Organized by the Kiwanis Club of North Modesto, the festival has occurred annually since 1999, making summer 2024 the 25th anniversary.

[1] The Kiwanis Club advertises that the festival includes, "hundreds of classic cars, live entertainment on stage, and dozens of food vendors and others displaying and selling crafts, car specialty items, and more."

The city is George Lucas' hometown and the film depicts his life cruising Modesto as a teenager.

Teens used to cruise in their cars through downtown Modesto and McHenry avenue, with the Burge’s Restaurant being the turnaround point.

[3] The American Graffiti Festival is an event which has its roots in this cultural history of the city.