Photo Credit: Rachel Lee

For over 80 years, the Lodi Grape Festival has brought people from surrounding counties to one place. With all the attractions, there was great food, fun games, and delicious local wine! The Festival contains several different events and activities such as live music, magic shows, animals, exhibit galleries, wine tasting, and more.

Photo Credit: Rachel Lee

Although the Lodi population can be considered small in comparison to cities such as Elk Grove and Sacramento. However, it is clear that the Lodi Grape Festival draws in many people. Upon arriving, there were at least thirty people waiting in line for tickets. The line moved quickly and efficiently, as did the security system. After doing some research online prior to arriving, we were pleasantly surprised to read on the Lodi Grape Festival website that you can enter the fair for a mere $2.00 if you bring canned food to donate to a local food bank. Also, if you forget to bring canned food, admission is still only $10.00. Parking is approximately $8.00 and there is plenty of parking for all.

Upon entering the festival entrance gates, we were instantly hit with that all-too-familiar smell of deep-fried funnel cakes and greasy tacos. We enjoyed looking through the various exhibit galleries with artwork submitted by citizens from numerous cities such as Elk Grove, Galt, Stockton, and even Vacaville!

Photo Credit: Rachel Lee

Extraordinary Exhibit Halls

The steal of the day was the daily wine tasting that took place inside one of the exhibit halls. Also for only $15.00, you receive ten tickets that can be used for tastings at any of the ten local wineries showcasing their crafts. We enjoyed as many tastings as we could manage and were very pleased with the quality of both the wine and the customer service. Between several wine tastings, a delicious wine slushie, nachos, and mini donuts, we left with very full stomachs and even fuller smiles. Clearly, we have no self-control when it comes to fair food!

(Photo by Rachel Lee)

The Lodi Grape Festival is definitely an event to attend if you enjoy fair amenities but fewer crowds and fewer lines than the ones you might find at the Sacramento County Fair or California State Fair. Especially if you are a wine lover, we highly recommend getting out to this event next year.

The festival ran from September 12th through September 15th, 2019. We highly recommend you check out this event when it comes around next year! Just remember to grab the sunscreen, check the website beforehand for admission discounts, and bring an appetite!