of time and energy though, so save that for us and you just have to read this newsletter.
— Kylie and Hunter Talamantez
📣Events
Fierro Fuel Coffee 5K Run | Sunday, September 6th | 9:00 to 11:00 am
Lace up, Lodi, because Fierro is bringing the 5K back. This is round two for Fierro Fuel Coffee, and if last time was any indication, you already know it’s going to be a good one. Everyone’s welcome here, all paces, all people, one community, so whether you’re actually racing or just there for the vibes (and the coffee), you’ve got a spot on this course.
Meet up starts at 9:00 am and the run kicks off at 9:15 am, with Lit Run Club 209 co-hosting alongside Fierro. Expect good music playing the whole time, local vendors and brands set up to shop and support.
And okay, I have to say it: if you haven’t had a Fierro matcha yet, this is your sign. They’re kind of their signature thing. Bonus points if you’re a pumpkin spice person too, because their homemade pumpkin syrup is genuinely one of the best fall flavors in town right now, it’s not the syrupy-sweet stuff you’re used to.
📍 Fierro Fuel Coffee, 400 E Kettleman Ln, Ste 10, Lodi, CA 95240
South East Asian Night Market at Wat Khmer | Friday, September 4th to Sunday, September 6th | 2:00 to 9:00 pm
Think string lights, the smell of authentic Southeast Asian street food drifting through the air, local vendors selling handmade goods you won’t find anywhere else, and live music and cultural performances happening throughout the weekend. There’s even a fashion show in the mix. And for the kids, there are activities running the entire weekend, so parents actually get to relax and enjoy the market instead of chasing anyone down.
It really is one of those events where every age group has something to love, teens grazing through the food stalls, grandparents watching the traditional performances, little ones running off to whatever activity is set up that hour. Best part, it’s completely free to get in and free to park, so there’s zero reason not to make a night (or three) of it.
📍 Wat Khmer, 11335 Pearson Road, Lodi, CA 95240
Create Your Own Junk Journal | Friday, September 4th | 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
There’s a new one to add to the list, Lodi. analog.hour is kicking off their very first evening, and they’re starting with junk journaling, which might be my new favorite phrase for the week. It’s basically collecting all the little pieces of your everyday life, photos, ticket stubs, receipts, magazine clippings, fabric scraps, whatever feels like it belongs, and making a home for those memories. No rules, no pressure to make it perfect, just an excuse to slow down and create with your hands for a couple hours.
Whitney of Wildflower Creative Studio is leading the night. She’s a local artist and art teacher who genuinely loves getting other people excited to create, so she’ll be walking through techniques and ideas for building your own journal from scratch.
They’re gathering inside the future home of Reformed Pilates Lodi, tucked into a historic brick building right in the heart of downtown. Honestly sounds like the perfect low key evening spent offline and creating something with your hands.
📍 The Local Edit, 116 N School Street, Lodi, CA
Wine and Witness at WOO GIRL! Cellars | Thursday, September 3rd | 7:00 to 8:30 pm
This Thursday is a good one, Lodi. Wine and Witness is back at WOO GIRL! Cellars, and if you’ve been before you know exactly what you’re walking into, if you haven’t, buckle up. We’re pouring wine, telling a true crime story live, and making a whole night of it.
This time around I’m running a themed bingo card throughout the night, so keep your eyes and ears open because you never know what’s going to hit your card. There will also be a live Q&A, so bring your questions and theories, and stickers for everyone at the event because who doesn’t love free stickers. Come for the story, stay for the wine, the community, and hopefully a bingo win.
📍 WOO GIRL! Cellars — 11070 E Woodbridge Rd, Lodi, CA.
🎉Submit an Event!
Got an event you think the community should know about? We're now accepting submissions from our readers, so if you're hosting something public in Lodi or know about an event that deserves a spotlight, send it our way. We're excited to start featuring your events alongside everything else happening around town.
🏡 Family & Kids Corner
Super Snakes at Lodi Lake | Saturday, September 12th | 10 to 11 am
Calling all little (and big) reptile fans, Lodi. This month’s Lodi Lake Second Saturday is all about snakes, and honestly it might be one of the cutest ones yet. Head to the Hughes Beach Picnic Shelter in the Nature Area parking lot to learn about the snakes that actually call California home, and then everyone gets to paint their own wooden toy snake to take home. All ages are welcome, so grandma can paint one right alongside the kids.
It’s a free event, though heads up that parking fees apply. Easy, low key Saturday morning plan, and a fun one to add to the calendar if you’re looking for something outdoorsy that doesn’t require much prep.
📍 Hughes Beach Picnic Shelter, Lodi Lake Nature Area, Lodi, CA
Quick Reads Book Club Discussion | Saturday, September 12th | 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
This month’s Quick Reads pick over at Lodi Public Library is a good one for the middle and high school crowd, but honestly anyone is welcome to pull up a chair. They’re digging into Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, and if it’s been a while since you read it (or you’ve never actually read it, just absorbed it through pop culture), there’s a lot more going on than a green monster with neck bolts.
It’s considered one of the first science fiction novels ever written, and it raises questions that still hold up today, how far is too far when it comes to playing god with science, what happens when we create something and then abandon it, and who’s really the monster in the story. Great one for teens working through required reading or anyone who just wants a meaty discussion with other book lovers.
Pick up your copy at the Circulation Desk before diving in.
📍 Lodi Public Library, 201 W. Locust Street, Lodi, CA 95240
✨Community Spotlight
Agave Lodi brings the heart of Oaxaca to Lodi through authentic, chef-driven cuisine rooted in tradition, led by Executive Chef Osvaldo Sanchez, a native of Oaxaca himself. Every dish carries that hometown influence, especially the rich, handcrafted mole and a thoughtfully curated selection of mezcal, each one reflecting the heart of Oaxaca and the stories behind its food culture. One touch that keeps coming up from guests, a mural painted by local artist Tony Segale that captures the whole feel of the space.
For the grand opening itself, expect desserts that weren’t ready during the soft opening to finally make their debut, think churros, flan, and tres leches. If you’ve already stopped in, you know the mezcal cocktails and the molotes are already getting people talking. If you haven’t, September 12th feels like the perfect excuse.
📍 Agave Lodi, 1327 W Lockeford St, Lodi, CA 95242
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! 🍇
