Events in Merced, CA

An adult-only fundraiser gala at Kids Discovery Station marks five years of curiosity, creativity, learning, and community impact. Since opening, the museum has welcomed thousands of children, families, and students into a place designed for hands-on exploration, imagination, and play. The evening includes dinner, drinks, music, auctions, raffles, adult games, and photo opportunities, along with moments that highlight the difference Kids Discovery Station makes. Proceeds help expand museum access, field trips, STEAM programming, Family Access & Inclusion, future exhibits, and interactive learning experiences for children and families in the community. Guests are invited to dress for a magical night. The event is for adults only, and complimentary child care will be available for attendees.

Music in the Plaza features a performance by Denise Choate for this installment. The series highlights a rotating roster of bands and artists throughout the season, including Neon Radio, The Mixtape, Red Pony Band, Delta Rhythms Band, Third Party Legends of the Cruise, Triple D, BluesBox Bayou, The Rewind 209, The Good Ones, THIRD SOL, Third Party, The Vibes, The 132's, Hit Replay, Dave Dow, Valley Heat, and Remedy.

Follow Henry Spencer as he struggles to survive in an industrial setting, copes with a furious girlfriend, and endures the relentless cries of his mutant newborn.

The second annual lowrider holiday in downtown Modesto is a free community event. Pre-registration is available at no cost through a QR code.

A showcase of more than 200 show cars fills the ballpark, with vehicles staged around the field, inside the ballpark, and in the parking areas outside. The atmosphere is family friendly, and children 12 and under are admitted free. Purchasing tickets ahead of time provides savings.

A homeschool kickoff focused on games, connection, and community as the new year begins. Highlights include a friendly kickball match open to kids, teens, and parents, along with soccer, volleyball, basketball, and open play. Attendees can meet local homeschool co-ops and community groups, ask questions, and learn about ways to connect. Families may bring snacks or drinks to share, and donations are optional. This free gathering welcomes all homeschooling families and is hosted by Merced Homeschoolers Co-Op at Elmer Murchie Family Park.

At SPEAKEASY LOUNGE MODESTO Ca., attendees can bring their own vinyl and sign up to spin records. The gathering is open to everyone, with all music styles encouraged.

At the historic Castle Air Museum in Atwater, California, this family friendly gathering pairs a playful superhero theme with strong community spirit and appreciation for the people who keep neighborhoods safe. Participants can chase a personal record in the 5K, enjoy the 2K run or walk with friends, or offer applause from the sidelines. The event helps multiple local agencies dedicated to public safety, including initiatives that provide protective vests for law enforcement K9s who face danger in the line of duty. It blends fitness and fun with meaningful support for courageous working dogs and the teams they serve alongside.

At the Applegate Park Amphitheater, the Merced Walk to End Alzheimer’s brings the community together to support the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. The event begins with check-in, followed by an opening ceremony and a walk. Participants can choose between routes of about one mile or three miles. After registering, participants receive access to a personalized Participant Center with resources to support their efforts.

Donuts, Coffee and Cartoons features a screening of Alice in Wonderland. Curiosity carries Alice down the rabbit hole into a topsy-turvy realm filled with quirky characters and playful adventures. A craft activity with Macaroni Kid takes place before the movie. The film is sponsored by the Zeff Family.

Set in the Sierra foothills, the Yosemite Goddess Festival creates a weekend centered on magic, healing, creativity, and community. This immersive, heart-focused gathering honors nature, wisdom, empowerment, cultural roots, and the inner spark shared by all. Across two days, the program features workshops and wisdom sessions in sound healing, energy practices, mindfulness, herbalism, movement and dance, creative exploration, self discovery, drum circles, meditation, and panel conversations with thought leaders. An indoor and outdoor marketplace brings together artisans, healers, and herbalists with mystical tools, handcrafted goods, spiritual wellness products, and interactive experiences. Ceremonies and community moments include opening and closing rituals, community circles, fire performances, live music, drumming, nature-inspired installations, and quiet spaces for reflection and connection. A dedicated youth and family area offers hands-on activities, music and movement, mindfulness for kids, storytelling, crafts, and sensory experiences in a gentle, supportive setting for young participants and their caregivers. National and regional presenters contribute sessions centered on inspiration, transformation, empowerment, and healing. Spread across six acres of natural beauty with mountains and meadows, the festival weaves nature, culture, and connection into a shared celebration and a chance to renew. It is designed for those seeking healing, inspiration, creativity, sisterhood, grounding, or a magical weekend in nature.

