Schools are back in session and the nights are cooling down in Modesto. Plenty of free and family-friendly outdoor activities are planned across the city.
Throughout the county, several cities will host cultural festivals, carnivals and harvest celebrations as autumn truly begins later in the month.
Here’s where to find them:
Friday, September 4
DoMo First Fridays: Free downtown Modesto night market continues its 2026 season with vendors, food and entertainment. Downtown Modesto Partnership event runs the first Friday of each month from May to October.
- 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Sept. 4
- Downtown Modesto, Tenth Street, between I and K streets
- Free, info
Music in the Plaza: Local musicians 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.
- 5 – 9 p.m. Sept. 4
- Tenth Street Plaza, 1010 10th St., Modesto
- Free, info
Ben Fuller: Christian singer-songwriter and Dove Award nominee will perform one night only at the Gallo Center. Best known for his songs “Who I Am” and “If I Got Jesus”.
- 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4
- Gallo Center for the Arts, Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- $48 – $78, tickets
Family Movies in the Park: Modesto Parks and Recreation welcomes the community to set up in Graceda Park for free movie screenings. The six-part summer series continues with a showing of “A Minecraft Movie.”
- Movie starts at dusk Sept. 4
- Graceda Park, 401 Needham St., Modesto
- Free, info
Monday, September 7
Turlock Toy-Anime-Comic Con: This Labor Day Ohana Comic Con hosts a costume contest and anime, collectables and card vendors.
- 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., costume contest 2 p.m. Sept. 7
- Stanislaus County Fairgrounds & Event Center, 900 North Broadway, Turlock
- Children 10 and under enter for free, $8 online, $12 at the door, tickets/info
Friday, September 11
Rita Barbano: This Oakdale artist’s new exhibit debuts at the Kruse Lucas Art Gallery. Barbano’s mixed media work focuses on emotion, hope and transformation. Each piece invites the viewers to reflect, connect, and discover their own story.
- 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Thursday, except holidays
- Kruse Lucas Imports, 525 Tully Road, Modesto
- Free
Music in the Plaza: Local musicians Valley Heat 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. Sept. 11
- Tenth Street Plaza, 1010 10th St., Modesto
- Free, info
Odd Eights Music Video & Album Release Show: After shooting the music video for the song “Nice Try…” at Queen Bean, local band the Odd Eights will take over the coffee shop venue once more to celebrate the release of their album “Exist/Enough.”
- 7 – 10 p.m. Sept. 11
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St., Modesto
- $17.85 online, $20 at the door, tickets/info
Jesse & Joy: Spanish-language pop duo best known for their romantic style returns to the United States for the first time this year on their El Despecho Tour.
- 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11
- Gallo Center for the Arts, Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- $68 – $118, tickets
The Barber of Seville: Modesto Opera presents the classic comedy, with music by Giacomo Rossini. Many may recognize Figaro’s aria from the opera in classic movies and cartoons.
- 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11, 2 p.m. Sept. 13
- Gallo Center for the Arts, Foster Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- $48 – $98, tickets
Family Movies in the Park: Modesto Parks and Recreation welcomes the community to set up in Graceda Park for free movie screenings. The six-part summer series continues with a showing of “Hoppers.”
- Movie starts at dusk Sept. 11
- Graceda Park, 401 Needham St., Modesto
- Free, info
Saturday, September 12
Assyrian Festival: Live music, Assyrian dance groups and cultural cuisine, kids zones and more can be found at the county fairgrounds for the whole weekend.
- 12 – 10 p.m. Sept. 12, 13
- Stanislaus County Fairgrounds & Event Center, 900 North Broadway, Turlock
- Free, info
Picnic at the Pops!: The Modesto Symphony Orchestra presents its annual outdoor performance. This year’s theme is “Country Hits: Songs from Nashville” conducted by Ryan Murray, featuring guest artists Rick Brantley and Sarah Darling.
- 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12
- Gallo Grounds, 600 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto
- $18 – $81, tickets/info
Wednesday, September 16
Jam N Jive: Modesto Junior College student dancers perform under the instruction of Kim Davis.
- 7 p.m. Sept. 16, 17, 19, 2 p.m. Sept. 19
- MJC Main Auditorium, Performing and Media Arts Center 5808, 435 College Ave., Modesto
- $12, students and seniors, $15 general admission, tickets
Thursday, September 17
Improv Drop-In: Prospect Theater Project hosts its monthly public improv class for an evening. Attendees are invited to play and connect with other actors through a series of games and exercises.
- 6:30 – 8 p.m. Sept. 17
- The Artist Lab, 1218 K St., Modesto
- $16.25, tickets
Friday, September 18
Music in the Plaza: Local musicians Remedy 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. Sept. 18
- Tenth Street Plaza, 1010 10th St., Modesto
- Free, info
Unforgettable II: Local musicians The Vibes and Triple D are joined by Chico-based group The Rattlesnakes for a benefit concert in honor of nonprofit The Alzheimer/Dementia Support Center.
- 7 p.m. Sept. 18
- State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto
- $20 in advance, $25 day of, tickets
Family Movies in the Park: Modesto Parks and Recreation welcomes the community to set up in Graceda Park for free movie screenings. The six-part summer series continues with a showing of “How to Train Your Dragon.”
