Events & Festivals in Sacramento

This multi-day celebration centers on cocktail culture with seminars from industry experts, tastings from local and national distilleries, and themed parties. Attendees learn techniques and trends while sampling a large variety of spirits and crafted drinks. It suits adults interested in mixology and beverage culture.

This unusual gathering brings together gourd artists and enthusiasts for a show featuring elaborately decorated and carved gourds. Visitors view judged competitions, purchase unique art pieces, and watch live demonstrations of carving and pyrography techniques. It draws a niche, creative crowd.

A large indoor display features new and used boats, marine gear, and accessories. Representatives from major manufacturers answer questions on site. Special seminars cover boat maintenance and local Delta waterways. It is popular with boating families and aspiring captains.

Over 30 downtown Sacramento restaurants offer special prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus for this annual promotion. The event encourages people to try new spots and highlights the city's culinary scene, with menus often showing seasonal ingredients. It's good for food enthusiasts.

A show for independent short films, documentaries, and features from around the world, often with a focus on California filmmakers. Screenings happen in a historic theater, with question-and-answer sessions following many films. It attracts film students and local cinephiles.

A ten-day celebration of Northern California's craft beer scene, featuring special tappings, brewery tours, pairing dinners, and educational events across the city. Many local breweries release limited-edition beers specifically for this week. It's a major draw for craft beer lovers.

Scottish and Celtic culture take center stage here. Caber tossing, Highland dancing, pipe bands, and clan gatherings fill the schedule. Vendors sell traditional foods and goods. Strong community spirit. Serious competition.

Local inventors, artists, and DIY creators show and sell their work here. Interactive areas let visitors try screen printing or robotics. The focus stays on handmade, innovative goods. Support your local makers.

This weekly market runs year-round but peaks in spring and summer. Local produce, flowers, and artisan foods dominate. Food trucks and live music keep Saturdays lively. Many samples. Locals treat it as ritual.

A two-day festival featuring cultural performances, traditional music, martial arts demonstrations, and a large marketplace selling crafts and food from across Asia and the Pacific Islands. Multiple stages offer continuous entertainment. It stays lively for all ages.

This multi-day event presents a wide mix of music, historically focused on jazz and blues but now including rock, gospel, and zydeco. Performances happen on multiple stages in a compact area, creating a walkable, festive atmosphere. It appeals to a broad audience.

Livestock exhibitions, carnival rides, live entertainment, and competitive baking and crafts exhibits fill this classic county fair. Fair food everywhere. Strong local, family-oriented feel. The region's agricultural roots show here.

Contemporary and classic French-language films screen here, spanning comedies, dramas, and documentaries. Introductions precede most screenings. Guest discussions sometimes follow. Francophiles and subtitled film fans feel right at home.

The LGBTQ+ community takes to the streets with a parade through midtown, then gathers in the park for live music on multiple stages, food vendors, community booths, and a family garden area. Joyful. Inclusive. Open to all.

Local and visiting artists transform the park's pavement into large, colorful chalk murals over Labor Day weekend. The event also includes live music, food vendors, and an art market. It's very family-friendly, with a dedicated kids' chalk area.

Held by the local Orthodox church, this event features authentic Greek food, live traditional music and dancing, church tours, and a marketplace. The aroma of grilled meats and pastries fills the air. It is a popular community event with a celebratory feel.

A celebration of Sacramento's status as America's Farm-to-Fork Capital. The centerpiece is a large street festival with cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, hundreds of local food and drink vendors, and live music. It highlights the region's agricultural abundance.

A major multi-day hard rock and metal festival featuring dozens of bands on multiple stages. It draws a national audience with its lineup of prominent headliners and emerging acts. The atmosphere is energetic and draws dedicated fans of the genre.

This weekend festival dives deep into horror and thriller cinema. Expect indie shorts and features, hands-on workshops, and panels with directors and actors. The crowd comes ready. Costumes everywhere. The vibe is pure Halloween energy.

Hundreds of artisans gather for this large arts and crafts show. Handmade jewelry, home decor, clothing, and specialty foods fill the halls. It's classic holiday shopping with entertainment and DIY craft stations for kids. Festive atmosphere guaranteed.

Film screenings about food, agriculture, and culinary culture pair with curated meals or tastings tied to each film's theme. An immersive experience. Good for anyone curious about the stories behind what we eat.

One of the largest professional beer competitions in the United States, judged by industry experts. Judging stays closed to the public. A tasting event often follows, where attendees sample award-winning beers and meet the brewers behind them.

This European-style outdoor market brings seasonal decorations, handmade crafts, and festive foods together. Twinkling lights and holiday music set the mood. Sometimes there's an ice rink. Evenings here get you into the holiday spirit fast.

The classic holiday ballet returns annually with live orchestra accompaniment. Lavish costumes and sets fill the city's main performing arts center. For many families here, this is tradition. Non-negotiable.

Local chefs, architects, and community groups build elaborate gingerbread houses for display and competition. Visitors walk through and vote for favorites. Sweet, low-key fun. All ages welcome.

The city's NBA team hosts regular season home games at Golden 1 Center from October through April. High-energy events with modern amenities. Sports fans pack the arena. A lively downtown Sacramento evening awaits.