Events in Merced today

The Spartan SPEAR-It 5K returns to Grace M. Davis High School for a community run on campus and in the surrounding area, marking its first edition since before Covid. This school year kickoff welcomes participants of all ages, with registration set at $30 for adults and $20 for students through age 17. Pre-registered runners who meet the stated deadline receive a race shirt and finisher medal. Late and race day registration are available, though a shirt cannot be guaranteed. Packet pickup will be located at the bus turnaround on the day of the event. Participation supports student events and activities.

A single day bowling tournament at McHenry Bowl welcomes current California USBC members who carry a 180 or higher average and have active USBC membership. Membership cards are not available for purchase at the venue, and participation is contingent on a minimum of 75 entries. Youth bowlers with 180 or higher averages in a California USBC league may take part by submitting the required USBC scholarship waiver before competing. Qualifying features six games of singles, with bowlers changing lane pairs after each game. The highest scratch totals advance the top 12 into the finals. Finals follow immediately after qualifying and use two‑game, single‑elimination matches to determine the champion. First place awards a guaranteed $3,000. The top 12 positions receive prize or scholarship payouts, and seniors who do not place in the main payout receive prize money at a 1 to 5 ratio. The champion also earns a complimentary jersey from Strike 12 Creations. Check‑in requires valid identification for both registration and bracket entry. A bowling jersey with the bowler’s name on the back is required, with slacks, shorts, or skorts acceptable. For questions, contact Andre at 323-252-7904 or aweubanks@yahoo.com.

Moonlight & Margaritas features an evening beneath the night sky with Mexican cuisine, margaritas alongside wine and beer, DJ music, a photo booth, prize drawings, and a live auction. Attendance supports The Salvation Army Turlock Corps in providing a safe, welcoming place where youth and seniors can connect, build relationships, and access meals, activities, fellowship, and community programs. The gathering encourages community connection and expands opportunities that address loneliness, isolation, gang involvement, substance abuse, and other challenges.

Good Company brings a high energy tribute to Paul “The Voice” Rodgers, showcasing the music of Bad Company, Free, The Firm, and Queen. The set spans his career from the early 1970s to the present, featuring faithful takes on songs like “Bad Company,” “Can’t Get Enough,” “Alright Now,” “Feel Like Makin Love,” and “Shooting Star.” Since 2018 the group has performed for large audiences throughout Southern California and abroad. Expect performers in character with vintage-inspired costuming, note-for-note recreations of studio tracks, and the feel of a live show with authentic endings and smooth segues.

RedPocket Mobiles at Modesto Roadsters brings a classic car show to John Thurman Field in Modesto, set against the casual atmosphere of an open-air ballpark. Restored and well-kept vintage vehicles will be on display, with a variety of builds to explore up close. Visitors can chat with owners, take photos, and enjoy the upbeat community vibe centered around automotive craft and history.

This one day scratch tournament at Yosemite Lanes welcomes current California USBC female members with valid 2025–26 membership, and also allows youth bowlers averaging 170 or higher in a California USBC league who submit the required scholarship waiver. Membership cards will not be sold on site. Qualifying consists of six singles games with movement after each game, and the top five advance to a stepladder finals held immediately afterward to determine the champion. First place pays $1,500, with the top five positions guaranteed a payout. Additional spots are paid at a 1-in-8 ratio, and seniors who finish out of the cash receive prize money at a 1-in-5 ratio. The tournament notes a minimum of 60 entries. The entry fee is listed at $100, with a higher amount of $125 also noted, and the champion receives a free jersey. All participants must check in with valid identification for entry and any bracket payouts. Proper attire is required, including a bowling jersey with the bowler’s name on the back, paired with slacks, shorts, or skorts. For questions, contact Andre at 323-252-7904 or aweubanks@yahoo.com.

The 16th Annual Modstock Music Festival features live music on five stages, a marketplace of more than one hundred vendors, and performances from over one hundred bands.

A relaxed coffee meet-up focused on lively conversation and playful banter, with plenty of room for big ideas and thoughtful discussion. Bring a book, a device, or a notebook to read, research, or jot down thoughts while you sip coffee and chat with others.

ZZ Top and Cheap Trick perform together at The Fruit Yard Amphitheater in Modesto, California. Both bands share the stage for a live music event at this Modesto venue.

Enjoy a live performance as ZZ Top and Cheap Trick share the stage at The Fruit Yard Amphitheater.

CalPride Stanislaus and La Familia host a twice-monthly workshop series focused on the lived experiences of neurodivergent LGBTQ+ adults. This welcoming space offers honest conversation, shared stories, learning, and community connection. Topics include masking, identity, relationships, mental health, self-advocacy, navigating systems, and what it means to move through adulthood at the intersection of queerness and neurodivergence. Whether someone is newly exploring their neurodivergence, has long-term lived experience, supports a neurodivergent person, or wants to deepen their understanding, participation is welcome. The workshop is free to attend and open to community members ages 18 and older.

Get the inside scoop on how to make the most of your Modesto Chamber of Commerce membership at this Member Orientation. You’ll get an overview of chamber benefits and resources, plus time to introduce your business and connect with other members. The session also includes a meet-and-greet with chamber staff, ambassadors, and board members, along with a walkthrough of the chamber website tools so you can boost your visibility. Check-in begins at 9:45 AM.

A welcoming support group for all parents, not limited to WIC participants. Receive breastfeeding and pumping assistance from peers and a certified lactation consultant, with help for latching, flange fit, and transitioning back to work. Weight checks are available, along with guidance on baby behavior. The setting is casual and flexible, so you can drop in and head out whenever it works for you. Se habla español.

We Thrive is a community art space for ages 16 and up where making art and spending time together go hand in hand. Some sessions feature guidance from local artists, while others are open studio style so you can set your own pace. Participants may bring personal supplies or explore donated materials to start something new. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming to all experience levels. Held at CalPride Stanislaus, this weekly gathering offers a place to unwind, connect with others, and try new creative ideas.

Moonshine Bandits are bringing their sound to The Fruityard in Modesto. Tickets aren’t available yet, so check back for details.

At the Mariposa County Library community room, Mariposa County Lactation Lounge provides a warm, supportive space for expecting and new parents. The focus is on breastfeeding education, practical help with common challenges, and opportunities to connect with other families in the community.