The engines will fire up across Modesto as the 2026 American Graffiti Festival & Car Show rolls into town June 12–14, bringing with it the chrome, rumble and summertime energy that have defined Graffiti Summer for decades. The event, organized by the Kiwanis Club of North Modesto, remains the city’s largest and oldest Graffiti celebration, drawing more than a thousand classic cars and thousands of spectators while raising money for youth programs throughout the region.
The weekend begins Friday, June 12, with the official Classic Car Parade and Cruise from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Only the first 1,000 registered show vehicles are allowed on the route, which winds through downtown Modesto and up McHenry Avenue to Briggsmore. Street closures start around 3:30 p.m. and continue until cleanup wraps up around 9 p.m. For many, the cruise is the heart of the festival, a rolling tribute to the era that inspired George Lucas’ American Graffiti and cemented Modesto’s place in car‑culture history.
The main festival opens Saturday, June 13, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and continues Sunday, June 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Modesto Junior College’s West Campus at 2201 Blue Gum Ave. Between 1,200 and 1,400 classic vehicles typically fill the grounds, creating a sprawling outdoor museum of polished fenders, custom paint, vintage engines and the unmistakable nostalgia of the cruising era. Spectator admission is $10, with kids 12 and under free with an adult. Tickets can be purchased at the gate with cash or card or in advance online.
The festival atmosphere stretches well beyond the cars. Nearly 100 vendors will offer everything from food and drinks to crafts, car gear and collectibles. A Kid Zone gives younger visitors a place to play while parents explore the show. Live music runs throughout the weekend, beginning Saturday morning with the Modesto Valley Music Institute, followed by No Way Back performing classic rock hits from the ’60s through the ’80s. Third Sol closes out Saturday with high‑energy funk, soul, Latin and R&B. On Sunday, Chicago the Tribute brings the horn‑driven sound of the legendary band to the festival stage.
While the event is a celebration of Modesto’s cruising heritage, its purpose is rooted in service. The North Modesto Kiwanis Club uses the festival as its major annual fundraiser, supporting scholarships, a large Christmas basket program for local families and grants to dozens of youth‑focused nonprofits. Every ticket, registration and vendor fee helps the club continue its mission of helping children and teens across the community.
Decades after its debut, the American Graffiti Festival remains the signature event of Graffiti Summer, drawing car owners from across California and the West Coast. For many, it’s a bucket‑list show. For locals, it’s a weekend that feels like home — engines rumbling down McHenry, neon reflecting off chrome, and a community gathering to celebrate the culture that shaped a generation.
