Modestans can expect loud celebrations and quiet community gatherings as we reach the halfway point in the summer in July.
Many travelers will make their way through Modesto this month for a mix of free and ticketed events. The Stanislaus County Fair returns to bring 10 days of fun, food and ag-related festivities to the Valley. The State will host a famous TikTok-er, and motorists from across the country will complete an impressive trek at the Graffiti USA Museum.
And of course, be sure to check out all the safe ways to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks shows around the county:
Wednesday, July 1
Crafternoon: For grades 6-8 to join an afternoon of crafting at Bookish. Participants will learn embroidery with instructor Julia. Tickets include snacks, all materials and supplies, and guided instruction.
- 3:30 – 5 p.m. July 1
- Bookish, 811 Roseburg Ave., Modesto
- $25, tickets
Thursday, July 2
Bookish Craft Night: An 18+ event includes a drink, book bedazzling, bookmark making and other guided crafts. Tickets include 15% off all purchases in store.
- 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. July 2
- Bookish, 811 Roseburg Ave., Modesto
- $25, tickets
MoBand Summer Concert Series: MoBand continues its free summer concert in the park series with American Tapestry, a night of patriotic music selections. The evening will also feature a special tribute to honor local veterans, especially those from the World War II era, and their immediate family.
- 8 p.m. July 2
- Graceda Park, 401 Needham St., Modesto
- Free
Friday, July 3
Downtown Turlock’s Independence Celebration: Parade through downtown on Main Street, followed by a free Independence Day Festival & Fireworks Show at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds from the Turlock Chamber of Commerce and Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association with live music, food vendors and more.
- 5 – 10 p.m. parade begins at 6:30 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m. July 3
- Parade Main Street, 900 N Broadway, Turlock
- Admission free, parking for festival $10 on site, info
DoMo First Fridays: A once-monthly, two-block street fair with handmade goods, food, and craft beers. Browse local business, restaurants, speciality vendors in downtown Modesto.
- 5 – 9 p.m. July 3
- 10th Street between I and K Streets, Modesto
- Free, info
Music in the Plaza: Each Friday, enjoy local musicians performing various styles as part of the outdoor series locals have come to expect from the people behind the Modesto Area Music Awards, from April through the first weekend of October. Stay up to date on Facebook as each theme is announced. Concerts on the first Friday of the month will move earlier to coincide with DoMo First Fridays.
- 5 p.m. July 3
- Tenth Street Plaza, 1010 10th St., Modesto
- Free, info
Off The Air: Modesto’s indie music series presents Rubber Lizard and Rosemother at Prospect Theater Project. Rosemother is an indie rock project from Sacramento, founded by singer-songwriter Haley Rae. All ages.
- Doors 7 p.m., music 8 p.m. July 3
- Prospect Theater Project, 1214 K St., Modesto
- Admission $10, tickets
Saturday, July 4
Denair Fourth of July Tractor Parade: Decked out tractors and other vehicles will parade down Main Street. Vintage tractors, decked out golf courses and more are invited to take part for the Independence Day and 250th anniversary parade.
- Parade 9 a.m. July 4
- Main Street, Denair
- Free
Riverbank Fourth of July Bicycle Parade: City of Riverbank Parks & Recreation Department hosts the second annual peddle-powered event that invites the public to ride through downtown on decorated bikes, scooters, wagons, strollers with activities to follow at the Community Center Gazebo.
- 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. July 4
- Plaza Del Rio, 6707 Third St., Riverbank
- Free, info
Downtown Modesto’s Independence Day Parade: Parade through downtown on 10th and I streets. Festivities presented by the Modesto Kiwanis Clubs include a food court, craft booths and more in front of the Gallo Center for the Arts.
- Parade 9:30 a.m., food court and craft booths 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. July 4
- Parade 10th and I streets, downtown Modesto
- Free, info
The Great American Detour: This coast-to-coast 3,250 mile drive across America, that began in New York ends in Modesto on Independence Day, and celebrates the 100th anniversary of Route 66. The Graffiti USA Museum, chosen because of the city’s rich classic car and hotrod culture, will host the race’s official finish.
