Ready for return of Modesto Porchfest? Jumping frogs? Chocolate? Here’s where to be
Porchfest music
Porch parties will be set up throughout the La Loma, College and downtown Modesto neighborhoods for the annual Modesto Porchfest. Homeowners hosting local bands on porch, patio and driveway stages and invite the public to sit on their lawns and driveways.
WHEN: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, May 19
WHERE: Various locations
TICKETS: Free
ONLINE: www.modestoporchfest.com
“Secret Garden”
Central West Ballet presents “The Secret Garden,” the classic story based on a 1911 book by Frances Hodgson Burnett and set in Victorian England. he story centers on Mary, a spoiled, suddenly orphaned child who moves in with her widowed uncle at his manor in England and learns of a forbidden secret garden. Finding and tending the garden transforms Mary’s life.
WHEN: 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $20-$55
ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
Columbia Diggins
Diggins Tent Town 1852 is Columbia State Historic Park’s annual living history event with 150 costumed volunteers. Visitors can experience the events and environment of an 1850s mining camp re-created in detail with period-accurate clothing, food and entertainment.
WHEN: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, May 16-19
WHERE: Columbia State Historic Park
TICKETS: $10, $2 ages 4 through 12, free ages 3 and under
ONLINE: www.parks.ca.gov/Columbia.
Jumping Frog Jubilee
The annual Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee returns this weekend with food, exhibits, entertainment, rodeo, destruction derby, livestock, arena events, vendor booths.
WHEN: 10 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday, May 17-19
WHERE: Calaveras County Fairgrounds, 2465 Gun Club Road, Angels Camp
TICKETS: $11-$14
ONLINE: www.frogtown.org.
Cycling festival
Downtown Modesto’s Family Cycling Festival & Criterium returns on Saturday, May 18, and features free children’s bike helmets, bounce houses, rock climbing, vendor booths, BMX bike demos, races and more.
WHEN: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 18
WHERE: I Street, between 10th and 12th streets
ADMISSION: Free
ONLINE: www.modestoareaexpress.com.
Chocolate fest
Enjoy all things chocolate at annual Oakdale Chocolate Festival. The event includes arts and crafts, Chocolate Avenue, food, vendors and more.
WHEN: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 18-19
WHERE: Wood Park, Highways 120 and 108, Oakdale
TICKETS: $4 advance, $5-$6 at the gate; free ages 12 and under
ONLINE: www.oakdalechamber.com