May PlanAhead: Your Sacramento events calendar

A skyline view of Downtwon Sacramento with a graphic that reads "Plan Ahead: May 2022."

From May the Fourth to Memorial day, here’s what’s happening in the River City this month. | Graphic by 6AM Staff

Table of Contents

Happy May, Sacramento. Whether you’re looking for ways to celebrate Memorial Day or just want to get out of the house, your choices may overwhelm you.

If you’re anything like us, you’re going to be celebrating with garden tours, the Sacramento County Fair, and biking events for May is Bike Month. Keep scrolling for some of the top events happening this month in the River City.

All month long

  • Art Gallery and Art Cafe | Wednesdays-Fridays | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Atrium, 1020 Front St. | Free | Explore local + eco-friendly crafts, from inner-tube wallets to homemade jewelry. ♻️
  • Drag Bingo | Thursdays | 6 p.m. | Flatstick Pub, 630 K St. | $5 | Enjoy a night of bingo, prizes, and beer hosted by one of Sacramento’s fabulous queens, Apple Adams.
  • Chess Club | Thursdays | 6 p.m. | Odd Cookie Bakery Cafe + Bar | Free | An informal meet-up for chess players of all abilities, including those who’ve never played before — just note that this event is 21+. ♟️
  • Tipsy Tuesday Trivia | Tuesdays | 6 p.m. | Flatstick Pub, 630 K St. | Free | Grab a team of 2-6 people and show off your trivia knowledge for a chance to win prizes.
  • Stand-up Open Mic | Tuesdays | 8 p.m. | Sacramento Comedy Spot | $6 | From seasoned veterans to recent stand-up comedy recruits, you never know who you might see — and that’s part of the laugh.
  • Glass Act Mosaics (GLAM) Collective | Tuesdays | Room 11, 2791 24th St. | $12+ | Meet other mosaic artists + encourage each other’s creativity at this meetup intended for all levels.
  • Drag Brunch | Saturdays | 1:30-3 p.m. | Solomon’s | Prices vary | Everything is better in drag, especially brunches with delicious bagel sandwiches.
  • Trivia Night | Wednesdays | 7 p.m. | Bike Dog Brewery, 915 Broadway | Free | Assemble your trivia crew for this weekly test of wits and locally brewed suds.
  • Funk Night | Thursdays | 6 p.m. | Good News Wine | Free | Put on your dancing shoes, grab some sparkling wine — or a flight of the very best reds — and vibe out to the sounds of funk, soul, and disco.
  • Winn Farmers’ Market | Wednesdays | 3 p.m.-7:30 p.m. | Winn Park | Free | Wander through the park as purveyors of organic goods stock their booths, food trucks hum, live music plays + wine glasses clink..
  • Midtown Market | Saturdays | 10 a.m. | 2011 J St. | Free | Enjoy a rotating selection of local artists, music, food and vendors.
  • Certified Farmers’ Market | Sundays | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | 1689 Arden Way | Free | Buy farm-to-table fruits, veggies, and meats directly from farmers in the Farm-to-Fork Capital.
  • NeighborGood Market | Thursdays | 4 p.m.-7 p.m. | District 56 | Free | Support neighborhood businesses + local food trucks at the weekly Elk Grove attraction.

Sunday May 1

Sunday, May 1

  • Mud Funk! | Sun., May 1 | Times vary | Crocker Art Museum | $25+ | Humor, whimsy, and clay art meet at this 1-hour workshop intended for all ages.
  • David Sedaris | Sun., May 1 | 7:30 p.m. | Mondavi Center | $13.50+ | Irony is the soul of wit for this satirist + author who has penned books like “Me Talk Pretty One Day” and “Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls.”
  • Ryan Hurd | Sun., May 1 | 7 p.m. | Ace of Spades | $27.50+ | The country music singer stops by the River City on his “Tour de Pelago.”
  • Fateh Doe | Sun., May 1 | 7 p.m. | The Starlet Room | $20+ | The Toronto-based rapper comes to the River City.
  • Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival | Sun., May 1 | 10 a.m.-9 p.m. | Mariscos Los Primoz Pizza, 2425 Northgate Blvd. | Free | This inaugural family-friendly festival will showcase cars, regional bands + traditional dancers to celebrate the historic day.
  • SacTown’s Finest Market | Sun., May 1 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | 1600 Tribute Road | Free | The one-stop-shop for vintage clothing, food + arts and crafts vendors comes back for its fourth round.
  • Old Sacramento May Day Festival | Sun., May 1 | 12-4:30 p.m. | Sacramento History Museum | Maypole dances, themed activities + live music to kick off the first day of the month.