Enjoy a free monthly bicycle ride open to everyone in the community. Participants gather at Applegate Park Playground and then head out for a leisurely tour of Merced’s bike paths. The pace stays easy so people can chat and take in the surroundings, and nobody gets left behind, with an average speed of about 8 to 10 miles per hour. Plan for roughly two hours in the saddle covering 12 to 15 miles, mostly on dedicated paths with a small amount of street riding. Kids are welcome. For younger children, it is recommended they ride with a parent using a trailer, tagalong, or child seat. Helmets are mandatory. After the ride, many riders go downtown for coffee at Coffee Bandits, which also hosts the monthly meeting afterward.

At Coffee Bandits, the MBC monthly meeting welcomes the public. It offers a chance to hear what the organization is working on and to share ideas or concerns. The meeting takes place alongside the monthly Community Rides, and attendees can participate in the ride beforehand or choose to attend only the meeting.

Sienna’s Walk presents Sienna’s Sunset at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, an evening dedicated to honoring and remembering babies lost to miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss. The gathering brings the community together to celebrate the little ones we love but cannot hold, while offering a chance to meet local organizations that support the loss community. Attendees can enjoy food truck fare and dessert as the sun goes down, take part in raffle baskets, and spend time with lawn games the whole family can enjoy. Picnic blankets are encouraged for a relaxed night on the grass.

Created for LGBTQ+ adults 50 and older, the CalPride Valle Central Seniors LGBTQ+ Support Group offers a friendly space to connect with peers, share lived experiences, and build new friendships. Participants can look forward to caring conversation, mutual support, and a welcoming atmosphere that centers community and belonging.

All vehicles and all ages are welcome for a scenic ride covering roughly 90 to 100 miles through countryside and foothills on some of the area’s most enjoyable roads, concluding at a final stop. After check in, riders head out and follow the route before gathering at the destination. The finish features a food truck, vendors, raffles, music, and games, with bike awards presented to select participants. The event welcomes families for a full day of riding, fun, and support for a great cause.

Community members gather at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds for the Mariposa County Farm Bureau Annual Fundraiser Dinner, an evening focused on good food, lively bidding, and support for local agriculture. The event features a prime rib meal along with a silent auction, a live auction, and the much-loved dessert auction. All proceeds from the dessert auction directly support youth programs and scholarships that help cultivate future agricultural leaders in Mariposa County. Attendees can connect with neighbors, farmers, and ranchers while contributing to initiatives that strengthen agriculture, education, and rural youth opportunities. For tickets, donations, or more information, contact the Mariposa County Farm Bureau or watch for local announcements.

DU Bingo brings a lively night to Sugar Pine Smokehouse with bingo rounds, music, side games, a silent auction, prizes, and chilled drinks. Friends and families can enjoy an upbeat atmosphere together. A private table option is available. Tickets are limited and prices will increase.

Celebrate The Wedding Singer with a nod to movie style and nostalgia. A fashion-friendly theme invites dressing as favorite characters, embracing the look of the era, and revisiting the spirit of iconic films. The story takes place in 1985, where Adam Sandler plays a warm-hearted wedding entertainer left heartbroken after being abandoned at the altar. Everything changes when he meets Julia, portrayed by Drew Barrymore, who seeks his help planning her own wedding, setting the stage for a new connection.

Bonnie Raitt brings live blues rock shaped by rich, emotive vocals, moving narratives, and enduring favorites. With a distinctive sound and assured stage presence, the performance builds a warm rapport with listeners, shaping an evening that pays homage to storied songs, musical passion, and seasoned artistry.

At the State Theatre, Modesto Confidential brings real detectives to the stage to share how two homicide cases were solved, taking the audience beyond the tape to hear about wrong turns, pivotal evidence, and the moments that pushed each investigation forward. One presentation examines the killing of Diasia Seese, which came to light when flooding at a Best Western led staff to a room where a young woman had been found concealed in a bathtub filled with water. The search for the suspect extended beyond Modesto and drew investigators to the levees near the Stockton Delta. The other presentation focuses on the Garrison Park case, where 63-year-old Jace Decker was brutally attacked, received emergency medical care, and after 11 days succumbed to his injuries. Detectives combined determination with technology, using city surveillance footage and extensive social media records to trace the movements of those involved and build the case piece by piece. Before the presentations, ticketholders can enjoy complimentary specialty drinks and appetizers from local vendors, and the program includes raffle drawings. This is a 21 and over event. Presented by the Modesto Police Investigators Association, a nonprofit that supports victims and families affected by violent crime, contributes funding to cold case homicide investigations, and provides advanced training for detectives. All proceeds support these efforts.

