Saturday, June 7, 2025

The 26th Annual American Graffiti Festival kicked off in downtown Modesto, California, this past weekend, drawing thousands of visitors from across the state and beyond. This iconic festival, centered around the love of classic cars and the nostalgic atmosphere of 1960s America, has evolved into one of the region’s most highly anticipated annual events, providing a significant boost to local tourism and the economy.

Hosted by the North Modesto Kiwanis Club, the festival serves not only as a celebration of classic automobiles but also as a major driver of economic growth for the city of Modesto, located in California’s Central Valley. From June 6 to June 8, 2025, attendees were treated to an exciting weekend full of car cruises, a parade, and a car show, all while contributing to the local community and economy.

The American Graffiti Festival holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Modesto is famously known for its connection to the 1973 film “American Graffiti,” directed by George Lucas. The film, which portrays the coming-of-age experiences of teenagers in the early 1960s, was inspired by Lucas’s own youth in Modesto. Since then, the city has embraced its “American Graffiti” heritage and created a festival that celebrates both the film and the era it represents.

One of the highlights of the festival is the classic car cruise, where over 1,000 vehicles, ranging from vintage Chevrolets to Ford Mustangs, cruise through the streets of downtown Modesto. These vehicles are carefully restored and often come from across the country, with some even traveling from as far away as the Bay Area, the Central Valley, and beyond. The vintage cars evoke feelings of nostalgia for attendees, many of whom grew up during the 1960s, while also appealing to younger generations interested in the beauty and history of classic vehicles.

Trish Christensen, the CEO of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, expressed how the festival provides something for everyone: “It gives you a little bit of the old school mindset and the young school mindset all weekend long.” This blending of generations is one of the reasons the event remains so beloved. Whether attendees are cruising in their own classic cars, admiring the intricate details of restored vehicles, or enjoying the live music, food, and other entertainment, the event provides a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

The economic impact of the American Graffiti Festival on Modesto cannot be overstated. With thousands of visitors attending the event, local businesses—including hotels, restaurants, and shops—benefit significantly. Many of the city’s hotels are fully booked for the weekend, and businesses throughout downtown see increased foot traffic as a result of the festival’s popularity.

Brent Burnside, the event chairman, highlighted the tangible economic benefits: “The hotels are booked up. Gasoline is getting bought up. I mean, we’ll have probably 10 to 15,000 people alone just tonight on the parade route that’s downtown Modesto.” The influx of tourists boosts the hospitality and retail sectors, ensuring a lively weekend for businesses that rely on this annual influx of visitors.

The festival’s ability to attract attendees from other parts of California and out of state means that many people are experiencing Modesto for the first time. Trish Christensen noted, “They’re bringing in people, visitors from up and down the valley and the state and beyond. Often they’re learning about our city… they’re having a great introduction to a fun, family environment and opportunity, and they’re tripping back through time.”

For local businesses, the event serves as a unique opportunity to showcase what Modesto has to offer. Gabriela Guerrini, the General Manager of the State Theater, shared how the festival has a positive impact on the city’s cultural institutions. Last weekend, the State Theater, which is over 90 years old, hosted a special screening of American Graffiti, creating a nostalgic experience for movie lovers and tourists alike.

Additionally, restaurants along the parade route stay open longer, serving food and beverages to the crowds, which further boosts sales. The combination of increased tourism and heightened demand for services during the festival helps local businesses thrive.

What makes the American Graffiti Festival even more impactful is its community-centered focus. The event is organized by the North Modesto Kiwanis Club, which directs the proceeds to various local charitable causes. These funds support organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stanislaus County, the Salvation Army Red Shield Center, and the Society for disABILITIES, to name a few.

The involvement of the Kiwanis Club ensures that the American Graffiti Festival is not just a fun and entertaining event but also one that gives back to the community. The festival’s charitable contributions play a vital role in supporting those who need it most in the Modesto area, reinforcing the idea that the event is about much more than just classic cars—it’s about community, philanthropy, and social responsibility.

The American Graffiti Festival is part of Modesto’s larger “Graffiti Summer,” a series of events that take place each June and July to celebrate the city’s automotive culture. Graffiti Summer includes a variety of events such as classic car shows, parades, and even a 5K race, all designed to engage the community and attract visitors.

As the festival continues to grow, plans are already underway to expand the event in future years. The city is working on enhancing its infrastructure and event offerings to accommodate an even larger crowd, with the aim of attracting more tourists and fostering continued economic growth. Potential future developments include expanding convention facilities, increasing hotel capacities, and introducing new entertainment options to make the event even more memorable.

Modesto’s embrace of its automotive heritage, through the American Graffiti Festival and Graffiti Summer, highlights the town’s commitment to preserving its history while using it as a springboard for future growth. By blending nostalgia with modern-day tourism, the city has created a unique opportunity to celebrate its cultural roots while paving the way for an even brighter future.

The 26th Annual American Graffiti Festival in Modesto proved once again to be a major success, attracting thousands of visitors and providing a significant boost to the local economy. From its classic car cruises to the charitable initiatives led by the North Modesto Kiwanis Club, the festival has become a symbol of community spirit and pride. As Modesto continues to embrace its cultural heritage through events like these, it is clear that the American Graffiti Festival will remain an integral part of the city’s tourism strategy for years to come.