Monday May 2 – Sunday May 8

Monday, May 2

  • Purple Rain | Mon., May 2 | 7 p.m. | Tower Theatre | $12 | Prince + the Revolution rock out in this classic 1980s music drama.
  • Widowspeak | Mon., May 2 | 7 p.m. | The Starlet Room | $16+ | The Brooklyn-based indie rock band takes the stage.

Tuesday, May 3

  • Van Dyke and His Circle | Tues., May 3 | 2 p.m. | Crocker Art Museum | $65+ | This course examines print techniques through explorations of 17th century Flemish portraits.
  • Sacramento River Cats vs. Las Vegas Aviators | Tues., May 3 | 6:35 p.m. | Sutter Health Park | $12+ |
  • Nightcap: Drag Cabaret | Tues., May 3 | 8 p.m. | Punch Line Sac | $17+ | Comedy + cabaret come together at this monthly show.
  • Houseplant Happy Hour | Tues., May 3 | 3-6 p.m. | The Secret Garden, 8450 W Stockton Blvd. | Free | Leaf your cares behind as you peruse the Elk Grove nursery’s greenery + take advantage of a special discount. 🌱

Wednesday, May 4

  • Sacramento River Cats vs. Las Vegas Aviators | Wed., May 4 | 12:05 p.m. | Sutter Health Park | $13+ |
  • Sacramento Republic FC vs. New Mexico United | Wed., May 4 | 1:05 p.m. | Heart Health Park | $14+ |
  • Jerry Cantrell | Wed., May 4 | 7 p.m. | Ace of Spades | $49.50+ | The Alice in Chains founder + songwriter shreds his way into the City of Trees.
  • Star Wars | Wed., May 4 | 7 p.m. | Crest Theatre | $25+ | May the fourth be with you at this screening of “Episode IV: A New Hope,’' and don’t forget the Q+A with actors who played Jawas and a Tusken Raider that will follow the film.
  • Dave Croall & The Soothers | Wed., May 4 | 5:30 p.m. | The Starlet Room | $10+ | Enjoy the latest installment of The Starlet Room’s “Bourbon & Blues.”
  • Elk Grove Food Truck Mania | Wed., May 4 | 5-8 p.m. | Old Town Plaza, 9615 Railroad St. | Free | Satisfy your palate with an array of gourmet food trucks.
  • Hey Violet | Thurs., May 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Harlow’s Restaurant and Nightclub, 2708 J St. | Prices Vary | The LA-based pop rock band hits the stage along with Wrenn + Victoria Anthony. 🎸

Thursday, May 5

  • Sacramento River Cats vs. Las Vegas Aviators | Thurs., May 5 | 6:45 p.m. | Sutter Health Park | $13+ |
  • Bruce in the USA | Thurs., May 5 | 7 p.m. | Crest Theatre | $29.50+ | Catch the world’s premiere tribute band to “the Boss,” which had its start on the Las Vegas strip in 2004.
  • Cinco De Mayo Festival | Thurs., May 5 | 6 p.m. | Adkins Family Vineyards, 8980 Grant Line Road | Prices Vary | Live la vida loca on this special day with Mexican food + drinks (think: street tacos, churros, and agua frescas), as well as a live performance by Carlos Kandia. 🍾
  • Fair Oaks Food Truck Mania | Thurs., May 5 | 5-8 p.m. | Fair Oaks Park | Free | Eat to your heart’s content as you choose from many gourmet food truck options.

