Who will kick off the season at Modesto’s Fruit Yard Amphitheater? See when
The first concert of the 2025 season at the Fruit Yard Amphitheater in Modesto features Chris Young. The community also can turn out to celebrate “Star Wars,” Cinco de Mayo and Jewish culture at special events. These are just some of the entertainment options planned for May 3-9 in the Modesto region.
Chris Young
Country singer Chris Young will perform a concert at the Fruit Yard Amphitheater in Modesto. Young was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2017. Among his hits are “The Man I Want to Be,” “Getting You Home,” “Voices,” “I Can Take It from There,” “Losing Sleep,” “Lonely Eyes” and “Tomorrow.”
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. May 9
WHERE: The Fruit Yard Chicken Ranch Casino Resort Amphitheater, 7948 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto
TICKETS: $68-$172
ONLINE: www.thefruityardevents.com
Celebrating “Star Wars”
The annual May the Fourth Be With You event returns to pay homage to Modesto native George Lucas’ “Star Wars” film franchise. Planned at Tenth Street Plaza are a lightsaber show, Death Star piñata, live music, vendors and more. Special guest will be Andrew C. Nelson, who was among the actors who played Darth Vader. According to IMDb.com, Nelson “played the role of Darth Vader in the new scenes shot for the special edition reissue of ‘Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back.’”
WHEN: 4-9 p.m. May 4
WHERE: Tenth Street Plaza, Modesto
ADMISSION: Free
ONLINE: www.downtown-modesto.com/events/may-the-fourth-be-with-you-1.
Champions of Magic
The Champions Of Magic bring an all-new show to the Gallo Center. The production promises “thrilling and mind-bending illusions,” according to the center’s website. “Fusing their skills in grand scale magic, a flair for spectacle and undeniable showmanship, this interactive, high-energy show is sure to entertain the entire family.” Limited tickets were available.
WHEN: 3 p.m. May 3
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $67-$107
ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
Cinco de Mayo
The community is invited as South Modesto Businesses United presents its annual Cinco de Mayo parade. The parade on Crows Landing Road in Modesto celebrates the “Day of the Battle of Puebla.”
WHEN: 11 a.m. May 3
WHERE: Crows Landing Road, Modesto
ADMISSION: Free
ONLINE: www.smbu.net
Gerardo Ortiz
Gerardo Ortiz brings his corrido and regional Mexican music to the Gallo Center. He “rose to overnight success in 2010 with the release of his major-label debut, ‘Ni Hoy Ni Mañana,’ which landed in the Top 5 of the Latin Albums chart and received a Grammy nomination for Best Norteño Album,” the center’s website says. Limited tickets were available.
WHEN: 5 p.m. May 4
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $107-$167
ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
Modesto Symphony Orchestra
The Modesto Symphony’s Classics Series season concludes with Verdi’s Requiem. The concerts will feature the MSO Chorus and feature guest soloists soprano Alexandra Loutsion, mezzo-soprano Alice Chung, tenor Ben Gulley and bass DeAndre Simmons. “Verdi’s Requiem achieves the impossible by being at once supernaturally massive and intimately human,” MSO Music Director Nicholas Hersh said in a press release. “By its very nature, a requiem Mass deals with subject matter that is considered incomprehensible ... But thanks to Verdi’s vast experience in opera, he is able to so effectively combine the orchestra with the human voice to express the complex emotions associated with facing death.” Limited tickets were available.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. May 9-10
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $28-$102
ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
Eagles tribute
One of These Nights – Songs of The Eagles returns to The State Theatre in Modesto. The Eagles were among the most successful bands in the 1970s. One of These Nights re-creates the Eagles’ harmonic musical hits. The audience can expect songs such as “Best of My Love,” “Witchy Woman,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “The Long Run” and “Hotel California.”
WHEN: 8 p.m. May 3
WHERE: State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto
TICKETS: $35-$55
ONLINE: www.thestate.org
Uncle Lonny’s Birthday Bash
California Zephyr will play this year’s Uncle Lonny’s Birthday Bash at the State Theatre. The concert is a benefit for nonprofit Hope Haven West. California Zephyr began in 1975 when former Modestan Alan Arnopole joined three Bay Area musicians. The group, celebrating its 50th year, plays a variety of styles including country, folk, Cajun, rock, ragtime, bluegrass and blues.
WHEN: 7 p.m. May 9
WHERE: State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto
TICKETS: $30
ONLINE: www.thestate.org
Ceres Street Faire
The annual Ceres Street Faire returns with entertainment, car and RV shows, food vendors and more. A classic car show will be held on Saturday, with a lowrider car show set for Sunday.
WHEN: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 3-4
WHERE: Downtown Ceres
ADMISSION: Free
ONLINE: www.cereschamberofcommerce.org/events/ceres-street-faire-2
Cafe Shalom
Traditional Jewish food and entertainment mark the return of Cafe Shalom, presented by Congregation Beth Shalom in Modesto. The cultural celebration also offers tours, a bake sale, gift shop and more.
WHEN: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 4
WHERE: Congregation Beth Shalom, 1705 Sherwood Ave., Modesto
TICKETS: $25 advance, $30 at the door, $15 ages 4-10, free ages 3 and under
ONLINE: www.cbsmodesto.org
Carnegie Arts Center fundraiser
A Spring Garden Party will be held to raise funds for Turlock’s Carnegie Arts Center. Guests can expect farm-to-fork catering by Greens, live music from the Turlock Jazz Collective, wine, beer and a specialty cocktail, activities with the Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center and CAC artists and more, according to a press release.
WHEN: 5-8 p.m. May 9
WHERE: Private home, 1120 N. Berkeley Avenue, Turlock
TICKETS: $95
ONLINE: www.carnegieartsturlock.org
