This weekend is certified crazy festival holiday off the hookness. Saturday could be one of the most stellar downtown days, as it will be snowing for the Dodge Ridge Snowboard event at Center Plaza , The Farmer's Market goes Dickens at the Christmas Dickens Fair at the McHenry Mansion . The Festival of Lights parade will go right down I street in front of the Gallo Center that will be showing Evita. Then Sunday the Modesto Symphony Candlelight concert will be held at the 7th Day Adventist Church . Meanwhile, Riverbank Community Theatre presents, A Christmas Story on stage Saturday at Ustach Middle School and in Riverbank, the Christmas Craft Parade and Craft Faire will be Saturday in Downtown Riverbank. The Messiah is coming… in concert to Emmanuel Lutheran Church where the sign along event will take place Sunday. Rehearsals are Thursday and Sat for Sunday gig. Tonight, Thursday is the tree lighting event at Center Plaza .

In the regular world, Evita is the word. You can enjoy the tales of Evita and Juan Peron as she rises from a dancing girl to the first lady of Argentina accompanied by the mythical cynical narration by Che Guevara. This is a Broadway touring company at the Gallo Center . Show times Friday, Sat Matinee and Sat Evening. This is one of Andrew Lloyd Weber's best.

Fallen Sleepless is rocking the Fat Cat Thursday night and the MJC String Recital is at MJC East. Friday, it is the last Friday which means that Critical Mass will be lining up their bikes at 10th and J at 5:00 – 5:30. Tri Star Embodiment will be rocking the Underground, and on stage this weekend, Someone to Watch Over Me continues at the Prospect Theatre, Stage Fright is at MJC West, and the Starry Messenger will be presented at Johansen High. The new Warren Miller film “Playground” will be presented at the State Theatre Friday and Saturday and the Holiday Sampler will be at the Barking Dog featuring the Camaraderie Quartet and the Central Valley Brass is Friday night.

Saturday, besides the downtown holiday activities, there is a Stan County Bike ride, A Sierra railroad Sunset Train, Blue Saturday Jazz Sessions are at Claytons. Off the Cuff will be performing at Queen Bean. During the day, there will be open auditions for a new film at the downtown Modesto Library from a national film casting company. This may be your big chance.

Sunday night, do not miss the Steely Dan Tribute band, Kid Charlemagne on Sunday evening and for you punk fans, the legendary Agent Orange will be rocking the Fat Cat with local bands Peaceable Jones and Los Punks Del Norte. There is classic rock dancing at Crocodiles and on Stage at CSU Stanislaus Trojan Women will be presented.

Coming Soon:
Food4Music at Queen Bean Dec 6
David Benoit – Charlie Brown Christmas at the State Dec 7
Babes in Toyland on Stage at the State Dec 8 at 11 and 1
The Ill List – Poetry Slam Championships at the State Dec 8
The legendary English Beat at Hero's – Dec 8

Find these and other things to do in Modesto at www.modestoview.com/todo