Friday, May 6

  • Sacramento River Cats vs. Las Vegas Aviators | Fri., May 6 | 6:45 p.m. | Sutter Health Park | $16+ |
  • World of Change and Promises to Keep | Fri., May 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Mondavi Center | $12.50+ | This program with two separate musical suites — one for solo piano + another with voice, percussion, and clavier — explores themes of globalization, renewal, and internal change. 🎹
  • Paul Holes | Fri., May 6 | 6 p.m. | Crest Theatre | $28.50+ | The folks from Capital Books will interview the retired cold case investigator + author who helped locate the Golden State Killer.
  • Suicide Silence + Carnifex | Fri., May 6 | 4 p.m. | Ace of Spades | $98 | Two deathcore bands take the stage for their “Chaos and Carnage Tour 2022.”
  • Mal Blum | Fri., May 6 | 7 p.m. | The Starlet Room | $15+ | The 33-year-old New Yorker comes to the City of Trees.
  • Kickback Friday | Fri., May 6 | 4 p.m.-8 p.m. | Esther’s Park | Free | Unwind with music, pizza + speciality drinks at this event for ages 30 and up.
  • Capitol City Classic Tattoo Convention | Fri., May 6-Sun., May 8 | Times Vary | SAFE Credit Union Convention Center | $35+ | Leave your mark as you get inked by professional tattoo artists + watch seminars and contests.
  • The Big Bounce America 2022 | Fri., May 6-Sun., May 8 | Times Vary | Bradley Ranch Winery, 11070 Bradley Ranch Rd. #3 | Prices Vary | The world’s largest traveling bounce house makes a jump to Elk Grove for one weekend only.
  • Concerts in the Park: Red Voodoo | Fri., May 13 | 5-9 p.m. | Cesar Chavez Plaza | Free | The River City band that earned the nation’s attention with its underground hit “Rise Up” in 2020 will open Downtown Sac’s music festival.
  • Real Live Comedians | Fri., May 6 | 8 p.m. | STAB! Comedy Theater, 1710 Broadway | $12 | It’s no lie, Pinocchio: This monthly event features real-life comedians on the stage. 🎤
  • Blitzen Trapper | Fri, May 6 | 8 p.m. | Harlows | $22 | The Portland, Oregon-based quintet is right in your lane if you like artists like Wilco and Stephen Malkmus.

Saturday, May 7

  • East Sac Garden Tour | Sat., May 7-Sun., May 8 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | David Lubin Elementary, 3535 M St. | $20+ | This self-guided tour that allows you to peek over garden walls in the “Fab 40s” is a Mother’s Day tradition.
  • Sacramento River Cats vs. Las Vegas Aviators | Sat., May 7 | 6:37 p.m. | Sutter Health Park | $16+ |
  • Kentucky Derby Buffet | Sat., May 7 | 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Cal Expo | $42 | Place your bets as you watch the 148th Kentucky Derby at Cal Expo’s Miller Lite Grandstand.
  • Punk in Drublic Craft Beer & Music Festival | Sat., May 7 | 1-10 p.m. | Heart Health Park | $45+ | Rock out to NOFX + Pennywise after you enjoy three hours of craft beer tastings.
  • Hatch: Danceworks in Progress | Sat., May 7 | 2 p.m. | Crocker Art Museum | Free+ | See the museum recontextualized + its artworks reframed as choreographers energize the exhibits with interpretive dance performances.
  • Satinder Sartaaj | Sat., May 7 | 7 p.m. | Crest Theatre | $35 | The multi-talented singer — he’s also a composer, actor, poet, and academic who holds a doctorate in Sufi music — comes to Sac.
  • Onit Market Park N Shop | Sat., May 7 | 5 p.m.-10 p.m. | Onit Coffee, 9250 Big Horn Blvd. Suite 101 | Free | Support local businesses + enjoy free balloons at the popular coffee truck’s first car meet event.
  • Raza en la Plaza | Sat., May 7 | 12 p.m.-10 p.m. | Cesar Chavez Plaza | Prices Vary | With live music, art + cuisine, guests can honor Mexican culture at the iconic Downtown square.
  • Kida the Great Meet & Greet | Sat., May 7 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | The Clique Up Pop-Up Shop, 4241 Florin Rd. | Free | Say cheese for the camera + get a signed autograph from the Sacramento native and “So You Think You Can Dance” Season 13 winner. 📷
  • Exploration in Nature | Sat., May 7 | 8:30 a.m.- 10 a.m. | Soil Born Farms, 2140 Chase Dr. | $15 | Explore the great outdoors + learn about the environment on this walking tour for all ages in Rancho Cordova. 🌳
  • 2022 Classic Car & Motorcycle Show | Sat., May 7 | Carmichael Elks Lodge, 5631 Cypress Ave. | Free | Steer your day in the right direction with vintage vehicles, live entertainment + food.
  • California Honey Fest’s 30 Mile Cycle | Sat., May 7 | 9:45 a.m. | Blue Note Brewing Company, 750 Dead Cat Alley | Free | Celebrate May is Bike Month at this first-ever tour around Woodland — after the ride, enjoy the festival’s craft vendors, mead garden, pollinator plant garden + more. 🐝
  • Silent Steed: Walking Tour | Sat., May 7 | 5 p.m. | Sacramento Historical Old City Cemetery | $5 | Learn about the Capitol City Wheelman, an early biking collective, and how cycling helped spur modern transportation features + women’s rights.

