The Dos Rios Arts & Cultural District is located in the heart of Downtown Modesto, a place where people, ideas, and creativity have long come together.

The district’s name draws inspiration from the geography of Dos Rios State Park, located at the confluence of the Tuolumne River and the San Joaquin River in the Central Valley. It reflects a place shaped by movement, connection, and shared purpose. Here, history and contemporary culture intersect, creating space for artistic expression, collaboration, and community life.

Designated as a California Cultural District, Dos Rios serves as a focal point for cultural and artistic activity within its boundaries. The district supports local artists and cultural organizations while encouraging economic vitality, cultural tourism, equity and inclusion, community engagement, and the preservation of Modesto’s creative and historic identity. It functions both as a gathering place and as a living framework for how the arts can contribute to a more connected, vibrant city.

The Dos Rios Arts & Cultural District is a place for dynamic engagement across disciplines, cultures, and communities. Artists, culture bearers, creatives, and residents come together to share stories, ideas, and experiences that reflect the diversity and richness of Modesto. Through art, performance, food, education, and public space, the district nurtures creativity as a shared community resource.

The Dos Rios Arts & Cultural District is developed through a partnership between the Stanislaus Arts Council, the City of Modesto, and Visit Modesto. Together, we are committed to cultivating a district that is inclusive, accessible, and rooted in community, one where the arts help shape Modesto’s future while honoring the paths that led us here.