Saturday, October 17 has a useful mix of short stops and all-day plans around Modesto. The morning begins with a free costume parade for people and dogs; later, visitors can choose a downtown museum fundraiser, a chili tasting, or a full-day folklórico event.
Start early at East La Loma Park.
The City of Modesto’s HOWL-O-WEEN Costume Parade is listed for 10 a.m. at East La Loma Park, 2001 Edgebrook Drive. The event is free, and registration begins at 9:30 a.m. on site. Costumes are for both people and pets, so arrive early if you need time to register.
Cars and a museum anniversary downtown.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Be Anything Museum marks its second anniversary with a car show, mixer, fundraiser, and mural dedication at 1111 I Street. The event listing gives car-show registration as a $45 donation; visitors should check the event details for registration information.
Chili tasting runs 11 to 2.
Mitchell’s Harley-Davidson, 500 N. Carpenter Road, hosts a Fall Festival and Chili Cook-off from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The listing describes music, local vendors, prizes, and 12 chili competitors. A tasting wristband is $10, with tasting beginning at 11 and the top three announced at 2.
A longer cultural celebration.
NOVIAS DE MÉXICO 2026 is scheduled at Modesto Junior College’s Little Theatre, 435 College Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The event announcement describes more than 250 dancers, live music, local vendors, and a family-oriented program from Ballet Folklórico Anáhuac.
Times and admission details can change, so confirm them with the organizers before heading out. Visit Modesto’s October events calendar links to the individual listings for the costume parade, museum car show, chili cook-off, and NOVIAS DE MÉXICO.