The Group Chat Actually Made Plans:

Skip the usual dinner plans and make something together! Find things to do in Modesto from candles to handmade décor, these activities are perfect for a friend date, and you might even leave with something to show off at Friendsgiving. 

Holiday Cooking Classes at Gather | November 2–11: Learn to make sourdough, holiday rolls, stuffing, or appetizers. Perfect for getting ready to host Friendsgiving. Group tip: Pick a class together and put your new skills to the test at your next potluck. 

Candle Making at Mobaak’s Aroma Bar: Create a custom candle with scents that match your vibe. A cute, hands-on activity that doubles as a personalized addition to your space. Friendsgiving idea: Make candles together and bring them out as part of your table décor. 

DIY Workshops at Board & Brush Modesto: Get crafty with a hands-on workshop where you can create personalized wood décor. No need to be an artist to join in! Friendsgiving idea: Take a pick at their Fall selection for wooden pieces that you could use at your foodie gathering.  

Pottery Painting at Pottery Magic: Pick a ceramic piece, choose your colors, and paint something that’s completely your own. Group tip: Have everyone make something for their Friendsgiving setup, like a decorative plate or mug. Check pickup timelines so your pieces are ready in time. 

Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshops at Gather | November 22–23: Make your own holiday centerpiece and take home something for the Thanksgiving table. Group tip: Pair the workshop with coffee or lunch for a full afternoon out. Check age requirements before booking. 

One coffee shop is good. A whole afternoon of coffee stops? Even better. Grab your friends and turn your coffee run into a downtown adventure! 

Plan your coffee stops: Browse Modesto's local cafés and coffee shops or check out this coffee crawl reel for some inspiration on coffee shops to try in Downtown Modesto. And then, pick 2–3 spots to try. 

Find your new favorite drink: Have everyone order something different, share recommendations, and rate your favorites. 

Add a mural walk: Check out Modesto's colorful murals between coffee stops for some fun photo opportunities. 

Shop along the way: Pop into downtown boutiques, browse local finds, and make an afternoon of it. 

Coffee crawl tip: Start earlier in the day, split drinks if you're visiting multiple shops, and wear comfy shoes for walking around downtown. 

Trade the usual hangout for some fresh air, a little adventure, or a fun group outing. From a day trip to Knights Ferry to a Thanksgiving morning tradition, there are plenty of ways to get everyone out of the house. 

Stanislaus River Salmon Festival | November 14, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.: Grab your friends and head to Knights Ferry for a free festival celebrating the salmon that return to the Stanislaus River. Enjoy salmon viewing, local vendors, live music, and educational activities. Group tip: Make a day of it! Walk around historic Knights Ferry, check out the covered bridge, and bring your cameras for some great photo stops. 

MJC Turkey Trot | November 26: Get your steps in before Thanksgiving dinner with a 5K run/walk or the more relaxed Gobbler Walk. The event supports Modesto Junior College's track and field and cross-country programs. Group tip: Coordinate outfits, walk together, and grab breakfast afterward. 

Good food tastes even better with good company! Skip the cooking and cleanup this Thanksgiving and gather your friends and family for a holiday meal. From traditional Thanksgiving favorites to festive buffets and community gatherings, Modesto has a few ways to bring everyone around the table. 

Thanksgiving Buffet at The Fruit Yard | November 26: Gather your crew for a Thanksgiving buffet at The Fruit Yard and enjoy a holiday meal without spending the day in the kitchen. Good to know: Call ahead to confirm buffet hours, pricing, and reservations. 

Thanksgiving at Mimi’s Cafe | November 26: Enjoy a sit-down holiday meal with traditional Thanksgiving favorites, or check out their holiday feasts if you’d rather bring dinner home. Group tip: Make reservations early to secure a table for your crew. 

Thanksgiving at Black Bear Diner | November 26: Dig into a comforting holiday meal with options like homestyle turkey, smoked ham, or slow-roasted prime rib. Good to know: Check with the Modesto location for Thanksgiving hours and availability. 

Annual Friendsgiving Feast | November 26, 2–6 p.m.: Celebrate with a community meal at CalPride Stanislaus, with Thanksgiving dinner scheduled for 4 p.m. It’s a chance to share good food and connect with new people. Group tip: Bring a friend and make room at the table for new connections. 

Thanksgiving tip: Holiday hours and availability can change, so check directly with each restaurant before making plans. 

For the friends who would rather go to a show than stay home scrolling, November has options. Pick a performance, grab dinner at a nice restaurant, and make a night of it! 

Modesto Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven and Rachmaninoff | November 14, 2 p.m.: Switch up your usual plans with an afternoon of classical music at the Gallo Center for the Arts. Beethoven and Rachmaninoff make a great soundtrack to a more dressed-up friend date. Group tip: Dress up a little and grab a late lunch or early dinner after the performance. 

Detour at Prospect Theater Project | November 20–December 6: Catch a live theater production at this intimate downtown Modesto venue. Make it a night: Grab dinner downtown before the show. 

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers | November 27, 7 p.m.: Blues, rock, and live guitar at The State Theatre. A solid pick for your music-loving friends. Good to know: Doors open at 6 p.m. Check current ticket prices when booking. 

Jake Shimabukuro’s Holidays in Hawai’i featuring Justin Kawika Young | November 29, 5 p.m.: Holiday music with a Hawaiian twist at the Gallo Center for the Arts, featuring ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro and Justin Kawika Young. Group tip: Make it a dinner-and-show night to wrap up Thanksgiving weekend. 

Dinner plans? Browse Modesto’s restaurants and dining options to find the perfect spot for your pre-show meal or post-show bite.