Crowned America’s Farm-to-Fork mecca, Sacramento is the buzzing and bustling capital of California. With incredible cuisine, craft beer and wine, a thriving art scene and plenty of outdoor recreation – there’s always something to discover in Sacramento.
This year, visitors will be able to experience some fantastic events, including internationally-renowned graffiti festivals to craft beer extravaganzas. In this guide, we take a look at what’s on in Sacramento on a month-by-month basis in 2020.
January
Art of Beer – 24 January
Created with a passion for craft beer and community, the Art of Beer Invitational brings together the most innovate craft breweries, top-notch restaurants and artisans. Visitors can enjoy unlimited 4 oz. Pours with food pairings from select local restaurants as they take in local art and meet the brewers.
February
Sacramento Museum Day – 1 February
More than 30 local museums open their doors annually for Sacramento Museum Day – all offering free admission. This popular day kicks off Sacramento Museum Week, a time filled with special events, activities and activations at various museums around the city.
Journey into the past at the California State Railroad Museum or discover the world’s foremost display of California art at the Crocker Art Museum. Free admission.
March
Capitol Beer Fest – 7 March
Now in its 10th year, Capitol Beer Fest boats over 125 of the nation’s best breweries, 20 food trucks and live music. The event is possible due to the generosity of brewers and attendees, with 100% of the proceeds going to a local children’s fitness charity.
April
Beer and Chili Festival – 18 April
Few things pair better with beer than homemade chilli. The Sacramento Beer & Chili Festival is a chilli cooking competition featuring a variety of unique recipes and some of the top craft beer vendors in the city.
Held in beautiful Roosevelt Park in the shadow of the Capitol building, the Beer and Chili Festival is the perfect way to experience local California.
May
BerryFest – 9-10 May
Hosted over US Mother’s Day Weekend, BerryFest celebrates all things strawberry. All berries at the festival are grown and picked fresh in California by local farmers – but there’s more to this event than fruit.
Visitors can try their hand at the extreme skate pro park, watch a parade, compete in a strawberry shortcake eating contest, go on a guided graffiti-wall tour and more.
June
Sacramento Pride – 13-14 June
Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ community throws the biggest party of the year with this entertaining parade and celebration. This year, Sacramento Pride will be headlined by none other than Grammy-nominated entertainer and global phenomenon Lizzo.
July
California State Fair – 17 July – 2 August
This 150-year-old extravaganza has been drawing visitors since California became a state. Including traditional mainstays like the magnificent Midway and showcases of the state’s industry and agriculture, the 2020 edition will include an Esports Gaming Centre and expanded Goat Mountain, a fireworks show and new exhibits.
August
– various dates in August
Lose yourself in the streets of Sacramento on the ultimate scavenger hunt adventure. Guided by a smartphone, visitors can make their way through the well-known and undiscovered gems of the city, solving clues and completing challenges while learning about local history.
September
Wide Open Walls – 10-24 September
This two-week festival of graffiti brings both locals and international muralists to the city to create stunning artworks to add to the city’s more than 600 existing murals. This outdoor mural festival brings colour to storefronts, building facades and unused walls all over town.
Farm-to-Fork Celebration – dates TBC
This month-long celebration is when Sacramento showcases all things food and drink. Locals and visitors alike can experience everything that makes the region a food powerhouse. Live music, chef demonstrations and plenty of samples complement a beer garden and pavilion.
October
Aftershock – 9-11 October
California’s biggest rock festival storms into Sacramento with a powerful line-up of renowned rock and metal favourites. For the first time in their history, Metallica – this year’s exciting headliner – will be playing two different sets on two different nights.
November
Mandarin Orange Festival – 20-22 November
Now in its 27th year, The Mandarin Orange Festival celebrates the fruit’s historic and uniquely Californian heritage. Visitors will find fresh mandarins and endless samples at stands throughout the fair.
Find everything from wood-fired Mandarin pizza; Mandarin glazed kettle corn, and Mandarin pork tater tots, as well as Mandarin funnel cakes, milkshakes, fudge, pistachios and more.
December
Theatre of Lights – various dates in December
Visitors who find themselves in Sacramento for the holidays are in for a treat. Every year, The Old Sacramento Waterfront transforms into a winter wonderland. Witness the lighting of the Christmas tree and a live performance of the popular story “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” commonly known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
For more information, visit www.visitsacramento.com.
Read more guides in our dedicated travel section here.
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