Downtown Stockton is buzzing with excitement as the Main Street Market kicks off again, promising to liven up summer evenings with food trucks, maker vendors, live music, free-play arcade games, and much more.
The market, taking place every second and fourth Tuesday of June and July, has expanded significantly since it began last year. What started as a small-scale community initiative by nonprofit Parents by Choice has now, in partnership with the Downtown Stockton Alliance and the city of Stockton, blossomed into a major event occupying four city blocks, from Sutter Street to Hunter Square and Weber Avenue to Market Street.
The Courthouse Plaza, the heart of the market and the property of Parents by Choice, serves as a central hub for visitors. The Plaza houses more than a dozen businesses in its indoor mall and boasts an underground free-play arcade filled with vintage video games. Jazz musician Patrick Langham is set to bring his tunes to the Plaza for this Tuesday's market.
“We wanted to have a community event downtown that would make people get out of their cars and walk around and enjoy the architecture and enjoy local food and local vendors,” said Tony Yadon, executive director of Parents by Choice.
According to Yadon, attendees can look forward to a variety of food options, from ramen to gourmet baked potatoes, with local businesses, including gift shops and antique stores, staying open for these events. With the city of Stockton coordinating and paying for street closures, the market offers an unmatched pedestrian-friendly experience in downtown Stockton.
There's no entry fee for the market and parking is free after 5 p.m. For more information, follow Courthouse Plaza on Facebook. Enjoy the unique architectural sights, delectable food, and diverse entertainment offered by the Main Street Market while contributing to the economic revival of downtown Stockton.
Event Details
When: 4:30-8 p.m., every second and fourth Tuesday in June and July (June 13-July 27)
Where: Courthouse Plaza, 306 E. Main Street, Stockton
Admission: Free
Information: courthouseplaza.net