Jim Henson's Labyrinth: In Concert brings the cult classic to life with the film projected in high definition while a live band performs the complete soundtrack in lockstep with David Bowie's vocals. Expect an evening of fantasy, music, and nostalgia as Sarah, Jareth the Goblin King, and the imaginative creations from Jim Henson's Creature Shop fill the screen and the score surrounds the room. Iconic numbers like Magic Dance and the sweeping music by Bowie and Trevor Jones take on new energy in this fusion of film and live performance. Attendees are welcome to wear costumes, sing along, and cheer for their favorite characters as the 40th anniversary is celebrated together. A VIP Package Upgrade is available for an additional $75 above the ticket price and fees, which includes a show poster, an exclusive VIP laminate, a Labyrinth 40th Anniversary tote bag, access to an exclusive pickup area or table, and early entry. The original musical fantasy was directed by Jim Henson and stars Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie.

Jazz Night at Intermission features James Dubberly and offers an evening of live jazz in a welcoming setting. This event is free and open to everyone.

Explore downtown Turlock’s haunted side on a guided walking tour that blends history and mystery. The route winds through the city’s core, spotlighting historic locations while sharing chilling tales, homegrown legends, and ghost stories passed down over time. Designed as an outing for friends and families, this experience pairs engaging storytelling with a relaxed stroll among notable sites. Tickets will go on sale.

An evening of culture, connection, and wellness unfolds at the historic State Theatre in downtown Modesto. The program interweaves the calming practice of T’ai Chi with live santur and daf, plus informative presentations and moments for community involvement, creating a celebration of mindfulness, movement, and cultural expression. Through music and intentional movement, the experience is designed to nurture connection, emotional well-being, and a shared sense of harmony. Attendees can look forward to live performances, T’ai Chi demonstrations, and opportunities to explore practices that foster inner balance, renewal, and personal growth. Featured guests include internationally recognized santur composer and educator Faraz Minooei, renowned percussionist Golnaz Khazei, and renowned T’ai Chi instructor Naser Ataee, offering a meaningful blend of artistry, wellness, and community engagement. The event also supports ongoing youth programming focused on resilience, mindfulness, emotional wellness, and personal development, extending its impact beyond a single night.

Enjoy an interactive screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, where audience participation is encouraged throughout the film. Attendees are welcome to dress as favorite characters, dance, sing, and call out lines to the screen. Masks that hide faces are not allowed. Bags with items to enhance audience participation will be available for purchase. Tickets will be sold at the door and also in advance. Admission is $10, with sales opening soon.

Enjoy an intimate candlelit tribute to Halloween favorites at First United Methodist Church Modesto as the Listeso String Quartet performs a spine-tinged program. Expect Thriller, Tubular Bells from The Exorcist, themes from Stranger Things, Beetlejuice, The Addams Family, Halloween, Psycho, and Ghostbusters, along with Danse Macabre, Night on Bald Mountain, Funeral March of a Marionette, the Allegro molto from Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 8, Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and a medley from The Nightmare Before Christmas. This is a tribute concert experience and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the original artists, their estates, or official representatives. The venue is ADA compliant. Seating is assigned on a first come, first served basis within each zone. Guests must be at least 8 years old, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Candlelight series brings a live, multi-sensory tribute to the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons to First United Methodist Church Modesto, set within the gentle glow of candlelight. A Listeso string quartet performs classical renditions, with a tentative program that may include Clocks, Radioactive, Adventure of a Lifetime, Fix You, Eyes Closed, Nice to Meet You, The Scientist, feelslikeimfallinginlove, Follow You, Bad Liar, Believer, Sky Full of Stars, and Viva la Vida. The performance lasts 60 minutes. Doors open 45 minutes before the show and there is no entry once it begins. Seating is assigned on a first come, first served basis within each zone. Guests must be at least 8 years old, and anyone under 16 must attend with an adult. The venue is ADA compliant. This is a tribute concert and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the artists, their estates, or official representatives.

This live blues concert features Canadian singer and guitarist JW-Jones, known for high-energy performances. A regular presence on Billboard’s Top 10 Blues charts, he won Best Guitarist at the 2020 International Blues Challenge in Memphis and is a JUNO nominee. After that win he began work on his 12th album, Everything Now, an all-original collection produced by Gordie Johnson of Big Sugar with a guest appearance by Jimmie Vaughan. Jones places strong focus on songwriting alongside fiery guitar work, with new material that becomes deeply personal, from the true-life story Papa’s in the Pen to When You Left, written about the loss of his mother. His playing has earned praise from legends such as Buddy Guy and Chuck Leavell of the Rolling Stones, and his career highlights include special onstage invitations from Buddy Guy, opening for George Thorogood, and performances across 23 countries on four continents.

