April festivals coming up in Modesto CA and the Mother Lode

Enjoying April’s flowers? The month brings even more to take in with community festivals across the Modesto and Mother Lode regions.

The environment gets an April nod with two popular celebrations, the Modesto Pollinator Festival and Earth Day in the Park returning.

That’s not to mention the self-proclaimed “Cowboy Capital of the World’s” signature event, the Oakdale Rodeo.

Music, art, fruit and nuts, wine and more will be available to get you out and about for spring.

Here’s a look at just some of what’s planned:

MODESTO POLLINATOR FESTIVAL — April 11: This all-ages fest returns with educational opportunities to learn about the pollinators and native plants in the Central Valley. There will be interactive activities in the Native Garden, food trucks, entertainment, a children’s pollinator costume parade at 10:30 a.m., a beehive demonstration and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. La Loma Native Garden, 2000 Encina Ave., Modesto. Free. www.lalomaneighborhood.org.

OAKDALE RODEO — April 11-12: The annual cowboy event returns, beginning with an April 11 parade at 9 a.m. that starts on West F Street at Gilbert Avenue, continues down F Street toward South Maag Avenue, ending at the Save Mart Shopping Center. The day will continue with a PRCA Rodeo with grand entry at 1:30 p.m. at the Oakdale Saddle Club Rodeo Grounds. That evening is a dance from 8 p.m.-midnight in the grounds clubhouse. Admission is $10 for the 21-and-older dance, with live music and adult beverages. On Sunday, Cowboy Church is at 10 a.m. at the clubhouse. The PRCA Rodeo grand entry is at 1:30 p.m. Oakdale Rodeo Grounds, 1624 E. F St. Rodeo tickets $10-$25, free to ages 6 and under. oakdalerodeo.com.

CALAVERAS CHILDREN’S FAIR — April 11: With the theme “Color Our Community,” the event includes entertainment, car seat checks, crafts, activities, lunch and more. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Bret Harte High School, 364 Murphys Grade Road, Angels Camp. 209-754-1075.

TRAVELING AROUND MJC — April 16: Modesto Junior College offers a community multicultural event to promote cultural awareness, inclusivity and unity. Planned are booths, live performances, global food trucks, a DJ, dancing and more. Limited food tickets are available on a first-come basis. 5-7:30 p.m. MJC East Campus Quad, 435 College Ave., Modesto. mjc.edu/campuslife.

MODESTO GARDEN CLUB SPRING TOUR — April 18: Five gardens will be open for self-touring, including the club’s demonstration garden. Gardens range from a variety of avocado trees, plants, a rock stream, succulents planted in cameras and typewriters, a classic English cottage garden and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $25. For locations and tickets, see www.modestogardenclub.org.

EARTH DAY IN THE PARK — April 18: The city of Modesto community event to celebrate sustainability and environmentalism will feature music, games, local mascots, recycling trivia and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Graceada Park, Sycamore and Needham streets, Modesto. Free. www.modestogov.com/415/Earth-Day.

CENTRAL VALLEY SKA FEST III — April 18: All-day festival featuring ska music by Modesto and Sonora artists, and others. There also will be DJs opening the all-ages event and a dance floor. 3-10 p.m. The Queen Bean Coffee House, 1126 14th St., Modesto. $20 in advance, $30 at the door. www.facebook.com/events/1065409512137926.

GARAGE FEST — April 18: Put on by Visit Modesto, the event will feature garage sales across the city, all happening at the same time. A live map will be published the morning of the event with participating homes and what they’ll sell. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. For the map, see visitmodesto.com/modesto-garage-fest.

MODESTO BONSAI CLUB SPRING SHOW — April 18: The club will offer demonstrations by Sam Adina, exhibits, sales of plants, pots, tools and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Stanislaus County Harvest Hall, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto. Free. www.modestobonsaiclub.org.

DAY OF THE CHILD — April 25: Celebrating Día del Niño, there will be gifts and free activities for children across the community, sponsored by South Modesto Businesses United. Noon-4 p.m. El Rematito Crows Landing Flea Market, 3113 Crows Landing Road, Modesto. Free. 209-538-3363.

MID-VALLEY SPECTACULAR — April 25: This truck and tractor pull will be held at the Stanislaus County Fairground. There will be food, beer and a pre-show pit party where you can meet the drivers, see the trucks up close and explore vendors. A show ’n’ shine will feature hundreds of modified trucks across the grounds. 1:30 p.m. gates open, 4 p.m. pulls begin. Stanislaus County Fairground’s Food Maxx Arena, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. $15-$25. www.stancofair.com/events/public-events.

STANISLAUS ARTIST OPEN STUDIO TOUR — April 25-26: Several artists in Modesto, Turlock and Oakdale are participating in this year’s self-guided tour. Meet local artists where they create their work, with art to view and for sale. 11 a.m-5 p.m. Various locations. Free. For a map of the studios and the artists see www.stanislausaos.com.

HUGHSON FRUIT & NUT FESTIVAL — April 25-26: Held by the Hughson Chamber of Commerce, the event features vendors, artsand crafts, family fun and more. A classic car show will be held April 26 only, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Festival hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. April 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 26. Downtown Hughson. Free. 209-883-0811.

SPRING WINE WEEKEND — April 25-26: Explore Calaveras wine country and sample wine at 20 tasting rooms. There will be live music and other events. Tickets include a commemorative wineglass. Noon-4 p.m. One-day Saturday tickets $55; one-day Sunday tickets $45; two days $75. www.calaveraswines.org/events.

ARTS IN THE GARDEN — April 26: Turlock’s Carnegie Arts Center will hold its annual fundraiser in Modesto this year. Guests will enjoy live music, art, food and beverages. 4-7 p.m. Private residence, 231 Magnolia Ave., Modesto. $85. carnegieartsturlock.org.

GOLD COUNTRY PEDDLER’S FAIRE — April 26: The Peddler’s Faire returns to Knights Ferry with more than 100 vendors selling arts, crafts, antiques and collectibles. The event is a fundraiser for the Knights Ferry Museum. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Army Corps Park, 17968 Covered Bridge Road, along the Stanislaus River. Free; $10 for parking on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property. knightsferry.com.