Blog 2: Things to Do in Lodi This Fall and Holiday Season (2026 Guide)
By Jesse J. Rivas, Realtor® — Lodi resident | Published October 2026 | Event details checked October 12, 2026 — always confirm with the organizer before you go.
Quick answer: Between mid-October and early January 2026, Lodi’s highlights include the free Family Carnival at Michael David Winery (Oct 17), Halloween on Saturday, Oct 31, the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival (Nov 6–8), the new Lodi’s Magical Christmas at the Grape Festival Grounds (opens Nov 27), and the Lodi Parade of Lights downtown (Dec 3).
Living in Lodi means the calendar fills up fast once fall hits. Here’s my short list of what my family and neighbors in Vineyard Terrace are looking forward to — and what I’d tell anyone new to town not to miss.
2026 Lodi Fall & Holiday Events at a Glance
| Event | Date & time | Where | Cost |
| Family Carnival at Michael David Winery | Sat, Oct 17 • 4–7 PM | 4580 W Hwy 12, Lodi | Free |
| Downtown Lodi Safe Halloween | Sat, Oct 24th 12:00 – 2:00 PM | Downtown Lodi businesses | Free |
| Halloween | Sat, Oct 31 | Neighborhoods citywide | Free |
| Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival | Fri, Nov 6 (6–8 PM); Sat–Sun, Nov 7–8 (10 AM–4 PM) | Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St. | Free main festival; tours ticketed |
| Lodi’s Magical Christmas | Select nights Nov 27 – Jan 3, 5–10 PM | Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, 413 E. Lockeford St. | Ticketed |
| Lodi Parade of Lights | Thu, Dec 3 • 6:17 PM | Downtown Lodi | Free |
1. Family Carnival at Michael David Winery — Saturday, October 17
Michael David Winery hosts a free, all-ages carnival from 4 to 7 PM with face painting, balloon twisting, hands-on activities with the WOW Science Museum, a bubble station, crafts, lawn games, and local food trucks. It’s one of the easiest family outings in Lodi wine country — the kids get a carnival and the grown-ups get a beautiful winery setting.
2. Downtown Lodi Safe Halloween — Saturday, October 24
In past years, downtown Lodi businesses have hosted a daytime trick-or-treat for kids in costume, usually on the Saturday before Halloween. With Halloween itself on a Saturday in 2026, check Visit Lodi or the Downtown Lodi Business Partnership for this year’s date before you plan around it.
3. Halloween Night — Saturday, October 31
With Halloween on a Saturday this year, expect neighborhoods to be busy and to start early. In Vineyard Terrace, where I live, we see hundreds of trick-or-treaters most years.
Driving through any neighborhood on Halloween night? Slow down and watch for little ones crossing between cars.
4. Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival — November 6–8
Every fall, thousands of sandhill cranes come to spend the winter in the wetlands and farm fields of the Delta around Lodi, and the city celebrates with a festival now in its 28th year. The main festival at Hutchins Street Square is free and includes wildlife presentations, workshops, art, and exhibits. Guided tours out to crane habitat — including sunset fly-in tours — are ticketed and fill up, so book early through the Lodi Sandhill Crane Association.
If you’re new to Lodi, this is one of those traditions that makes the area feel different from the Bay Area.
5. Lodi’s Magical Christmas — opens November 27
New this year, the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds turns into a holiday light experience with synchronized light shows, a light tunnel, nightly drone shows (weather permitting), an LED dance floor, an open-air skating rink, and a trackless holiday train. It runs on select dates from November 27 through January 3:
- Nov 27–29
- Dec 2–6
- Dec 9–13
- Dec 16 – Jan 3
It’s ticketed, so check the event page for pricing and what’s included.
6. Lodi Parade of Lights — Thursday, December 3
The Kiwanis Club of Greater Lodi’s Parade of Lights is Lodi’s signature holiday night. More than 80 lighted floats, marching bands, and dance groups roll through downtown, and Santa arrives on a Lodi fire truck. The parade starts at 6:17 PM and draws close to 30,000 people, so locals often set out chairs early to save a spot. Carpool if you can — parking fills quickly. The city’s tree lighting has traditionally taken place just before the parade.
Why this matters if you’re thinking about moving to Lodi
Events like these are a big part of why people love living here. Lodi still has small-town traditions that whole families show up for — and if you’re relocating from the Bay Area, they’re a great way to meet people fast. Visiting during one of these events is also a smart way to get a feel for the town before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Lodi Parade of Lights in 2026?
Thursday, December 3, 2026, starting at 6:17 PM in Downtown Lodi.
Is the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival free?
The main festival at Hutchins Street Square is free. Guided crane tours are separately ticketed.
What is Lodi’s Magical Christmas?
A new holiday light experience at the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds with light shows, drone shows, skating, and a holiday train, running on select dates from November 27, 2026 through January 3, 2027.
Are there free family events in Lodi this fall?
Yes — the Family Carnival at Michael David Winery (Oct 17), the main Sandhill Crane Festival (Nov 6–8), and the Parade of Lights (Dec 3) are all free.
New to Lodi or thinking about it? I live here and I’m always happy to share what Lodi is really like — events, neighborhoods, and all. Call or text (510) 506-3800 or email JesseRivas@KW.com.
Jesse J. Rivas, Realtor® | DRE #02282782 | Jesse Rivas Realty | Keller Williams Central Valley, Broker DRE #02324551
