The Best Classes to Take in the Sacramento Area | Art, Cooking, Fitness + More!

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but in our opinion, the thrill of learning continues long after graduation. If you’re looking to test out a new skill (or simply practice an old one), taking a community class is a great way to get out of your comfort zone, switch up your routine and have a little fun.

We rounded up some of the best art, cooking, sports, fitness and gardening classes in the Sacramento area. So get creative, get active, and try your hand at something new! You might just find a new passion in the process.

Art Classes

Classes With Margaret Blanchfield

2436 Loma Vista Drive, Sacramento | Facebook | Instagram

If you’re looking to give painting a try, check out the classes offered by Margaret Blanchfield. She offers art lessons for all levels in a casual, laid-back environment. If you want to come and just paint without instruction, you can enjoy open studio every Monday for three hours, but you can also take part in a variety of lessons — from watercolor to acrylic and even art journaling. Come have some laughs, throw some paint on the canvas, and meet some great new people!

Allied Ceramics Art Institute

7425 Winding Way, Fair Oaks | Facebook

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as making a gorgeous ceramic bowl or vase and getting to use it or display it later. Come learn the basics at the Allied Ceramics Art Institute, where you’ll find classes on beginning and intermediate wheel throwing, hand sculpting and glazing. You can also sign up for individual lessons by appointment if that’s more your speed.

Blue Line Arts

405 Vernon Street, Suite 100, Roseville | Facebook | Instagram

From fine jewelry and figure drawing to glass casting, there’s always something new to learn at Blue Line Arts! The classes take place on almost every night of the week, and members typically get discounted rates. One of our favorite events is Art Night at the Blue — a casual class guided by a professional artist and accompanied by wine! Bring your friends and make something beautiful to take home. Blue Line Arts also hosts art receptions that are open to public on the third Saturday of every month from 5–8:30 p.m. This is another great way to discover new artists and support art in the community!

The Painted Cork

1624 J Street, Sacramento | Instagram | Facebook

The Painted Cork is a local paint and sip studio with lots of personality. The studio was founded in 2010 by Kimberly Godinho, an accomplished artist with experience in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, sculpture and printmaking. The studio has now expanded to include three locations in the area, and nearly 20 accomplished artists — all eager to guide students through a fun painting experience. Grab your wine, a friend and a brush, and let the creativity flow!

Bonus: There are also children’s classes available for students ages seven and up!

Cooking Classes

Good Eats

522 North 12th Street, Sacramento | Facebook

Photo courtesy of Good Eats

Cooking a meal is a form of art in itself! Learn the secrets of great home cooking with chef Paulette at Good Eats. The classes are held three to four times a month, and cover everything from bread making to farm-to-table dishes (which incorporate fresh ingredients from local markets). All of the recipes you’ll learn here are seasonal and guaranteed to impress.

Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op

2820 R Street, Sacramento | Facebook | Instagram

Treat yourself to a class of two at the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op. Here you’ll be able to use the freshest local ingredients to learn how to cook foods from all over the world! Learn how to make cheese, pickle veggies, roll sushi and bake bread with a date or your family. A complimentary wine tasting is included in the price of the class, and students receive a “shop after class” coupon for special savings in the store.

Fitness + Sports Classes

If you’re looking to try out an active lifestyle, take your fitness to the next level, or simply meet other people with similar interests, fitness classes are a great place to start. From yoga and cycling to running and CrossFit, there are so many groups and classes spread out across the Sacramento area. Here are some of the best gyms in Sacramento, where you’ll find CrossFit boxes, rock climbing gyms, pilates classes and more. Of course, there are also plenty of yoga classes in the area worth trying out, and even free group workouts!

Shadow Glen Riding Stables

4854 Main Avenue, Fair Oaks | Facebook

Located just a short drive from Sacramento in Fair Oaks, Shadow Glen Riding Stables offers scenic one-hour or two-hour western trail rides along the American River at Lake Natoma. The rides are fully guided by wranglers who are familiar with the area. They are happy to answer any questions you have about riding — or even about the surrounding landscape — on the way.

Shadow Glen also offers riding lessons for children and adults. Private lessons are $55 per person, but group lessons are also available at a discounted rate.

The Davis Tennis Academy

309 E 14th Street, Davis | Facebook

Have you ever seen people playing tennis at a resort or at the courts in your local community, and wished you could join in the fun? The Davis Tennis Academy offers a fun and unique environment for tennis enthusiasts and those just wanting to learn the sport. You’ll find tennis lessons, weekly youth camps, tournaments and more.

Sacramento Water Sports

5114 Madison Avenue, Sacramento | Facebook | Instagram

Before you visit the coast or go on your next tropical vacation, get scuba certified through Sacramento Water Sports! The facility offers a complete scuba diving course for people of all ages, and even fun trips that you can book to test out your skills. You can also find swim classes for adults and children alike, as well as stand-up paddle board lessons and rentals.

Garden Classes

Soil Barn Farms

2140 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova | Facebook | Instagram

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Le via Soil Barn Farms

Soil Barn Farms makes gardening easy with its relatable classes. Here you can learn how to grow your own groceries, how to be a herbalist, how to care for fungi and mushrooms, how to take your spring garden to the next level, and so much more. You can even take cooking classes to learn how to incorporate fresh herbs and veggies into your meals! Learn more about Soil Barn Farms here.

UCCE

Various locations — check website for details | Facebook

If composting has always been a foreign concept to you, you might want to check out the composting workshops at the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE). Every week, UCCE hosts classes on composting at various locations across the region. Topics vary from worm composting to how to turn yard waste into “gardener’s gold.” Find the full schedule here.

Class is now in session!

But don’t worry — we don’t think any of these classes assign homework. Where are your favorite places to learn? Share your favorite community classes with us in the comments below!