If you find yourself taking a day trip to Modesto this summer – it’s only a 30-minute drive from Patterson – you could be forgiven for thinking that you’ve gone back in time to the 1960s.
 
The summer of 1962, to be precise, when newly-graduated teens are considering their futures and the music of Buddy Holly reigned supreme.
 
Directed and co-written by George Lucas back in 1973, American Graffiti captures the emotion, music, and adventure of one hot summer night in the Central Valley. Lucas was born and grew up in Modesto and the film reflects his own days as a hot-rod cruiser.
 
And during the month of June, the town celebrates its famous son in the most fitting way possible at the Graffiti Summer event: with drive-ins, car cruises, film screenings, classic car shows and plenty of golden oldie tunes. Here are just a few of the highlights…
 

June 3: American Graffiti, the Movie

Dress up in your finest 50s and 60s gear and head to the State Theatre on J Street for some dancing in the aisles during a special screening of Lucas’ classic film.
 

June 4: Graffiti Classic Car Show

This year’s show at McHenry Village Shopping Centre celebrates 50 years of the Camaro.
 

June 5 – 8: Mid-Valley Chevy Club

Free car shows in different locations each evening: American Chevrolet on Monday, Vintage Faire Mall on Tuesday, Downtown Modesto on Wednesday and Cool Hand Luke’s on Thursday.
 

June 7: Historic Graffiti Cruise Route Presentation

Enjoy live music as local celebrities are inducted into the Graffiti Walk of Fame.
 

June 9: Official North Modesto Kiwanis Classic Car Parade

See thousands of classic cars, hot rods and street rods in Downtown Modesto.
 

June 9: Downtown Cruise-In

Browse classic cars and dance to the Chuck Berry tribute band.
 

June 10: Modesto Nuts Graffiti Night

Modesto Nuts baseball game served up American Graffiti style with classic cars and plenty of good tunes.
 

June 10 & 11: American Graffiti Car Show & Festival

Classic cars, plenty of food stalls and lots of live music at the Municipal Golf Course.
 

June 17: Sing-a-Long Grease

Dress up and dance in the aisles at the State Theatre.
 

June 17: Back to Graffiti at the Fruit Yard

Check out the longest-running classic car show in Modesto at the Fruit Yard.
 

June 25: Rod & Custom Car Show

Classic cars and hot rods at Elks Lodge.
 
Nestled in a peaceful valley beneath the picturesque Diablo Mountains, the Best Western Plus Villa Del Lago is a great option for travellers seeking out the nostalgia of Graffiti Summer event. Just off the I-5, the hotel is located in a resort-like neighborhood near Diablo Grande Golf Course.