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
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
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
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!
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.
Winter Art Show
Location: Graffiti USA Museum, 610 9th Street at the corner of Coldwell Avenue, Modesto
Dates: Friday, November 6 – December 30
Cost: Free; Open to the public
Artist Reception & Art Trivia Game: November 14, 5 – 8pm
The Advocates for the Visual Arts opens the Winter Show with 25 local and regional artists for holiday shopping at the Graffiti USA Museum on November 6 – December 30. Tuesday – Fridays, 9am – 5pm (Enter through the blue door). Saturdays, 9am – 4pm (Enter through the main entrance).
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
2026 Holiday Market in Turlock
BUNCO
MSO: Beethoven & Rachmaninoff
Beethoven & Rachmaninoff – Resilience & Triumph
5th Annual Record Swap
MSO: Beethoven & Rachmaninoff
Featured Events
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events.
2026 Holiday Market in Turlock
Stanislaus County Fairgrounds
Turlock, California
BUNCO
Fraternal Order of Eagles
126 Camellia Way, Modesto, CA 95354
MSO: Beethoven & Rachmaninoff
Gallo Center for the Arts
1000 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Beethoven & Rachmaninoff – Resilience & Triumph
Gallo Center for the Arts
1000 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354
5th Annual Record Swap
Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum
Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum
MSO: Beethoven & Rachmaninoff
Gallo Center for the Arts
1000 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Beethoven & Rachmaninoff – Resilience & Triumph
Gallo Center for the Arts
1000 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Bookish craft night – It’s the holidays! edition
Bookish Modesto
811 W Roseburg Ave, Modesto CA
USS Balthasar’s Board Game Extravaganza 2026
Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum
Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum
BUNCO
Fraternal Order of Eagles
126 Camellia Way, Modesto, CA 95354