The fair returns next month — let’s ride. | Photo via California State Fair
Summer is in full swing and California State Fair season is around the corner. Before you hop on all the rides and eat all the things, here’s what you need to know about Sac’s summertime staple:
The fair runs for 17 days from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 27 at Cal Expo. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m. + Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Tickets are available now — kids ages 4 and under get in free.
This year’s Toyota Concert Series lineup is jam-packed — think Ludracis, Dirty Heads, Dustin Lynch, O.A.R., and many more acts.
There are lots of special events, including fireworks, the Best of California Brewfest, and the CA Professional Chef Challenge.
Don’t miss the exhibits like “CaLOWfornia Love: A Lowrider Culture” and competitions spanning skills like cheesemaking, winemaking, homebrewing, and baking.
Pro tip: You’ll find solid deals on Tuesdays — kids 12 and under get in free and rides cost $2 each.
“Animal House 2025” | Through Saturday, July 12 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Sacramento Fine Arts Center, Carmichael | Free | This annual juried art show features animal-themed works across a variety of media — it’s wild, indeed.
Placer County Fair 2025 | Thursday, June 26-Sunday, June 29 | Times vary | The Grounds, Roseville | $6+ | The summertime event returns with concerts, food, live entertainment, karaoke, a Family Fun Zone, and new carnival rides.
Jazz Night | 7-9 p.m. | Crocker Art Museum | $25 | This summer music series showcases standout acts who celebrate the many facets of jazz and the genre’s past, present, and future.
Friday, June 27
The Time-Traveler’s Ball | 6-9 p.m. | Sacramento History Museum | $35 | Dress up in an outfit from your favorite era and take a trip through a time warp for a night of live music, unexpected entertainment, and food + drinks.
Concerts in the Park: Jackie Greene | 6-9:30 p.m. | Cesar Chavez Plaza | Free | The final concert of the 2025 series will go out with a bang — the lineup features Jackie Greene, Golden Cadillacs, Furnace Woods, and Joseph ONE.
Dierks Bentley | 7 p.m. | Toyota Amphitheatre, Wheatland | $75+ | The CMA Award-winning country star known for hits like “Drunk on a Plane” performs his “Broken Branches” tour.
David Spade: “I Got A Feel For It” | 8 p.m. | SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center | $46+ | The longtime actor, “SNL” alum, and comedian brings his latest stand-up tour to the River City.
Saturday, June 28
American Made Craft Show | 3-9 p.m. | Vernon Street Town Square, Roseville | Free | Collectors, you’ll love this one — browse handcrafted goodies including jewelry, pottery, and textiles from local vendors + artists.
Pops in the Park | 6 p.m. | Glenn Hall Park | Free | Bring your blanket, friends, and dancing shoes and enjoy this outdoor show.
Sunday, June 29
Author Talk featuring Verde Arzu | 1-3:30 p.m. | Underground Books | Free | The poet, writer, and educator discusses her latest book, “Promise Keeper,” a coming of age story about identity.
Sacramento approved several downtown “entertainment zones,” including 20th and K streets and Ali Youssefi Square. This expands where people can drink alcohol on public sidewalks and plazas — patrons can buy drinks to-go from local bars, breweries, and wineries and enjoy them in common spaces during permitted events. (KCRA)
Biz
Sacramento is seeking an operator to run a quick-service, walk-up cafe in the historic Steamers Building in Old Sacramento featuring an outdoor patio with river views. Proposals are being accepted through Friday, Aug. 29. The area is undergoing broader improvements via the city’s Waterfront Reinvestment Program.
Outdoors
With relocation plans scrapped, the Sacramento Zoo will stay at its Land Park location and partner with the city for another three years. The city will work with the zoo to evaluate the current site, possibly make improvements, and “find the best way to optimize what it has to offer.” (The Sacramento Bee)
Coming Soon
A tiki-themed, underground speakeasy called Hawthorne’s Hideout will debut next month in Old Sacramento. The space will tell the fictional story of a character named Elias Hawthorne and will feature light shows that go with drinks. Only private bookings will be available at first; individual reservations open on Friday, Aug. 1. (KCRA)
Open
Stepdad’s — an aptly named restaurant that replaces Dad’s Kitchen in Land Park — is now open Wednesday-Monday, 4-10 p.m. The Freeport Boulevard spot serves elevated tavern fare, craft beer, and craft cocktails. Although plenty of seating is saved for walk-ins, reservations are a good idea.
Announced
The Kings announced the members of the team’s coaching staff for next season. Joining head coach Doug Christie are associate head coach Mike Woodson and assistant coaches Bobby Jackson, Mike Miller, Chris Darnell, and Leandro Barbosa. Peep the rest of the staff roster. (NBA.com)
Kids
Sacramento City Unified School District kicked off its free summer meals program this week for local students up to age 18. The Central Kitchen will provide dine-in breakfast and lunch across 35 school campuses + 12 community centers Monday-Friday through Aug. 8. Check out the list of locations. (KCRA)
Try This
Terra Madre Americas — a celebration of the Slow Food movement debuting in Sacramento this September — is accepting exhibitor applications through Friday, Aug. 15. Marketplace exhibitors will be able to sell their food and products to attendees “who are passionate about quality, authenticity, and sustainability.”
Concert
Actor and “Beautiful Soul” pop singer Jesse McCartney will perform at Sac’s newest live music venue, Channel 24, on Friday, Nov. 14. Presale tickets to “The Weightless Tour” are now on sale and general ticket sales begin tomorrow, June 27, at 10 a.m.
Holiday
The city approved new fees of up to $10,000 for illegal fireworks. Safe and Sane Fireworks are legal to buy, sell, and use during limited hours between Saturday, June 28 and Friday, July 4. Residents can report illegal fireworks by calling (916) 808-3473 or via the Sacramento Fire Department Community App.
Arts
“Cara and Diego Romero: Tales of Futures Past” will be on view at the Crocker Art Museum this Sunday, June 29 through Sunday, Oct. 12. The touring exhibition brings together the works of the wife-husband duo and is the only California stop for the tour. It’s included with museum admission.
Sports
The 2025 NHL Draft is fast approaching, and the San Jose Sharks find themselves in a pivotal position with the second overall pick. Will they opt for Michael Misa or Anton Frondell? Hear from the local experts on the San Jose Sharks with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
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If you’re looking for a safe way to enjoy Fourth of July fireworks in the Sacramento area, leave the shows to the pros. Here are some must-see patriotic displays:
Salute to the Red, White, and Blue | Enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and a fireworks show at Elk Grove Park.
Rancho Cordova Fourth of July | Head to Hagan Community Park for a festival filled with carnival rides, food vendors, a circus show, live music, and fireworks; tickets cost $10.
The basics you need while they’re on sale. Amazon Basics just marked down tons of products in a sale exclusive for Prime members — time to restock the bathroom/office/supply closet shelves:
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
The Athletics broke ground on their new ballpark in Las Vegas this week, slated to be completed by Opening Day 2028. Although the A’s have been playing at their temporary home at Sutter Health Park for about three months, the whole thing has felt a bit weird for some baseball fans.
Have you been to an A’s game in West Sac this season? What’s the vibe?Let us know.
Answered
Answered
We asked you to build your dream fair concert lineup. You drummed up these shows...
Reader Jackie K.'s dream lineup would be Chris Isaac, Stevie Nicks, and Culture Club
Bad Company, Bob Seger, and Whitesnake are on reader Kathy L.'s wish list
Reader Alex S. thinks Kendrick Lamar, Anderson Paak, and Remi Wolf should take the mic
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