Stockton food lovers will have a flavorful reason to head to the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds this September when the Stockton Seafood & Soul Fest returns for two days of food, music, vendors and family entertainment.
The festival will take place Saturday, September 26, from noon to 7 p.m., and Sunday, September 27, from noon to 6 p.m. at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way in Stockton.
At the heart of the weekend is a combination that promises plenty of variety: fresh seafood and classic soul food served side by side.
Organizers describe the event as a celebration bringing together a wide range of seafood and soul-food dishes, along with live music, entertainment, local and regional vendors and activities designed for children.
Come Hungry
For many visitors, the food will be the main attraction.
The festival is built around the chance to sample different flavors and dishes throughout the weekend, making it the kind of event where arriving hungry is probably a good idea.
Seafood lovers can explore a variety of offerings while fans of soul food can enjoy the rich, comforting flavors that have made the cuisine an important part of American food culture.
But the festival is designed to be more than a place to grab lunch or dinner.
Live music and entertainment will help create a relaxed festival atmosphere, while vendors from Stockton and surrounding communities will offer visitors another opportunity to shop and support small businesses.
Something for the Whole Family
Families are also part of the focus.
The event includes a kids corner, allowing younger visitors to have something to enjoy while parents explore the food and vendor areas.
That combination of food, music, shopping and children's activities makes Seafood & Soul Fest an easy weekend outing for groups and families who want to spend a few hours together without having to choose between a food festival and family entertainment.
The San Joaquin County Fairgrounds provides plenty of space for an event of this size, with the venue regularly hosting large festivals, concerts and community gatherings.
A Celebration of Food and Community
Food festivals often have a way of bringing people together, and Seafood & Soul Fest is built around exactly that kind of shared experience.
Visitors may arrive for a favorite dish, discover a new food vendor, listen to live music or spend time browsing local businesses, but the larger experience is about gathering with friends, family and neighbors.
For vendors, the event also provides an opportunity to introduce their food, products and businesses to people from Stockton and surrounding communities.
Event Details
What: Stockton Seafood & Soul Fest
When: Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, 2026
Saturday Hours: Noon to 7 p.m.
Sunday Hours: Noon to 6 p.m.
Where: San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton
Features: Seafood, soul food, live music, entertainment, kids corner, and local and regional vendors
Tickets: Tickets are available through the official event listing.
Purchase Tickets: Get tickets and event information
Whether you come looking for seafood, soul food or simply a fun way to spend a September weekend, Stockton Seafood & Soul Fest offers plenty of reasons to gather around the table.
Bring the family, bring your appetite and be ready to discover a few new favorites along the way.