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Community Events
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Diwali Night – First Ever in Merced

Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Merced’s inaugural Diwali Night on Thursday, October 23, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Hosted on N Street near Tioga Sequoia Brewing, this cultural event features traditional Indian music, dance performances, food vendors, and community activities. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. The evening promises a vibrant showcase of heritage and joy, marking a new tradition in Merced’s multicultural calendar.

Lodi Comic Con

On Saturday, October 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds will host the fall edition of Lodi Comic Con. Located at 413 E Lockeford Street, this pop culture celebration features over 200 booths of artists, vendors, and exhibitors across 40,000 square feet. Attendees can expect cosplay contests, collectibles, and appearances by comic creators. Tickets are available online, with general admission typically under $10.

MasterChef All-Stars Live!

MasterChef All-Stars Live! brings the heat to the Gallo Center stage on Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m., offering fans a high-energy, behind-the-scenes look at the culinary competition that made these chefs household names. Featuring live cooking battles, interactive challenges, and insider stories from the MasterChef kitchen, the show delivers an immersive experience for food lovers and reality TV fans alike. Attendees can expect tips, tricks, and plenty of flavor as all-star chefs recreate the intensity of America’s toughest cooking show—live and unfiltered. Tickets are available through the Gallo Center box office.

Modesto on Ice Winter Rink Opening Day

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Modesto’s seasonal ice rink, Modesto on Ice, opens for the winter season on Friday, November 22, with extended hours from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Located downtown at 1131 11th Street, the rink offers public skating, themed nights, and private party bookings through mid-January. Opening day includes live entertainment, food trucks, and giveaways. General admission is $15, which includes skate rental. It’s a festive kickoff to the holiday season and a rare chance to glide under the Central Valley sky.ulticultural calendar.

Downtown Lodi Safe Halloween

On Saturday, October 25, from 12 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Downtown Lodi will host its annual Safe Halloween event. Families are invited to enjoy a wholesome trick-or-treat experience with participating businesses, plus games, crafts, and seasonal activities. The event is free and designed for children of all ages, offering a secure and festive way to celebrate Halloween in the heart of Lodi.

Halloween Tot Carnival

Patterson Recreation and Community Services Department invites families to celebrate the season at its Halloween Tot Carnival on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Hammon Senior Center, 1033 W. Las Palmas Ave. Designed for children ages 2 to 10, the event features hayrides, carnival games, a costume parade, pumpkin decorating, story time, and more. Admission is $5 per child and pre-registration is required. Early sign-up is encouraged as space may be limited.

Holiday Craft Fair at Turlock Fairgrounds

Get a head start on holiday shopping at the Holiday Craft Fair hosted at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in Turlock on Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Held at 900 N Broadway, this indoor market showcases handmade goods, seasonal décor, and artisan treats from local vendors. Admission is free, and parking is available on-site. With dozens of booths and festive music, it’s a cozy way to support small businesses and find one-of-a-kind gifts.

Sonora Christmas Parade Lights Up the Night

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On Friday, November 28, 2025, beginning promptly at 6:00 p.m., downtown Sonora will come alive with the sights and sounds of the season during the annual Sonora Christmas Parade. Held rain or shine along Washington Street in Sonora, this beloved nighttime tradition features illuminated floats, antique cars, marching bands, dancers, and festive music that fills the historic Gold Rush town with holiday cheer. Produced by the Sonora Chamber of Commerce, the event draws families and visitors from across the region to celebrate the start of the Christmas season in classic small-town style. Admission is free, and early arrival is recommended for best viewing.

Modesto Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Pops!

On Friday, December 5 and Saturday. December 6, at 7:30 p.m., the Modesto Symphony Orchestra will present its annual Holiday Pops! concert at the Gallo Center for the Arts, located at 1000 I Street in downtown Modesto. This festive performance features beloved holiday classics, sing-alongs, and special guest appearances, creating a joyful kickoff to the season. Tickets range from approximately $25 to $75 depending on seating, and they can be purchased through the Gallo Center’s official box office.

Harry’s Wizarding World Comes to Life in Tracy

From December 12 to 14, the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy will host a magical stage production of Harry’s Wizarding World, co-presented by the Children’s Dance Theatre and the City of Tracy. Held in the Madame Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis Theatre (EK Theatre), this family-friendly performance brings the beloved tale of Harry Potter to life through music, movement, and theatrical storytelling. Audiences will follow Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they navigate enchanted puzzles, face dark forces, and uncover the secrets of Hogwarts. Showtimes include Friday at 6:30 p.m., Saturday at 1:00 and 6:00 p.m., and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Tickets range from $27 to $62, with a $4 per ticket fee included.

Sutter Creek Parade of Lights

Sutter Creek’s beloved Parade of Lights returns on Friday, December 13, beginning at 6:00 p.m. along Main Street. This festive procession features illuminated floats, marching bands, and costumed characters, all set against the town’s historic Gold Rush backdrop. Admission is free, and early arrival is recommended for best viewing spots.