Sunday, May 8

  • Paint with Mom | Sun., May 8 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Crocker Art Museum | $20+ | Celebrate Mother’s Day with this workshop designed for creating art + memories.
  • Sacramento River Cats vs. Las Vegas Aviators | Sun., May 8 | 1:05 p.m. | Sutter Health Park | $14+ |
  • For King & Country | Sun., May 8 | 7 p.m. | Golden 1 Center | $20+ | The Grammy-winning duo comes to the River City hot off the heels of their new album “What Are We Waiting For.”
  • Sacramento Antique Faire | Sun., May 8 | 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Sleep Train Arena | Free | Make a stop at the outdoor marketplace to discover an array of vintage goods + collectibles that spans 300 vendors.
  • Bicycle Film Festival: Sac Region | Sun. May 8-Tues., May 31 | On demand | Virtual | Prices vary | Jump back in the saddle with this celebration of life on two wheels, featuring four different short film programs, like “Cinematic” + “Cycle for Change.” 🚲

Monday May 9 – Sunday May 15

Monday, May 9

  • The Slaps | Mon., May 9 | 7 p.m. | The Starlet Room | $13+ | The trio of “lo-fi slacker pop” rockers come to the River City.

Tuesday, May 10

  • Gallery Bytes | Tues., May 10 | 10 a.m. | Virtual | $20+ | Put on by the Crocker Art Museum, this bilingual conversation — in both Spanish + English — will take a deep dive on a single artwork.
  • After The Burial + Thy Art is Murder | Tues., May 10 | 6 p.m. | Ace of Spades | $25 | Deathcore + djent come together as these two bands rock the R St. venue.
  • ACTORS | Tues., May 10 | 7 p.m. | The Starlet Room | $12+ | Enjoy this post-punk + new-wave band from Vancouver.

Wednesday, May 11

  • Eric Church | Wed., May 11 | 8 p.m. | Golden 1 Center | $75+ | The southern rocker takes center stage for his “Gather Again Tour.”
  • Homeschool Day | Wed., May 11 | 12- 2 p.m. | Crocker Art Museum | $3 | Take the afternoon to celebrate art from around the world that highlights mothers.
  • This Much I Know To Be True | Wed., May 11 | 7 p.m. | Tower Theatre | $12 | This documentary explores the creative relationship between Nick Cave + Warren Ellis.
  • Blues & Bourbon | Wed., May 11 | 5:30 p.m. | The Starlet Room | $23+ | Catch Tail Dragger — a blues singer named by the legendary Howlin’ Wolf — as he reunites with bandmate Johnny Burgin at this special show.
  • Celtic Woman | Wed., May 11 | 7 p.m. | SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center | $44+ | The Grammy-nominated musical group will transport you to the verdant hills of the Emerald Isle with its “Postcards from Ireland” tour.

