Summer in Stanislaus County

Summer in Stanislaus County

There is plenty to experience around Modesto, Oakdale, and the rest of Stanislaus County! Explore our top activities, popular things to do, and events & entertainment.

Your All-Access Pass to a Classic California Summer

The sun is out, the engines are roaring, and the valley is in full bloom. Summer in Stanislaus County is a season of legendary nostalgia and outdoor adventure. From the neon glow of Graffiti Summer to the refreshing spray of the Stanislaus River, there is a rhythm to the valley that you can only feel in the heat of June, July and August. Whether you’re cooling off with a classic milkshake, catching a concert under the stars, or filling your basket with sun-ripened fruit, this is your official guide to an iconic California summer.

Iconic Summer Events

Celebrate our legendary cruising heritage and enjoy community performances that bring the spirit of the valley to life during the long summer nights.

Legends of
the Cruise

View hundreds of pristine classic cars up close and meet the owners  keeping local history alive in Downtown Modesto.

Graffiti
Parade

Watch vintage classics cruise the downtown streets in this legendary and high energy city summer tradition.

Graffiti
Car Show

Enjoy a massive weekend of polished chrome, food and live music at the scenic MJC West Campus.

MoBand
Concerts

Bring a picnic for free community band concerts every Thursday night at the Graceada Park bowl in June and July.

Graffiti at
The State

Catch screenings of American Graffiti, a Greece Sing-Along, and tribute concerts inside our historic Art Deco landmark theater.

Picnic at
the POPS!

Celebrate the summer finale with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra at the beautiful Gallo Winery grounds.

Outdoor & Water Adventures

When the valley temperatures rise we head to the water for refreshing river floats and scenic reservoir views that offer the perfect summer escape.

Sunshine
Rafting

Take a scenic and mellow float down the Stanislaus River for a perfect day on the water with your favorite people.

Dos Rios
State Park

Explore the newest state park in California where cool river breezes offer a refreshing break from the golden valley sun.

Woodward
Reservoir

The go to spot for jet skiing and sunset swims in the heart of the Oakdale countryside during those warm summer weekends.

Harvest & Farm Stands

Taste the peak of the MoFresh season with sun ripened fruit picked straight from our world famous valley soil.

Farmers
Market

Shop for the best local honey and stone fruits every Thursday and Saturday in our vibrant downtown outdoor market.

Vanderhelm
Farms

Visit their unique new streetcar farm stand for fresh local produce or pick your own seasonal fruit.

Rodin Farm
Stand

Stop by this historic roadside location for premium local nuts, dried fruits, and the freshest seasonal produce available today.

Ott
Farms

Visit this local favorite for high quality cherries and blueberries that you pick fresh from their sun drenched orchard rows.

J&J Ramos
Farm Stand

Explore this Hughson staple for a wide variety of fresh produce along with fresh squeezed juices and handmade baked goods.

Rancho Azul
Blueberries

Sample award-winning aged Gouda and enjoy a picnic under the willow trees at this fourth-generation family farm.

Fantozzi
Farm

Pick your own apricots this year and shop for delicious apricot jam and other local items at their farm stand.

Summer Flowers

Experience the sensory side of summer with aromatic lavender products and vibrant fresh cut floral bouquets.

Wood Colony
Lavender

Book a private farm experience to enjoy the fragrance and shop for small batch floral products.

Kelley
Flower Farm

Visit this local flower outpost for colorful hand tied bouquets featuring the best blossoms of the season.

Roberts Ferry
Lavender

Shop for handcrafted organic lavender oils and artisan gifts at their beautiful Sierra Nevada foothill farm.

Backroad
Blooms

Browse their charming flower stand for stunning designer bouquets grown and harvested right on the farm.

Wood Colony
Farm Stand

Stop by this local roadside gem for fresh cut flower arrangements and a variety of seasonal blooms.

Family-Friendly Fun

Keep the kids entertained and cool all season long with world class interactive museums and high energy local attractions for all ages to enjoy.

MoChiMu

(Modesto Children’s Museum)

Dive into a world of adventure with hands on water labs and creative exhibits designed to spark wonder.

Modesto
Roadsters

Catch a game during this inaugural season at Modern Woodmen Field to cheer on our brand new Pioneer League baseball team.

Children’s
Garden

Visit this peaceful urban oasis for hands on nature play and educational programs that connect kids with the soil.

Bookish
Modesto

Join the fun at this vibrant community hub featuring cat adoption days and cozy storytimes for little readers and makers.

Story Books
& Toys

Explore a curated world of screen free play and imaginative books in a charming shop that inspires curiosity.

Brenden
Theatres

Beat the valley heat and enjoy the latest summer blockbusters in the cool comfort of this modern and local cinema.

Great Valley
Museum

Explore the natural wonders of the Central Valley through life like habitats and fascinating planetarium shows for kids.

Be Anything
Museum

Discover the largest permanent Barbie collection and find the inspiration to dream big at this empowering local landmark.

Boomers
Modesto

Experience nonstop excitement with high speed go kart racing and nighttime mini golf under the bright summer lights.

FunWorks
Modesto

Race through the lightning track or enjoy the splash works pirate ship and arcade games for a full day of fun.

McHenry
Museum

Explore thousands of local artifacts including a vintage dentist office and an antique general store from the early valley days.

Cowboy
Museum

Step back into the wild west with authentic ranching gear and legendary stories of Oakdale’s rodeo history.

Arts & Mid-Day Escapes

Beat the heat and find your creative pulse with indoor galleries and local live music performances that showcase the vibrant talent of our region.

Downtown
Murals

Head out early in the morning to beat the heat with a local iced coffee or tea while exploring our vibrant collection of street art.

Gallo Center
for the Arts

Relax in the beautiful outdoor Music Garden for their free Friday afternoon Brown Bag concerts running July through September.

Modesto
Art Walk

Celebrate local makers every third Thursday as downtown businesses open their doors for a night of creativity and community.

Off the Air
Music Series

Catch the premier indie music series of the valley bringing unique artists to our local venues. Keep an eye on socials for show dates!

Fruit Yard
Concerts

Experience big name outdoor summer concerts complete with local food trucks and cold drinks on the spacious grass lawn area.

The State
Theatre

Enjoy hilarious stand up comedy shows along with legendary classic and indie films inside this historic downtown landmark building.

Music in
the Plaza

Enjoy free live music on the 10th Street Plaza stage throughout the beautiful summer evenings while dancing in the street.

Prospect
Theater

Catch Present Laughter through late June then enjoy their popular summer events including the August One Act Play Festival.

Dragonfly Art
for Life

Let the kids get creative during their awesome youth summer art camps or attend a fun group watercolor class.

Know Before You Go: Summer Edition

The “Valley Heat”: Afternoon temperatures can soar. Plan your outdoor hikes and farm visits for the morning, and save the museums, theaters, and shops for the 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM window.

Stay Hydrated: Whether you’re at a car show or on a raft, keep water handy!

Book Early: Between Graffiti Summer and youth sports tournaments, hotels fill up fast in June.

Picnic Etiquette: For MoBand and Picnic at the POPS!, arrive early to claim your spot on the grass—it’s a local tradition!

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