Victory Park

continues to rock in summer 2024

A long time Central Valley tradition continues in Stockton’s Victory Park, as volunteers and musicians alike prepare for the Annual Concerts in the Park Series.

Located at 1001 North Pershing Ave, Stockton, the summer long series kicked off June 5, and will continue each Wednesday through August 21. Concerts are presented from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and are free to the public.

“We got a really good response this last year on the fact that the individuals that go to the concert every year, really enjoyed the fact that there was different types of music,” Music Coordinator, Jessica Emery stated.

According to Emery the event has been growing larger each year, adding that many attendees, as well as musicians have attended the concert series for many years.

“It’s like a family gathering,” she said. “It’s like going to a picnic on a Wednesday afternoon. You have people that are bringing their children, their parents. People are bringing chairs, a blanket, a lot of people have their dinner out there, which is very, very nice to see.”

Emery estimated an average of 1,500 to 2,000 listeners show up each Wednesday to enjoy the event. A turnout she likens to tradition, but also to the variety of music presented each week. Area bands playing classic rock, big band music, country and Latin give the audience a variety to enjoy through the course of the summer.

“It just keeps getting bigger and bigger, which is really nice to see,” the coordinator stated.

“My job on the committee has been to listen to the different bands that are out there,” the volunteer shared. “It’s a big variety of all types of music. So, it’s not always the same thing.”

Additionally, the event has become so popular with families throughout the 209 that they aren’t able to accommodate all the bands interested in playing.

“We have so many local really good talented musicians here and there are only so many weeks that we can have someone perform,” Emery said.

“Like I’ve said, we have some great talent here,” she noted in regards to returning talent. “There’s a little bit for everyone.”

Emery further shared that as a volunteer, both she and event president David Silva stay involved because of not just their love of music, but their love for Stockton.

“What we do, we do because we love the city,” Emery shared of the volunteer time and effort.

“I love seeing the community come together and it’s nice to see a lot family, as I mentioned, in the evening listening to music. It’s nice to be able to see that happening because not all communities have that.”

For a list of the line-up as well as additional information for the annual event visit www.visitstockton.org

Helpful Tips

1. Arrive early as parking is limited to the surrounding neighborhood.

2. Stake out an area for you and your friends under the mature oak trees. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, just be thoughtful of others around you.

3. Pack a picnic or grab your favorite take-out to enjoy during the concert.

4. Bring your leashed dog so Fido can spend quality time with you.

5. Don’t forget to pack some fun stuff for the kids to play with in the park and pack some extras to share. Groups of kids love to run around and play with each other during the concert - away from where folks are sitting of course.

6. Be prepared to make new friends. People who attend the concerts are friendly and generally appreciate meeting new people.