Thursday, May 12

  • ArtMix: Heart + Soul-idarity | Thurs., May 12 | 6-9 p.m. | Crocker Art Museum | Free+ | This ten-year anniversary bash will feature live music, spoken word performances, and collaborative art making.
  • Ryoma! The Prince of Tennis | Thurs., May 12 | 7 p.m. | Tower Theatre | $12 | Digital animation brings the world of the long-running sports manga to life.

Friday, May 13

  • WomanWorks | Fri., May 13 | 6-9 p.m. | Sacramento Pipeworks | Free+ | A meetup for women climbers who want to build strength + gain confidence, all while making new friends.
  • The Room | Fri., May 13 | 10 p.m. | Tower Theatre | $12 | Grab your spoons for the cult classic that will make you say, “Oh, hi Mark.”
  • Love Mischief & Superblume | Fri., May 13 | 8 p.m. | The Starlet Room | $12+ | Groove out with some psychedelic jams.
  • Reik | Fri., May 13 | 8 p.m. | Memorial Auditorium | $50+ | The Grammy award-winning Mexican pop rock band brings its “En Cambio” tour to Downtown for one night only. 🎤
  • Concerts in the Park: Nate Curry | Fri., May 13 | 5-9 p.m. | Cesar Chavez Plaza | Free | Chill out with smooth grooves of the Sac-born but Davis-raised musical artist, with up-and-coming local artists like Camilla Covington to also feature.

Saturday, May 14

  • Tahoe Park Garden Tour | Sat., May 14 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Tahoe Park | $10 | Find reflection + inspiration as you wander through backyards in the Tahoe Park neighborhood.
  • Concerts for Kids | Sat., May 14 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Tahoe Park | Free | This wholesome gig — performed by the park’s playground — will feature local musicians, as well as hands-on activities, prizes + more.
  • Country in the Park | Sat., May 14-Sun., May 15 | 12-10 p.m. | Cal Expo | $40+ | This two-day music festival is headlined by Dustin Lynch + Cole Swindell and features free activities like a mechanical bull and rock wall.
  • Ryoma! The Prince of Tennis | Sat., May 14 | 11 a.m. | Tower Theatre | $12 | Digital animation brings the world of the long-running sports manga to life.
  • Earth Paint | Sat., May 14 | 10:30-4 p.m. | Crocker Art Museum | $85+ | Go old school with this workshop that explores ancient artmaking techniques — such as turning minerals into pigments — while keeping contemporary styles in mind.
  • Art RX | Sat., May 14 | 10:30-4 p.m. | Crocker Art Museum | Free+ | Those suffering from chronic pain are invited to this docent-led tour of the museum.
  • Celebrate World Collage Day | Sat., May 14 | 1-4 p.m. | Crocker Art Museum | $65+ | No, not college — the only things to cut here are old documents, photos, and magazines to create a one-of-a-kind art collage.
  • About the Artist: Making Art in the Golden State | Sat., May 14 | 1-4 p.m. | Crocker Art Museum | Prices vary | Enjoy this screening of two documentaries from a local filmmaker that are part of a larger series exploring the life + work of contemporary artists in Sac.
  • Sacramento Grilled Cheese Weekend 2022 | Sat., May 14-Sun., May 15 | Southside Park | Prices Vary | Your tastebuds will melt at this annual fest as you indulge in specialty grilled cheese sandwiches + craft beer pairings.
  • Americana Vintage Market | Sat., May 14 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Old Town Plaza, 9615 Railroad St. | Free | Experience up to 50 vintage + handmade item vendors, food trucks, and live music at this new outdoor venue.
  • Party on the Palms | Sat., May 14 | 6 p.m. | Laguna Palms Way | Free | Calling all teenagers in Elk Grove–party the night away with a foam pit, games, music + exhibitors.
  • iFest Rancho Cordova International Festival | Sat., May 14 | 5-9 p.m. | Village Green Park, 3141 Bridgeway Dr. | Free | Recognize the heritage of nationalities from around the world through a celebration of food and drink, music, dance, art + activities.
  • Spring Fling Kinda Thing | Sat., May 14 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Citrus Town Center | Free | Let the kids be kids with face painting, crafts, balloons, goodies + plenty more.

