20 Things You Have to Do in Sacramento This August

The sun is high, the kids are out of school, and the days just seem to go on forever. Summer is in full swing for now — but unfortunately, the season will be over before we know it. Luckily, the proud citizens of Sacramento know how to throw a good party! There are plenty of events in August to celebrate everything we love about this incredible town.

Don’t let summer pass you by. Whether you’re looking for a concert, a 5K, a beer festival or a tomato tasting, we’ve rounded up the best of the best in Sacramento events for the next month. Have fun out there!

The Color Run Sacramento | August 5

Add a bit of color to your workout routine at this festive 5K! The Color Run Sacramento begins and ends at Raley Field, and will include a race through blasts of powder paint, a foam zone, an inspirational dream wall and — wait for it — giant inflatable unicorns.

Photo courtesy of The Color Run

Citrus Heights Brewfest & Wine Tasting | August 5

Eat, drink and be merry at the Citrus Heights Brewfest and Wine Tasting! Dance along to live music as you enjoy bites and sips from local breweries, wineries and restaurants. As if that wasn’t enough reason to buy a ticket, 100% of the proceeds will benefit the local service projects of Soroptimist international of Citrus Heights, whose mission is to improve the lives of women and children.

Woodland Tomato Festival | August 12

Celebrate California’s favorite round fruit at the Woodland Tomato Festival. Woodland is at the center of all things tomato, boasting more than 42,000 acres of pure tomato production. This festival will abound in more tomatoes than you could ever dream of eating, all featured in quirky and delicious recipes created by local talent.

The Sacramento Banana Festival | August 12-13

This is your chance to go absolutely bananas! The 8th Annual Sacramento Banana Festival will take place at William Land Park, and will feature family-friendly games and events, live entertainment, multi-cultural exhibits, food trucks, and plenty of bananas (of course).

Photo courtesy of Johnson’s Amusement Rides

Sacramento Peach Festival at the Carmichael Park Farmers’ Market | August 13

California is the top producer of peaches in the country, so come celebrate all things peaches at the Sacramento Peach Festival. The event will take place at the Carmichael Park Farmers’ Market, and will feature plenty of peach-inspired products, a peach eating contest, raffle prizes, contests, concerts, chef demos and more! It will be simply peachy.

Lady Gaga’s Joanne World Tour | August 15

Lady Gaga certainly made a splash with her performance at the 2017 Superbowl — and you can count on this show to be just as entertaining. See her antics in person by buying a ticket to her Sacramento show on the Joanne World Tour.  

Walk for Wishes | August 19

Walk for a cause at the Walk for Wishes event on August 19. This fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish foundation celebrates more than 270,000 wishes that have already been granted and raises funds for future wishes.

Photos courtesy of Make-A-Wish® Northeastern California and Northern Nevada

Sacramento Scandinavian Festival | August 19

This collaborative celebration of Nordic Heritage will feature Scandinavian food, baked goods, and merchandise for sale. Peruse the booths, try your hand at Scandinavian Folk Dancing, and listen to live music while learning everything you can about Nordic culture!

Wine 101 – The Art & Science of Matching Food and Wine | August 20

Have you ever wondered why wine and cheese just taste so good together? How about wine and chocolate? Honestly, we think everything goes pretty well with wine, but there is some science behind what makes a truly excellent pairing. Come learn about it at this class by Three Wine Company at Old Sugar Mill.  

Photo courtesy of Three Wine Company

GATHER at Quarry Park | August 24

Eat your way through Sacramento like you never have before! Inspired by California’s elevated dining scene and sunny atmosphere, GATHER brings together local favorites to serve food outside at communal tables as the park transforms into one gigantic restaurant! Come hungry!

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers | August 25

You just can’t help but dance when a Tom Petty classic comes on the radio. Now you can sing along to his hits in person when he stops in Sacramento (at the Golden 1 Center) for his 40th Anniversary Tour featuring Joe Walsh.

Sactown Nachos Festival | August 26

This is nacho average festival! This massive foodie event at Cesar Chavez park will focus on everyone’s favorite cheesy dish. You’ll have every chance to snack on enormous quantities of nachos, but don’t miss out on the live music, entertainment, and beverages provided by local vendors!

Wine & Cheese Faire | August 26 & 27

The Old Sugar Mill is proud to host the 8th Annual Regional Wine & Cheese Faire! A ticket will gain you access to 2-4 tastings at fourteen wineries, unlimited cheese tastings, a complimentary tasting glass to take home with you, and a bag for all of the goodies you decide to take home. After you’ve had your fill, hit the dance floor for a full day of fun!

Tales & Ales | August 26

You might have taken your kid to Fairytale town for a birthday party or two, but now is your chance to experience the magical land like you never have before — with craft beer and food trucks! At Tales & Ales, local breweries will pour out their best ales and stouts alongside bites from local vendors, including Bella Familia Wood Fired Pizza, Chando’s Tacos and Slightly Skewed. Proceeds benefit Fairytale Town’s education programs and park improvements.

Sacramento Zombie Walk | August 26

It kills us to think of how fun this event will be. The Zombie Walk is a large-scale, community performance art event that encourages all participants to dress as the undead and terrorize Roosevelt Park, R Street Corridor, and then rot in front of an outdoor screening of Sam Raimi’s 1987 horror film, Evil Dead 2. 

Photos courtesy of Skyler Casebeer via the Sacramento Zombie Walk

The Lucy Grape Stomp | August 26

Remember the iconic grape-stomping scene from I Love Lucy? Now is your chance to recreate it! Grab the girls, wear all white, and lose the shoes for this grape-stomping, wine sipping event at Wise Villa Winery. There will be live music and fun all around.

13th Annual Race for the Arts | August 26

Held in Sacramento’s William Land Park, this 5K race raises funds and awareness for California nonprofits that deal in the visual, performing and literary arts. Following the race, enjoy a free arts festival with live entertainment!

The Curtis Fest | August 27

The 10th Annual Curtis Fest takes place at William Curtis Park, and features more than 60 local artisans presenting artwork and textiles for you to take home. While shopping, you’ll also get to experience live music, food trucks, a petting zoo, and a pet refreshment station for Fido — all for free!

7th Annual Tomato Taste Off | August 20, 26 & September 2, 10, 16

Take advantage of the tomato while it’s in peak season. At the 7th Annual Tomato Taste Off, you’ll be the judge as farmers compete for the best salsa, as well as the best tasting, most beautiful, and juiciest heirloom tomatoes. Mmm mmm good!

That’s All Folks!

We hope you’ve added at least a few of these fun, local events to your calendar. Which are you looking forward to most? Let us know in the comments!

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