The Modesto Symphony Orchestra
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is an American orchestra based in Modesto, California. Founded in 1931, the MSO plays its concerts at the Gallo Center.
Townsend Opera
Townsend Opera, based in Modesto, CA, was founded in 1983. Under the direction of General and Artistic Director Matthew Buckman since February 2008, the company seeks to explore how an art form steeped in tradition can engage with the 21st century. Through the Opera Remix Initiative, launched in 2011, the company presents both traditional and forward-looking productions of the standard operatic repertoire and new American opera, and blurs the lines between classical arts and popular art experiences.
Central West Ballet
Modesto’s cultural history changed in 1987, when Mrs. Juline Schmitz, Founder of Juline.School of Dance and Mrs. Gretchen Vogelzang took on the pioneering job of establishing a ballet company for Modesto and the greater Central Valley. As a cultural ambassador, Central West Ballet completes the identity of Modesto with a distinctive energy.
Oakdale Chocolate Festival
Located at the junction of Highway 120 and 108 at Wood Park and surrounding area. We will continue to have quality and a great variety of over 200 vendors: unique arts & crafts, Chocolate Avenue (fudges, truffles, chocolate ice cream, chocolate cheese cake, etc.), a variety of food to satisfy every palate (giant onion rings, Lockeford Sausage, funnel cakes, smoothies, Chinese and the all American favorite hot dogs), and Specialty Merchandise & Service.
Ripon Air Balloon Festival
Soaring Over Ripon Hot Air Balloon & Kite Festival, formally known as “Color the Skies” takes place once a year at Mistlin Sports Park in Ripon, California. The even includes 5K & 10K run, kite show, hot air balloons,carnival rides and more!
Merced Shakespeare Fest
The summer Shakespeare festival is fun for the whole family and our summer production is still free of charge. It happens during daylight hours in the beautiful green Applegate Park in Merced, California.We offer a quality, fast-paced performance with a minimal set in an abridged version, usually 90 minutes long. Local performers are cast in open auditions two to three months before each show.
The State Theater
The State Theater sits at the center of Modesto’s revitalized downtown with its mix of office and retail space, restaurants, art galleries, civic centers, clubs and other sites of cultural and historic significance
Ceres River Bluff Regional Park
The Ceres River Bluff Regional Park is one of the most unique parks in Northern California. The park is 76 acres and features 38 acres of sports fields. The Master Plan includes 5 dedicated soccer fields, 2 softball fields, outdoor basketball court, outdoor volleyball court, playground equipment, concession stands, restrooms, and an observation deck overlooking the 38 acres of the lower terrace. The lower terrace is in the 100 year flood plain and will be restored to its natural environment with biking and hiking trails.
McHenry Mansion
The McHenry Mansion is Modesto’s Treasure. It is the city’s only original Victorian home and one of the few remaining reminders of the town’s rich heritage. Its restoration has proved to be the community’s most visible, extended renovation project. Thousands of local citizens have participated and contributed to the restoration.
In addition to free tours the mansion is often used for special occasion celebrations as weddings, teas, dinners, receptions, birthdays, anniversaries etc. It is the site of official entertaining by the City of Modesto, as well as by service clubs, groups, organizations and individuals.
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