Fun for the Whole Family at the Stockton Asparagus Festival
Stockton Asparagus Festival
Downtown Stockton Waterfront
221 N. Center St.
Stockton, CA 95202
asparagusfest.com
Date: Fri, April 27 to Sun, April 29
Hours: daily – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Click here for prices
The 27th annual Stockton Asparagus Festival, promoted as the best of the west food fest offers more than just food. Groove to your favorite tunes, watch a dog play hockey and shop until you drop. Dazzle your taste buds with the best and freshest produce, watch local chefs compete and taste excellent wine. Enter to win $100,000 and a Mercedes-Benz, and expect to spend the weekend tasting, laughing at and loving the Stockton Asparagus Festival.
Transportation and Parking
By Bus
Price: $3 to $45
Click here for hours, details and locations
In anticipation of large crowds again this year, the festival is offering luxury bus transportation from 16 pickup locations around northern California as well as from San Joaquin Delta College.
By Car
Price: $10 per vehicle
Click here for driving directions
The festival offers parking in garages and a flat surface lot.
Velocity Circus
Corner of Fremont and N. Center streets
Hours: daily – 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
The whole family will be amazed by the bejeweled contortionist, the aerial acrobatics and the entertaining performances of mystical artists they never knew existed. Spine-tingling moves, fantastic flexibility and the athletic marvels of the human body are sure to keep everyone fascinated.
Hole-In-One Contest
Off N. Center St. by the Waterfront
Click here for hole-in-one contest information
Take a 50-cent swing of a golf club for a chance at $100,000 and a new Mercedes-Benz. Hit close to or into a hole 40 yards away and you could be on your way to the big play off and a chance to drive away in a luxury ride.
Music
Weber Point Stage
DeCarli Stage
Corner of N. Center and Weber streets
Click here for the Weber Point Stage schedule
Click here for the DeCarli Stage schedule
Weber Point Stage will feature an eclectic selection of performers and musical genres throughout the festival. If you like the Doobie Brothers, you'll love Rock in Down the Highway. R&B and soul fans will enjoy All-4-One and the infamous Tower of Power. Restless Heart and Average White Band will round out the Weber Point concerts. Local dance and music talent is also featured every day on the DeCarli Stage.
Sea Lion Encounter
Weber Point Stage
Hours: daily – 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
These intelligent, elegant creatures leap through the air and show off their amazing aquatic talents to wow the crowd for the cutest encounter of the animal kind an asparagus festival has ever seen. After the show, enjoy close-up, personal interactions with the frisky sea lions, and take a photo with one of these amazing mammals.
Going to the Dogs
Skyy Dog Arena
Corner of Fremont and N. Center streets
Hours: Fri to Sun – 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
If you've never seen a dog riding a skateboard like a pro, skipping a puppy jump-rope or playing goalie at a hockey or soccer game, this is your chance to do so.
Shopping and Sipping
Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza
Corner of Fremont and N. Center streets
The Asparagus Festival is a shopper's paradise, featuring more than 600 booths, exhibits and displays in addition to a full home and garden expo. Browse the certified farmers market stalls and enjoy the work of artists and craftsmen from all over the west at Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza. Premium vintners, including local favorite Woodbridge Winery, will offer samples of their finest vino. This is great opportunity to try some of up-and-coming California wines.
Dining
The festival offers an amazing array of culinary choices, but there are also great local options for dining before and after the event.
Xochimilco Cafe
36 S. San Joaquin St.
Stockton, CA 95202
(209) 462-3784
Hours: daily – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
This small café has been a Stockton landmark for about 50 years, and more people come to love its authentic Mexican food every year. Families appreciate the relaxed atmosphere, generous portions and friendly, attentive service. This place makes the best homemade tortillas and salsa in the world.
Duck Nook
103 W. Harding Way
Stockton, CA 95204
(209) 467-3825
Hours: Mon and Wed to Sun – 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Stockton residents and visitors come to the Duck Nook for burgers and other traditional American breakfasts and lunches. Named for its ducky décor, this cozy restaurant is known for its crispy and tender chicken-fried steak, fluffy waffles and biscuits, and old-fashioned ice cream sundaes.
Where to Stay
If you're staying in Stockton during the three-day festival, get the best deals on the comfiest rooms right nearby.
Red Roof Inn
1707 W. Fremont St.
Stockton, CA 95202
(209) 466-7777
www.redroof.com/
Price: $49 average nightly rate
The Red Roof Inn is easy to access from I-5, and offers rooms with waterfront views, high-speed wireless Internet access, microwaves and mini refrigerators. Your well-behaved pet is able to stay for free.
Hilton Stockton
2323 Grand Canal Blvd.
Stockton, CA 95207
(209) 957-9090
www1.hilton.com
Price: $109 average nightly rate
Enjoy beautifully furnished rooms with luxury linens and HD television, and score a workout in the fitness center, walking track and pool. Grab a bite at the Hilton's Orchard Grill from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.
Related: Guide to Amador County Wineries
Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers animals and community issues. She has volunteered and worked for many organizations helping animals and people.
Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