Celebrate the Portuguese Education Foundation of Central California’s 35th year with a scholarship gala that blends recognition and reflection. The evening begins with a social hour and continues with dinner. The program honors the foundation’s history and highlights the contributions of community members, agricultural businesses, educators, and students, with special recognition for scholarship recipients. Tickets are $70 per person. For ticket information, contact Dr. Elmano Costa at 209-277-8997 or Luísa Brasil at 209-312-5083.

Christ Community Church hosts a national memorial honoring living and fallen veterans, with a focus on remembrance and gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Enjoy a sing-along screening of Nightmare Before Christmas, following Jack Skellington from Halloween Town to Christmas Town as he tries to bring the holiday home with chaotic results. Attendees are welcome to sing along to the songs, and costumes are encouraged, but masks that conceal identities are not allowed. Admission is $5 at the door. There are no previews at Merced Theatre, so the film begins promptly. For more information, call (209) 381-0500 or email info@mercedtheatre.org.

A cozy morning of coffee, donuts and cartoon fun at the State features a screening of Bolt. Before the feature, Macaroni Kid hosts a hands-on craft activity. The film follows a canine television star who believes his on-screen heroics are real, is unexpectedly sent to New York City, and sets out to reunite with his co-star and owner, Penny, discovering what he can truly do along the way. Presented with support from the Zeff Family.

SVH, also known as SatchVanHagar, pays tribute to the music of Van Halen, Sammy Hagar, and Joe Satriani with a high-octane rock show powered by elite musicians. Presented as a modern band rather than a costume act, the performance is led by a virtuoso guitarist who has earned 14 Emmy Awards. The set surges with Van Halen favorites like Why Can’t This Be Love, Top of the World, Right Now, Jump, and the iconic solo piece Eruption, alongside Joe Satriani highlights including Surfing with the Alien, Summer Song, Flying in a Blue Dream, and Always with Me, Always with You. With powerful sound, polished production, and a commitment to authenticity, SatchVanHagar delivers an evening built for fans of masterful guitar playing and timeless rock.

Intermission hosts an evening centered on Paul Tremayne’s Concetta classics, offering a rare chance to savor these dishes once again. Admission is $100 per person and includes tax and gratuity.

Uncle Lonny presents Super Diamond, featuring Surreal Neil, a high energy salute to American pop icon Neil Diamond. The San Francisco based band stages a shimmering, rock driven production filled with favorite hits, theatrical atmosphere and unbridled enthusiasm. For more than three decades they have sold out renowned rooms across the country, including Irving Plaza in New York, the 930 Club in Washington, D.C., Bimbo’s in San Francisco, and House of Blues venues in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Diego, Cleveland, Las Vegas, New Orleans and Dallas. Their profile includes appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, CNN, VH1 and Comedy Central, with press coverage in Rolling Stone, Spin and The New York Times. Neil Diamond has even joined them on stage to sing his own songs. All proceeds benefit Hope Haven West, which provides mobility for people living in poverty with disabilities.

California-bred blues and rock frontman Tommy Castro brings his guitar fire and soul-steeped vocals to the stage with The Painkillers, highlighting the raw, back-to-basics spirit of the new album Closer To The Bone. Expect a set that moves from horn-tinted R&B and piping-hot blues to lean, no-frills rock and roll, blending new originals with deep-cut nods to friends and influences including Johnny Nitro, Magic Slim, Ron Thompson, Mike Duke, Chris Cain, Wynonie Harris, Eddie Taylor, Jimmy Nolen, and Johnny Guitar Watson. Over a career spanning more than four decades and 17 releases, Castro has earned top honors such as the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year in 2023 and a total of ten Blues Music Awards. The Painkillers lineup features Randy McDonald on bass, Mike Emerson on keyboards, and Bowen Brown on drums, locking into tight grooves that fuel Castro’s dynamic playing. Tickets are priced at $50, $40, and $29.

Merced Toy-Anime-Comic Con offers a fun celebration of toys, anime, and comics at American Legion Post 83. All ages are invited to take part in the cosplay costume contest, with sign ups available the day of near the admissions table. Children 10 and under receive free entry. Parking is complimentary, and cameras are welcome. General admission is $10, or $8 when you mention the flyer or coupon shown on the event cover image. Payments are accepted by cash, debit, credit, and Apple Pay.

A free film screening shares the story of George Bailey, overwhelmed by problems at Christmastime and contemplating ending his life. While angels consider his fate, he finds himself rescuing his guardian angel, Clarence, who then reveals what the town would be like without George’s many good deeds. There is no admission charge, and donations for the County Food Bank will be collected.