May is packed with several outdoor events that celebrate the Modesto-area’s local artists, entertainers and creators. Check out when and where you can watch ballerinas, actors and even your neighbor’s chihuahuas show off their skills.
Friday, May 1
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. May 1
- 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) May 1, May 8, May 15, May 22, May 29
- Downtown Modesto, 10th Street Plaza
- Free, info
Saturday, May 2
RecFest: Join the Modesto City Parks crew for a free celebration of outdoor recreation in Gateway Park. Volunteers are needed to support the day’s activities; including guided bike tours, paddling and more.
- 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. May 2
- Tuolumne Riverside Trail, 100 10th Street, Modesto
- Free, info
Cinco de Mayo Parade: South Modesto Businesses United l hosts its annual parade to celebrate the Battle of Puebla, when Mexican forces defeated the French in 1862. Popular family event features mariachi bands, floats, dancing horses, and more.
- 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. May 2
- Crows Landing Road, Modesto
- Free, info
Taco Fest: Modesto’s annual ode to the taco offers chihuahua races, live entertainment and a Bad Bunny lookalike contest, plus dozens of vendors for an all day celebration downtown.
- 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. May 2
- Downtown Modesto, along 12th and I streets
- general admission advance $22.24, day-of $25 (children under 12, seniors aged 65-plus free), tickets, schedule
Cinderella: Central West Ballet presents the classic rags-to-riches fairy tale told through dance. Audience members can visit the Cinderella Boutique or attend Fairytale parties on stage after each matinee.
- 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. May 2, 2 p.m. May 3
- Gallo Center for the Arts, Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- $51 – $79, tickets
The Da Vinci Code: The Gallo Center Repertory Company presents a show based on Dan Brown’s best-selling thriller.
- 2 p.m. May 2, May 3, May 9 and May 10 and 7 p.m. May 7 and May 8
- Gallo Center, Foster Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- $51, tickets
Sunday, May 3
Cafe Beth Shalom: Congregation Beth Shalom invites the public to support its community by learning more about the synagogue and experiencing traditional Jewish food and culture.
- 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. May 3
- Congregation Beth Shalom, 1705 Sherwood Ave, Modesto
- Advance tickets $25, at door $30, children 4 – 10 years $15 (free for children under 3), info
Monday, May 4
May the Fourth: Local celebration honoring Modesto’s hometown hero George Lucas and the creation of “Star Wars.” A Downey High and Modesto Junior College student, Lucas’ work will be honored with an evening of festivities including costumed reenactors, a lifesize TIE fighter, Death Star piñata, lightsaber battles, screening of the parody Spaceballs and more.
- 5-9 p.m. May 4
- 10th Street Plaza, Modesto
- Free (screening ticketed), info
Tuesday, May 5
Cinco De Mayo Luncheon: West Modesto Community Collaborative hosts an event honoring farmworkers and immigrant communities.
- 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. May 5
- 529 California Ave., Modesto
- $30 for individual tickets, sponsorships available, info
Thursday, May 7
Thank You, Five!: Modesto Junior College drama students direct a night of one-act plays by Australian playwright Jane Cafarelle, including the debut of her piece “Breaking Up is Hard to Do.”
- 7 p.m. May 7, May 9, May 14, May 16 and 2 p.m. May 9 and May 17
- MJC, Little Theater, East Campus, 435 College Ave., Modesto
- $13 to $16, tickets
Friday, May 8
Scott McCreery: Catch country singer and American Idol winner in concert. McCreery’s stylings are considered “new” or “bro country.” The show will also feature artists Jackson Dean and John Morgan.
- 7 p.m. May 8
- Fruityard Amphitheater, 7948 Yosemite Blvd, Modesto
- $59.10 – $129.25, tickets
Carmina Burana: The Modesto Symphony Orchestra performs the rousing 1930s cantata based on a collection of Latin medieval poems. The show will be a tribute to the organization’s first performance 95 years ago of the same piece. The Modesto Symphony Chorus and the Modesto Symphony Youth orchestra join MSO for this performance.
- 7:30 p.m. May 8 and May 9
- Gallo Center, Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- $26 – $100, tickets
Saturday, May 9
Plant Sale & Craft Faire: The Modesto Garden Club will be selling perennials, vegetables, annuals and more. Twenty vendors selling handcrafted gifts, food and crafts will also have booths.
- 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. May 9
- Modesto Covenant Church, 913 Floyd Avenue, Modesto
- Free, info
Central Valley Brewfest: Sample more than 150 brews, hear live music, browse art booths, and more at the annual Turlock fairgrounds festival.
