It’s bound to be a great month for Modestans as we ring in the last month of summer on a weekend. Check out all your friendly neighborhood musicians, actors and artists putting themselves out there on familiar stages across the city.
Find out more here:
Saturday, August 1
Director’s Panel: The Modesto Artists Movement hosts a meet and greet with the director and creators of the upcoming new film “Disciples of a Craftsman.”
- 1– 3 p.m. August 1
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St., Modesto
- Free, info
Book reading and signing: Micah Maté, author of “The Noisy Ninja” will read excerpts of his novel and give away swag at Bookish.
- 1– 3 p.m. August 1
- Bookish, 811 Roseburg Ave., Modesto
- Free, info
K-Pop Circus: A family-friendly K-Pop circus experience combines music, dance, acrobatics and more for two afternoon performances.
- 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. August 1
- Modesto Centre Plaza, 1001 K Street, Modesto
- $23.18, tickets
Disciples of a Craftsman premiere: Join the cast and crew of the film for a Q&A and screening of the movie. This is the second project by Hatching Chick Media Group and HT’s Idle Mind. The film follows a lead character in the five days following his father’s death, set in a fictional Bay Area county.
- 7 p.m. August 1
- State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto
- $12, tickets
Rick Springfield: Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter and actor known for “Jessie’s Girl” performs at the Gallo Center for the Arts.
- 7:30 p.m. August 1
- Gallo Center for the Arts, Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- Admission $68-$118, tickets
Sunday, August 2
Mimosas and Melodies: An outdoor music series at Queen Bean featuring the musical styling of US4LOVE.
- 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. August 2
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St, Modesto
- Free
Del Rio Country Club Car Show: Registered classic car enthusiasts vie for the more than 50 awards while families and guests enjoy continental breakfast and a lunch buffet. The Graffiti USA Classic Car museum provides activities for children.
- 7 a.m. opening, 11:30 p.m. lunch, 12:30 p.m. award ceremony August 2
- Del Rio Country Club, 801 Stewart Road, Modesto
- Starts at $110, registration/info
Open Mic: Sign up or sit back to watch neighbors take the stage at Queen Bean.
- 6 – 9 p.m. August 2
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St, Modesto
- Free
Monday, August 3
Write Club!: This group meets at Bookish on every first and third Monday of each month. Participants gather for a collective writing warm up and utilize the time to work on personal projects. Tickets for the event convert into store credit.
- 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. August 3
- Bookish, 811 Roseburg Ave., Modesto
- $5, tickets
Tuesday, August 4
Broadsides Artist Reception: Creative duo Dana Koster and Chelsea America celebrate 11 years working together with “House in the Dark” art show opening. Attendees can purchase the duo’s work. America produces visuals that Koster adds short poems onto for one-of-a-kind pieces.
- 6– 8 p.m. August 4
- Bookish, 811 Roseburg Ave., Modesto
- Free, info
Wednesday, August 5
Punk Show: Queen Bean hosts local and traveling artists for a night of live punk music in its backyard seating area.
- 6 – 10 p.m. August 5
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St, Modesto
- $10 at the door, info
Thursday, August 6
Yosemite Renaissance Reception: Carnegie Arts Center and local businesses in downtown Turlock celebrate the recurring “Art Around Town” event, this time to celebrate the opening of CAC’s newest Lobby Gallery exhibition.
- 5 – 8 p.m. August 6
- Carnegie Arts Center, 250 N. Broadway, Turlock
- Free, info
Pop Punk/Emo Night: Modesto Artists Movement and Weird Mom’s Club 209 host local bands Warped and The Rewind for a night of live covers of popular pop-punk and emo music.
- Doors open 6 p.m., music at 7 p.m. August 6
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St, Modesto
- $17.85, tickets
Cookbook Club: An interactive 18+ evening. Participants are asked to purchase “I’ll Bring the Apps” by Marissa Mullen with a 20% discount code at Bookish, make one of the recipes and share it at the event.
- 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. August 6
- Bookish, 811 Roseburg Ave., Modesto
- $30, info
Jazz Night: Phillip Bailey Moncrease, from Stockton, will perform a night of live music for patrons of the State Theatre’s neighboring cocktail lounge. The multi-instrumentalist and vocalist has curated a mix of smooth jazz, modern R&B and timeless soul music.
- 7– 9 p.m. August 6
- Intermission, 1301 J St., Modesto
- Free, info
Friday, August 7
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. August 7
- Downtown Modesto, Tenth Street, between I and K streets
- Free, info
Music in the Plaza: Enjoy free music in 10th Street Plaza every Friday night from May through the first week in October from the folks behind ModestoView. The family friendly event invites residents to bring their own chairs and enjoy live local bands.
- 7-9 p.m. (5 p.m. start during DoMo First Fridays markets) August 7
- Downtown Modesto, 10th Street Plaza
- Free, info
Keir Giles Author Talk: Join the conversation and book signing of “American Overthrow: Moscow’s Endgame in Its Long War with Washington” with an internationally recognized expert on Russia and geopolitical tensions.