Sunday, May 15

  • Paint with Mom | Sun., May 15 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Crocker Art Museum | $20+ | It’s never too late to celebrate Mother’s Day, like with this workshop designed for creating art + memories.
  • Impressionistic Painting | Sun., May 15, Sun., May 22, and Sun., May 29 | 1-2:30 p.m. | Virtual | $90+ | Brush up on your acrylic painting with this virtual course hosted by the Crocker Art Museum + taught by an artist who has her own gallery in Oak Park.
  • Alexander String Quartet | Sun., May 15 | 2 p.m. | Mondavi Center | $17.50+ | The popular San Francisco-based quartet will perform work by Bohemian composer Antonin Dvořák, with lectures to precede the two pieces of chamber music selected.
  • Running of the Elk | Sun., May 15 | 8 a.m. | District56 | Prices Vary | Kids + adults can run to support the Elk Grove Youth Sports Foundation in 5K, 10K, and half marathon events.
  • Sunday Drives | Sun., May 15 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | California Automobile Museum | Free with admission | Fuel your day as you get in gear to receive a ride in one of the museum’s many classic cars.

Monday May 16 – Sunday May 22

Monday, May 16

  • !!! | Mon., May 16 | 8 p.m. | Harlows| $22 | The New York dance-punk group — also known as Chk Chk Chk — returns to its hometown of Sacramento.
  • An Evening with Steve Hacket | Mon., May 16 | 8 p.m. | Crest Theater | $30+ | The legendary guitarist will perform selections from his solo career before playing Genesis’ “Seconds Out” in full.
  • Mat Kearney | Mon., May 16 | 7 p.m. | Ace of Spades | $32.50 | The Oregon-born singer brings his “January Flower Tour” to Sacramento.

Tuesday, May 17

  • Sacramento River Cats vs. Tacoma Rainiers | Tues., May 17 | 6:35 p.m. | Sutter Health Park | $12+ |
  • Van Dyke and His Circle | Tues., May 17 | 2 p.m. | Crocker Art Museum | $65+ | This course examines print techniques through explorations of 17th century Flemish portraits.
  • Tootsie | Tues., May 12-Sun., May 22 | Times vary | SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center | Prices vary | Broadway Sacramento brings the “Unstoppable” musical to the River City.

Wednesday, May 18

  • Sacramento River Cats vs. Tacoma Rainiers | Wed., May 18 | 12:05 p.m. | Sutter Health Park | $13+ |
  • Pearl Jam | Wed., May 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Golden 1 Center | $122+ | Eddie Vedder + company bring their era-defining grunge rock to the G1C.
  • Dorothy | Wed., May 18 | 7 p.m. | Ace of Spades | $19.50 | The LA-based rock band comes to Sac hot on the heels of their latest album “Gifts From The Holy Ghost.”
  • Handstand Clinic | Wed., May 18 | 7-9 p.m. | Sacramento Pipeworks | Free+ | Whether handstands are a goal or a daily routine, this course will help condition + strengthen your body.
  • Big Truck Day | Wed., May 18 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | District56 | Free | Children + parents have the opportunity to learn more about Elk Grove’s public works projects in this event that celebrates National Public Works Week.

Thursday, May 19

  • Sacramento River Cats vs. Tacoma Rainiers | Thurs., May 19 | 6:45 p.m. | Sutter Health Park | $13+ |
  • Grace Leslie | Thurs., May 19 | 7:30 p.m. | Mondavi Center | $10+ | Mind isn’t over matter at this performance of electronic “Brain-Body” music — developed by the director of Brain Music Lab at Georgia Tech — that explores the relationship between sounds + emotion. 🧠
  • Twenty One Pilots Cinema Experience | Thurs., May 19 | 7 p.m. | Tower Theatre | $12 | The Grammy-winning duo reimagines live performance with this theatrical experience.

