The Culture

A fun annual event that shapes Modesto’s culture is the American Graffiti Festival (locally known as “Graffiti Summer”), celebrated every June with 1950’s music, roller-skating carhops, and a “cruise parade” of classic cars, drawing tens of thousands of spectators. All year round, restaurants specializing in Afghan, Greek, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Thai cuisine make it a great home for foodies, and coffee shops range from chains like Starbucks and Dutch Bros. to craft cafes like Caffettino and Preservation Coffee & Tea. The Arts are a central focus of life in Modesto, with the Stanislaus Arts Council, Gallo Center for the Arts, the State Theatre and the Modesto Art Academy all located downtown among a wide range of galleries. A huge regional shopping mall, beautiful parks and playgrounds, three golf courses, and nearby vineyards provide indoor and outdoor activities for residents of all ages and interests. For adventures out of town, weekends in the San Francisco Bay Area and camping trips to Yosemite National Park are just two hours away.