- 7– 8 p.m. August 7
- Bookish, 811 Roseburg Ave., Modesto
- Free, info
One-Act Play Festival: Locally sourced playwrights and actors will showcase their original works during a two weekend takeover of the Prospect Theater Project stage. Seasoned PTP performer Ally Munson produced this year’s festival that consists of six teams of writers and directors.
- 7:30 p.m. August 7,8,14,15, 2 p.m. August 9, 16
- Prospect Theater Project, 1218 K St., Modesto
- $16.25 general admission, tickets/ info
Saturday, August 8
Vinyl & Coffee: Do you have vinyl records but nowhere to play them? Modesto Artists Movement invites you to bring them to Queen Bean, add them to a queue. Participants can learn a thing or two about how to use a record player and DJ-ing.
- 11a.m. – 1 p.m. August 8
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St., Modesto
- Free, info
Cowboylesque: A shirtless-cowboy-comedy about a heartbroken ranch hand on a journey to regain his confidence. This 90-minute show is designed for a girl’s night out.
- 7:30 p.m. August 8
- Gallo Center for the Arts, Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- Admission $58-$98, tickets
Queer Magic: An 18 and older burlesque variety show with refreshments and treats available, brought to you by the Glitter Coven.
- 7 – 10 p.m. August 8
- Prospect Theater Project, The Artist Lab, 1218 K St., Modesto
- $21.50 general admission, tickets/ info
Good Company: A tribute cover show of English rock supergroup Bad Company. This cover band has toured across southern California and abroad with “authentic and detailed renditions” of the original band’s music.
- Doors 6 p.m., Show 7 p.m. August 8
- The State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto
- $29 – $39, tickets
Sunday, August 9
Modstock: The annual event honors the work of local musicians who attend Valley Music Institute while securing funds for future students’ tuition. Enjoy more than 100 bands across six stages and 100 vendors between two parks.
- 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. August 9
- Graceda and Enslen parks, 401 Needham St., Modesto
- Free, info
Mimosas and Melodies: An outdoor music series at Queen Bean featuring the musical styling of Anthony Boccaleoni.
- 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. August 9
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St, Modesto
- Free, info
The Australian Pink Floyd Show: The world’s leading Pink Floyd cover band stops in Modesto on its “Happiest Days of Our Lives” tour.
- 5 p.m. August 9
- Gallo Center for the Arts, Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- Admission $48-$98, tickets
ZZ Top & Cheap Trick: Catch these two superstar classic rock acts collide as they each make their way through Modesto. ZZ-top is known for his iconic Texan look and blues-rock. The band Cheap Trick is on its “All Washed Up” tour.
- 7 p.m. August 9
- The Fruit Yard, 7948 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto
- $111 – $340, tickets
Wednesday, August 12
Poetry Night & Haiku battle: Modesto Artists Movement hosts an open mic spoken poetry slam followed by haiku competition. The winner receives $100 cash and a handmade trophy.
- 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. August 12
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St, Modesto
- $12.5, tickets/info
Thursday, August 13
Brantley Gilbert: Country rocker known for hits “Bottoms Up,” “Country Must Be Country Wide” brings his The Real American Tour to Modesto. Opening acts include Los Banos-born country-rock duo the Moonshine Bandits and California-based country artist Brodie Stewart.
- 6 p.m. August 13
- The Fruit Yard, 7948 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto
- $41.20-$63.20, tickets
Jazz Night: An evening of jazz with Espionage Trio at the downtown Modesto historic theater’s adjacent cocktail lounge.
- 7– 9 p.m. August 13
- Intermission, 1301 J St., Modesto
- Free, info
Friday, August 14
Music in the Plaza: Local musicians The 132’s 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. August 14
- Tenth Street Plaza, 1010 10th St., Modesto
- Free, info
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 will kick off with a showing of “Zootopia 2.”
- Movie starts at dusk August 14
- Graceda Park, 401 Needham St., Modesto
- Free, info
Dark Comedy Show: Dark and Darker Comedy brings together local performers including Drew Shafer, Jilldo and more. Marc Maple hosts a show that promises no refunds for hurt feelings.
- 8–10 p.m. August 14
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St, Modesto
- $15, tickets/info
Saturday, August 15
Mary Poppins The Broadway Musical: Modesto Performing Arts theatre company presents Disney & Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins,” with original music by Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. Based on the book by Julian Fellowes. Directed by Paul Tischer.
- 7:30 p.m. August 15, 21 and at 2 p.m. August 16, 22, 23
- Gallo Center for the Arts, Foster Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- Admission $38-$58, tickets
Banda y Mariachi Tour 2026: Latin Grammy Award-winner La Original Banda el Limón de Salvador Lizárraga performs with special guests. The group was the first mariachi band to be signed to Death Row Records.
- 7:30 p.m, August 15
- Gallo Center for the Arts, Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- Admission $108-$158, tickets
Monday, August 17
Surla’s at The Intermission: Chef John Surla, owner of the eponymous Modesto-based restaurant known for its international cuisine made with local ingredients, partners with the Intermission for a dining experience. Tickets include wine, gratuity, and tax.