- 5 p.m. July 4
- Graffiti Museum, 610 N. 9th St., Modesto
- Free, info
Modesto Roadsters Fireworks Show: The Roadsters host Oakland Ballers on Fourth of July at Modern Woodmen Field. Special Fourth of July entertainment is scheduled, with a fireworks show after the baseball game.
- 7:11 p.m. July 4
- Modern Woodmen Field, 601 Neece Drive, Modesto
- Tickets $11 – $16, free parking
Woodward Reservoir Fireworks Show: The Stanislaus County Parks & Recreation fireworks show over Woodward Reservoir returns. The show with an accompanying radio broadcast on The River 105.5 FM starts at dusk, but early arrival is recommended. Admission and parking is first-come, first serve. Surrounding road closures start at 6 a.m., and once inside there will be no in-and-out privileges.
- 9:30 p.m. July 4
- Woodward Reservoir, 14528 26 Mile Road, Oakdale
- $40 per vehicle, tickets
Sunday, July 5
The Latin Jazz Project: A night of Latin jazz tunes with African influence suitable for dancing or sitting back to listen led by Enrique Rios-Ellis.
- Doors 4:30 p.m., music 5 p.m. July 5
- Prospect Theater Project, 1214 K St., Modesto
- Admission $21.50, tickets
Modesto Drag Brunch: A collection of rotating drag artists perform at Splash Bar every Sunday during brunch hours. The current menu offers tacos, flautas, and bottomless mimosas for the occasion.
- 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. July 5, 12, 19, 26
- Splash Bar Modesto, 107 McHenry Ave., Modesto
- $12.51 to $44.52, tickets
Tuesday, July 7
The Valley Hot Seat: Local comedian Ian Riley will host Modesto’s version of “Hot Ones,” an increasingly-spicy-chicken-wing fueled interview show on YouTube. The show features other comedians and ends with music spun by DJ Jimmy. Food and drink available for purchase 18+ only.
- 7 – 9 p.m. July 7
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St., Modesto
- Free, info
Thursday, July 9
Jazz Night: Intermission welcomes Kurt Robak for Jazz Night. Robak’s music is described at Charles Mingus meets The Meters. The night will feature Robak’s original work as well as covers of classic jazz.
- 7 – 9 p.m. July 9, July 16
- Intermission, 1301 J St., Modesto
- Free, Info
Two Hours from Anywhere Story Slam: Bookish is back with Story Slam after a hiatus. Ticket holders can take stage for up to 6 minutes to tell a real story from their lives that relates to the theme of “consequences.” The best stories win a prize.
- 7 – 9 p.m. July 9
- Bookish, 811 Roseburg Ave., Modesto
- $5, tickets
MoBand Summer Concert Series: The free summer concert in the park series from MoBand concludes with Sunshine & Rainbows in Mancini Bowl. The final show for the season features a night of feel-good music performed including songs by Jimmy Buffett, Earth, Wind & Fire and Kool & the Gang.
- 8 p.m. July 9
- Graceada Park, 401 Needham St., Modesto
- Free
Friday, July 10
Stanislaus County Fair Day 1: Opening day of the annual 10-day county fair features a modified truck and tractor pull in the FoodMaxx Arena (separate ticket required), replacement heifer sale, and country headliner Clint Black on the Modelo Variety Free Stage. The fairgrounds will open its doors to vendors and keep the carnival running until midnight.
- 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. July 10
- Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock
- $5 children ages 7-12 and seniors 65+, $12 general admission, tickets
Music in the Plaza: Local musicians known as The Good Ones perform as part of the outdoor series locals have come to expect from the people behind the Modesto Area Music Awards, from April through September. Stay up to date on Facebook as each theme is announced.
- 7 – 9 p.m. July 10
- Tenth Street Plaza, 1010 10th St., Modesto
- Free, info
Saturday, July 11
Books, Purrs & Beans: a cat adoption event hosted by Bookish. Mama Jen’s Fosters will be there for adoptions and donations. Stay for coffee, coloring and cat activities. Families are welcome.
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. July 11
- Bookish, 811 Roseburg Ave., Modesto
- Free
Stanislaus County Fair Days 2&3: Opening weekend starts bright and early with a sunrise ferris wheel ride on Saturday (separate ticket required). Catch the truck and tractor pull Saturday and bloodless bullfights Sunday in the FoodMaxx Arena (separate tickets required). Catch reggae rock/pop band Common Kings Saturday and regional Mexican band Banda El Mexicano Sunday at the Modelo Variety Free Stage. Carnival rides close at midnight.
