Where to see Independence Day fireworks, Tony-winning musical in Modesto region
Entertainment coming up in the Modesto and Mother Lode regions is all about American independence. But there’s also a Tony Award-winning musical and a big arts and craft fair among the options from July 1-7.
While there are several communities hosting Fourth of July activities, below are just a few that are planned. For a longer list of events, see modbee.com.
Waterside fireworks
Fireworks will burst over Woodward Reservoir in Oakdale again this year. The pyrotechnic display on the Saturday before July Fourth is presented by the Stanislaus County Parks and Recreation Department. A limited number of advance tickets are available at stancountyparks.com/fireworks, or tickets can be purchased at the event.
WHAT: 9:30 p.m. July 1
WHERE: Woodward Reservoir, 14528 26 Mile Road, Oakdale
TICKETS: $25 per carload
ONLINE: www.stancountyparks.com.
More fireworks over water
Fireworks return over Lake Don Pedro after being canceled last year due to drought. Parking is limited, so spectators should arrive early for the show, also on Saturday, which will be shot from the Blue Oaks launch ramp.
WHEN: 9:30 p.m. July 1
WHERE: Lake Don Pedro, 10200 Bonds Flat Road, La Grange
TICKETS: $40 per vehicle, $20 per vessel
CALL: 209-852-2396
Modesto Fourth celebration
The city of Modesto and the Modesto Kiwanis Club present the “Sun, Stars & Stripes” parade. Prior and following, there will be a street fair with food, beverages, crafts and entertainment, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., on I Street between 10th and 11th streets. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. from 10th and F streets to J Street, then back to 11th Street to I Street, ending at 17th Street. This year’s event introduces a new hometown hero feature on the stage of the Courthouse Plaza on I Street between 11th and 12th streets, where Dallas Cowboys player and former Modestan DaRon Bland will be honored for his accomplishments.
WHEN: Parade begins 9:30 a.m. Craft fair 8 a.m.-2 p.m. July 4
WHERE: Downtown Modesto, see details above
ADMISSION: Free
ONLINE: modestojulyparade.com
Fireworks and baseball
Catch a baseball game, then enjoy the bombs bursting in air after. A fireworks show above John Thurman Field in Modesto will follow the evening Modesto Nuts home game against the Stockton Ports.
WHEN: Game time is 7:05 p.m. July 4
WHERE: John Thurman Field, 601 Neece Drive, Modesto
TICKETS: $8-$14
ONLINE: www.modestonuts.com
Arts and crafts fest
The Sierra Nevada Arts and Crafts Festival returns to the Mother Lode community of Arnold. Planned are more than 60 booths featuring handcrafted arts, specialty food and antiques. The Arnold Fire Department will serve craft beers.
WHEN: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 1-2
WHERE: Bristol’s Ranch House Café parking lot, 961 Highway 4, Arnold
ADMISSION: Free
ONLINE: www.brotherspromotions.com
“Jersey Boys”
Sierra Repertory Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys.” The production is a look behind the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Songs include “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Dawn” and “My Eyes Adored You.”
WHEN: Various times, July 1-Aug. 27
WHERE: Fallon House Theatre, Columbia State Historic Park, 11175 Washington St.
TICKETS: $35-$48
ONLINE: sierrarep.org
This story was originally published June 28, 2023 at 8:00 AM.
