Things To Do in the Sacramento Area Over Memorial Day Weekend

NOTE: This post was written in 2016. Click here for an updated list of Memorial Day weekend events in the Sacramento area.

Memorial Day is a special holiday set aside to honor the veterans who died while serving our country in the armed forces. The entire nation pauses to celebrate our freedom, honor their lives, and come together as one in a weekend packed with barbeques, memorial services and events.

There are so many things going on in Sacramento to celebrate Memorial Day this year. Mark your calendar with one or two of these events and take advantage of this extended weekend with family and friends!

Sacramento County Fair

Thursday, May 26 – Monday, May 30

Feel the excitement in the air during Memorial Day weekend at the Sacramento County Fair, a patriotic and action-packed festival of fun. The theme this year is “Let’s Eat, Have Fun & Celebrate the Red, White & Blue.” What better place to do all of the above than the county fair?

Get your tickets varying in prices depending on the package you want. You’ll save a few dollars by buying in advance, as their online discounts don’t apply after May 27!

Photos Courtesy of Sacramento County Fair

Sacramento Music Festival

Friday, May 27 – Monday, May 30

The annual Sacramento Music Festival is one of the more popular events celebrating Memorial Day in the Sacramento area dating back to 1974. The festival is a four-day, all-day party featuring live music, 100 unique performances, street dancing, animated parades, and wonderful food and drink options — all in the energetic atmosphere within the streets of Old Sacramento.

Get the party started early on Friday night, watch the colorful parade on Saturday morning, and enjoy incredible musicians throughout the entire weekend. Buy your tickets for a specific day or get an All Events Pass to enjoy it all for $125!

Photo Courtesy of Sacramento Music Festival

Multicultural Family Festival

Saturday, May 28

Take the whole family to the Multicultural Family Festival presented by Russian American Media. Kids can enjoy pony rides, jumbo inflatables, a rock climbing wall, miniature train rides, trampolines, face painting, and more — all for free!

Sample exotic foods from around the world and admire spectacular stage entertainment by professional dancers, gymnasts, and athletes. Don’t miss out on this festive day of fun at William Land Park Amphitheatre by the Zoo and Fairytale Town from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 28!

Wounded Veteran Run

Monday, May 30

Sign up for the Wounded Veteran Run at Vista Del Lago High School in Folsom on Monday, May 30. You can participate in the 3K, 5K or 10K run/walk, and your kids can dart through the Kids Fun Run. The Wounded Veteran Run benefits the Semper Fi Fund / America’s Fund, Fregoso Outdoor Foundation, Patriots Honor and the Purple Heart Fund.

Register in advance, pick up your packet on Saturday, and hit the ground running on Monday!

Photo Courtesy of Wounded Veteran Run

Vettes for Vets

Monday, May 30

This Memorial Day, the California Automobile Museum presents Vettes for Vets, a Corvettes and American muscle car show. This outdoor car show is completely free and designed for all ages. Admire a variety of Corvettes and America-made muscle cars from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and visit their incredible museum while you’re there! Veterans and active duty military and their families receive free museum admission throughout the entire day.

Vettes for Vets is a unique opportunity to celebrate all things muscle car while honoring our country’s brave veterans and active duty military.

Photos Courtesy of California Automobile Museum 

Sacramento River Cats BBQ

Monday, May 30

What is Memorial Day weekend without some good barbeque? The Sacramento River Cats will be playing the Oklahoma City Dodgers on Monday, May 30 at 1:05 p.m. The River Cats are hosting a special BBQ at Raley Field to ensure you celebrate Memorial Day with some good old-fashioned barbeque, and a cold brew while watching America’s favorite pastime.

Photo Courtesy of Tom Spaulding

Old Town Auburn Fine Art and Wine Faire

Saturday, May 28

While this doesn’t necessarily have a “Memorial Day” stamp on it, this is an event happening over the weekend you won’t want to miss. Old Town Auburn is hosting their third annual Fine Art and Wine Faire in the Old Town Auburn Art Gallery parking lot.

Admire the impeccable work of local fine artists at their booths, and enjoy live music, wine and food. You can even witness artists painting “in action” as they capture the beautiful scene of the historic Auburn landscape.

The Old Town Auburn Fine Art and Wine Faire is the perfect alternative for someone looking for a more relaxed and leisurely event to participate in over Memorial Day weekend!

Happy Memorial Day, Sacramento!

What are you doing to celebrate this weekend in the area?