Photo courtesy of the California State Fair.
Sacramento365 is giving you the 411 on the events that define the Arden Arcade neighborhood this July.
A community of contrasts, Arden Arcade is a mature suburb north of Downtown Sacramento. Its biggest landmarks are the Cal Expo Fairgrounds, the home of the California State Fair and the Sacramento Republic FC, and Arden Fair Mall, which houses numerous national retailers, restaurants and is surrounded by a host of other restaurants and developments.
Are you a foodie? Get a cross section of Sacramento's diversity by sampling the many ethnic restaurants dotted along Fulton Boulevard.
If you are looking for the great outdoors, William B. Pond Recreation Area is one of the most well-established parks along the river. The popular green space connects with the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail and is an excellent spot to rest for a picnic lunch. A large, man-made fishing pond stocked with trout and catfish and home to bass, bluegill and tule perch will excite fishing enthusiasts.
Hotels in Arden Arcade have convenient access to downtown Sacramento via Highway 160 and Interstate 80, as well as access to East Sacramento and North Sacramento.
Celebrate the Red, White, and Blue
There are so many ways to ring in our nation’s birthday in Arden Arcade!
Go big and watch fireworks burst above Cal Expo’s Miller Lite Racetrack Grandstand this Fourth of July. The fireworks show, synced to music curated by 106.5 The End, begins at 9:30pm. Before the big bang, pack a picnic and listen to live music by National Lines and Rachel Steele with fellow Sacramentans starting at 4:30pm.
If you are interested in a more intimate neighborhood shindig, head to Arden Park for a bike parade and hamburger and hot dog lunch or take a patriotic dip at Cottage Pool for a family-friendly afternoon swim.
Arden Park July 4th Bike Parade and Festival
July 4 | Arden Park
Thurs 10am-1pm
Cottage Park Community 4th of July Celebration
July 4 | Cottage Pool
Thurs 2pm-7pm
Fourth of July at Cal Expo
July 4 | Cal Expo Miller Lite Racetrack Grandstand
Thurs 4:30pm-10pm | Fireworks 9:30pm

Photo courtesy of Cal Expo Fairgrounds.
Have a Ball with the Sacramento Republic FC
Go for the goal! Don’t miss out on some of the most exciting 90 minutes of all of sport this July. Futbol fanatics have three chances to watch the indomitable Sacramento Republic FC take to the pitch at Papa Murphy’s Park.
For a truly memorable experience, tailgate with the diehard Tower Bridge Battalion before each match.
You can further prove your love for the club by posing in its official 2019 season team photo on July 10. The Sacramento Republic FC invites fans to join them in front of Sacramento State’s Sacramento mural (Shasta Hall Parking Lot) at 7pm.
Sacramento Republic FC vs. Fresno FC
July 3 | Papa Murphy’s Park
Wed 8pm
Sacramento Republic FC vs. Portland Timbers 2
July 13 | Papa Murphy’s Park
Sat 8pm
Sacramento Republic FC vs. New Mexico United
July 24 | Papa Murphy’s Park
Wed 8pm
Experience the Best of the Golden State
A summer in Sacramento would not be complete without a visit to the California State Fair! Food, rides, exhibits, live music, horse racing, and so much more return to the Cal Expo Fairgrounds on July 12-28.
The opening weekend of the Toyota Concert Series on the Golden 1 Stage features Plain White T’s, Queen Nation, and TLC. Closing weekend wraps up with Tony! Toni! Tonè! and Country songstress, Martina McBride. And there’s plenty of good music in between.
New this year, in lieu of fireworks, drones along with swarm technology will light up the night skies above the Miller Lite Racetrack Grandstand to choreographed music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The visuals created by the drones can be seen as far as two football fields away.
Looking for a great deal? On Tuesdays July 16 and 23, kids Age 12 and under get free admission and all can enjoy $2 midway rides. For a full schedule of fair events, click here.
If You Had Your Fill of State Fair Food, Give These Nearby Restaurants a Try:
Elephant Bar Restaurant
GEN Korean BBQ
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
Mikuni
The Cheesecake Factory
Note: SacEventCrew is currently looking for volunteers for the Sacramento County Exhibit. Register for a position here.
If these selections aren’t enough for you then check out Sacramento365's Make it a Night page on Sacramento365 or the Sacramento Neighborhoods map! Whatever you choose to do, be sure to use the hashtag #Sacramento365 to share your adventure with us.