Culture & RecreationMcHenry Museum

The Gallo Center for the Arts

With its grand opening in 2007, the Gallo Center for the Arts has set a new standard for the arts, education, and entertainment for the entire region of Central California. Top-flight arts and entertainment from around California, the USA, and around the world appear before audiences from all parts of Stanislaus County and nearby communities. This exciting new center is a state-of-the-art performing arts complex and is the focus of arts, entertainment, multicultural programming and social activities for the Central Valley. The Center houses two performance venues, the 1244-seat Mary Stuart Rogers Theater and the 444-seat Foster Family Theater.

 

Modesto Symphony Orchestra

The Modesto Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 77th season this year. Its professional musicians present a full season of classical concerts each year as well as Pops, holiday concerts and educational concerts for children. Under the artistic direction of David Lockington, the symphony is an outstanding cultural asset for the community.

 

Modesto Performing Arts

One of the longest running “shows” in Modesto, MPA began in 1967 as Modesto Youth Theatre under the auspices of Modesto City Schools. The guiding force was, and remains, former Modesto High School drama instructor, Paul Tischer. Every Summer since its inception the company has presented two Summer musicals. When the Summer youth program expanded to a more professional theater experience, the name was changed to reflect the new direction for the company. MPA has performed most of the “classic” musical plays and has reached an even broader audience with its children’s shows during the school year, and its occasional foray into sponsorship of dramas, comedies and dance. In recent years, the company has brought in the talents of actors and actresses from Los Angeles and San Francisco. MPA’s real secrets are the number of local performers who have started on the stage at Modesto High School and advanced to professional careers in film and theater.

 

Townsend Opera Players

The Townsend Opera Players have been staging opera and musical theater masterpieces for 26 years. Founded by Erik Buck Townsend, the professional group presents several full productions each year, plus an annual “Messiah,” and a New Year’s Eve concert with dining and dancing, and offers an extensive educational outreach program.

 

Central West Ballet

Celebrating its 22nd year in 2009, Central West Ballet is a nonprofit dance company dedicated to inspiring excellence in dance and infusing passion that fosters a high quality, financially supported, professional dance company.

 

Cultural Scene

Modesto offers many outlets for the dramatic arts through several local organizations in and around Modesto. The Gallo Center for the Arts has a prominent spot in Modesto’s cultural scene providing an array of live performances. Modesto Performing Arts puts on musicals and children’s theatrical performances in Spring, Summer and Fall. The Prospect Theatre Project on Scenic Drive is dedicated to providing alternative theatrical experiences for the community. Modesto Junior College and California State University, Stanislaus, offer plays and musicals throughout the academic year. Live music can be heard at the State Theatre, Fat Cat, and the Barkin’ Dog to name a few. And of course, MoBand livens up Modesto for six weeks in Summer. Visual arts are presented at the Central California Art Association/Mistlin Gallery, an art gallery and studio located in downtown Modesto.

 

Recreation

With 72 city parks, the Tuolumne Regional River Park, several challenging golf courses and many nearby lakes and recreational areas, the natural and man-made splendors of the San Joaquin Valley are just around the corner or just a short drive away. Some local attractions include:

  • Gallo Center for the Arts
  • Hilmar Cheese Company
  • McHenry Mansion
  • McHenry Museum
  • Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball
  • Oakdale Cheese & Specialties
  • Sierra Railroad
  • State Theatre
  • Sunshine Rafting Adventures

Local events include the following:

  • MoBand Summer Concerts
  • Modesto Art & Wine Festival
  • Modesto High School Band Invitational
  • Modesto Symphony Pops! Concerts
  • Oktoberfest
  • Xfest