One of Modesto region’s largest festivals canceled this year. Which one, why?
April showers? Maybe. April fun? Definitely.
The month presents plenty of opportunities to enjoy spring at festivals and celebrations across the Modesto and Mother Lode regions.
One large festival that’s been held the past five years at the Stanislaus County Fairground in Turlock won’t happen in 2025, however: the San Joaquin Valley Portuguese Festival.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce that the San Joaquin Valley Portuguese Festival is canceled for 2025,” according to the website for the Carlos Vieira Foundation. The foundation has put on the event, which highlighted Portuguese culture and raised funds for the Race for Autism.
“With the growing need in our community and our position as a small, family-run nonprofit, we must refocus our resources on maintaining our programs and other forms of fundraising,” the website says, adding that the group hopes to revive the festival in 2026.
But from celebrations of bees to fruit and nuts, wine and more, many events remain to get you out and about in April. Here’s a look at just some:
MODESTO POLLINATOR FESTIVAL — April 5: This all-ages fest returns with interactive activities for participants to learn the importance of native plants and how they support pollinators. There will be activities for children, a children’s pollinator costume parade, a live bee demonstration, food trucks, face painting, live music and more. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 2000 Encina Ave., adjacent to the La Loma Native Garden, Modesto. Free.
STANISLAUS ARTIST OPEN STUDIO TOUR — April 5-6: Artists in Modesto, Ceres, Knights Ferry and Turlock are participating in this year’s self-guided tour. Meet local artists where they create their work, with art to view and for sale. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Various locations. Free. For a map of the studios and the artists see www.stanislausaos.com.
MODESTO GARDEN CLUB SPRING TOUR — April 12: There will be five homes and gardens open for self-touring in Modesto, including the club’s demonstration garden. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $25, free ages 11 and under. For locations and tickets, see www.modestogardenclub.org.
YUPUP KIDS FEST – April 12: The festival includes interactive play zones, creative stations, meet-and-greets with popular characters and princesses, live entertainment and more. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stanislaus County Fairground, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. Free, but tickets are required and are limited; www.yupup.com/landing/service-details/67a27df4164b0a38378ee77f.
EARTH DAY IN THE PARK – April 19: A community event to celebrate sustainability and environmentalism, the city of Modesto’s event will feature music, games, local mascots, a chance to meet City Council members and the mayor, recycling trivia and more. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Graceada Park, Sycamore and Needham streets, Modesto. Free. www.modestogov.com/415/Earth-Day
GARAGE FEST – April 26: Put on by Visit Modesto, the event will feature more than 250 garage sales across the city, all happening at the same time. A live map will be published the morning of the event with participating homes and what they’ll sell. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. For the map, see visitmodesto.com/modesto-garage-fest.
HUGHSON FRUIT & NUT FESTIVAL — April 26-27: Held by the Hughson Chamber of Commerce, the event features vendors, crafts, activities for children and live entertainment. A classic car show will be held on April 27 only. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 27. Downtown Hughson. Free. 209-883-0811.
SPRING WINE WEEKEND — April 26-27: Explore Calaveras wine country and sample wine at more than 20 tasting rooms. There will be live music and other events. Tickets include a commemorative wineglass. 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. One-day tickets $45 by March 31, $55 after; two-days $65 by March 31, $75 after. www.calaveraswines.org/events.
GOLD COUNTRY PEDDLER’S FAIRE – April 27: The Peddler’s Faire returns to Knights Ferry with more than 100 vendors selling arts, crafts, antiques, collectibles and more. The event is a fundraiser for the Knights Ferry Museum. The Odd Fellows will offer a breakfast from 8-11 a.m. at its hall, 17560 Main St., for $10. Fair is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the south parking area at Knights Ferry Recreation Area, 18229 Sonora Road. Free, $10 for parking on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property. A free shuttle will run a loop from the event to other parking lots and into Knights Ferry. knightsferry.com.
This story was originally published March 27, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
