A Trip to the Lodi Movie Theater: Food, Drink, & Ideas For What to Do Before & After the Show

August 24, 2022

There's nothing better than going to the movies and going into another world, and forgetting about everything that's happening outside.

Warwick Davis

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about going to the movies.

The smell of popcorn, the squishy seats, the giant soda cups…

Running off to the movies for a couple of hours feels like a little magical treat from another time that we’re lucky enough to still have today.

That's why we love taking a trip to the Lodi Movie Theater.

Lodi Stadium 12 Cinemas

(part of Santa Rosa Cinemas)

109 N School St, Lodi, CA 95240

(209) 339-1900

Contents: Itineraries for Your Visit to the Lodi Movie Theater

Friends Families Couples Solos Directory of Shops & Restaurants

Marquee with the words "A Trip to the Lodi Movie Theater"

It’s amazing that in this day and age, we can all come to an agreement that for a 1½ hours, we’re not going to look at our phones.

We’re not going to scroll through social media, we’re not going to return texts and emails, and we’re not going to listen to voicemails and take calls.

What a remarkable contract we all enter when we walk into a movie theater together! Sheer magic. How nice that after several years of uncertainty, we can enjoy these small moments together.

Lamp post & street sign that reads School Street

The Lodi Stadium 12 Cinemas movie theater

You can skip off to the Lodi Movie Theater for a quick trip, or you can make a day of your experience by enjoying the spots Downtown Lodi has to offer.

Here's a list of our favorite spots, and a couple of itineraries for you to try, too. Whether you’re heading out as a family, group of friends, on a date, or as a solo venture, read on to discover the perfect way to spend your day at the Lodi Movie Theater.

What to do in Lodi before & after going to the movies for couples, friends, families, and solos

Itinerary for Friends

For friends looking to do something with their hands before or after vegging in a comfy theater chair, check out The Mud Mill! Get in touch with your creative side at this pottery painting studio. You can call ahead or walk in. Sessions are 2 hours long, so you can truly make a day of your Downtown Lodi experience after hitting the theater.

When it comes time to grab a bite, you'll love the atmosphere at Lodi Beer Company. The menu has a wide range of delicious options, and plenty of space for eating indoors, dining on the patio, and large groups.

itinerary for friends going to the movies: eat at Lodi Beer Company, and go to The Mud Mill

Itinerary for Couples

A classic date combination: dinner and a movie. Why not add on a bit of relaxation and pampering at Perfect Balance Day Spa?

In addition to an array of massage options, they also offer hair/nails, facials, lashes/tints, and more. They even offer special Midweek Escape packages on Tuesday-Thursday, if you want to head over on a weekday. To quote their tagline: "Life is great...massage makes it better."

West Oak Nosh is a popular date spot, full of yummy options inspired by German fare. Just around the corner from the Lodi Movie Theater, you can indulge in their variety of beer and wine options before or after your show. Whether you want to grab brunch, lunch, or dinner, West Oak Nosh is a sweet spot to take your sweetheart on your movie date.

Itinerary for Families

Heading to Lodi Stadium 12 as a family? If you have kiddos, they'll love the World of Wonders Science Museum! Enjoy an opportunity to make learning fun right in Historic Downtown Lodi. Head just down the street to share in some delicious slices. Smack Pie Pizza is a family-owned pizzeria serving traditional wood fire oven pizza with a unique Smack Pie twist. You have to check it out.

Itinerary for Solos on a Treat-Yourself Day

Sometimes taking a day for yourself is just what you need.

Tom's Used Books is a great stop for bibliophiles and animal-lovers alike-you'll spot a cat or two resting among the shelves. In business since 1996, this local independent bookstore offers an escape from bustling real life, much like the Lodi Movie Theater.

Before or after hitting the movies, we love heading to the Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery not only for the great food & drink, but also the people-watching opportunities! Bring a book from Tom's and a pair of sunglasses and watch the interesting folk go by.

Itinerary: Treat Yourself. Eat: The Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery. Go to: Tom

Lodi Certified Farmers Market

By the way, every Thursday between May 12th– August 25th from 5pm to 8pm, you can enjoy the best local produce, cheese and meat vendors California has to offer, right along School Street in Lodi, Ca.

Stay tuned for the 2023 schedule, beginning in May of next year.

Click here for the Lodi Certified Farmer's Market website