Ready to celebrate wine and cheese? When, where, and other fests coming to Modesto region
Popular community festivals abound in October throughout the greater Modesto region, signaling the start of fall.
Among the larger events are the Riverbank Cheese & Wine Festival, the International Heritage Festival and the All Hallows Fantasy Faire.
Here’s a look at some of what’s coming to the Modesto and Mother Lode regions:
INTERNATIONAL HERITAGE FESTIVAL – Oct. 1: Enjoy music, dance and children’s crafts, fun with Dr. Al Chemist and more at this annual event that celebrates diverse cultures. Children “travel” around the world collecting stamps on their passports. A parade of flags will be held at 11 a.m. Event 10 a.m.-3 p.m., opening ceremony 11 a.m. Modesto Graffiti USA Car Museum, 610 N. Ninth St. Free. 209-809-4741.
MOPRIDE IN THE PARK — Oct. 1: The Central Valley Pride Center presents this festival with entertainment, a kids zone, vendors, food and more. Noon-7 p.m. Graceada Park, 401 Needham St., Modesto. 209-567-2124.
CALAVERAS GRAPE STOMP & GOLD RUSH STREET FAIRE – Oct. 1: Calaveras County celebrates its wine industry with grape stomp competitions at Murphys Park. The Gold Rush Street Faire will be held in conjunction on Main Street in Murphys with vendors, live music, food, kids activities and more. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 209-728-9467.
LUMBERJACK DAY – Oct. 1: Mark the history and traditions of the Calaveras County lumber industry with a parade, car show and vendors, as well as lumberjack competitions. There are activities for the kids and food available for purchase. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Main Street, West Point. $1 donation. www.gocalaveras.com.
MANTECA PUMPKIN FAIR – Oct. 1-2: Entertainment, children’s activities, vendors and more. Saturday features a tractor show from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., while Sunday features a car show from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Festival hours 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Downtown Manteca. Free. www.mantecapumpkinfair.org.
MESOPOTAMIAN FOOD FESTIVAL – Oct. 2: Mediterranean food, live entertainment, vendors, kids zone and more. Noon-8 p.m. St. Matthew Catholic Church, 3005 6th St., Ceres. Free. 209-667-7468.
TASTES OF THE VALLEY — Oct. 6: Wine and cheese tastings, small bites, live and silent auctions. 6-9 p.m. Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. $50. www.csustan.edu/agriculture/tastes-valley.
RIVERBANK CHEESE & WINE FESTIVAL – Oct. 8-9: Riverbank presents its annual festival with multiple wine-tasting sessions each day. There also will be craft beer and cheese tastings, arts and crafts vendors and more. Downtown Riverbank. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Free for expo; wine tasting prices $30 in advance, $40 at the door. riverbankcheeseandwine.com.
HARVEST FESTIFALL – Oct. 8-9: Crafts, food, demonstrations, music and more at Columbia State Historic Park. Vendors dressed in 1850s attire will display their handmade arts and crafts and baked goods. Also, demonstrations by the Mother Lode Weavers & Spinners, face painting and children’s activities. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. www.columbiacalifornia.com.
SONORA BACH FESTIVAL – Oct. 9-30: A lineup of concerts and more for lovers of baroque and classical music. Youth concert on Oct. 9 at 3 p.m.; locals concert Oct. 15, 3 p.m.; and Bach’s Brunch Oct. 30, 12:30 p.m. Locations, ticket prices vary. Details at www.sonorabach.org.
MURPHYS WITCH WALK — Oct. 15: Vendor bazaar, charity raffles, live music at local businesses and more. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Main Street, Murphys. Street festival free, vendor bazaar tickets $5-$40. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern California. murphyswitchwalk.com.
TWAIN HARTE OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS MARKET — Oct. 15-16: Artisans, vintage jewelry, health and wellness products, specialty foods and more. Live music. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Twain Harte town center. Free. www.brotherspromotions.com.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS – Oct. 22: Annual traditional holiday celebrating the dead will include musical entertainment, Ballet Folklorico groups, lip sync entertainers, children’s activities, Catrin & Catrina procession, altars, vendors and more. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tenth and J streets, downtown Modesto. 209-585-6590.
ALL HALLOWS FANTASY FAIRE – Oct. 29-30: Live music, craft vendors, food and drink and more. Noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Calaveras County Fairgrounds 2465 Gunclub Road, Angels Camp. $15-$25 Saturday; $10-$20 Sunday. www.allhallowsfaire.com.
This story was originally published September 28, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
