Downtown Events Blossoming in 2024
First Friday street fairs are back!
Since its inception in 2017, DoMo First Fridays has been a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and cuisine, evolving into a cornerstone event for downtown Modesto. As the event enters its eighth year (with the exception of 2020’s COVID hiatus), it continues to showcase the eclectic tapestry of the region, embodying the essence of what makes Modesto unique.
DoMo First Fridays has grown from a nascent idea into a dynamic two-block street fair attracting almost 3,000 people every month, serving as a platform for local artisans, food purveyors, and entertainers to share their talents with the community. The event lineup for the 2024 season promises excitement and diversity, with highlights including a rotation of local craft breweries beginning with Contentment Brewing, Apparel Graphic’s live screen-printing station with a novel Modesto-themed t-shirt design and giveaway every month, live music, and giant street games for families to enjoy, all in a series of engaging market dates from April through October.
By partnering with craft breweries such as Contentment Brewing and Track 424, we are able to take revenue generated from beer sales and put them right back into the work we do to revitalize downtown Modesto.
Our journey over the past eight years has been a labor of love fueled by the passion and creativity of our community. This year, we've taken a fresh approach, collaborating internally and with our partners to enhance the experience for entrepreneurs, patrons, and downtown businesses.
One of the key enhancements for the 2024 season is a slight decrease in registration fees for durable handmade goods vendors, reflecting research-driven adjustments. DoMo First Fridays aims to reduce barriers for craft makers, fostering a more inclusive marketplace. Downtown boutiques and nonprofits that maintain a regularly operating storefront within Downtown Improvement District boundaries can register for the market for free if their application is approved.
Artist Christopher Garcia and Apparel Graphics offer live screenprint demonstrations, sharing the craft and their goods with market attendees.
Additionally, operating hours have been adjusted to better align with community preferences, with the market now open from 5 pm to 9 pm. This change aims to accommodate the diverse needs of attendees while ensuring a seamless experience for all.
BONUS: Who keeps the downtown clean and safe, ready for community events? Read about the Downtown Ambassador team and what they do here.
The heart of DoMo First Fridays lies in its celebration of culture and community through dance. From salsa to breakdancing, the event has become a platform for showcasing diverse dance forms and fostering intergenerational connections. “The fact that you will see people of all ages dancing salsa in the streets together—I think that highlights the event's organic growth and deep roots within the community,” said Stephanie Foster, Director of District Identity at Downtown Modesto Partnership. “You cannot manufacture a scene like that. That’s human magic. And that’s why people are drawn here to First Fridays from Tracy, Sacramento, the Bay Area, and everywhere in between.”
Another beloved aspect of DoMo First Fridays is the breakdancing and hip-hop area, curated by DJ and artist Joe Zimmer, known by his artist name, "Psuno." Through workshops, performances, and community collaborations, this space celebrates hip-hop's rich history and cultural significance, inviting participants of all ages to engage with the art form.
Even though Modesto lacks a roller rink since Roller King closed in 2015, you can also now skate your heart with other roller enthusiasts at First Fridays. Modesto Skates, a pop-up roller skating event formed during Covid-era restrictions on gathering indoors, has gained popularity and a home at First Fridays, making it an unofficial pop-up roller dance rink for one night once a month during the market season.
As DoMo First Fridays enters its seventh year, it remains committed to its mission of revitalizing downtown Modesto through art, culture, and community engagement. Through partnerships, innovation, and a spirit of inclusivity, the event continues to thrive as a beacon of creativity and connection in the heart of the city.
Who helps us make DoMo First Fridays a reality? These incredible sponsors:
Valley First Credit Union | Mocse Credit Union
Apparel Graphics | Opportunity Stanislaus
City of Modesto
DoMo First Fridays 2024 Season Schedule:
April 5
May 3
June 7, no market due to American Graffiti Parade street closures throughout downtown
July 5
August 2
September 6
October 4
5 pm - 9 pm
10th and J Streets
Modesto Marathon
The Modesto Marathon returns to downtown this Sunday, March 23rd. There will be some limited street closures for the event. Learn more about Modesto Marathon here: https://modestomarathon.com/race/course/
What To Do in Downtown Modesto
Looking for more fun things to do this month? Check out our Downtown Events Calendar!
Art Walk Redux: Partnerships Dust Off an Old Downtown Classic To Highlight The Arts and Bring People Downtown
Visit Modesto, Stanislaus Arts Council, and Downtown Modesto Partnership have been partnering to relaunch, revamp, and redux ArtWalk! Its first exhibit opens Thursday, March 21, 5 pm- 8 pm, with a splash of Van Gogh Almond Blossom Photo Challenge Display. Over 30 photographic works will be on display at Greens on Tenth, and there are plenty of other reasons to linger and explore downtown—
17 venues to view art
26 artists
9 meal deals at downtown restaurants
And don’t forget to cruise through our very own DoMo Walls Mural Alley, entering near 10th and I Streets. You can’t miss it!
Downtown Ambassadors, By The Numbers
14,025 pounds. That’s how much trash was collected and disposed of in one month by our downtown helping hands, our incredible Downtown Ambassadors.
You will recognize them by their red polo shirts and Downtown Modesto Partnership hats, and anyone in the downtown can call for their help by emailing service@domopartnership.org and briefly describing the issue. The entire staff’s phones will ring at once, and the team member closest to your location will be there in a jiffy.
Learn more about the Downtown Modesto Ambassador Program HERE.
Care to see more numbers on our team's work last month? Click on the link below to learn more: