Things To Do This Memorial Day Weekend in the Sacramento Area

NOTE: This post was written in 2017. Click here for an updated list of Memorial Day weekend events in the Sacramento area.

Memorial Day commemorates our country’s veterans who sacrificed their lives while serving in the armed forces. On Monday, May 29, the entire nation will pause to remember their bravery, sacrifice and service. This weekend is traditionally packed with barbeques, memorial services and family-friendly events to celebrate the holiday and the unofficial start of summer.

Mark your calendars for these festive events taking place all weekend long!

Sacramento County Fair

Thursday, May 25–Monday, May 29

Cal Expo

Photo Courtesy of the Sacramento County Fair

This annual Memorial Day tradition is a patriotic and action-packed festival of fun. The theme of the Sacramento County Fair is “Let’s Eat, Have Fun & Celebrate the Red, White & Blue”. What better place to do all of the above than the fair?

Throughout the entire weekend, you can choose from a variety of activities and special events! Lil Monster Trucks is on Thursday and Friday, Stars & Stripes Bull Riding is on Saturday, the Junior Livestock Auction is on Sunday, and Military Appreciation Day and Tractor Pulls are on Monday. Get your tickets in advance, varying in prices depending on the package you want.

Elk Grove Brewfest

Friday, May 26

Old Town Plaza (Elk Grove)

Photo Courtesy of Elk Grove Brewfest

Elk Grove Brewfest is returning to Old Town Elk Grove at Old Town Plaza to kickstart Memorial Day weekend on Friday, May 26 from 6–10 p.m. This festive beer-centric event will benefit Elk Grove’s own Runnin’ for Rhett Foundation, a non-profit designed to nurture healthy communities through fitness and nutrition. Elk Grove Brewfest will feature 50+ breweries, cideries, meaderies, and a few wineries, with local gourmet food trucks, vendors, a cigar lounge, and live music and entertainment. Those 21 and over are invited to historic Elk Grove for a fun community-focused event.

Sacramento Music Festival

Friday, May 26–Monday, May 29

Old Sacramento

Photo Courtesy of Jake Guild via Sacramento Music Festival

The annual Sacramento Music Festival is one of the more popular events celebrating Memorial Day in the Sacramento area, dating back to 1974. This four-day, all-day party features 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 $110!

Beer Train

Saturday, May 27

Sacramento RiverTrain

Photo Courtesy of Sacramento RiverTrain

The Sacramento Beer Train is a popular event on the local craft beer scene. Hop on board the Sacramento RiverTrain’s Memorial Day ride on Saturday, May 27. Each trip features a live band and two beer selections from four Northern California breweries, including Mraz Brewing Company, Hoppy Brewing Company, and two more mystery breweries. Mingle with local brewers at each tasting station and wander amongst three open-air cars along the 2.5-hour train ride while you listen to live music from The Straight Shooter Band.

International Kids Festival

Saturday, May 27

William Land Park

Take the entire family to the International Kids 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 27!

Memorial Amateur Championship

Saturday, May 27–Monday, May 29

Ancil Hoffman Golf Course

Memorial Amateur Golf Championship is a 54-hole amateur golf tournament taking place over Memorial Day weekend at Ancil Hoffman Golf Course in Carmichael. Cheer on golfers participating in this wonderful event designed to honor Memorial Day. In fact, the tournament was designed 20 years ago to pay homage to the sacrifices made by the men and women of our country’s armed forces and those in public service.

Trails in Motion Film Festival

Sunday, May 28

Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center

Photo Courtesy of JC Pieri via Trails in Motion Film Festival

For a change in pace from your typical Memorial Day activities, get inspired by the Ledlenser Trails in Motion Film Festival at the Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center in Auburn. This annual international film tour brings a collection of the finest trail and ultra-running films to passionate audiences around the world. Get your tickets in advance for a night you’ll never forget! Doors open at 5:15 and the film begins at 6 p.m.

Memorial Day Patriotic Remembrance

Monday, May 29

Lodi Memorial Park & Cemetery (Lodi)

From 9–10 a.m. on Memorial Day, show your dedication and appreciation to local veterans and members of the military at the Memorial Day Patriotic Remembrance ceremony at Lodi Memorial Park & Cemetery. Following the program, which includes a Youth Essay Contest Awards Ceremony on the subject of “The True Meaning of Memorial Day”, enjoy a pancake breakfast. Register for this free program by calling the Lodi Community Outreach Coordinator at 209-369-3564.

Wounded Veteran Run

Monday, May 29

Vista Del Lago High School (Folsom)

Photo Courtesy of Wounded Veteran Run

This annual event is a wonderful way to actively support the military and amazing veteran organizations. The Wounded Veteran Run is taking place at Vista Del Lago High School in Folsom on Memorial Day with a variety of race options. Participate in the 3K, 5K, 10K or the Kids Fun Run, all of which benefit the Semper Fi Fund / Americas Fund, Fregoso Outdoor Foundation, Patriots Honor, and Student Veterans. Register before race day to save a few bucks!

Vettes for Vets

Monday, May 29

California Automobile Museum

Photo Courtesy of California Automobile Museum

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 2 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.

Happy Memorial Day!

Enjoy the long weekend with family and friends at one of these events — or simply with the grill fired up in the backyard!