Modestos 40th Edible Extravaganza Gathers Food Lovers to Support Local Youth Services

On Thursday, September 24, 2026, Modesto’s downtown plaza will host the 40th annual Edible Extravaganza, a food festival that has raised money for the Center for Human Services (CHS) for four decades. The event will run from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Modesto Centre Plaza, with VIP ticket holders granted access an hour earlier at 5:00 p.m. The festival is scheduled to draw food enthusiasts, local residents, and supporters of CHS’s programs.

The Center for Human Services is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Modesto that provides behavioral health, substance‑use treatment, and youth services. According to the CHS website, proceeds from the festival benefit the organization’s youth shelter and housing programs, family resource centers, and behavioral health initiatives. The organization has received a $5,069,000 grant to open an outpatient center for mental health services for people 25 years and younger, underscoring the importance of community support.

More than 50 vendors will offer a wide range of culinary options, including savory dishes, snacks, sweets, beer, wine, non‑alcoholic drinks, and coffee. The festival’s vendor lineup includes several first‑time participants. Belle’s K’uisine, a newly opened Jamaican catering company, will showcase Caribbean flavors. Bus Stop Beer Garden will serve craft beer, while Saucin’ It Up Fried Chicken will offer its signature fried chicken. Intermission and Guayabitos Restaurant will also be present, adding to the diversity of offerings.

Tickets are available in two tiers. General admission costs $70, while VIP admission is priced at $125. Ticket sales are handled through the CHS website at centerforhumanservices.org/edibleextravaganza. The event’s pricing structure reflects the organization’s goal of maximizing fundraising while providing options for attendees.

Edible Extravaganza has become a staple of Modesto’s cultural calendar. The festival’s longevity—40 years—highlights the city’s commitment to community‑based fundraising and the support of local businesses. Modesto, the county seat of Stanislaus County, is situated in California’s Central Valley and has a population of about 218,000. The city’s economy is rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries, and the festival showcases the culinary talent that thrives in the region.

The Center for Human Services has a long history of serving the Modesto community. In addition to its youth and family programs, the organization operates a behavioral health facility that offers treatment for substance use disorders. The organization’s mission aligns with the festival’s purpose: to bring together residents for a shared culinary experience while raising funds for essential services.

The festival’s schedule will feature live music and a raffle, providing additional entertainment for attendees. While the primary focus remains on food, the event also offers an opportunity for local vendors to reach a broader audience and for the community to learn more about CHS’s impact.

The 40th edition of Edible Extravaganza follows a tradition of community engagement that has helped the Center for Human Services sustain its programs over the past four decades. By combining a celebration of local cuisine with a charitable cause, the festival exemplifies how food can serve as a catalyst for social good.

Tickets for the event are still available, and the Center for Human Services encourages residents and visitors to attend. The festival will conclude at 9:00 p.m., after which attendees can explore the remaining vendors and enjoy the evening’s festivities.

For more information about the event, including a full list of vendors and ticketing options, visit the Center for Human Services website at centerforhumanservices.org/edibleextravaganza.