Friday, May 20

  • Sacramento River Cats vs. Tacoma Rainiers | Fri., May 20 | 6:45 p.m. | Sutter Health Park | $15+ |
  • Queer Crush | Fri., May 20 | 6:30 | Sacramento Pipeworks | Prices vary | Connect and send routes with members of the LGBTQ+ community at this monthly climbing event.
  • Smashed | Fri., May 20 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Uptown Studios | $10 | Catch the Sacramento premiere of this locally-made short film about a woman who only has 20 minutes to change her life + learn about the challenges and secrets of film production from the crew that made it. 🎥
  • Concerts in the Park: Arden Park Roots | Fri., May 20 | 5-9 p.m. | Cesar Chavez Plaza | Free | The popular reggae group is rocking steady for the third week of Downtown Sac’s music festival — the funky Gold Souls + Amy Winehouse-inspired popsmith Matteo Briscoe are also performing.

Saturday, May 21

  • Sacramento River Cats vs. Tacoma Rainiers | Sat., May 21 | 6:37 p.m. | Sutter Health Park | $16+ |
  • Raging Waters Opening Day | Sat., May 21 | 11 a.m.-5p.m. | Cal Expo | $45+ | Beat the heat at Calypso Cooler Lazy River as Raging Waters officially opens for the season.
  • Bubbles and Brushes | Sat., May 21 | 1-3 p.m. | Crocker Art Museum | $30+ | Let the art jitters — if you have any — fly away as you learn how to paint a landscape + sip on sparkling wine.
  • Twilights | Sat., May 21 | 7 p.m. | Mondavi Center | $12+ | This program by the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra features compositions by Richard Wagner, Johann Strauss, and the West Coast premiere of David Felder’s “Die Dämmerungen.” 🎶
  • VHcreSt Presents: Super Mario Bros. | Sat., Mat 21 | 8-11 p.m. | Crest Theater | $5+ | “It’s-a Mario time” — catch Dennis Hopper as King Koopa in this showing of the 1983 cult film via a VCR player.
  • Best Fest (Vol 1) | Sat., March 21 | 4-11 p.m. | The Red Museum, 212 15th St. | $15+ | Catch rising local bands, like the sardonic sunshine pop artist Best Move to So Much Light’s acoustic r+b, at this inaugural show.
  • Brews in the Burbs | Sat., May 21 | 4 p.m.-8 p.m. | Sunrise Mall | Prices Vary | Feel right at home at this backyard-inspired hangout in Citrus Heights designed for enthusiasts to explore + get a taste of local breweries. 🍻
  • Folsom VYBE Music Festival | Sat., May 21 | 1:40 p.m. | The Field at Lakeside Commons, the corner of Oak & Bidwell | $49+ | Benefit Folsom’s Twin Lakes Food Bank as you watch Switchfoot, Colony House + other rock bands take the stage. 🎸

Sunday, May 22

  • Sacramento River Cats vs. Tacoma Rainiers | Sun., May 22 | 1:05 p.m. | Sutter Health Park | $13+ |
  • Impressionistic Painting | Sun., May 22 | 1-2:30 p.m. | Virtual | $90+ | Brush up on your acrylic painting with this virtual course taught by an artist who has her own gallery in Oak Park + hosted by the Crocker Art Museum.

Monday May 23 – Sunday May 29

Monday, May 23

  • More to come...

Tuesday, May 24

  • Sacramento River Cats vs. Salt Lake Bees | Tues., May 24 | 6:35 p.m. | Sutter Health Park | $12+ |
  • Roh: La Traviata | Tues., May 24 | 7 p.m. | Tower Theatre | $12 | Richard Eyre’s production returns with acclaimed opera star Pretty Yende as Violetta.
  • Goth Babe | Tues., May 24 | 7 p.m. | Ace of Spades | $22.50 | Experience the indie artist whose music is inspired by the outdoors + vagabond lifestyle.

