The BigGraffiti View
There are so many things to do and enjoy, even if you have never had a classic car. There is fun for kids, families and every local Elvis impersonator is booked solid all month long.
From the State Theatre to the under-construction Graffiti USA Museum, the Graffiti vibes are in the air and we welcome Graffiti fans from all over the world. All across town, the Vroom of the hotrods and the sound of rock n roll takes us to another time. So great to have the old cruisers and the kids enjoying the cruise. There are so many ways to celebrate, whether you have a classic car or just enjoy the cars, clothes and fun.
First note:
Yes, Cruising is legal in Modesto. For decades, we had to endure the endless row of signs that read “Cruising Prohibited”. Thanks to Modesto’s LowRider community, the Modesto Police Department and the people that support our Graffiti history, cruising in Modesto is once again a great weekend tradition, not just here, but across the state. Props to Tina, Gerry and Betty who were at the forefront, both here and in Sacramento. Modesto’s car culture is for all, young and old, classic, low or new.
American Graffiti at the State Theatre.
If you are new to Graffiti Summer, this is a required rite of passage. George Lucas’ famous film about cruising in Modesto started it all. Don’t miss this showing at the beautiful 1934 historic State Theatre on May 31. Get your poodle skirts, jeans and t-shirts and cruise to the State for this great annual event and get in the groove for Graffiti Summer. The film has been remastered and the State sound is great. Also, don’t forget to book your parade spot in the Intermission VIP. www.thestate.org<www.thestate.org>
Classic Murals
Modesto has so many great murals and many showcase our classic car culture. Your 1st stop should be. 13th and J for the Modesto Graffiti Deuce Coupe. Stroll down the street for the ’57 Chevy at the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, both by FASM. In mural alley, check out the mural that started the alley series painted Ella Yates celebrating film and theatre. There are more at Neville Brothers, Tru Fitness and up along McHenry.
@classiccommunitymurals
The Legends of the Cruise Walk of Fame
Each year, the Legends of the Cruise are memorialized on the sidewalks of the Historic Cruise Route. 10th and 11th Streets are the home of the cruise where legends were born and a film was inspired. The Walk of Fame ceremony and Park n Shine, will be June 4 at 5:30 – 8:30pm.
This year we induct the legendary racers of the cruise era. These are the fasted of the fast and some world record holders. 2025 inductees are: Wes Delay, Joe Cardoso, Allen Beebe, Terry Lucas, Toni Sauls, Joe Stewart, Mamie Disciascio Noto Alberti, Mike Fleming, and North Modesto Kiwinis Club – the 2025 Cruise Parage Grand Marshal See page XX for the Legend bios.
Thanks FAROs and Modesto DID, DOMO and Visit Modesto
www.graffitiusasmuseum.com<www.graffitiusasmuseum.com>
Carol Cruises Modesto!
Mackenzie Phillips played the incorrigible Carol Morrison in American Graffiti and gave the film a fun and humorous flair and made a softie out of hot-rodder John Milner. Mackenzie will be joining us this year for the Walk of Fame celebration on June 4 welcoming this years’ inductees. After the ceremony, she will be joining Third Party Band and the Streeter Sisters to sing California Dreamin’, written by her father John Phillips and was the big first smash hit for the Mamas and the Papas
Mackenzie will also appear at the opening of MoBand Concert in the Park June 5 at 8 pm and will be in the lead VIP cars for the Cruise Parade. On Saturday from 9 – 3 pm, stop by and meet her at the American Graffiti Festival.
www.americangraffitifestival.com<www.americangraffitifestival.com>
Stroll The Cruise Route.
Want to learn about the history of Modesto, our music, theatre and classic history? The Modesto Historic Cruise Route is a walking tour on 10th and 11th Streets that will take you back in time and special legends video will bring Graffiti history to life. Thanks to local donors, you can experience an upgraded Historic Cruise Route repairing, replacing the cruise route signs with updated info that connects the markers to the Graffiti USA Museum. We will also be replacing some of the Walk of Fame markers that have delaminated over the years. It’s all of our job to preserve and celebrate Modesto’s history.
www.modestocruiseroute.com<www.modestocruiseroute.com>
Modesto Area Street Rods at McHenry Village
Graffiti Summer races off the line this year as MASRA, the Modesto Area Street Rods show will be at McHenry Village, with a special showing at the MOPAR Corral. You know that’s a lot of HEMIs. There are awards, food, and strolling the shops in McHenry Village, at one of the historic turn around points in Modesto’s Cruising history.
1717 McHenry Ave, June 1, 10am – 4 pm.
www.modestoareastreetrod.com<www.modestoareastreetrod.com>
The American Graffiti Festival.
This is the show that made it all happen.
