Canceled since COVID, popular music fest returns to Modesto; more events planned for May
Festivals and events will spring up across the Modesto area in May.
Among them will be the return of the popular Modesto Porchfest, which has not been held since the pandemic hit.
During Porchfest, local bands perform outside at host neighborhood homes while people gather to listen, many roaming on foot or by bike.
And just before May begins, there’s another festival set for taco lovers.
Here’s a look at just some of the larger events happening in the Modesto and Mother Lode regions.
Modesto Taco Fest – April 30: More than a dozen taco vendors will participate. There will be Chihuahua races, live luchador wrestling, live music and ballet folklorico. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 11th Street between I and H streets, Modesto. $10 advance tickets include two tacos. modestotacofest.com.
Central Valley Brewfest — May 7: More than 150 brews to sample. Also art and music. There will be a VIP wine sampling tent. Event for ages 21 and older only. Noon-5 p.m. Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway. $40-$55. Designated driver ticket $20. www.cvbrewfest.com.
Cinco de Mayo parade – May 7: South Modesto Businesses United presents this annual parade on Crows Landing Road, from Olivero Road to Glenn Avenue, with floats featuring local businesses, youth groups, horses and more. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 209-883-8760.
Ceres Street Faire – May 7-8: Live entertainment, a car and truck show, food booths, crafts and collectibles, exhibits and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Downtown Ceres. Free. www.ceresstreetfaire.org.
Mother Lode Roundup – May 7-8: Parade and rodeos sponsored by the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse. Parade Saturday at 10 a.m. in downtown Sonora. Saturday and Sunday rodeos at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds begin at 2 p.m. Rodeo tickets are $7-$22. www.motherloderoundup.com.
Diggins Tent Town 1852 — May 19-21: Columbia State Historic Park annual living-history event with 150 costumed volunteers. Visitors experience an 1850s mining camp re-created with period clothing, food and entertainment. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. $10, $2 ages 12 and under. www.parks.ca.gov/Columbia.
Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee – May 19-22: Annual jumping frog competition and county fair with food, exhibits, entertainment, rodeo, destruction derby, livestock, arena events, vendor booths. Festival hours 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. Calaveras County Fairgrounds, 2465 Gun Club Road, Angels Camp. $10-$20. www.frogtown.org.
Oakdale Chocolate Festival – May 21-22: Enjoy all things chocolate at this annual festival with arts and crafts, Chocolate Avenue, food, vendors and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wood Park, Highways 120 and 108, Oakdale. Tickets $5-$6, free for age 12 and under. www.oakdalechamber.com.
Modesto Porchfest — May 22: Stages will be set up throughout the La Loma, College and downtown neighborhoods, with homeowners hosting local bands on porch, patio and driveway stages. Noon-5 p.m. Free. www.modestoporchfest.com.
Spring Peddlers Faire – May 28-29: Stroll through the Mother Lode community of Arnold for antiques, collectibles, handcrafted items, food, vintage jewelry and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Bristol’s Ranch House Café parking lot, 961 Highway 4, Arnold. www.brotherspromotions.com.
