Get ready for a return of Modesto’s monthlong signature celebration. Where, when to be

Get your engines started, Modesto. It’s time for Graffiti Summer.

The region’s annual celebration fills June with events planned for the community, car lovers and fans of George Lucas’ film homage to his teen years in his hometown of Modesto, 1973’s “American Graffiti.”

Two stars of the film are set to appear at several of the events, including the centerpiece: a three-day car extravaganza hosted by the Kiwanis Club of North Modesto.

But one of the annual traditions — the screening of “American Graffiti” at the State Theatre — won’t happen this year.

Because this is the 50th anniversary of the film’s release, Universal Pictures is remastering the film to mark the occasion and won’t allow screenings of the original until the new version is released, the State’s executive director, Gabi Guerrini, confirmed in April.

But there’s still plenty to enjoy at this signature summer celebration.

“Graffiti Summer is a legacy event for Modesto and an important part of the fabric of who we are, amongst the many other great things that make up Modesto’s character,” said Todd Aaronson, CEO of Visit Modesto, which helps promote the events nationally.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

While plans continue to evolve, here’s a look at some of the Graffiti Summer events:

SUMMER CRUISE IN KARAOKE — Fridays in June: 5-9 p.m. A&W Drive-In, 1404 G St, Modesto. visitmodesto.com/car-culture

GRAFFITI SUMMER KICK-OFF OPEN HOUSE — June 3: The Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum opens its doors. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 610 N. Ninth St., Modesto. 209-409-8617.

50’S ROADHOUSE CLASSIC CAR SHOW & ‘50S FESTIVAL — June 3: Pin-up contest, live music by the Cash Prophets, rockabilly, 1950s-’60s country. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 50’s Road House, 18431 Kennedy Road, Knights Ferry. 209-881-9400. visitmodesto.com/car-culture

MODESTO AREA STREET ROD ASSOCIATION‘S GRAFFITI CLASSIC — June 4: Annual classic car show. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 1700 McHenry Ave., Modesto. visitmodesto.com/car-culture

MID VALLEY CHEVY CLUB PARK ’N’ SHINES — June 5-8: Mid-Valley Chevy Club car shows, 5-8 p.m., in various locations. June 5, American Chevrolet, 4742 McHenry Ave., Modesto; June 6, Century Center, 2401 E Orangeburg Ave., Modesto; June 8, Cool Hand Luke’s, 2505 Patterson Road, Riverbank. visitmodesto.com/car-culture

LEGENDS OF THE CRUISE PARK N’ SHINE — June 7: Classic cars line the streets for viewing. 5-8:30 p.m. Surrounding 10th and J streets, Modesto. Free. visitmodesto.com/car-culture

LEGENDS OF THE CRUISE WALK OF FAME CEREMONY — June 7: The ceremony will include “American Graffiti” actress Mackenzie Phillips. Five locals will be inducted to the Walk of Fame: Larry Neville, Sam Autry, Craig Powell, Paul Gissible and Dick Braner. Music by Third Party follows. 6:30 p.m. Tenth Street Plaza, Modesto. Free. visitmodesto.com/car-culture

MOBAND — June 8: The theme of this year’s concert is Rockin’ & Rollin.’ Mackenzie Phillips also will appear at the concert. 8-10 p.m. Graceada Park, 401 Needham St., Modesto. visitmodesto.com/car-culture

610 KFRC LIVE RADIO BROADCAST — June 9: Radio Museum on wheels pulls into Modesto for broadcast. 7 a.m.-noon. Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum, 610 N. Ninth St., Modesto. Free. visitmodesto.com/car-culture

NORTH MODESTO KIWANIS AMERICAN GRAFFITI PARADE — June 9: This annual parade/cruise runs on downtown Modesto streets and out McHenry Avenue. It’s limited to the first 1,000 car show registrants. Grand marshal will be John Kearney, who drives a 1950 Ford Woody Wagon. Mackenzie Phillips and fellow “American Graffiti” actress Candy Clark will be part of the event. 6-8 p.m. www.americangraffitifestival.com.

NORTH MODESTO KIWANIS AMERICAN GRAFFITI FESTIVAL & CAR SHOW — June 10-11: More than 1,200 cars expected. Live entertainment will feature music from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. Actress Candy Clark also will attend. There will be 18 food vendors, a beer and wine garden, and more than 50 vendors selling jewelry, clothes, crafts and car-related items and services. On Sunday, the show also will host hundreds of contemporary muscle and specialty cars from the Modesto Cars & Coffee group. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Modesto Junior College West Campus, 2201 Blue Gum Ave. $10, free ages 12 and under. www.americangraffitifestival.com.

“GREASE” SINGALONG — June 10: Sing the songs as the classic film plays on the big screen. 2 p.m. The State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto. $6. thestate.org.

THE RASCALS: TIME PEACE TOUR — June 10: Founding members Felix Cavaliere and Gene Cornish perform their 1960s hits, including “Groovin’,” “People Got To Be Free” and “Good Lovin’.” 5 p.m. Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto. $59-$79. www.galloarts.org.

BACK TO GRAFFITI CAR SHOW — June 17: Modesto F-100 Elite presents its car show with raffle, vendors, music, awards and more. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Fruit Yard, 7948 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto. 209-577-3093. visitmodesto.com/car-culture

“CARS” — June 17: Animated film on screen. 10 a.m. The State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto. $5 thestate.org.

GRAFFITI NIGHT WITH THE MODESTO NUTS — June 23: Carros Locos event will feature low riders and graffiti cars, street art, dancers and music. Gates open 6 p.m. The Nuts will play the Fresno Grizzlies. John Thurman Field, 601 Neece Drive, Modesto. $10. visitmodesto.com/car-culture

MODESTO ELKS ROD & CUSTOM CAR SHOW — June 25: Cars, trucks, motorcycles. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Elks Lodge, 645 Charity Way, Modesto. Free. 209-287-6427. visitmodesto.com/car-culture

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