‘Tis the season to ice skate in downtown Sac. | Photo via SACtoday
The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink is now open for the holiday season. Here’s what you need to know before you lace up your skates and glide into the festive fun.
Where
Find the seasonal rink at Ali Youssefi Square — on the corner of K and 7th streets. While you’re there, explore the restaurants + experiences in downtown Sac.
Dates + hours
The rink is open through Jan. 20, 2025. Roll in Tuesday-Sunday, 2-9 p.m., and Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Tickets
You can buy tickets in person at the rink; admission includes rental skates.
Sacramento Water Lantern Festival | 2 p.m. | Gibson Ranch Park, Elverta | $30+ | Witness the magic of glowing lanterns as they light up the water.
Wasteland Expo: Clothes, Art, Vibes | 2-7 p.m. | Glow Studio | Cost of purchase | Browse unique fashion, accessories, and art from local, independent vendors.
Steelin’ Dan | 3 p.m. | Powerhouse, Folsom | $23 | This Steely Dan tribute act has been performing hits for 20+ years — the six-piece band will take the stage tonight.
Trash Movie Improv | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Sacramento Comedy Spot | $10 | Laugh along to this fun premise: A clip from a bad movie is played and a team of improvisers must then create new scenes based on that “trash clip.”
Sunday, Nov. 24
Sacramento Kings vs. Brooklyn Nets | 6 p.m. | Golden 1 Center | $36+ | It’s “40 Years of Roar” night — a celebration of four decades of Kings history and fan loyalty.
The Beach Boys | 7:30 p.m. | Hard Rock Live Sacramento, Wheatland | $67+ | We’re feeling these “Good Vibrations” — the iconic California rock band, now led by Mike Love, performs their “Endless Summer Gold” tour.
Wednesday, Nov. 27
“The Last Waltz” | 7-9 p.m. | Crest Theatre | $11 | Watch a screening of Martin Scorcese’s 1978 documentary chronicling the lavish farewell show by Canadian rockers The Band, along with other performances from rock royalty.
Thursday, Nov. 28
Delta King Thanksgiving Buffet | 12-5 p.m. | Delta King | $68 | Hop aboard the Delta King Riverboat and enjoy a holiday buffet with all the trimmings while you cruise.
Friday, Nov. 29
Crocker Holiday Artisan Market | Friday, Nov. 29-Sunday, Dec. 1 | Times vary | Scottish Rite Center | $10 | The Crocker Arts Museum + the Creative Arts League of Sacramento present this artisan market featuring textiles, jewelry, photography, ceramics, and more.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Holiday and Art Faire | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael | Cost of purchase | This festive shopping event will feature handmade goods from local artisans, books, toys, nature-themed clothing, and jewelry.
Rosetta Stone’s lessons focus on real-world images and scenarios to help users learn faster + retain more. | Photo provided by Rosetta Stone
Whether you’re a travel bug planning your next trip, wanting to connect with another culture, or looking to learn something new, the holidays arethe perfect time to dive into a new language — or 25.
Gift yourself (or a friend) lifetime access to all of Rosetta Stone’s languages with their Lifetime Unlimited plan at Black Friday pricing. With one low payment, you can immerse yourself in engaging language lessons whenever you want, forever.
How’s your umbrella holding up? This week’s atmospheric river brought big storm systems + flooding concerns to our region — and it’s not over yet. Another round of rainfall is expected today, and the wet weather is likely to linger into tomorrow. (ABC 10 + The Sacramento Bee)
Civic
In a 5-4 vote, the Sacramento City Council approved a “cannabis lounges” pilot program that will allow dispensaries to sell cannabis-infused drinks + edibles. The 5-year program may also allow for lounges where customers can smoke on-site — with proper ventilation and HVAC requirements. (ABC 10)
Development
Sac leaders approved a tourism investment package to pour $40 million into the Old Sacramento Waterfront, with revitalization projects kicking off between spring and fall 2025. Another $2 million will be invested into local festival promotion. A 330-room convention center hotel development is also potentially in the works. (Sacramento Business Journal)
Opening
The Red Chickz — a restaurant known for its West Coast take on Nashville hot chicken — will open a new location on Bronze Star Drive in Woodland in Spring 2025. The menu will feature the brand’s hot chicken sandwiches, tenders, French toast chicken sandwich, and more.
Tech
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a public safety drone. The Sacramento Police + Fire departments launched a Drone First Responder trial program intended to reduce response times. Drones are deployed to calls in Del Paso Heights Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., to check out the area before first responders arrive.
Traffic
The city wants locals to chime in on a proposed Parking Strategy intended to improve public parking management, add bike racks, and expand parking maximums to the full Central City and developments near busy transit stops. The drafted strategy is open for public comment until Monday, Dec. 2.
Travel
Island getaway, anyone? Beginning in March 2025, Southwest Airlines will start offering new daily flights from Sacramento International Airport to Maui and Kona in Hawaii. The flights will be available weekends only in April and May, and then daily in June and July. (The Sacramento Bee)
Concert
Latin superstar J Balvin — aka the “Prince of Reggaeton” — will bring his “Back to the Rayo” North American tour to Golden 1 Center on May 11, 2025. Tickets are now on sale, starting at $60.
Plan Ahead
Kulture will host its Posada holiday block party on Saturday, Dec. 14, 4-8 p.m. The Midtown celebration will boast 40+ vendors along K Street, live music, mariachi performances, tamales, raffles, and fun for the kids. We can’t wait.
Number
$9.30. According to an airport beer price study, that’s the average cost of a domestic beer at Sacramento International Airport — No. 35 among beer prices across the 50 busiest US airports. Check out our airport guide before you board. (Financebuzz.com)
Sports
The Warriors have been shooting great, but Brandin Podziemski — not so much. Hear from the local experts on the Golden State Warriors with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Finance
When this card hit the market, it became the do-it-all card that took the top spot in thousands of peoples’ wallets. Perks include a significant first-year bonus, up to 5% cashback on everyday purchases, no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases + balance transfers into 2026.*
Coming Soon
Did this catch your eye? That’s because locals (like you) are excited about new happenings in the city. Spread the word about your business, services, big news, or event coming soon to Sacramento.
Home
Don’t risk a busted washer or drier in the middle of winter — get American Home Shield Home Warranty. For a limited time, they’re offering $150 off some of their most comprehensive plans.(Think: Peace of mind, for less.)Claim the discount. Read website disclaimer for important consumer information.*
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Empower youth through gardening as a volunteer at Three Sisters Gardens in West Sac. | Photo courtesy of @threesistersgardens
Whether you have extra time on your handsor you’re in the giving spirit, there are more than enough great causes in Sacramento to support with your time. Here are a few ways to get involved + give back to your community in the City of Trees.
For the green thumb
Three Sisters Gardens | Spread roots in the community by empowering youth through organic gardening.
Midtown HART | Be a listening ear at the nonprofit’s respite center for those experiencing homelessness as you serve coffee and light snacks, or facilitate the receipt of clothing donations.
For the animal lover
Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary | The no-kill, no-cage animal shelter needs volunteers who can help process adoptions, clean its facilities, or offer a foster home to dogs + cats.
I still can’t stop giggling about “Roy Al”, the new mascot the Kings recently tried to roll out alongside their City Edition uniforms. The mascot caught fans + players like De’Aaron Fox off guard — I’m thinking it was the basketball-shaped face and very sinister eyebrows.
Slamson banished Roy Al and shipped him to Cincinnati (his name is an homage to the franchise’s history as the Cincinnati Royals) where his fate is unknown. All is fair in love and sports mascots.