- Movie starts at dusk Sept. 18
- Graceda Park, 401 Needham St., Modesto
- Free, info
Saturday, September 19
Greek Food Festival: Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, homemade pastries and food, a Greek marketplace and tours of the Greek Orthodox Church.
- 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sept. 19, 20
- The Annunciation, 313 Tokay Ave., Modesto
- $22 presale, $25 at the door, tickets/info
Turlock Melon Carnival: Miss Melon Pageants across all age groups, ranging from “Little Miss” to “Legacy Miss” will compete, practice public speaking, civic engagement and more. The Melon Queen will be announced on Sunday. The event is open to the public, featuring food, vendors, melon contests and more.
- 5 – 10 p.m. Sept. 19, 12 – 5 p.m. Sept. 20
- Main and Center streets, Turlock
- Free, info
Idina Menzel: The Tony-Award winning singer, known for her work as Elphaba in “Wicked” on Broadway and Elsa in Disney’s “Frozen,” will open the Gallo Center’s 2026-2027 season.
- 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19
- Gallo Center for the Arts, Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- $138 – $158, tickets
Craig Shoemaker: This two-time Emmy Award winner, actor, and expert in laughter as medicine will take the stage for one night only. Shoemaker is best known for his roles “Scream 2” and “Parks and Recreation.”
- 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19
- Turlock Community Theatre, 1574 E Canal Dr., Turlock
- $33 – $54, tickets
Sunday, September 20
“AGENT:STRONG”: Local filmmaker Hakeem Pierstorff releases his latest work. The story follows an agent tasked with saving his town from a poisoned water supply.
- 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20
- State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto
- $11, tickets
Tuesday, September 22
Broom and Bind: A night of crafting witch brooms and floral binds. This monthly bookclub will meet to discuss “Slewfoot” by Brom. Attendees are invited to dress in witchy woodland vibes.
- 6 – 8 p.m. Sept. 22
- Bookish, 811 Roseburg Ave., Modesto
- $40, tickets/info
Wednesday, September 23
National Hispanic Heritage Month B&B Mixer: The Cesar Chavez Celebration Committee and El Concilio California host a free event for the community in partnership with the West Modesto Community Collaborative.
- 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Sept. 23
- El Concilio, 1314 H St., Modesto
- Free, info
Art Garfunkel: Half of the famed duo Simon & Garfunkel, the eight-time Grammy-award winning artist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee will perform his greatest hits as part of the “What a Wonderful World Celebration Concerts.”
- 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23
- Gallo Center for the Arts, Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- $78 – $138, tickets
Thursday, September 24
Edible Extravaganza: Center for Human Services hosts its annual fundraiser featuring the region’s best food and drink vendors. Guests can enjoy live music, raffles and more. VIP admission is available.
- 5 – 9 p.m. Sept. 24
- Modesto Centre Plaza, 1000 L St., Modesto
- $70 – $125, tickets/info
Friday, September 25
Mexican Independence Day Celebration: Riverbank Sister Cities hosts a benefit show for the local Student Support Fund, which goes towards scholarships for High School seniors. Performances include Mexican and Aztec dance, and comedy.
- 6 – 9 p.m. Sept. 25
- Antigua Event Center, 3200 Santa Fe St., Riverbank
- $65, tickets/info
Music in the Plaza: Local musician Denise Choate performs 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. Sept. 25
- Tenth Street Plaza, 1010 10th St., Modesto
- Free, info
Silent Sky: Playwright Lauren Gunderson adapts the true story of American Astronomer Henrietta Leavitt for the stage. The show is written by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Roberta Inscho.
- 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25, 26
- Prospect Theater Project, 1218 K St., Modesto
- $11 student, $31.75 general admission, tickets/info
Saturday, September 26
Garden Party at the Greenery: Attendees will enjoy an evening of local art, food, beverages and music as a fundraiser for the Carnegie Arts Center.
- 6 – 8 p.m. Sept. 26
- The Greenery Nursery, 742 East Olive Ave., Turlock
- $50 – $55, tickets/info
Meet Cute: A 25-and-older event for singles looking to meet new people and get away from the dating apps. Attendees are promised beverages, books and good company.
- 7- 9 p.m. Sept. 26
- Bookish, 811 Roseburg Ave., Modesto
- $20, tickets/info
John Milton Hipnotista: A hypnotist show fully performed in Spanish. Milton, son of a well-known Brazilian hypnotist, now performs all over the world.
- 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26
- Gallo Center for the Arts, Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- $52 – $162, tickets
We Own The Laughs: An 18-and-older comedy show headlined by Aida Rodriguez, best known for her standup special on HBO Max. Regional comics include Cesar Juarez, Glory Magaña and Tristan Johnson.
- 8 p.m. Sept. 26
- State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto
- $29 – $55, tickets
Sunday, September 27
Liliana Hernandez: “Una Noche de Cultura, Familia y Musica” is both a concert and a celebration. Hernandez will perform familiar Mexican cultural music and dance.
- 6 p.m. Sept. 27
- State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto
- $35 – 56, tickets/info
Wednesday, September 30
Get The Led Out: A Led Zeppelin tribute band from Philadelphia performs authentic replications of the original band’s studio recordings for a live audience.
- 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30
- Gallo Center for the Arts, Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- $48 – $78, tickets
Vivienne Aguilar is a reporter for The Modesto Focus, a project of the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative. Contact her at vivienne@themodestofocus.org.