Things to Do After Dark in the Sacramento Region

Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean an end to warm-weather fun. There are plenty of things to do in the Sacramento area, especially once the sun goes down. Cooler temperatures brought on by the Delta Breeze mean the evenings are perfect for getting outside. Of course, you can always enjoy an outdoor meal on a restaurant patio or take advantage of a Sacramento happy hour. But sometimes, you need something different. From night paddling and golf to art walks and stargazing, following are some of the best after-dark activities in the greater Sacramento area.

 Browse a Night Market

One of the best things about living in the greater Sacramento area is its mild weather. Even the hottest days are pleasant once the sun goes down. There are several night markets held throughout the region, offering food, drinks, vintage finds, and handmade goods. Some to check out are the Our Street Night Market, held Sept. 5, which has food, vendors, artists, and music; Starry Night Market at Drake’s: The Barn in West Sacramento on Oct. 23, with live music and local vendors; and Hello Fall Nite Market, held Sept. 25 in Roseville, with food, drinks, and fall activities for kids.

 Go Night Paddling

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure after hours, why not give night paddling a try? Lake Natoma is open until 9 p.m. through mid-October, and you can even join in an organized sunset paddle through fall. Another option is Valensin Vineyards in Galt, which offers glow-in-the-dark paddleboarding on its manmade lake.

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 Catch an Outdoor Movie

Even toward the end of summer, many spots around town are hosting outdoor movie nights, many of them free. Some to consider include Cinema at Sundown in West Sacramento, Sept. 26 at Westacre Park; Movies in the Vines at Bogle Vineyards in Clarksburg, Sept. 18 and Oct. 9; and Barnflix at Drake’s: The Barn on Sept. 2 and Oct. 7. And, as always, you can cozy up in the car and watch a first-run movie at the West Wind Sacramento Drive-Ins.

 Enjoy an Outdoor Concert

If live music is your jam, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a show throughout the greater Sacramento area. Concerts on the Square in Roseville will host an ABBA tribute band on Sept. 19; Rancho Cordova continues its Friday night concert series through Aug. 28; and in El Dorado Hills, Live on the Boulevard will hold its last show on Aug. 27. In Camino, Delfino Farms hosts live music as part of its Folk on the Farm concert series through Sept. 12.

 Play Some Night Golf

If you’re looking for something active to do after the sun goes down, consider playing a round of night golf at one of the many golf courses in Sacramento. Some of them have extended hours in the summer months, while others host special events after hours. Options to consider are Foothill Golf Course in Citrus Heights, which offers glow-in-the-dark golf on Aug. 29; Bradshaw Ranch Golf Course, which also has glow golf; and Haggin Oaks, which has a fully illuminated driving range that’s open until midnight through October.  

 Take a History Tour

It’s no secret that the greater Sacramento area is rich in Gold Rush history, and there are several places where you can learn about its past. In Old Sacramento, you can explore the district’s underground after hours, where you’ll learn about the city’s colorful history. At the nearby Old City Cemetery, you can take a themed tour to learn more about the city’s most notable residents or join a lantern tour in October. In Auburn, you can take a ghost tour to discover who still lingers in the shadows. Similar ghost tours are also held in Placerville, where you can explore some of the allegedly haunted buildings in town.

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 Peruse Local Art

Art lovers will find plenty of choices when it comes to after-hours art events in Sacramento. For starters, the city’s monthly Second Saturday art walk invites guests to browse local galleries and pop-ups in the Midtown area. There’s a similar event in Davis, the 2nd Friday ArtAbout, where you can browse galleries, hear live music, and watch art demonstrations. There are also after-hours art events at the Crocker Art Museum, including the monthly ArtMix, a themed event with art, music, and live performances. Another must-see public art installation is the Fremont Park Bloom, featuring towering, illuminated golden poppies in a local park.

 Watch the Stars

Late summer and early fall make for prime night-sky viewing. One place to do so is the community observatory in Placerville. You can see the stars through their 17-inch and 14-inch reflecting telescopes, follow planets or the moon, and delight in meteor showers. Visiting the observatory is free, but parking is $2 and donations are welcome.

 You can also sign up for Wine, Wonders & The Cosmos on Oct. 10 at Wakamatsu Farm in Placerville, a historic tea and silk colony. Hosted by the American River Conservatory, you can view the wonders of the night sky through provided telescopes, including Saturn, Neptune, the Ring Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Perseus Double Cluster. Wine will be sold by the glass.

Enjoy the Sacramento Area After Dark 

Whether you’re looking to make the most of the cooler summer evenings or simply want to experience the greater Sacramento area in a new way, there’s plenty of things to do after the sun goes down. From paddling under the stars to browsing a night market or exploring local history, the fun doesn’t stop after dark. Rather than calling it a day, consider taking advantage of all the after-dark activities the greater Sacramento area has to offer.