BigView By Chris Murphy
X Fest Turns 15 and ModestoView was there the day it started in 2000 on J St with Flying Blind, Post Garbo, Blessid Union of Souls in front of a gigantic cruise ship with 5 other stages and 20 other bands and a block long disco and we were there with a view from our skybox. Now, 15 years later, X fest is the Central Valley’s best summer party. You can go for the amazing line up of national and local bands, the awesome mix of DJ and house music or you can get your body dancing with some big time hip-hop from E40 and Dev, headbang at the metal stage, raise your glass with the Moonshine Bandits, celebrate local and tribute bands, or go all classic rock with the legendary Dave Mason and then just dance the night away, eating and drinking and partying with your friends. X Fest has something for everyone and it is a fun night in the Central Valley.
When it all began XFest was designed to be a great party, with fabulous entertainment and cool commmunty feel for a great price. If you have been to a big concert lately, you have been paying $40 – $300 and more to see a show. The 2014 XFest is still $20 for a full evening of fun. Chris Ricci runs a great event with the local stage production teams making it happen. Modesto is so cool that we have all of these local bands and stage managers that all work together to create special events like X Fest, The Summoning, Luckyfest and more.
If you like to eat, there are more food vendors than a fair and you can get your taste of everything at your favorite downtown restaurants and bars, many offering their own VIP packages. There are fun booths, things to do, vendors with cool stuff and of course, lots of beads to make X fest the best party of the summer.
Why go this year? There is a great line up with a lot of variety and a new layout. X fest now connects all the way from 10th St to 13th St including I and J Streets. There are stages everywhere and there will even be Bushido wrestling which is a total gas. There are VIP tickets with VIP entrances to make getting in and out really easy. Get your general tix in advance for only $20. Tix will be available at the door. Doors open at 5 pm on Aug 23 and the event ends at 1:30 am
Event creator and promoter Chris Ricci has worked with the City of Modesto to make sure that 15,000 of your best friends and all enjoy the music and party safely in Downtown Modesto. There are no gang colors, and security is tight so be cool and just come prepared for fun.
ModestoView X Fest Tips: Get there early! Take advantage of the short lines early and get in and hang out and your favorite bar or restaurant. This way you will be there early and het to see all the people show up. You will not regret it.
Key things to plan: Drink lots of water, park a few blocks away from X Fest and walk. Bring your camera, your party attitude, and make sure X fest is a fun and safe night. Make it easy and get there early when the lines are short and just find a good place to hang
Tag us! #modestoview Post your your fave X Fest pics after the show and we will repost them in ModestoView.com and use the best ones in our special X Fest Rear View Mirror. Most importantly, stay safe and have a blast at X Fest.
Cab or Carpool Modesto has a good line up of Taxi services. Please consider car pooling, booking an Uber car, taking a cab or getting a party bus in advance to drop you off and pick you up. See page 30 to see a complete list of taxi companies. Book in advance so you have a ride home waiting for you and no hassles.
