Massive Modesto celebration brings home its Hollywood bragging rights. What’s up

It’s gonna be a gas. Pretty groovy, too.

June marks Modesto’s annual Graffiti Summer celebration, honoring the movie “American Graffiti” and the Friday and Saturday night pastime that inspired it, by Modesto’s most famous native, George Lucas.

The 1973 film put Lucas on the Hollywood map and turned him into a household name. “American Graffiti” was nominated for five Academy Awards, including two for Lucas himself: best directing and writing. It won a pair of Golden Globes: best comedy or musical picture and most promising newcomer for Paul Le Mat.

It also launched the acting careers of Harrison Ford, Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Cindy Williams, Suzanne Somers and others.

It all leads back to cruising, when teens and twentysomethings drove round and round and round on weekend nights along downtown Modesto streets — and, in later years, McHenry Avenue — to meet up, show off their cars and honk their horns.

The month’s biggest event is a weekend celebration from the North Modesto Kiwanis Club. It starts with an organized vehicle parade June 12.

That weekend, the club also presents its festival and car show June 13-14.

Of course, no Graffiti Summer would be complete without watching the film that started it all. The State Theatre will screen “American Graffiti” on June 6.

Here’s a look at some of the far-out fun planned this year:

GRAFFITI SUMMER ART EXHIBIT — June through August: Kruse Lucas Art Gallery features the work of artist Brad Stone for its Graffiti Summer exhibit. Stone’s works focuses on the essence of cars, intertwining creativity with a sense of nostalgia. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. 525 Tully Road, Modesto. Free. 209-529-9111.

MOBAND — June 4: The opening-night theme, “Good Vibrations,” features a playlist of hits from The Beach Boys, The Mamas and the Papas, Eagles, A-ha and more. Attendees are encouraged to wear “wacky ties and socks” for the performance. 8 p.m. Graceada Park, 401 Needham St., Modesto. Free. www.moband.org.

MATT STONE AS ELVIS — June 5: Matt Stone will perform a celebration of the music of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, Elvis Presley. 8 p.m. State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto. $35-$45. www.thestate.org.

“AMERICAN GRAFFITI” SCREENING — June 6: Watch “American Graffiti,” Lucas’ 1973 film chronicling a night of teenage cruising in his hometown of Modesto. Some characters are based on Modesto’s Faros Car Club. Original club members will be there, and the club will have vehicles parked outside the theater. Screening 1 p.m. State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto. $7. www.thestate.org.

MODESTO AREA STREET ROD ASSOCIATION’S GRAFFITI CLASSIC — June 7: Expect more than 500 classic vehicles at this annual show. This year also will feature Buick and Oldsmobile muscle cars in a separate space. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. McHenry Village, 1700 McHenry Ave., Modesto. Free to attend. www.modestoareastreetrod.com.

PARK ’N’ SHINES — June 8-11: Car shows set in three locations: June 8, 4-8 p.m., American Chevrolet, 4742 McHenry Ave., Modesto; June 9, Mar-Val Main Street Market, 1900 McHenry Ave., Escalon, 5-8 p.m.; June 11, 5-8 p.m., Cool Hand Luke’s, 2505 Patterson Road, Riverbank. Free. www.graffitiusamuseum.com/events.

LEGENDS OF THE CRUISE PARK ‘N’ SHINE & WALK OF FAME — June 10: More than 300 classic cars and hot rods will line the streets of downtown Modesto for the park and shine. The Legends of the Cruise Walk of Fame ceremony will induct new members. Third Party will perform. 5:30-8:30 p.m. 10th Street between J and K streets, downtown Modesto. Free. www.graffitiusamuseum.com/events.

NORTH MODESTO KIWANIS AMERICAN GRAFFITI PARADE — June 12: The annual parade/cruise kicks off the club’s weekend of events. The cruise features 1,000 vehicles, 1980 and older, entered in the club’s festival and car show (below). The parade is not open to any other vehicles. Grand marshal will be the Modesto Roadsters represented by owner Dave Heller and team mascot Cruiser the Kit Fox. The parade will begin north on McHenry Avenue to Briggsmore Avenue with a U turn before crossing Briggsmore; back down McHenry to J Street, left on 10th and 11th streets, left on I Street, left on 17th Street and back to the original starting point. 5:30-8 p.m. Free. www.americangraffitifestival.com.

GRAFFITI VIP EVENT — June 12: The State Theatre invites people to enjoy the Graffiti Parade as it streams live inside Intermission and The Jewel theater. No-host bar, light appetizers. 5-9 p.m. 1307 J St., Modesto. $50. www.thestate.org.

NORTH MODESTO KIWANIS AMERICAN GRAFFITI FESTIVAL & CAR SHOW — June 13-14: The two-day celebration includes live music, nearly 20 food vendors and more than 30 other vendors. There will be hundreds of classic cars on display. A kids zone will offer a train ride, multiple bounce houses and a water boat ride, for a separate fee. On Sunday only, nonprofit Valley Dream Car joins the show. For those 21 and older, there will be a beer garden, with alcohol restricted to that space. 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 for ages 12 and under. www.americangraffitifestival.com.

“GREASE” SINGALONG — June 13: Sing along to the songs as the classic film plays on the big screen. 2 p.m. The State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto. $7. thestate.org.

BACK TO GRAFFITI CAR SHOW — June 20: The Fruit Yard presents the F-100 Elite Club’s annual car show with raffles, vendors, music, awards and more. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The Fruit Yard, 7948 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto. Free. 209-577-3093.

GRAFFITI FOR KIDS: “CARS” — June 20: The animated film will screen after a craft time for children. Craft at 9 a.m., film 10 a.m. The State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto. $6. thestate.org.

MODESTO ELKS ROD & CUSTOM CAR SHOW — June 28: Cars, trucks, motorcycles, DJ, hot dogs and chips for purchase. Breakfast available until sold out for $13. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Elks Lodge, 645 Charity Way, Modesto. Event is free. www.facebook.com/events/2860684924280176?locale=tr_TR.