Twenty years ago, a couple of hot rodders decided to change the North Modesto Kiwanis Concourse D’Elegance into the American Graffiti Festival, where the hot rods and classics rule and the cruise was celebrated again and Modesto’s stories came to life, and our cruise legends take center stage. This is a place the FAROs call home, and cars from all over the world are on display. Great music line up with the Blue Line and more on Saturday and Texas Funk on Sunday. Sunday will team up with Coffee & Cars so you can see some exotics. Don’t miss a chance to meet Mackenzie Phillips, star of American Graffiti next to the Yellow ’32 Deuce Coupe. There are lots of food vendors and local business booths. This festival benefits children and youth activities throughout the Modesto area. 100% of the net proceeds go back into the community.
MJC West Campus.
Saturday June 7 9-5 pm. Sunday June 8 9-3 pm. Tix ONLY $10 Kids under 5 free.
www.americangraffitifestival.com<www.americangraffitifestival.com>
The Cruise is Back!
Come on Friday night to the cruise, and join thousands of friends to enjoy Modesto’s annual cruise parade for registered cars at the American Graffiti Festival. The cruise will hit the original Historic Cruise Route on 10th and 11th and will loop back up I and up McHenry to McHenry Village and cruise back downtown in front of the State Theatre.
You can enjoy the rockin’ sounds of Triple D at the big turn at 10th and J Streets in 10th St Plaza.
Elvis is in the Building!
Right after the Cruise Parade, enjoy Matt Stone as Elvis bringing the hit songs and moves of the King of Rock and Roll. You can be right in the middle of the Cruise Parade action on J Street and then enjoy your favorite Elvis hits. June 6 at 8 pm. www.thestate.org<www.thestate.org>
Grease Sing A Long.
Grease is the word is the word. Do you want to sing a long with Beauty School Dropout? Want to sing some Summer Lovin’? You can belt out these hits at the State Theatre Grease Sing a Long with the words right on the screen. Get dressed up, have fun and be a Pink Lady or a T-Bird and go to the show.
State Theatre June 14 @ 2 pm
www.thestate.org<www.thestate.org>
Candy Clark
The character Debbie Dunham was one of the reasons that American Graffiti is still so popular today. Candy Clark was nominated for an Academy Award for playing this classic role in American Graffiti where she and Terry “the Toad” Fields had quite the exciting adventures. Candy was part of a close-knit crew of actors in the exciting 70s and 80s and has shared her own personal Polaroids. This is a fun book with many interesting celebrities and friends. Pick up a copy of the book at www.allnight-menu.com/shop<www.allnight-menu.com/shop>
What’s a Park n Shine?
Modesto has some great car shows that are more informal, called Park n Shines. There are a couple of places to check out the shiny chrome and get in the Graffiti groove. June 2, 4-8 p.m., @ American Chevrolet, 4742 McHenry Ave., Modesto and June 6, 5-8 p.m., Cool Hand Luke’s, 2505 Patterson Road, Riverbank.
Back to Graffiti 2025 at The Fruit Yard
It is so cool to have great entertainment venues in our community. Joe & Willie Traina had a vision to create a giant amphitheater and host world class events and this dream has become one of the best go-to places in our region. For you all in the Modesto area, here is the ultimate bonus, after a show, you are home in minutes. Our ViewCrew move is to enjoy the lawn till most people leave and cruise home quickly without any traffic.
This year is a great double feature for Back to Graffiti.
The legendary Smokey Robinson is bringing his Legacy tour to town on June 13. Go back in time and “when Smokey sings” it takes you to our amazing Graffiti and R&B past and the smooth liquid sounds like Cruisin’, Tears of a Clown, Just my Imagination and so many more.
On Saturday June 14th, fhe F100s are back!
One of Modesto’s longest running car shows opens at 9 am. You can enjoy a huge display of F100 pickups and so much more. This is a free family event with huge car show with raffle, vendors, music, awards and more. 9-3 pm The Fruit Yard, 7948 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto. 209-577-3093
Graffiti Museum
Our world of American Graffiti will be showcased at the Graffiti USA Museum, currently open while under construction. Stop by on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays and see the plans to bring a reimagined 10th Street to life, and enjoy the new exhibits underway. There are always classic cars and educational exhibits that are great for the whole family and our Modesto visitors. Soon there will be a Museum of Modesto Radio and Music history to enjoy and check out the future events, record swaps, fundraisers and more. Heck, you can even purchase your dream classic car at the Graffiti USA Car Sales.
Please consider donating and getting involved at www.graffitiusamuseum.com<www.graffitiusamuseum.com>
This is just a sample of the many Graffiti Summer events happening in and around Modesto. Make sure you follow @modestoview on the socials and check our calendar regularly. Also, check out Visit Modesto for more great Modesto area things to do for locals and visitors alike.
www.modestoview.com<www.modestoview.com>
www.visitmodesto.com<www.visitmodesto.com>