- 12 p.m. – 12 a.m. July 11, July 12
- Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock
- $5 children ages 7-12 and seniors 65+, $12 general admission, tickets
What a Drag! Season FOUR: Community leaders partner with local drag experts to embody the art of drag. With the help of two choreographers and a director, the night culminates in a PG-13 performance that raises money for local non-profits.
- 7 p.m. July 11
- Gallo Center for the Arts, Foster Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- Admission $50-$69, tickets
PTP Radio Cavalcade Presents: Our Miss Brooks & My Friend Irma at Prospect Theater Project. A one-night-only of recreations from the golden age of radio including live music and sound effects, and featuring the Radio Cavalcade players.
- 7:30 p.m. July 11
- Prospect Theater Project, 1214 K St., Modesto
- Admission $16.25, Tickets
We Own the Laughs: Headliner Jesus Trejo, who has performed on “The Late Show with James Corden” and has a one-hour comedy special featured on Showtime, “Stay At Home Son” performs alongside comedians Ilina Cortes, Julian Gonzalez.
- 8 p.m. July 11
- State Theatre, 1301 J St., Modesto
- Tickets $29-$55, tickets
Monday, July 13
Graffiti Exhibit: Kruse Lucas Art Gallery welcomes Valley Springs-based artist Brad Stone. His paintings focus on cars of different time periods. He aims to intertwine creativity with a sense of nostalgia and convey the elegance of vehicle lines.
- 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Thursday, except holidays
- Kruse Lucas Imports, 525 Tully Road, Modesto
- Free
Stanislaus County Fair Day 4: Monday night antics include a destruction derby in the FoodMaxx Arena (separate ticket required), and country group Diamond Rio on the Modelo Variety Free Stage. Carnival rides close at midnight.
- 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. July 13
- Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock
- $5 children ages 7-12 and seniors 65+, $12 general admission, tickets
Ohana Night: Intermission presents a special seafood pop-up featuring John Mensonides of Ohana Seafood. Curated menu highlighting the best of the sea and community at Intermission.
- Doors 5 p.m., food 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. July 13
- Intermission, 1301 J St., Modesto
- Tickets $100, tickets
Tuesday, July 14
Stanislaus County Fair Day 5: Check out local vendors, a destruction derby at the FoodMaxx Arena (separate ticket required) and a Taylor Swift Tribute show at sundown at the Modelo Variety Free Stage. Carnival rides close at midnight.
- 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. July 14
- Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock
- $5 children ages 7-12 and seniors 65+, $12 general admission, tickets
Second Tuesday poetry + open mic: Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry presents Mai-Linh Hong and Elizabeth McMunn-Tetangco. Hong is a Vietnamese American refugee poet and literary scholar. Her debut poetry collection, Continental Drift, won the 2025 Trio Award and was published by Trio House Press in July 2026. McMunn-Tetangco lives in California’s Central Valley and co-edits “One Sentence Poems” and “First Frost”.
- 7 – 9 p.m. July 14
- Bookish, 811 Roseburg Ave., Modesto
- Free
Wednesday, July 15
Stanislaus County Fair Day 6: This weeknight fair lineup includes a monster truck show in the FoodMaxx Arena (separate ticket required) and electronic Duo 3OH!3 performance on the Modelo Variety Free Stage. Carnival rides close at midnight.
- 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. July 15
- Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock
- $5 children ages 7-12 and seniors 65+, $12 general admission, tickets
Thursday, July 16
Stanislaus County Fair Day 7: Here’s another chance to catch a monster truck show in the Food Maxx area (separate ticket required). Performances by R&B/pop singer and actress Ashanti on the Modelo Variety Free Stage. Carnival rides close at midnight.
- 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. July 16
- Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock
- $5 children ages 7-12 and seniors 65+, $12 general admission, tickets
Third Thursday Modesto Art Walk: Explore galleries, businesses, and organizations showcasing local artists. A walk through downtown Modesto featuring music, food, beverages, and art held on the third Thursday of the month.
