Arts & Entertainment
Modesto Comes Alive
Arts & Live Entertainment is Modesto’s Pulse!
The lure of Modesto goes far beyond the fields. The wide variety of live entertainment options earned the #1 Party City in California and a #1 ranking in “America’s Hidden Gems Live Music Scene” — truth be told, we weren’t surprised — we know live entertainment! International muralists are invited annually to add to the larger-than-life art collection downtown, not to mention a newly revamped Modesto Art Walk happening on the third Thursday of every month. Mix that with classic films, theatre productions, & local festivals and there’s not a chance of being bored in Modesto.
Choose Your Arts Adventure!
Visual Arts & Events
Theaters
Live Music & Shows
Featured Show
This October, Modesto is taking The Time Machine from the silver screen to the stage.
Start at The State Theatre on Wednesday, October 7, where the 1960 sci-fi classic The Time Machine returns to the big screen. Directed by George Pal and starring Rod Taylor, the film follows an inventor whose hopes for a utopian future quickly unravel when his journey through time reveals something far darker. The screening begins at 7:00 PM.
Then, later in the month, see the story reimagined in a completely different way as Central West Ballet brings The Time Machine to the Gallo Center for the Arts, October 30 through November 1. Inspired by H.G. Wells’ classic novel, this original sci-fi ballet moves from rich Victorian scenes into futuristic, dystopian worlds with dramatic choreography, striking visuals and a decidedly spooky edge for Halloween weekend.
See the classic first, then experience where Central West Ballet takes it next. It’s a fun way to make October a little more theatrical, a little more mysterious, and a lot more Modesto.
Build Your Custom Stay & Play Package
Book your hotel, grab your tickets, and enjoy a whole weekend of downtown dining, arts, and nightlife. With culture, creativity, and comfort all within steps of your room, it’s the perfect reason to turn a night out into a weekend getaway in Modesto.
Downtown Modesto is a lively hub for entertainment, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re into live music, theater, or nightlife, this area has it all. The four theaters host world-class performances, movies (new and classic), concerts, plays, and cultural events, while local bars and restaurants feature live bands and DJs for a fun night out. You’ll also find art, unique dining experiences, and cozy spots to enjoy with friends.
Gallo Center for the Arts
Featured & Upcoming Events
October 6th
October 9th-18th
October 9th
October 10th
October 13th
October 16th
October 18th
October 20th
October 21st-22nd
October 23rd
October 24th
Oct. 30th-Nov. 1st
November 5th
November 7th
November 7th
November 13th-14th
November 15th
November 15th
November 17th-18th
November 20th
November 21st
November 21st
November 22nd
November 24th
November 28th
November 29th
December 1st
December 4th-13th
December 4th-5th
December 11th-20th
December 18th
December 20th
December 21st
Check Out Gallo Center for the Arts’ Digital Guide and preview their 26-27 season NOW!
Prospect Theater Project
Featured & Upcoming Events
Sept. 25th - Oct. 11th
Nov. 20th - Dec. 6th
Jan. 22nd - Feb. 7th
Mar. 26th - Apr. 11th
May 28th - Jun. 13th
Radio Cavalcades
Visual Arts
Modesto Art Walk
Murals of Modesto
Stanislaus Arts Council
Modesto Architecture
Downtown Modesto Art Walk
The Final Art Walk of the season is Thursday, October 15th!
Celebrate the heartbeat of our city at Modesto’s Third Thursday Art Walk. This free, all-ages event invites you to step inside downtown’s creative spaces to meet the artists behind the work and experience the diverse talent of our region. From galleries and pop-up studios to live music on the sidewalks, join us for a night dedicated to art, inspiration, and community. We’ll see you in downtown!
Ongoing Art Exhibits
Check out these other local art exhibits!
Artist Open Studios Tour
Dates: October 17 & 18, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: Free and open to the public
Explore the creative pulse of our region during the Artist Open Studios tour! Visit over 45 local artists right in their working studios on this self-guided, countywide journey. Admission is completely free. Head over to StanislausAOS.com to download your event guide and plan your route.
Art Exhibition: Rita Barbano at Kruse Lucas Art Gallery
Location: Kruse Lucas Art Gallery (525 Tully Road, Modesto)
Dates: September, October, and November
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (except holidays)
Contact: 209-529-9111
Kruse Lucas Art Gallery proudly welcomes Oakdale artist Rita Barbano for a special new exhibition. Explore a captivating collection focused on the exploration of emotion, hope, and transformation through vibrant color, texture, and mixed media. Each unique piece invites viewers to reflect, connect, and discover their own personal story. Stop by Monday through Thursday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. to experience the artwork!
Lobby Gallery Exhibition: Our Sierra by David & Vivian Patton
Location: Carnegie Arts Center (Turlock)
Dates: October 13, 2026 – January 23, 2027
Cost: Free admission to the Lobby Gallery
Explore the beauty of the Mother Lode and Sierra foothills through a new Lobby Gallery exhibition featuring photographs by David Patton and pastels by Vivian Patton. Inspired by regional landscapes, history, and wildlife, this Groveland-based couple brings the region to life. Join us for a free public reception to honor the artists on Thursday, October 15, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Live Shows
Central West Ballet
Opera Modesto
Modesto Symphony Orchestra
The Fun Junkies
MJC School of Arts
Live Music
MoBand
The Fruit Yard
Off The Air
Live Music Wednesdays
Rancho Fresco Cantina
3rd Thursday Art Walk
Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser Night
Dos Rios Arts & Cultural District Celebration
Dark & Darker: A Dark Comedy Show
Coffee & Chrome at the Silos
NOVIAS DE MÉXICO 2026
HOWL-O-WEEN Costume Parade
Be Anything Museum – Car Show!
Featured Events
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events.
3rd Thursday Art Walk
Downtown Modesto
Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser Night
Tresetti's World Caffe
925 11th Street, Modesto, CA
Dos Rios Arts & Cultural District Celebration
Stanislaus Arts Council
1315 J St
Dark & Darker: A Dark Comedy Show
The Queen Bean Coffee & Social House
1126 14th Street Modesto, CA 95354
Coffee & Chrome at the Silos
Modesto Silos
320 Madonia Ave
NOVIAS DE MÉXICO 2026
Modesto Junior College
Little Theatre
HOWL-O-WEEN Costume Parade
East La Loma Park
Modesto
Be Anything Museum – Car Show!
Be Anything Museum
1111 I STreet
Fall Festival & Chili Cook-off
Mitchell's Harley Davidson
500 N Carpenter Rd
60th Class Reunion – Grace M. Davis High School
Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum
Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum