Things to Do This Month in the Sacramento Region: August

We’re nearing the end of summer (at least for kids going back to school), but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t plenty of things to do in the Sacramento area. Sure, August slows down a bit, but there are many events coming up that you won’t want to miss. From food festivals to live music, a county fair to a big truck rally, there’s something for everyone this August. Following are some to consider.

Downtown Davis Discover Fest | Aug. 1–9 | Davis

Whether you’re a newbie to the city of Davis or a long-time resident, you can learn about everything it has to offer during this week-long celebration. The week kicks off with a 50th Birthday Bash at the Davis Farmers’ Market. Then, you can explore the Davis Coffee Trail, shop the independently owned small business, and search for hidden Golden Tickets to win prizes.

Yolo County Fair | Aug. 7–9 & Aug. 12–16 | Woodland

There’s nothing like a classic county fair, and Yolo County will be hosting its fair over two weekends this August. It has everything you’d expect: livestock exhibits, rodeo events, live music and a demolition derby. Of course, there will also be plenty of food and drink, as well as ag competitions.

Yolo County has much to offer, including these homes new to the market. 

Peaches at the Market | Aug. 8 | Folsom

The Saturday farmers’ market at the Palladio in Folsom transforms into a celebration of everyone’s favorite stone fruit, the peach. You can buy sweet, juicy peaches from area farms and indulge in peachy treats like peach pie and peach shakes. You can also pick up peach-themed merchandise like handmade peach candles, peach jewelry, and peach bath & body products. There is also a kids’ zone with games and activities.

Japanese Food & Cultural Bazaar | Aug. 8 | Sacramento

Now in its 80th year, this annual event celebrates the vibrant culture of Japan. Cultural programs and live entertainment are in store, including Taiko drumming and martial arts demonstrations. But the main draw is the food. You can sample Japanese favorites like sushi and udon, as well as izakaya, street food, and mochi.

Reptilian Nation Expo | Aug. 8–9 | Roseville

Have a herpetophile in the family? This weekend event in Roseville showcases thousands of reptiles, amphibians, arachnids and more. You can see everything from boa constrictors to tortoises, pythons to geckos and take home the perfect pet. There will also be educational demonstrations and photo ops.

Roseville is just one city in the Placer County Region. Explore surrounding homes. 

Auburn Cruise Night | Aug. 14 | Auburn

Car lovers unite! This monthly showcase in Auburn welcomes classic cars, vintage cars, and hot rods. You can explore more than 300 unique vehicles, enjoy live music, and grab a bite to eat. Plus, it’s family-friendly.

Third Saturday on Main | Aug 15 | Placerville

Every third Saturday of the month, art galleries and shops along Placerville’s historic Main Street keep their doors open late for visitors to browse after hours. There will be artist demonstrations, live music, wine and drink specials, and a scavenger hunt.

Yolo Wine Night | Aug. 15 | Clarksburg

If you’re a wine lover, you can sample a variety of Yolo County wines under one roof at the Old Sugar Mill. Wine tasting is from 6–7:30 p.m., and afterwards, you can watch the sunset while sipping on your favorite glass and enjoying live music. There will also be food trucks on site.

Concerts for a Cause | Aug. 15 | Placerville

Established in the late 1800s, Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Colony is believed to be the first permanent Japanese settlement in North America. Today, the land on which it once operated is protected by the American River Conservatory. You can help support the conservation efforts — and have a great time doing so — during this outdoor concert featuring Red Dirt Ruckus. There will also be food, wine, and beer available for purchase. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Sacramento Banana Festival | Aug. 15–16 | Land Park

The banana festival isn’t just about the famous yellow fruit — it’s about the cultures and traditions of the land where that fruit is grown. Of course, there are plenty of banana-centric dishes to try, including banana empanadas, banana street tacos, and banana fritters. There’s also a banana bar with banana cocktails, banana beer, and banana wine.

Monster Jam | Aug. 15–16 | Sacramento

The biggest, loudest, and most extreme monster trucks will gather at the Golden One Center in Downtown Sacramento for a weekend of action-packed competition. You can watch the massive vehicles race, jump, and perform tricks, or even join the Pit Party to see them up close.

Hairspray | Aug. 21–30 | Downtown Sacramento

Head to the Music Circus this August for a fan favorite: Hairspray, the legendary musical comedy about a teenager who dances her way onto TV’s most popular show. The award-winning musical takes place in the 1960s and features all the big hits — and the big hair.

Rhythm on the River | Aug. 27 | West Sacramento

The last of the series of free, family-friendly outdoor concerts held at Drakes: The Barn, this one features the retro tunes of The Yacht Rockers, The Seedy Burners, and The Gen X’ers. You can bring blankets and folding chairs to set up on the grass, order food and drinks, and let the kids go wild at the family fun zone.

Love the water? Live closer in one of these homes. 

Moonlight Hike | Aug. 28 | Harvego Bear River Preserve

There’s nothing like getting out and exploring our natural landscapes. It’s even more spectacular when doing it under the light of a full moon! This special event takes hikers to a preserved oak savannah near Auburn that is usually closed to the public. You can watch the sunset and hike about five miles up an old ranch road on a working cattle ranch.

Wings & Wheels | Aug. 29 | Lincoln

Enjoy the spectacle of hot air balloons during this family-friendly event in Lincoln. The pre-party features an evening moon glow, where the balloons are lit from within like giant lanterns. The next morning is the hot air balloon rise, along with flybys and aircraft displays.  There will also be a car show, live music, and food trucks.