Huge Modesto summer celebration ready to rumble. When and where to catch the action
Put the pedal to the metal and get moving on Modesto’s signature celebration, Graffiti Summer.
June means it’s time to turn your attention to cars, cruising and the movie that Modesto native George Lucas made as a nod to his teen years in Modesto, “American Graffiti.”
The biggest event of the month is the long weekend celebration put on by the North Modesto Kiwanis Club. It starts with an organized cruise on Friday, June 7.
On Saturday and Sunday, June 8-9, the club presents its huge festival and car show.
Thanks to the State Theatre, you can begin the month from day one by watching the film that started it all on the big screen.
Here’s a look at just some of what’s planned for Graffiti Summer:
“AMERICAN GRAFFITI” SCREENING — June 1: Watch “American Graffiti,” Lucas’ 1973 film chronicling a night of teenage cruising in his hometown. 1 p.m. State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto. $6. www.thestate.org.
MODESTO AREA STREET ROD ASSOCIATION‘S GRAFFITI CLASSIC — June 2: Annual classic car show. This year’s theme focuses on Pontiac vehicles. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. McHenry Village, 1700 McHenry Ave., Modesto. www.modestoareastreetrod.com.
MID VALLEY CHEVY CLUB PARK ’N’ SHINES — June 3-6: Club car shows in various locations. June 3, 4-8 p.m., American Chevrolet, 4742 McHenry Ave., Modesto; June 4, 5-8 p.m., Century Center, 2401 E Orangeburg Ave., Modesto; June 5, 5-8 p.m., downtown Modesto; June 6, 5-8 p.m., Cool Hand Luke’s, 2505 Patterson Road, Riverbank. midvalleychevy.com.
LEGENDS OF THE CRUISE PARK N’ SHINE — June 5: More than 300 classic cars line the streets of downtown Modesto along 10th, 11th and 12th streets, between J and K streets. 5:30 p.m. Free. visitmodesto.com/car-culture
LEGENDS OF THE CRUISE WALK OF FAME CEREMONY — June 5: Locals will be inducted to the Walk of Fame: Raymond Lee, Vito Masellis, Larry Pippin, Pete “Kiki” Rodriguez, Don Wenstrand, Larry Wing and The REGS – Fraternity. Ceremony at 6:30 p.m., with live music by Third Party until 8:30 p.m. Tenth Street Plaza, Modesto. Free. visitmodesto.com/car-culture.
NORTH MODESTO KIWANIS AMERICAN GRAFFITI PARADE — June 7: The annual parade/cruise kicks off the club’s weekend of events. The cruise features 1,000 vehicles entered in the show. The parade is not open to other vehicles. Grand Marshal is Kiki Rodriguez, one of the founders of the Impala Car Club. It will begin about 6:30 p.m. and follow a route on downtown streets and out McHenry to Briggsmore Avenue and back until 8:30 p.m. www.americangraffitifestival.com.
GRAFFITI VIP EVENT — June 7: The State Theatre invites people to enjoy the Graffiti Parade as it streams live inside Intermission and The Jewel theater. Cocktails, appetizers available. 5-9 p.m. 1307 J St., Modesto. $100. www.thestate.org.
“GREASE” SCREENING — June 8: Sing along to the songs as the classic film plays on the big screen. 2 p.m. The State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto. $6. thestate.org.
NORTH MODESTO KIWANIS AMERICAN GRAFFITI FESTIVAL & CAR SHOW — June 8-9: The two-day celebration includes music, a variety of food and other vendors, hundreds of classic cars on display. The region’s Latin car clubs will be honored on Sunday, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Live entertainment includes Cisco Kid, a War tribute band, on Sunday from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Festival is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Modesto Junior College West Campus, 2201 Blue Gum Ave. $10, free ages 12 and under. www.americangraffitifestival.com.
MOBAND — June 6: The opening night “Cruisin’ ” concert will help kick off Modesto’s Graffiti celebration with the music of Billy Joel, Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly. 8 p.m. Graceada Park, 401 Needham St., Modesto. www.moband.org.
BACK TO GRAFFITI CAR SHOW — June 15: Modesto F-100 Elite presents its car show with raffle, vendors, music, awards and more. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Fruit Yard, 7948 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto. 209-577-3093.
GRAFFITI FOR KIDS: “CARS” — June 15: Animated film on screen. There also will be a craft, photo booth and giveaways. Craft at 9 a.m., film 10 a.m. The State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto. $5 thestate.org.
GRAFFITI NIGHT WITH THE MODESTO NUTS — June 22: Los Alebrijes de Modesto with Carros Locos event will feature a car show on the concourse and a celebration of Latin culture with food, entertainment and more. Gates open 6 p.m. The Nuts will play the San Jose Giants. John Thurman Field, 601 Neece Drive, Modesto. $8-$15. www.milb.com/modesto.
MODESTO ELKS ROD & CUSTOM CAR SHOW — June 30: Cars, trucks, motorcycles. Breakfast and lunch available for purchase. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Elks Lodge, 645 Charity Way, Modesto. Free. Email bmiller.elks1282@gmail.com for registration information.