- Doors 5 p.m., food 5:30 p.m. August 17, 18
- The State Theatre, The Intermission, 1307 J St., Modesto
- $100, tickets
Sunday, August 16
Mimosas and Melodies: An outdoor music series at Queen Bean featuring the musical styling of Mitchell Dill.
- 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. August 16
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St, Modesto
- Free
Open Mic: Sign up or sit back to watch neighbors take the stage at Queen Bean.
- 6 – 9 p.m. August 16
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St, Modesto
- Free
Friday, August 21
Punk Show: Fischer & Co. present “Of Land and Sea” a live music show with a mix of acts from the Bay Area and the Central Valley, including bands Someone You Can Call, Egress and more.
- Doors at 5:30 p.m., Music at 6 p.m. August 21
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St, Modesto
- $10 at the door, info
Music in the Plaza: Local musicians Hit Replay 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. August 21
- Tenth Street Plaza, 1010 10th St., Modesto
- Free, info
Conjunto Primavera: A Mexican folk ensemble, or norteño band, known for its use of saxophone and romantic ballads.
- 7:30 p.m. August 21
- Gallo Center for the Arts, Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- Admission $78-$148, tickets
Ty Myers: The country-blues singer-songwriter found fame on TikTok with his viral songs “Thought It Was Love” and “Ends of the Earth.” He brings his The Legal Tour to Modesto with openers Brent Cobb and Benny G.
- 7:30 p.m. August 21
- The Fruit Yard, 7948 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto
- $137-$799, tickets
Family Movies in the Park: Modesto Parks and Recreation welcomes the community to set up in Graceda Park for a showing of Pixar’s “Goat.”
- Movie starts at dusk August 21
- Graceda Park, 401 Needham St., Modesto
- Free, info
Saturday, August 22
2026/27 Season Sneak Peak: Join a panel discussion with directors of Prospect Theater Project’s upcoming shows including light refreshments.
- 1 – 4 p.m. August 22
- Prospect Theater Project, 1218 K St., Modesto
- Free with RSVP, info
Punk Show: Catch Algoslave, Lashfull and other punk/metal bands perform in the backyard seating area at Queen Bean.
- Doors at 6 p.m., Music at 7 p.m. August 22
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St, Modesto
- $10 at the door, info
Sunday, August 23
Mimosas and Melodies: An outdoor music series at Queen Bean featuring the musical styling of Jeff Moore 1984.
- 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. August 23
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St, Modesto
- Free
House Party: Enjoy a free daytime house party with DJ Jag in partnership with the Modesto Artists Movement.
- 2 – 6 p.m. August 23
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St, Modesto
- Free, info
Wednesday, August 26
Poetry Slam: Join local poets for a community event at the local coffee shop.
- 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. August 26
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St, Modesto
- Free
Wednesday, August 27
Gallery Talk: Join winners of this year’s Carnegie Art Showcase for a conversation about their work. The event will be streamed online for those who are not able to visit the art exhibit in person.
- 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. August 27
- Carnegie Arts Center, 250 N. Broadway, Turlock
- Free, info
Friday, August 28
Comedy Roast Battle: Local comedians make jokes at each other’s expense in front of a live audience. Watch the improvisational battle of wits unfold with host Josh Means, from Sacramento.
- 6 – 7 p.m. August 28
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St, Modesto
- $12.51, tickets/info
Music in the Plaza: Local musician Dave Dow 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. August 27
- Tenth Street Plaza, 1010 10th St., Modesto
- Free, info
Ledisi: The Grammy-winning contemporary soul, R&B and jazz artist comes to Modesto. She was inspired by Dinah Washington, known as “Queen of the Blues“ and “Queen of the Jukeboxes,” with her album “For Dinah.”
- 7:30 p.m. August 28
- Gallo Center for the Arts, Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- Admission $58-$98, tickets
Family Movies in the Park: Modesto Parks and Recreation welcomes the community to set up in Graceda Park for a showing of “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.”
- Movie starts at dusk August 28
- Graceda Park, 401 Needham St., Modesto
- Free, info
Saturday, August 29
Queen Beats: Multiple DJ sets performing house, techno, afro and more for patrons of the local coffee and social house.
- 2 – 7 p.m. August 29
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St, Modesto
- Free
Brett Dennen: Camp Jack Hazard, a Modesto-based summer camp organization, hosts Oakdale native, singer-songwriter Brett Dennen, for “A day in the life at camp” fundraiser. The evening will create an immersive experience that mirrors a day at summer camp.
- Doors 6 p.m., show 7 p.m. August 29
- The State Theatre, The Intermission, 1307 J St., Modesto
- $39 – $108, tickets
All Strings Considered: This late night open mic invites musicians with acoustic instruments to keep the music going at Queen Bean.
- 10 p.m. – 12 a.m. August 29
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St, Modesto
- Free
Sunday, August 30
Mimosas and Melodies: An outdoor music series at Queen Bean featuring the musical styling of The Other Band.
- 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. August 30
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St, Modesto
- Free
Vivienne Aguilar is a reporter for The Modesto Focus, a project of the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative. Contact her at vivienne@themodestofocus.org.