July Must-dos in Sacramento, California

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The California State Fair runs Fri., July 15-Sun., July 31 at Cal Expo. | Photo via California State Fair

While July marks the start to the dog days of summer — which both refers to the season’s harsh heat + the period when the sun and “dog star” Sirius occupy the same region of sky — you won’t have to do a lot of digging for cool things to do this month in Sacramento.

That’s because it’s absolutely brimming with Sacramento must-dos. We’re barking (er, talking) Fourth of July celebrations, movie festivals, and big-name musicians like Chaka Khan + TLC taking center stage. Read on for all the top events this July.

  • Red, White, & Brew | Mon., July 4-Tues., July 5 | 6-12 a.m. | Drake’s: The Barn | Prices vary | Enjoy stunning views of fireworks by the Sacramento River as you sip on locally-made brews, enjoy a live DJ set, and — after 9 p.m. — groove to a silent disco. 🎇
  • Print Sale + Zine Fair | Sat., July 9-Sun., July 10 | Times vary | Verge Center for the Arts, 625 S St. | Free | Explore zines, etchings, screen prints + more at the Southside Park art gallery.
  • Great American Triathlon | Sat., July 16 | 8 a.m. | 5700 Arden Way | Prices vary | Calling all cyclers, paddlers, and runners — support the American River Parkway Foundation at this 24.42-mile course in a relay team or individually. 👟
  • Skate ‘N’ Brunch | Sun., July 17 | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | The Rink, 2900 Bradshaw Rd. | $7+ | Let the good times roll at the rink + enjoy eats from vegan food vendors. 🛼
  • Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind | Wed., July 20 | 7 p.m. | Tower Theatre | $11.50 | Part of a month-long “Studio Ghibli Festival,” catch the acclaimed debut feature from the director of “Spirited Away” + “Princess Mononoke.” 📽️
  • TLC | Thurs., July 28 | 8 p.m. | Cal Expo | Prices vary | Do go chasing “Waterfalls” — catch the multi-platinum, award-winning R+B group perform during the California State Fair’s Toyota Concert Series. 🎶

Did we miss one of your favorite events? Let us know by submitting it.

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Matt grew up in Fresno, California, and has previously written about food and culture for Sactown Magazine, the plant sciences for UC Davis, and insect surveillance for TechCrunch. He’s most likely bouldering at Pipeworks, or out cycling the American River Bike Trail.
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