Just north of FresYes over the river and barely a mile into Madera you can find great music and wines outside in the wonderful setting of ApCal.
Every Friday and Saturday night though the summer there is live music, food trucks and local wines (and beers) for you to enjoy with a few hundred of your closest friends. Friday nights are amazingly FREE at the gate, meaning no cover charge and for the quality of the events that in itself is reason enough to make the short drive out. Saturday nights have the volume turned up a little bit and you will find the best of the best when it comes to tribute bands. So good are most of them that if you closed your eyes it would be hard to tell the real thing from Memorex.
So this past Saturday we planned a double date with our friends Jon and Sarah and headed off for a night of music in the vines. The forecast called for high heat but out in the vineyards by the time the sun was set it was as cool as a cucumber right out of the fridge.
It wasn’t long until Jon and I realized we were in for a great night as the ladies had found the tasting to their fancy and turned it into………lets say more than tasting. As much fun as I would like to make of it the truth is ApCal just has a relaxing feel to it from the giant oak tree, the friendly staff all the way down to the grass dance floor in front of the stage. The whole feel of the events center is not one that most people would instantly think Fresno when they experience it. ApCal simply has a charm about it that is very much Central Valley yet at the same time smart enough to be in any park in any major city.
This week was the sounds of Pat Benatar and Tom Petty and both tribute bands landed right on target not only with the music but with the personality of both bands. As a Tom Petty fan, I was very impressed, the sound was so good that some unfortunate people around me on the dance floor probably heard more of my singing than they bargained for when they bought their tickets.
For future dates go to Apcalwine.com or find them on Facebook for a full list of event dates and services.
This writer also has to thank the good people of ApCal for hosting so many great events because without you I would have never met the beautiful lady in the photo with me during their Craft Beer Fest. When it comes to great events in FresYes I suggest you look into ApCal for your next adventure. Filled with the great people of FresYes, great bands from all over, local wines and beautiful location the combination of FresYes and ApCal my vote is a solid ApYes!
- Invitation to the Ball - November 6, 2015
- Sportsman’s Warehouse, the New Kid In Town - July 20, 2015
- The Freewheel Project - July 13, 2015
Great place!