Wednesday, May 25

  • Sacramento River Cats vs. Salt Lake Bees | Wed., May 25 | 6:35 p.m. | Sutter Health Park | $11+ |
  • Concert Bands of UC Davis | Wed., May 25 | 7 p.m. | Mondavi Center | Free+ | 🎻
  • Roh: La Traviata | Wed., May 25 | 2 p.m. | Tower Theatre | $20 | Richard Eyre’s production returns with acclaimed opera star Pretty Yende as Violetta.
  • The Bay Strikes Back Tour | Wed., May 25 | 6 p.m. | Ace of Spades | $175 | Bay Area thrash metal bands Testament, Exodus + Death Angel return to the stage following their performances at Aftershock 2021.

Thursday, May 26

  • Art Auction Preview Party | Thurs., May 27 | 6 p.m. | Crocker Art Museum | $20+ | Preview the hundreds of artworks the museum has available for bidding before the auctions close at this new event.
  • Sacramento River Cats vs. Salt Lake Bees | Thurs., May 26 | 6:45 p.m. | Sutter Health Park | $13+ |
  • Sacramento County Fair | Thurs., May 26-Mon., May 30 | Times vary | Cal Expo | Prices vary | Concerts, food + fair rides — the Sacramento County Fair returns after a two-year absence.
  • GWAR | Thurs., May 26 | 6 p.m. | Ace of Spades | $30 | The heavy metal band brings their explosive stylings to Ace of Spades.

Friday, May 27

  • Sacramento River Cats vs. Salt Lake Bees | Fri., May 27 | 6:45 p.m. | Sutter Health Park | $15+ |
  • Oh Wonder | Fri., May 27 | 7 p.m. | Ace of Spades | $35 | The London duo brings their alt-pop sound stateside for their latest world tour.
  • Concerts in the Park: Slender Roots | Fri., May 27 | 5-9 p.m. | Cesar Chavez Plaza | Free | The indie pop duo that’s “obsessed with guitars + falsettos” will be joined by local artists Helladusty, Winsome, and Life in 24 Frames.

Saturday, May 28

  • Sacramento River Cats vs. Salt Lake Bees | Sat., May 28 | 6:37 p.m. | Sutter Health Park | $16+ |
  • International Kids Festival | Sat., May 28 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | William A. Carroll Amphitheatre, 3901 Land Park Dr. | Free | Spend the day enjoying games, rides, food trucks + artistic spectacles at this family-friendly event.
  • Sacramento’s Vegan Soul Food Fest 2022 | Sat., May 28-Sun., May 29 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | African Market Place, 2251 Florin Rd. | $6 | Get a taste of diverse vegan and vegetarian ethnic foods, complimented with entertainment + organic drinks.
  • Spoon | Sat., May 28 | 7 p.m. | Ace of Spades | $95 | “The Underdog” no more, the long running + ever-popular indie rock band takes the stage in Midtown. 🎸

Sunday, May 29

  • Sacramento River Cats vs. Salt Lake Bees | Sun., May 29 | 1:05 p.m. | Sutter Health Park | $13+ |
  • Impressionistic Painting | Sun., May 29 | 1-2:30 p.m. | Virtual | $90+ | Brush up on your acrylic painting with this virtual course hosted by the Crocker Art Museum + taught by an artist who has her own gallery in Oak Park.

Monday May 30 – Tuesday May 31

Monday, May 30

  • Memorial Day Car Show | Mon., May 30 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | California Automobile Museum | Prices vary | The annual commemoration of “Vettes & Vets” returns, with part of the proceeds going to benefit a Veteran’s non-profit organization.
  • Memorial Day Observance | Mon., May 30 | 10 a.m. | Cordova High School Performing Arts Center | Free | The Rancho Cordova River City Concert Band will premiere a composition by former Chief Music Arranger for the US Navy Band Jerry Brubaker.

Tuesday, May 31

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