- 1-5 p.m. general admission (12-1 p.m. VIP wine tasting)
- Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock
- $30-$65, tickets/info
Sunday, May 10
Stunt Dog Experience: Watch married couple Chris and Suhey Perondi perform tricks and air stunts with a team of rescue dogs. The team has appeared on “Good Morning America” and with Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey.
- 3 p.m. May 10
- Gallo Center, Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- $31 – $51, tickets
Friday, May 15
Canadian Brass: The multi Grammy-nominated brass ensemble will perform Baroque, Dixieland, Gershwin and more.
- 7:30 p.m. May 15
- Gallo Center, Foster Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- $35 – $95, tickets
Saturday, May 16
In Omnia Paratus: The Modesto Artists Movement present a Gilmore Girls-themed tote bag paint event hosted by Tara Serrato’s Art a la Carte, a mobile-guided art experience.
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m. May 16
- Queen Bean Coffee & Social House, 1126 14th St., Modesto
- $32.66, Tickets
America’s Sweethearts: Show features a trio of female voices with a five-piece band accompaniment performing a night of vintage American music.
- 2 p.m. May 16
- Gallo Center, Foster Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- $75, tickets
Adam Corolla: The comic-radio host-podcaster brings his 18-and-over stand up to town. He holds the Guinness World Record for “most downloaded podcast.” Comedian Andrea Abbate opens the show.
- 8 p.m. May 16
- State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto
- $45– $65, tickets
Sunday, May 17
Porchfest: Since 2017, neighbors have been gathering on neighbors front yards for the all-day musical event. Celebrate local musicians through a day of independent porch parties in the La Loma, College and Downtown neighborhoods. Bikes are highly recommended for easy access to the various performances, and bring your own chairs
- 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. May 17
- Various homes around Modesto
- Free, info
Chelsea Handler: The best-seller author, talk show and late night host and stand up comedian makes her Modesto debut on her High and Might Tour.
- 5 p.m. May 17
- Gallo Center, Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- $75-$145, tickets
Wednesday, May 20
Ms. Doubtfire: Musical comedy based on the 1993 film starring Robin Williams, this stage adaptation offers two weeknight showings.
- 7 p.m. May 20 and May 21
- Gallo Center, Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- $65– $125, tickets
Friday, May 22
Journey USA: The Journey tribute band plays classic rockers hits with special effects and full production values.
- 8 p.m. May 22
- State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto
- $40– $60, tickets
Saturday, May 23
Mitchell Tenpenny: Country pop singer brings his Speed of Light tour to Modesto, with separate offerings for a meet and greet (not included in the ticket prices).
- 7 p.m. May 23
- Fruityard Amphitheater, 7948 Yosemite Blvd, Modesto
- $58.05 – $95.10, tickets
America: Grammy award-winning alt folk rock trio known for classic hits like “A Horse with No Name” and “Sister Golden Hair” return for The Happy Trails Tour 2026.
- 7:30 p.m. May 23
- Gallo Center, Roger Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- $75- $155, tickets
Friday, May 29
Jurassic Park in Concert: Modesto Symphony Orchestra will play John William’s score for Stephen Spielberg’s 1993 blockbuster “Jurassic Park” as the movie is projected behind the musicians.
- 7:30 p.m. May 29, 2 p.m. May 30
- Gallo Center, Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- $28 – $106, tickets
Saturday, May 30
Bike N’ Trike Family Ride & Fun Festival: Modesto Children’s Museum third annual 2.2 mile bike ride from MoChiMu to Roosevelt Park with stops for activities, snacks, music and more.
- 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. May 30
- Modesto Children’s Museum. 928 11th St., Modesto
- $16.90, registration and info
Sunday, May 31
Academy Showcase: Central West Ballet presents dancers of all ages for a showcase. The audience will get the chance to see all that the group has to offer, from its youngest performers to graduating ballerinas.
- 2 p.m. May 31
- Gallo Center, Foster Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- $28 – $33, tickets
Grandaddy: Central Valley’s indie rock darlings are back. Formed in Modesto in 1992, the group’s core consisted of Jason Lytle, Aaron Burtch, Tim Dryden, Jim Fairchild and Kevin Garcia. The band has stopped performing and then reformed over the years, but a planned tour in 2017 was cancelled after bassist Garcia’s death. Last year the musicians embarked on their first North American tour in more than 20 years in celebration of the 25th anniversary of their landmark album “The Sophtware Slump.”
- 7 p.m. May 31
- Gallo Center, Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto
- $45-$75, tickets
