Where to celebrate Labor Day weekend, beyond in Modesto, Mother Lode
Soaring Over Ripon
This annual fundraiser for Modesto’s Valley Children’s Pelandale Specialty Care Center returns Labor Day weekend with balloon launches, tethered balloon rides, a pancake breakfast, kite flying demonstrations and live entertainment. The skies also will be filled with skydivers on Saturday and a Kite Festival both days. Balloon rides and launches depend on the weather.
WHEN: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 2-3
WHERE: Mistlin Sports Park, 1201 W River Road, Ripon
TICKETS: Free; $5 parking; fees for rides
ONLINE: www.riponchamber.org
Arts & Crafts in Mother Lode
The end of summer is celebrated during the Labor Day Weekend Arts & Crafts Festival in the Mother Lode town of Arnold. There will beer and food to sample, booths filled with art, crafts, face painting and live music both days. Performers include Modesto band Home Grown.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 2-3
WHERE: Grounds of Bristol’s Ranch House Cafe, 961 Highway 4 in Arnold
TICKETS: Free
ONLINE: www.afterthegoldrushfestivals.com
Lucas Bohn
Lucas Bohn blends schoolboy charm and bad-boy charisma in his comedy. He’s shared the stage with Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Fallon, and Kevin Hart. He brings his multimedia “Lesson Plans to Late Night” show this weekend to the Gallo Center for the Arts.
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $20-$30
ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
Steely Dan, Chicago tributes
The final concert in this season’s Red Tie Arts Summer Concert Series features one band with two musical personalities. First, the group pays tribute to pop powerhouse Chicago as Stealin’ Chicago; then it will offer homage to Steely Dan as Aja Vu. Drummer for the otherwise Bay Area-based band is Turlock resident and Modesto music teacher David Hawkes. The evening features no-host wine tastings and dining and pre-show entertainment.
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. tastings, dinner; 8 p.m. show
WHERE: Lucca Winery grounds, 16265 E. River Road, Ripon
TICKETS: $35-$60
ONLINE: www.Red-Tie.org
Gipsy Kings
The Grammy Award-winning band behind the hit “Bamboléo” brings its flamenco, rumba, salsa and pop music to the Gallo Center for the Arts. The group has climbed the world music charts in the U.S. and played on the streets of Cannes and St. Tropez. Special guest for the concert will be singer Simi Stone.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $69-$99
ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
Edible Extravaganza
Eat, drink and be philanthropic during the Edible Extravaganza at Modesto Centre Plaza. The fundraiser for the Center for Human Services features sampling of food from local restaurants, caterers, bakers and confectioners as well as drink from area vintners, beverage purveyors and local growers.
WHEN: 5 p.m. reception, 6 to 9 p.m. event Thursday, Sept. 7
WHERE: Modesto Centre Plaza, 1000 L St.
TICKETS: $50
CALL: 209-526-1476
Jake Shimabukuro
Ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro has produced more than a dozen albums, including his latest, the 2016 “Nashville Sessions” featuring all original work. Shimabukuro returns to the Gallo Center in Modesto, having performed here in 2012 and 2014. His covers of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” are show fan favorites.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St, Modesto
TICKETS: $29-$79
ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
This story was originally published August 31, 2017 at 5:47 PM with the headline "Where to celebrate Labor Day weekend, beyond in Modesto, Mother Lode."