Graffiti Summer

Graffiti Summer

Graffiti Summer
Graffiti Summer
Graffiti Summer

Graffiti Summer Coming Soon!

Graffiti Summer will be here before you know it, so make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter to receive all event info!

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.

Graffiti Summer
Graffiti Summer
Graffiti Summer
Graffiti Summer

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!

2023 Graffiti Weekend Schedule

Celebrating 50 Years of the classic movie American Graffiti!

Classic cars, family fun, great food, and live music

Friday, June 9th

American Graffiti Parade

Downtown Modesto & McHenry Ave.

Approx. 6pm – 8pm

Appearances by American Graffiti Actresses

Mackenzie Phillips and Candy Clark

Parade Route Map to be posted closer to date

Looking to enter the car parade or car show? Click HERE!

Would you like to be a non-food vendor at the festival? Click HERE!

Saturday, June 10th

American Graffiti Car Show & Festival

Modesto Junior College West Campus

2201 Blue Gum Ave.

9am – 5pm

Entertainment Schedule:

11am – 12:30pm: The Super Avengers & Herringbone

’50s & ’60s sounds w/ Elvis tunes 

1pm – 2:30pm: Overdryve

’60s, ’70s, & ’80s Music

3pm – 5pm: Buzzy Frets

Surfabilly & Rockabilly Music

Sunday, June 11th

American Graffiti Car Show & Festival

Modesto Junior College West Campus

2201 Blue Gum Ave.

9am – 3pm

Entertainment Schedule:

11:45am – 1:45pm: Mike Amaral’s Tribute to the Beach Boys

’50s & ’60s music

2pm: Classic Car Awards

All Weekend:

Live Radio Remote by The River

and LeRoy Production DJs ’50s & ’60s Music

Graffiti Summer
Graffiti Summer
Graffiti Summer
Graffiti Summer

Graffiti Recap

Helping Our Community

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 Summer
Graffiti Summer
Graffiti Summer
Graffiti Summer

Coming Soon

Graffiti Summer

Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum coming soon to Modesto!

Featured On

Graffiti Summer

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

Car Culture Newsletter

Subscribe below to keep our year-round classic car culture events — like bi-weekly car shows and special events at the State Theatre — in your inbox and on your radar.

Car Culture

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