The Ultimate 2025 Guide: 7 Crucial Things You MUST Know Before Attending The Lodi Gun Show
The Lodi Gun Show is one of Central California's most anticipated firearms events, and the 2025 dates are officially confirmed, making this the most current guide you will find. As of today, December 25, 2025, enthusiasts, collectors, and first-time buyers are preparing to attend the massive two-day event hosted by Great Gun Shows at the historic Lodi Grape Festival Grounds. This comprehensive article cuts through the noise to deliver the essential information, focusing not just on the schedule but also on the critical California-specific regulations that govern every transaction, ensuring you are fully prepared for a successful and compliant visit.
The event is a major draw for the San Joaquin County region, offering a vast array of new and used firearms, low-price ammunition, tactical gear, and accessories. Whether you are looking to purchase a specific collector's item, browse the latest in shooting sports technology, or simply connect with local and regional exhibitors, understanding the logistics and the law is paramount. We break down the confirmed schedule, admission costs, and the non-negotiable legal steps required for any firearm transaction in the Golden State.
1. Confirmed Dates, Times, and Location for the 2025 Show
The Lodi Gun Show, promoted by the highly respected Great Gun Shows, is a staple of the California gun show circuit. For 2025, the primary and most widely confirmed event is scheduled for late in the year, providing a final opportunity for enthusiasts to stock up before the holiday season.
- Event Promoter: Great Gun Shows
- Venue: Lodi Grape Festival Grounds
- Address: 413 E Lockeford Street, Lodi, California 95240
- Confirmed Dates: Saturday, November 22, 2025, and Sunday, November 23, 2025
- Show Hours (Saturday): 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Show Hours (Sunday): 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Attendees should note that the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds is a well-maintained, large-capacity venue, often utilizing indoor exhibition halls like Burgundy Hall, which can accommodate the massive number of vendors and visitors.
2. Admission Price and What Your Ticket Covers
Planning your budget for the event is straightforward, as the admission price is standard across the two days. The entry fee grants you access to all the vendors, exhibits, and educational opportunities throughout the massive trade show space.
- General Admission Cost: $15.00
- Parking: Parking is typically available on-site, though fees may vary and are generally separate from the admission cost.
- Children: Policies for children's admission (usually free for those under a certain age) are set by Great Gun Shows and should be confirmed on their official website before attending.
The admission price is a small investment for the chance to browse thousands of square feet of merchandise, connect with licensed dealers (FFLs), and find rare or specialty items that are difficult to locate in standard retail environments. The sheer volume of exhibitors—both local and regional—ensures a diverse selection.
3. The CRITICAL California Firearm Laws You Must Follow
The most important aspect of attending any California gun show is understanding and strictly adhering to the state's complex firearm laws. Contrary to common myths, transactions at gun shows are subject to the exact same stringent regulations as sales at any brick-and-mortar gun store.
Every single firearm sale or transfer must comply with California law:
- Federal Background Check (DROS): All firearm purchases, whether from a licensed dealer or a private party, must be processed through a licensed California firearms dealer (FFL) on-site. This dealer will initiate the state-mandated Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) process, which includes the federal background check.
- Mandatory 10-Day Waiting Period: There is no "cash and carry" at the Lodi Gun Show. After the background check is approved, California law requires a mandatory 10-day waiting period before the buyer can take possession of the firearm. You will return to the FFL dealer's location (or the show if they are present on the final day of the waiting period) to complete the transfer.
- Private Party Transfers (PPTs): If you are buying a firearm from another private citizen (a non-dealer), the transaction must still be conducted in person through an FFL dealer present at the show. The dealer handles all the paperwork, DROS, and the 10-day waiting period.
- CA Handgun Roster: All handguns sold by FFLs must be on the California Department of Justice (DOJ) Roster of Certified Handguns, unless specifically exempt (such as PPTs or sales to law enforcement).
2025 Update: The "One Gun Per 30 Days" Rule
A significant change for 2025 is the status of the "one gun per 30 days" rule for Private Party Transfers (PPTs). A federal court injunction has taken effect, meaning California no longer enforces this limit for PPTs, though it may still apply to dealer sales. It is vital to confirm the current legal status with the FFL dealer at the show, as regulations are constantly evolving.
4. What to Expect from Great Gun Shows Vendors and Exhibits
The Lodi Gun Show is a true trade show experience, bringing together a vast number of exhibitors from across the state and region. Great Gun Shows is known for attracting a diverse range of sellers, ensuring there is something for every interest and budget.
- Firearms Selection: Expect to find a wide array of new and used firearms, including modern sporting rifles, classic shotguns, collectible revolvers, and various California-compliant handguns.
- Ammunition: Many attendees come specifically for bulk or specialty ammunition. Vendors often offer competitive prices on popular calibers, though purchasing ammunition in California also requires a background check (Ammunition Eligibility Check) at the point of sale.
- Tactical Gear and Accessories: Beyond firearms, the show is a prime place to find holsters, optics, scopes, cleaning supplies, reloading equipment, survival gear, and tactical apparel.
- Collectible Items: Look for knives, military surplus items, historical memorabilia, and unique custom-made accessories that you won't find at big-box retailers.
The atmosphere is often described as a large, well-organized swap meet with established, professional vendors, making it a great place to network with military and law enforcement personnel, as well as experienced collectors.
5. How to Prepare for Your Visit and Maximize Your Time
A successful trip to the Lodi Gun Show requires preparation, especially given the crowds and the complexity of California's laws.
Pre-Show Checklist:
- Check Current CA IDs: Ensure your California Driver's License or ID is current and matches your proof of residency (required for handgun purchases).
- Bring Cash: While many major vendors accept credit cards, cash is often preferred, especially for smaller purchases like accessories or from private sellers, and can sometimes secure a better deal.
- Know the Rules: All firearms brought into the facility for sale or trade must be unloaded and cleared at the designated 'Gun Check' or 'Safety Check' station immediately upon entry.
- Research Pricing: Have a general idea of the market value for items you plan to buy to ensure you are getting a fair price.
6. Vendor and Exhibitor Opportunities for the 2025 Lodi Show
For those interested in exhibiting, the Lodi Gun Show is a high-traffic event in a prime Central Valley location. Securing a table or booth space is done directly through the event promoter, Great Gun Shows.
Interested exhibitors should contact Great Gun Shows well in advance of the November 2025 dates to inquire about vendor applications, table rental fees, and setup hours. While specific contact details can vary, previous organizer contacts for Lodi area shows have been listed with a phone number (209) 215-5599 for general inquiries, which can serve as a starting point for potential vendors.
Exhibitors are required to follow strict guidelines regarding the safe handling and display of all inventory, reinforcing the event's commitment to safety and legal compliance under the oversight of the California Department of Justice (DOJ).
7. The Venue: Lodi Grape Festival Grounds as a Central Valley Hub
The Lodi Grape Festival Grounds is a well-known, central event venue in Lodi, a city famous for its wine production and agricultural heritage. This location makes the gun show highly accessible to residents across the Central Valley, including Sacramento, Stockton, and Modesto.
The venue offers ample parking and diverse facilities, making it an ideal location for a large-scale trade show. The site is often used for other major regional events, lending a professional and organized feel to the gun show. Its proximity to major California highways (like I-5) ensures easy travel for attendees coming from Northern and Southern California alike.
By preparing for the crowds, understanding the $15 admission, and—most importantly—knowing the non-negotiable California firearm laws, your visit to the Lodi Gun Show 2025 on November 22-23 will be both productive and compliant.
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