Plan a visit, settle into town or find something to do this week. Start with a local guide, then catch up on the latest Turlock stories below.
Shop the Blocks returns to downtown Turlock on Sunday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Here's how to plan the day, including Center Street Grill's separately ticketed breakfast, two longtime Main Street shops and useful questions to ask before checkout. Keep Reading
Tule elk, migrating waterbirds and a marsh boardwalk are a drive south of Turlock. San Luis National Wildlife Refuge has free admission, two year-round auto tours and short walks. Here is which entrance to use, how the routes differ and what to bring for a fall visit. Keep Reading
Looking for a weekend outing beyond the pumpkin patch? Turlock Library has board games Saturday, Carnegie has free drop-in art, and Sunday's Gallo festival brings free activities to downtown Modesto. Here are the times, age guidance, directions and costs to know before heading out. Keep Reading
The Carnegie Arts Center is seeking volunteer board members, with applications due October 31. Finance, fundraising, technology and grant-writing skills are among its needs. Here is what board service involves, what to ask before applying and other ways to help. Keep Reading
Stan State opens Astronomy Night to the public this Friday, October 23, with pond-side telescopes and space activities. Rooftop sessions have separate reservations and currently show full. Here is how to register, get to Naraghi Hall and plan the evening. Keep Reading
Turlock's Turkey Trot is a month away, but October 21 is the deadline for a guaranteed race shirt. The November 21 event at Donnelly Park offers a children's mile, a two-mile run and a one-mile walk. Here are the prices, age groups and morning schedule. Keep Reading
The regular voter-registration deadline has passed, but eligible residents can still register and vote through November 3. Here is where Turlock residents can get help this week, when local vote centers open, how conditional ballots are checked and why a ballot drop box cannot provide registration assistance. Keep Reading
Below the soccer fields at Ceres River Bluff Regional Park, a pond walk offers a different kind of outing. Find the correct Hatch Road address, the county's half-mile route, the former orchard's history and why a costly pond liner led Ceres to prohibit fishing there. Keep Reading
Pop's is more than the subject of a $38 grocery-haul post. The Turlock store has a documented history on South Center Street reaching back to 2003, and owner Tony Vargas once helped a young local cyclist make it around the world. Explore the store's local connections, the warehouse buying behind its changing selection and what makes this discount outlet different from an ordinary grocery stop. Keep Reading
Halloween falls on a Saturday in 2026, but the fun starts well before October 31. Find Turlock trunk-or-treats, Modesto family events, nearby town celebrations, pumpkin patches and haunted attractions, with dates, prices and directions. Compare the downtown Ghost Walk, a sensory-friendly candy stop, Riverbank's hayride and free outings for children. We also found home displays with published 2026 visiting hours and video from past pumpkin seasons. Keep Reading
