A brand-new festival is coming to Stockton this fall, bringing together California olive oils, specialty foods, local makers, art, wine and the agricultural traditions that help define the region.
The 1st Annual California Olive & Arts Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11, 2026, from 1 to 7 p.m. at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way in Stockton. The inaugural event is being presented by Plan B Productions and is designed as a celebration of California flavor, craftsmanship and community.
California Flavor Takes Center Stage
At the heart of the festival is the olive.
Visitors will be able to explore California olive oils and specialty foods, enjoy tastings and samples, and meet producers while learning more about the products grown and made throughout the state.
The event will also feature wine and other beverage offerings, regional makers, shopping, food, entertainment and activities throughout the fairgrounds.
For people who know little about olive oil beyond the bottle in their kitchen, the festival offers a chance to slow down and discover how much goes into producing it, from the groves where olives are grown to the oils and foods they eventually become.
And organizers are making it clear that visitors do not have to be olive experts to enjoy the weekend.
The idea is simple: come hungry, sample something new, meet the people behind the products and spend an afternoon exploring California food and craftsmanship.
A Natural Fit for Stockton
Hosting the festival in Stockton gives the event a strong connection to the agricultural identity of San Joaquin County and the Central Valley.
The region has long been shaped by farming, food production and the people who grow and make products that reach markets throughout California and beyond.
That makes the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds a fitting home for an event built around agriculture, food and California-made goods.
The fairgrounds at 1658 S. Airport Way regularly hosts agricultural, cultural and community events and provides enough space for large-scale festivals, vendors and entertainment.
Food, Art and Local Makers
While olives are the centerpiece, the festival is also being promoted as an arts and makers event.
Visitors can expect opportunities to shop from local and regional makers, discover handcrafted products and enjoy entertainment while sampling food and beverages throughout the weekend.
That combination gives the event broader appeal than a traditional food tasting.
Someone may come to discover a new olive oil producer and leave with a piece of art or handmade product. Others may come for the food and wine, then spend the afternoon exploring vendor booths and entertainment with friends or family.
For small businesses and producers, the festival also provides an opportunity to meet customers face to face and introduce their products to a new audience.
A New Stockton Tradition Begins
The biggest news is that this is the festival's first year.
New events always carry a certain amount of anticipation because nobody knows exactly what they may become.
If the California Olive & Arts Festival connects with visitors, it has the potential to grow into another annual Stockton tradition, especially given the Central Valley's strong ties to agriculture and food.
The festival also arrives during a busy October weekend, giving residents another reason to spend time locally rather than traveling outside the region for a food and arts event.
Event Details
What: 1st Annual California Olive & Arts Festival
When: Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11, 2026
Time: 1 to 7 p.m.
Where: San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton
Who Can Attend: All ages
Highlights: California olive oils, specialty foods, tastings, wine and beverage offerings, local and regional makers, shopping, entertainment and activities
Parking: Paid parking
Tickets: Advance tickets are available, with discounted presale pricing scheduled to end October 3.
Purchase Tickets: California Olive & Arts Festival tickets
For Stockton residents who enjoy discovering local food, meeting makers or simply spending an afternoon trying something new, the California Olive & Arts Festival offers a fresh addition to the fall calendar.
And for a city surrounded by some of California's richest agricultural land, a celebration built around food, craftsmanship and the people behind both feels right at home.