Beat August blahs with summer fun on tap across Modesto region

Vacations have wound down, the kids are heading back to school and the summer heat’s turned oppressive. Take heart, communities across the region still will offer plenty of ways to beat the August blahs.

The last full official month of summer offers some last-gasp fun in the sun, with music, community celebrations and a couple of options for exploring wine.

Here’s a look at some of the larger events in store in the Modesto region and Mother Lode for August:

Bear Valley Music Festival – Through Aug. 9: 47th event continues, featuring artists performing a variety of music styles. Also, a tribute to Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday will be held on Thursday, Aug. 6. $15-$55. Bear Valley Village. www.bearvalleymusicfestival.org.

Modesto Fiji Festival – Saturday, Aug. 1: The annual Fiji Social Cultural Association event offers live dance, entertainment, kids’ activities and a soccer tournament. There will be traditional and other food and beverages for purchase at the alcohol-free festival. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Modesto Christian High School, 5901 Sisk Road. 209-495-7031.

Modstock Music Festival – Aug. 9: Valley Music Institute and Roberts Auto Sales present this annual event featuring more than 30 local bands, food, drink, arts and crafts, demonstrations and family activities. 10 a.m. Graceada Park, Sycamore Avenue and Needham Street, Modesto. 209-543-2066.

Arnold Wine, Music and Art Fest – Aug. 15: Eight wineries offering “passport” wine tasting for $15; art exhibits and craft fair. Music by Bill Welles, Cantamos and Magnolia Rhythm Trio. Food and beverages available for purchase. Wine tasting 2 to 5 p.m., festival 2-8:30 p.m., music starts at 3 p.m. Cedar Center, downtown Arnold. 209-795-3530.

Central Valley Vinofest – Aug. 21: The inaugural age 21 and older event celebrates local wineries with proceeds benefiting Art Expressions of San Joaquin. Wine and cheese tasting and complimentary baguette of fresh bread. 5:30 to 10 p.m. at Pageo Lavender Farms, 11573 Golf Link Road, Turlock. Advance tickets $35, $40 at the door; $15 designated drivers. cvvinofest.com.

X-Fest 2015 – Aug. 22: Huge downtown outdoor event shuts down the streets of downtown Modesto for several stages of music. Performers include The Tubes, Waka Flocka Flame, Tech 9NE, Moonshine Bandits and more. Ages 21 and older. 5 p.m. Downtown Modesto. $20, $30 express ticket. www.xfestmodesto.com.

Salida Town and Country Festival – Aug. 22: A day filled with food, crafts, information booths, kids activities, live entertainment and a parade at 10 a.m. The festival runs at 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Downtown Salida. Free.

Taste of Oakdale – Aug. 25: Features microbrews, wines, bakery items and more. 5-8 p.m. Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale. $25 advance; $35 door. 209-847-2244.

Sierra View Music Festival – Aug. 29: Seventh annual fest will feature music by Craig Morgan, Frankie Ballard, Love and Theft and McKenna Faith. Food and drink vendors. Held in remembrance of musician Heidi Brunk to raise funds for the Heidi Brunk Foundation and Music Scholarship. Gates open at 2 p.m., music starts at 3 p.m. $40. JH Ranch, 12713 Sierra View Road, Oakdale. 209-247-6069, www.sierraviewmusicfest.com.

Smoke on the River – Aug. 29: A barbecue competition combines with a music festival for this event from the Ceres Chamber of Commerce. Live music from Greg Scudder & the BEER:30, the Black Rose Band, Highway 99 Band and Patty Castillo-Davis. $5-10 advance, $7-15 at the gate. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuolumne River Lodge, 2429 River Road, Modesto. 209-537-2601.

Newman Fall Festival – Aug. 30-Sept. 7: 45th annual event celebrates Newman heritage. Kids’ games, live entertainment, food and craft vendors, Soroptimist Fall Fashion Show, “An Evening Under the Stars” wine and cheese event, a community parade through downtown Newman, tournaments, theater performance, dance contest and more. Pioneer Park, 1250 Tulare St., Newman. 209-451-2815.

This story was originally published July 29, 2015 at 10:14 AM with the headline "Beat August blahs with summer fun on tap across Modesto region."