A new kind of fall festival is coming to downtown Stockton this October, bringing together books, independent film, food, cosplay and pop culture in one all-day event.
The GRIM Festival: Books, Bites & Flicks will take place Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Weber Point Events Center, 221 N. Center Street in Stockton.
Unlike a traditional book fair or film festival, GRIM Festival is designed as a broader celebration of storytelling and creativity, giving visitors a chance to meet authors, filmmakers, artists and other creators while enjoying food, entertainment and activities throughout the day.
Festival organizers are bringing together a mix of bestselling authors, independent filmmakers, artists, specialty vendors and food vendors, creating an event that offers something for readers, movie fans and families looking for a unique fall outing.
Visitors can browse books and merchandise, discover new writers and filmmakers, explore vendor booths and enjoy the atmosphere of one of Stockton's largest downtown gathering spaces.
The festival will also feature cosplay and a car show, adding a pop-culture element that should appeal to younger audiences and fans of comics, fantasy, horror and genre entertainment.
For local writers, filmmakers and artists, events like GRIM Festival can also provide valuable exposure and an opportunity to connect directly with audiences. Rather than experiencing a story only through a screen or a book, festivalgoers can meet some of the people responsible for creating the work.
That emphasis on creators helps set GRIM apart from many of Stockton's more traditional fall events.
Its October date also gives organizers an opportunity to lean into the season without making the festival strictly a Halloween attraction. Books, movies, costumes, food and creative storytelling all come together naturally during a time of year when audiences are already looking for something fun and a little different.
Event Details
What: GRIM Festival: Books, Bites & Flicks
When: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Weber Point Events Center, 221 N. Center Street, Stockton
Admission: $15 in advance; $20 at the gate.
Purchse Tickets.
The first 300 ticket holders are also expected to receive a festival tote while supplies last.
For Stockton residents looking for something beyond the usual fall festival, GRIM offers an unusual combination of literature, film, food and pop culture—all in one place.
Whether you come to discover a new author, meet an independent filmmaker, show off a favorite cosplay, check out the cars or simply enjoy a day along the downtown waterfront, GRIM Festival could become one of Stockton's most distinctive new fall traditions.