Get ready to step back in time and crank your nostalgia up to eleven—Graffiti Summer is back, and Modesto is the place to be! From the roaring Legends of the Cruise downtown kickoff on Wednesday, June 4, to the high‑energy American Graffiti Parade & Festival over the weekend of June 6–8, this is your invitation to join fellow gear-heads, film buffs, foodies, and fun‑seekers for an unforgettable week of classic cars, live music, and small‑town charm.

Whether you’re chasing chrome‑plated dreams or craving a taste of Modesto’s vibrant farm stands, world‑class eats, and hidden‑gem attractions, you’ll find everything you need right here. Scroll down to discover event highlights, insider tips on where to stay and eat, and all the details to plan your perfect Graffiti Summer getaway. Let’s roll!

And that’s not all—keep an eye on this page for updates on even more car shows happening throughout June and July; we’ll be adding new event details as soon as they’re announced!

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All profits from the American Graffiti Festival and Car Show go back into the community. This event is put on annually by the North Modesto Kiwanis, who devote thousands of hours to organizing starting in the fall.

The North Modesto Kiwanis Club has been a driving force for good for the youth of the Modesto community for more than a half-century. Today, more than 100 men and women from all walks of life and ages 20 to 90 blend their talents, experiences and backgrounds to ensure that children continue to be served. How do they meet that goal?  By volunteering their time and by raising dollars for charitable organizations through a myriad of fundraisers throughout the years — from chicken barbecues to Breakfast with Santa to car shows.

Money raised at this fundraiser goes back to the community in the form of college scholarships, donations to charitable organizations serving children and teens and a generous Christmas basket program to needy families.

Local Organizations Supported by the North Modesto Kiwanis

Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum coming soon to Modesto!

Check out local all-female Duenas Car Club on The Kelly Clarkson Show!

The Graffiti car history is closely tied to the car culture and cruising scene of the 1950s and early 1960s, which was popularized in George Lucas’ 1973 film “American Graffiti”. The movie’s title is derived from the act of cruising and the practice of writing graffiti on cars, which was a common form of self-expression among young people at the time. The cars featured in “American Graffiti” are primarily classic American cars from the late 1950s and early 1960s, such as Chevy Bel Airs, Ford Thunderbirds, and Pontiac GTOs.

These cars were often customized and modified to enhance their performance and style, with features such as custom paint jobs, chrome detailing, and powerful engines. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, the cars of the Graffiti car history played an important role in American culture and society. They represented a symbol of youth rebellion and freedom, and they were often associated with the rise of rock and roll music and the changing social attitudes of the time.

Today, the Graffiti car history continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by car enthusiasts and collectors around the world. The cars of the era remain popular among collectors, and there are numerous car shows, cruises, and other events dedicated to showcasing these iconic vehicles and preserving their place in American history and culture.

If you are interested in more information about the Graffiti Parade or Car Show, click HERE!