Taste of San Joaquin, Stockton

Sweet sounds and spicy flavors permeate the annual Taste of San Joaquin, which attracts local merchants and bands for a cook-off under the summer sun. During the fest, a BBQ competition will feature smoky creations. Patrons can sample pork ribs, loaded baked potatoes, and beef brisket off the grill while sipping on frosty beers. Kids can play in the activity area with face paint and activities, while live bands cover everything from blues classics to lively Latin tunes.

Proceeds from the event go to stimulate the local economy and support nonprofits, with $0.80 of every dollar spent going to the locally owned business that sponsored the food and $0.20 going to a local charity. In the past four years, the Taste has donated more than $10,000 to local nonprofit organizations such as the San Joaquin Bike Coalition and the Child Abuse Prevention Council.