No sweet treats this May as popular Modesto region festival postponed. Other events set
May brings plenty of ways to put spring in your step in the Modesto region, thanks to its festivals and community celebrations.
But this year, one of the month’s most popular events has been put on hold.
The Oakdale Chocolate Festival is postponed, likely until fall, according to the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce.
There’s no new date yet, said Bri Swan, membership and marketing coordinator at the chamber.
“Our new CEO just started, so we just wanted to give our team enough time to execute the festival,” Swan said.
So while you’ll have to wait for your chocolate fix, you still can get out and enjoy the season by celebrating Cinco de Mayo, beers, jumping frogs, live music on Modesto porches and more.
Here’s a look at just some of what’s planned.
MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU – May 4: “Star Wars” and the film series’ connection to Modesto via Downey High graduate George Lucas is celebrated. There will be lightsaber battles, live music, vendors and more. 5-9 p.m. Tenth Street Plaza, Modesto. Free. www.modestoview.com.
CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION – May 5: The West Modesto King Kennedy Neighborhood Collaborative holds a Cinco de Mayo event with games, food and entertainment. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 601 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Modesto. Free, but seating is limited; reserve by May 3 at 209-522-6902.
CINCO DE MAYO PARADE – May 6: South Modesto Businesses United presents this annual parade on Crows Landing Road, from Olivero Road to Glenn Avenue. Floats feature businesses, youth groups, horses and more. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. People encouraged to arrive before 10 a.m. due to road closures. Free. 209-883-8760.
FESTIVAL OF COLORS – May 6: Music, dance, yoga, colored powder throws, food, arts and crafts, more. Noon-4 p.m. Mancini Bowl, 401 Needham St., Modesto. Tickets start at $13. www.neteffectmedia.com.
CERES STREET FAIRE – May 6-7: Entertainment, car and RV shows, food vendors and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Downtown Ceres. Free. www.ceresstreetfaire.org.
CENTRAL VALLEY BREWFEST – May 13: More than 150 brews to sample, along with art and music. There will be a VIP wine sampling tent. Must be 21 or older to attend. Festival 1-5 p.m. with VIP entry at noon. Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway. $45 in advance, $50 at the door; VIP tickets $60, in advance only. Designated driver tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door. www.cvbrewfest.com.
MOTHER LODE ROUNDUP – May 13-14: Parade and rodeos sponsored by the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse. Parade Saturday at 10 a.m. in downtown Sonora. Saturday and Sunday rodeos at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds, 220 Southgate Drive, Sonora, beginning at 2 p.m. Kiddie Rodeo noon Sunday. Rodeo tickets $7-$22. www.motherloderoundup.com.
COLUMBIA DIGGINS 1852 — May 18-21: Columbia State Historic Park’s annual living-history event with 150 costumed volunteers. Visitors experience an 1850s mining camp re-created with period clothing. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. $10, $2 ages 12 and under. www.parks.ca.gov/Columbia.
CALAVERAS COUNTY FAIR AND JUMPING FROG JUBILEE – May 18-21: Annual jumping frog competition and county fair with food, exhibits, entertainment, destruction derby, livestock, arena events, vendors and more. Festival hours 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday; 8 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday; 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday. Calaveras County Fairgrounds, 2465 Gun Club Road, Angels Camp. $12-$15; $35 carnival rides. www.frogtown.org.
MODESTO PORCHFEST — May 21: Stages will be set up throughout the La Loma, College and downtown neighborhoods with homeowners hosting local bands on porch, patio and driveway stages. Noon-5 p.m. Free. www.modestoporchfest.com.
SPRING PEDDLERS FAIRE – May 27-28: Stroll through the Mother Lode community of Arnold for antiques, collectibles, art, crafts, food and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Bristol’s Café parking lot, 961 Highway 4, Arnold. www.brotherspromotions.com.
