12 Things to do In Sacramento Over Labor Day Weekend 2017

NOTE: This post is from 2017. Click here for an updated 2018 Labor Day event guide.

We feel like summer just got rolling, but time certainly does fly. The days are becoming shorter, the kids are going back to school, and summer barbecues are more difficult to find nowadays. Nonetheless, we’re not willing to let summer go without one final hurrah!

Labor Day Weekend is just around the corner, bringing with it three days of blissful, seasonal celebration. It might be tempting to use that extra day off work to catch up on some z’s, but it would be a shame to miss out on all the fun our town has to offer! Send summer off in style by catching one or more of these weekend events.

Sacramento Gold Rush Days

September 2-4

Photo courtesy of Gold Rush Days

One of our town’s most popular festivals is back again this year to turn back the clock! During Gold Rush Days, Sacramento’s 28-acre historic district will be transformed into a scene from the 1850’s. Costumed performers will portray historical figures and bring history to life, and musicians will perform foot-stompin’ tunes from days gone by on multiple stages.

Old Sacramento M7 Con, Old West Convention and Film Fest

September 1-3

While you’re checking out Gold Rush Days, why not complete the experience by stopping in at the Old Sacramento M7 Con, a western film festival that will showcase Old West actors from your favorite TV shows and films. You’ll have the chance to meet them in person, question them in a Q&A panel, grab a photo in a photo op session, and shop for unique, old-timey wares from local vendors. Saddle up for a weekend you won’t soon forget!

Dry Diggings Festival

September 2-3

Beer, camping and music — the three ingredients for a perfect Labor Day Weekend in Sacramento. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Dry Diggings Festival, which features an impressive lineup of musicians (think: Matisyahu, Nahko & Medicine For the People, and The Expendables) performing their best work. During your dancing breaks, make sure to check out events such as mimosa mornings, a free beer tasting, cornhole and beer pong tournaments, and happy hour! Also, don’t miss the opportunity to grab some snacks from local food trucks and restaurateurs.

Summer Excursion Train Rides Along The River

Various Dates 

Photo courtesy of the California State Railroad Museum Foundation and Kelly B. Huston

Traveling by train will never go out of style — but you don’t have to have a destination in mind to enjoy the ride. All aboard the Sacramento Southern Railroad for a cruise along the Sacramento River, complete with closed coach cars, a first-class observation deck and fantastic views! Bring the whole family to experience it, and take the time to see your beloved city from a new perspective.

Sacanime

September 1-3

The colorful comic convention, Sacanime, returns for another weekend of shows, speeches and events revolving around your favorite fictional characters. Expect to meet people from all over the country, and maybe even a few of your favorite TV and movie characters! Make sure to dress the part for events like the Cosplay Masquerade, the Geek Fashion Show, and Lolita Morning Tea, but you’re free to leave your costume on for the rest of the show as well.

A Grand Night for Singing

September 1-3 (See full schedule here)

We personally believe that any night is a grand night for singing, but that’s especially true when you’re in the audience of this fantastic theater performance. A Grand Night for Singing, directed by Bob Irvin and Karen Bombardier, combines taste and imagination while celebrating glorious songs from The Sound of Music, Oklahoma, South Pacific, the King and I, and many others. It might be tough not to sing along!

The Sacramento River Cats Vs. El Paso

September 1-4

Photo courtesy of the River Cats

Root, root, root for the home team as the Sacramento River Cats face off against El Paso. Labor Day Weekend marks the last games of the season, so make sure to send our team off in style. There are four chances to catch a game over the weekend (Friday and Saturday at 7:05 pm, Sunday at 5:05 pm, or Monday at 1:05 pm), so buy yourself some peanuts and cracker jacks and get ready for the show!

Yolo Brewfest

September 2

Photo courtesy of Yolo Brewfest

We hope you’re thirsty! More than 35 of our region’s most popular breweries, cideries, meaderies and wineries will collide on Saturday, September 2 in Historic Downtown Woodland for a night to remember at Yolo Brewfest. While you’re enjoying unlimited tastings, make sure you grab a few bits from local Woodland Restaurants and vendors.

Kenny Frye Band at Roseville’s Opera House Saloon

September 2, 9:30 pm

It’s time to dig those boots out of the closet! Local legend, the Kenny Frye Band, will perform at the Roseville Opera House Saloon on Saturday night. Anyone who has been to hit shows knows that it’s a two-steppin’, foot stompin’, hootin’ and hollerin’ good time, and this will be no exception! Doors open and dance lessons begin at 8 pm, so make sure to get there early to make the most of the night.

27th Annual Chalk it Up Festival

September 2-4

Photo courtesy of Chalk It Up

This popular festival is as colorful as it is charitable! Over Labor Day Weekend, chalk artists from around the region gather in Fremont park at 16th and Q streets to show their stuff on the sidewalk. Walk through the park and get inspired by the beautiful artwork while listening to live music, and shopping from the regional craft and food vendors. Proceeds from the festival benefit Chalk It Up’s efforts to support Youth Arts by offering small grants to local individuals, groups and arts organizations.

Alpen Wine Fest

September 3, 3-5 pm

Photo courtesy of the Placer County Visitor’s Bureau

Sip and swirl your way to summertime bliss at the 29th annual Alpen Wine Fest. The event takes place in the heard of the Squaw Valley mountains, and features stunning views, live music, a huge silent auction, and tastings from more than 40 vineyards. Additionally, attendees will receive a crystal souvenir wine glass and the knowledge that they are drinking for a good cause — all proceeds will benefit Can Do MS, a foundation providing wellness and education for people with Multiple Sclerosis.

Rock the Yacht Cruise by Hornblower

August 31-September 2, 8:30 pm

Send summer off in style by stepping aboard this swanky cruise boat. The 21 and up Rock the Yacht Cocktail Cruise occurs weekly on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and features local DJs spinning everything danceable, from top 40 hits to throwbacks. Sip on cocktails, cold brews and wines, and take in the fresh river breeze as you cruise past the city lights and Sacramento’s most famous sights!

Have a Fantastic Holiday Weekend!

What are your celebratory plans? We’d love to hear about them in the comments!