Massive Modesto summer blowout readies for return. When, where to catch the action

Modesto, prepare to get your motor running.

June will mark the return of Graffiti Summer. It’s the region’s annual celebration of “American Graffiti” and that groovy weekend ritual that inspired the movie by Modesto’s most famous native, George Lucas.

We’re talking cruising, of course, during an era when teens and twentysomethings took to their cars on downtown streets and later McHenry Avenue to meet, greet and honk their horns.

It’s all about nostalgia, hot rods and the music of the “Where were you in ’62” time.

One of the actresses from the film, Mackenzie Phillips, will be in town for at least a few of the events, including joining to sing a classic song made famous by The Mamas & The Papas. Her father, John Phillips, was part of that group.

The biggest event of the month is the weekend celebration put on by the North Modesto Kiwanis Club. It starts with an organized cruise on Friday, June 6.

On Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8, the club presents its big festival and car show.

And you can start early at the State Theatre by watching the film that started it all. “American Graffiti” was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including two for Lucas for best directing and writing. It won two Golden Globes: best comedy or musical picture and most promising newcomer for Paul Le Mat.

“AMERICAN GRAFFITI” SCREENING — May 31: Watch “American Graffiti,” Lucas’ 1973 film chronicling a night of teenage cruising in his hometown of Modesto. Noon. State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto. $7. www.thestate.org.

GRAFFITI SUMMER ART EXHIBIT — June through August: Kruse Lucas Art Gallery features the work of artist Donna Wayman-Maurer for its Graffiti Summer Exhibit. Among other things, she paints automobiles and vintage hood ornaments. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. 525 Tully Road, Modesto. Free. 209-529-9111.

MODESTO AREA STREET ROD ASSOCIATION’S GRAFFITI CLASSIC — June 1: Annual classic car and truck show. This year marks the 50th for the car group. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. McHenry Village, 1700 McHenry Ave., Modesto. www.modestoareastreetrod.com.

PARK ’N’ SHINES — June 2-6: Car shows set in two locations: June 2, 4-8 p.m., American Chevrolet, 4742 McHenry Ave., Modesto; June 6, 5-8 p.m., Cool Hand Luke’s, 2505 Patterson Road, Riverbank. Free. visitmodesto.com/graffiti-summer-events.

LEGENDS OF THE CRUISE PARK N’ SHINE & WALK OF FAME — June 4: More than 300 classic cars will line the streets of downtown Modesto for the park and shine. The Legends of the Cruise Walk of Fame Ceremony will be joined by Mackenzie Phillips. The walk of fame, celebrating the “Racers of the Graffiti Era,” will induct eight new members: Wes Delay, Joe Cardoso, Allen Beebe, Terry Lucas, Joe Stewart, Mamie Disciascio Noto Alberti, Mike Fleming and the Kiwanis Club of North Modesto. Phillips also will join the band Third Party after the awards to sing “California Dreamin’.” 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tenth Street Plaza, downtown Modesto. Free. visitmodesto.com/car-culture.

MOBAND — June 5: The opening night “Across Town” concert will include “Full Throttle,” an arrangement by Robert W. Smith that creates the experience of revving engines and racing cars. Also expect the music of the Beach Boys, Santana, Tower of Power, “Star Wars” and more. 8 p.m. Graceada Park, 401 Needham St., Modesto. www.moband.org.

NORTH MODESTO KIWANIS AMERICAN GRAFFITI PARADE — June 6: The annual parade/cruise kicks off the club’s weekend of events. The cruise features 1,000 vehicles, 1980 and older, entered in the show. The parade is not open to other vehicles. Mackenzie Phillips will ride in the parade. Key Club members from several Modesto high schools will ride at the front of the parade, representing North Modesto Kiwanis as the grand marshal. The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. and follow a route along McHenry Avenue to Briggsmore Avenue and then to J, 11th and I streets until 8:30 p.m. www.americangraffitifestival.com.

GRAFFITI VIP EVENT — June 6: The State Theatre invites people to enjoy the Graffiti Parade as it streams live inside Intermission and The Jewel theater. Cocktails, appetizers, wine. 5-9 p.m. 1307 J St., Modesto. $101. www.thestate.org.

MATT STONE AS ELVIS — June 6: Matt Stone & The Graceland Band will perform a celebration of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. 8 p.m. State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto. $30-$40. www.thestate.org.

NORTH MODESTO KIWANIS AMERICAN GRAFFITI FESTIVAL & CAR SHOW — June 7-8: The two-day celebration includes live music, nearly 20 food and about 50 other vendors. There will be hundreds of classic cars on display. Mackenzie Phillips also will be at the festival. On Sunday, Cars and Coffee Modesto joins the show, with modern muscle and exotic cars. Live entertainment includes Journey Revisited, a Journey tribute band, on Sunday from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Seve Botello will be mingling as Elvis between 2 and 4 p.m. both days. The festival is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Modesto Junior College West Campus, 2201 Blue Gum Ave. $10, free ages 12 and under. www.americangraffitifestival.com.

SMOKEY ROBINSON — June 13: Some tickets remain to see Motown legend Smokey Robinson’s tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of his album “A Quiet Storm” at the Fruit Yard Amphitheatre. 8 p.m. The Fruit Yard Chicken Ranch Casino Resort Amphitheater, 7948 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto. $73.50-$155. www.thefruityardevents.com.

BACK TO GRAFFITI CAR SHOW — June 14: Modesto F-100 Elite presents its car show with raffle, vendors, music, awards and more. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Fruit Yard, 7948 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto. Free. 209-577-3093.

“GREASE” SINGALONG — June 14: Sing along to the songs as the classic film plays on the big screen. 2 p.m. The State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto. $6. thestate.org.

“GREASE” — June 14-22: You also can catch the classic story live as Modesto Performing Arts presents the musical about two love-struck teenagers unexpectedly reuniting at Rydell High. 7:30 p.m. June 14, June 20-21; 2 p.m. June 15 and June 22. Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto. $37-$57. www.galloarts.org.

GRAFFITI FOR KIDS: “CARS” — June 21: The animated film will screen following a craft time for children. There also will be a photo booth and race car outside the State Theatre. Craft at 9 a.m., film 10 a.m. The State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto. $5 thestate.org.

MODESTO ELKS ROD & CUSTOM CAR SHOW — June 29: Cars, trucks, motorcycles, DJ, hot dogs and chips. Breakfast available 7-10 a.m. for $12. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Elks Lodge, 645 Charity Way, Modesto. Event is free. Email bmiller.elks1282@gmail.com for registration information.