- 5 – 9 p.m. July 16
- Downtown Modesto
- Free, info
Friday, July 17
Stanislaus County Fair Day 8: American rock band Mayday Parade performs on the Modelo Variety Free Stage Friday night with a stacked day of rodeo competitions in the FoodMaxx Arena (separate ticket required) and beef auctions. Carnival rides close at midnight.
- 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. July 17
- Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock
- $5 children ages 7-12 and seniors 65+, $12 general admission, tickets
Music in the Plaza: Local musicians THIRD SOL perform as part of the free weekly outdoor series locals have come to expect from the people behind the Modesto Area Music Awards, from April through the first Friday of October. Stay up to date on Facebook as each theme is announced.
- 7 – 9 p.m. July 17
- Tenth Street Plaza, 1010 10th St., Modesto
- Free, info
Saturday, July 18
Stanislaus County Fair Day 9: The Ying Yang Twins take to the Modelo Variety Free Stage. You will find Motocross performances at the FoodMaxx Arena (separate ticket required). Carnival rides close at midnight.
- 12 p.m. – 12 a.m. July 18
- Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock
- $5 children ages 7-12 and seniors 65+, $12 general admission, tickets
Heartstopper Trivia: Hosted by booksellers Julia and Nicole, night features a quiz on all “Heartstopper” book series trivia and a beverage from the fridge. All Heartstopper books and merchandise are 15% off.
- 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. July 18
- Bookish, 811 Roseburg Ave, Modesto
- $15, tickets
Sunday, July 19
Summer Bash Car Show: Continue on with Graffiti Summer at The Fruit Yard. Modesto F-100 Elite car club presents its 35th Summer Bash. Proceeds will go to local Shriner’s, Soroptimists and Community Hospice.
- 8 a.m. July 19
- The Fruit Yard, 7948 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto
- Free for spectators, $25 – $30 car show entry fee, info
Stanislaus County Fair Day Closing Day: Here’s your final chance to eat fried foods and ride the midway on the fair’s last day. Watch the hispanic rodeo in the FoodMaxx Arena (separate ticket required) and performances by Banda Carnaval at the Modelo Variety Free Stage-. Carnival rides close at midnight.
- 12 p.m. – 12 a.m. July 19
- Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock
- $5 children ages 7-12 and seniors 65+, $12 general admission, tickets
Tuesday, July 21
Baby Rave: High energy baby-friendly dance party at the Queen Bean. DJ, bubbles, beat boxing, and photo ops for parents and children.
- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. July 21
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St., Modesto
- $10 tickets at the door
Thursday, July 23
Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical: YES Company, a Stanislaus County youth theater company featuring actors, singers, and dancers take on Disney’s “Frozen” including all the film’s songs. The story is adapted for the stage and features local youth talent.
- 7 p.m., July 23 & July 24, 2 p.m. July 25 & July 26
- Gallo Center for the Arts, Rogers Theater, 1000 I Street, Modesto
- $34-$54, tickets
Friday, July 24
Music in the Plaza: Local musicians Third Party perform as part of the weekly free outdoor series locals have come to expect from the people behind the Modesto Area Music Awards, from April through September. Stay up to date on Facebook as each theme is announced.
- 7 – 9 p.m. July 24
- Tenth Street Plaza, 1010 10th St., Modesto
- Free, info
Saturday, July 25
DoKnow and DeHawmies Comedy Tour: Los Angeles-based TikTok influencer DoKnow visits Modesto. He is known for his observational comedy on real-life situations, relationships, and more. Optional add on tickets are available for a meet-and-greet after the performance.
- 8 p.m. July 25
- State Theatre, 1301 J St., Modesto
- $34-$45, tickets/info
Thursday, July 30
Trivia Night: Eric Ranes hosts an 18+ night of free to play nights of challenges and quizzes on “highly useful facts.” Food and drink will continue to be available for purchase to the public.
- 6 – 9 p.m. July 30
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St., Modesto
- Free, info
Friday, July 31
Music in the Plaza: Local musicians The Vibes will play as part of the weekly free outdoor series locals have come to expect from the people behind the Modesto Area Music Awards, from April through September. Stay up to date on Facebook as each theme is announced.
- 7– 9 p.m. July 31
- Tenth Street Plaza, 1010 10th St., Modesto
- Free, info