Stockton is excited to announce a brand-new cultural celebration bringing the flavors, music, and traditions of Lebanon this fall.
The first-ever Central Valley Lebanese Festival will occur on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at St. Sharbel Garden, 4981 E. Eight Mile Road in Stockton. Organized by St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church and members of the Central Valley’s Lebanese-American community, this inaugural event promises to be a vibrant cultural experience.
Admission is $5 per person, and children under 5 can join for free.
From the moment guests arrive, the festival will immerse them in a full cultural experience, featuring delectable Lebanese dishes such as shawarma, falafel, manakish, mezze, baklava, knafeh, Arabic coffee, and more, all accompanied by live music and traditional dance performances.
Food, Music, and Dabke
While Lebanese cuisine will be a major highlight, the entertainment is equally captivating. The festival will showcase six hours of live music, featuring traditional oud music, Zaffe performances, and exhilarating Dabke dancing. Attendees will have the chance to not only watch performances but also participate in a Dabke lesson and a crowd-voted Dabke competition, allowing guests to deeply engage with the culture.
Plenty for Families
Designed with families in mind, the event will include a dedicated kids’ zone with attractions like a 40-foot obstacle course, tag arena, jumper, slide, basketball activities, and face painting. Parents can also browse a marketplace featuring handmade jewelry, art, textiles, and goods from local makers and Lebanese artisans, creating a vibrant atmosphere for community gathering.
A New Stockton Tradition
This year’s festival is particularly significant as it’s the debut event. Organizers anticipate more than 1,000 guests and hope to establish it as an annual Central Valley tradition. The festival adds a new chapter to Stockton’s long history of cultural celebrations, complementing existing events that showcase the city’s diverse heritage.
Event Details
What: Central Valley Lebanese Festival
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: St. Sharbel Garden, 4981 E. Eight Mile Road, Stockton
Admission: $5 per person, children under 5 free
Highlights: Lebanese food, live music, oud performances, Zaffe, Dabke lessons, kids zone, artisan marketplace, and family activities
More Information: Central Valley Lebanese Festival official website
This October, don’t miss the opportunity to experience knafeh, live Dabke performances, and the enchanting sounds of the oud right in Stockton. For the local Lebanese-American community, this festival is a chance to share cherished traditions with neighbors and friends, marking the beginning of an exciting new tradition in Stockton.
