6 Things To Do This Week
Modesto Independence Day Parade
The Modesto Kiwanis Club presents the 141st Modesto Independence Day Parade. Floats and groups will celebrate the theme “Let Freedom Ring!” as they follow the traditional route through downtown. This year’s grand marshals are the Stanislaus County Police Activities League, Sierra Vista Child & Family Services and YES Company. New this year is the Fourth of July festival party following the parade at 10th Street Plaza.
WHEN: Parade 9:30 a.m., festival 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 4
WHERE: Downtown Modesto
ADMISSION: Free
CALL: 209-522-3066
ONLINE: www.modestojulyparade.com
MoBand finale
The Modesto Band of Stanislaus County Concert in the Park series ends its six-week summer run July 9. The free community event attracts thousands out to Graceada Park each show to listen to music and enjoy one another’s company. The last show of the year’s theme will be “Sweet Dreams” and include some of the crowd favorite numbers from previous concerts.
WHEN: 8 p.m. July 9
WHERE: Mancini Bowl, Graceada Park, 401 Needham Ave., Modesto
ADMISSION: Free
CALL: 209-571-5582
ONLINE: www.moband.org
Rob Thomas
Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas goes solo for a stop at the Gallo Center for the Arts. The prolific singer-songwriter, known for hits like “Push,” “If You’re Gone,” “3 a.m.” and “Lonely No More,” is set to release his first solo album in more than six years. The Plain White T’s of “Hey There Delilah” fame will open the show.
WHEN: 8 p.m. July 3
WHERE: Rogers Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $69-$139
CALL: 209-338-2100
ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
Sierra Nevada Arts & Crafts Festival
Spend Fourth of July weekend at the 43rd annual Sierra Nevada Arts & Crafts Festival. The event will feature more than 60 booths of fine crafts, art and gourmet foods to sample. Also enjoy live country and swing music throughout with juggling by Mark “Bonzai” Bunnell.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 4-5
WHERE: Bristols Ranch House Café, 961 Highway 4, downtown Arnold
ADMISSION: Free
CALL: 925-372-8961
ONLINE: www.afterthegoldrushfestivals.com
Cortez Obon Festival
The Japanese American Cortez Obon Festival will feature obon dancing, cultural presentations, music and more. The farming community of Cortez was one of the original Japanese settlements in the 1900s. The free community event will feature performances in traditional dress and styles.
WHEN: 7 p.m. July 4
WHERE: Cortez Buddhist Church, Cortez Avenue between Linwood and Santa Fe, Turlock
ADMISSION: Free
CALL: 209-535-6523
First Friday in the Park
The Murphys Community Club First Friday in the Park concert series continues with local performers Grover Anderson and Jill Warren. The duo plays a range of country to rock. Folks can bring a picnic or buy a catered dinner (tickets are $10) to the free monthly community event. This is the ninth year the club has presented the music series, which runs through September.
WHEN: 5:30 p.m.July 3
WHERE: Murphys Community Park, South Algiers Street
ADMISSION: Free
CALL: 209-728-8183
This story was originally published July 1, 2015 at 3:50 PM with the headline "6 Things To Do This Week."