Festival season in Sacramento is more than just music — it’s a celebration of culture, food, and community. Whether you’re rocking out at Aftershock, swaying to Latin beats, or exploring art and street food, the city truly comes alive this time of year. And if you want to experience Sacramento’s heart and soul beyond the festival gates, Northgate Blvd. is calling.

Just a short ride from Discovery Park, Northgate is a vibrant corridor rooted in Latino culture and filled with bold flavors, neighborhood pride, and local gems. Whether you're fueling up before the show or decompressing afterward, here’s your guide to exploring Northgate Blvd. during festival season.

 

Why Northgate Blvd.?

Northgate isn’t about flashy chains or tourist traps — it’s about community. It’s where you’ll find panaderías serving fresh pan dulce, food trucks dishing out family recipes, and markets packed with flavor and tradition. Come hungry and come curious.

A few highlights from our list:

  • La Mini Birriería – A hidden gem known for rich, savory birria tacos and consommé. Perfect for pre- or post-festival cravings.
  • La Superior Mercados – Stop in for cold aguas frescas, Mexican pastries, and all the essentials. 
  • Local food trucks & taquerías – From tacos al pastor to tamales wrapped in banana leaves, you’ll find authentic street eats packed with bold flavor and big heart. 

Want to dig deeper? Check out this map for more local food and cultural stops along Northgate Blvd.


A map with yellow and blue lines AI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

Don’t Miss: The Neighborhood Series – Northgate Blvd.

Want to see what makes Northgate Blvd. so special? Check out our video feature as part of our Neighborhood Series: 

🎥 “Explore Northgate Blvd | Sacramento Neighborhoods”
 It’s a behind-the-scenes look at local businesses, community leaders, and the cultural heartbeat of this vibrant corridor.

 

Where to Stay

If you’re coming in for a festival and need a place to crash, there are plenty of hotels located conveniently between Downtown Sacramento and  Natomas. Many hotels near the downtown core offer walkable access to Sacramento’s nightlife, while Natomas hotels are closer to the airport and provide easier access to Northgate and Discovery Park.

For a full list of hotels near the festival grounds, visit VisitSacramento.com/hotels. 

 

Getting to Northgate Blvd. from Downtown & Natomas Hotels

Good news — Northgate Blvd. is closer than you think. Whether you're staying downtown or in Natomas, it’s easy to pop over for a bite, explore the neighborhood, and still make it to Discovery Park in time for your favorite band.

From Natomas Hotels:

  • Rideshare: Northgate Blvd. is just a 5–10 minute drive from most hotels in South and Central Natomas. Quick and easy if you're coming from hotels along Truxel Road or near the I-80 corridor.
  • Bus: Route 86 serves parts of Natomas and connects to Northgate Blvd., with convenient transfers depending on your location.
  • Bike: If you're staying nearby and want some fresh air, Northgate is bikeable from South Natomas via surface streets or connecting bike trails.

From Downtown Sacramento:

  • SacRT: Take the Blue Line from Downtown to Globe Avenue Station off Del Paso Blvd.. From there, it's a short walk or a quick bus ride to Northgate Blvd.
  • Bus: Routes 13, 86, and 113 run from downtown and Midtown directly into the Northgate area.
  • Bike or Scooter: The American River Bike Trail offers a scenic, traffic-free route right into the neighborhood.
  • Rideshare: Uber or Lyft from downtown typically takes under 10 minutes, depending on traffic.

 

Getting from Northgate Blvd. to Discovery Park

Once you’ve had the chance to experience Northgate Blvd., it’s time to head to the festival. Luckily, Discovery Park is just minutes away, and there are several easy ways to get there during  your festival weekend:

  • Rideshare: The quickest way to get to Discovery Park from Northgate Blvd. is by rideshare or taxi. Use the Jibboom Street Pick-Up Zone, located on the south side of Discovery Park, near 500 Bercut Drive. From Northgate Blvd., rideshare trips take under 10 minutes depending on traffic. At the end of the night, be sure to exit the venue toward Jibboom Street and follow the signs across the bridge to the official rideshare zone.
  • Bike or Scooter: Discovery Park connects directly to the Jedediah Smith Bike Trail, making it easy (and scenic) to ride from Northgate. 

Accessible Options: Both the Park & Ride Shuttles and the on-site rideshare zone offer accessible services, and a limited number of ADA parking spaces are available on-site at the Jibboom St. gate (first-come, first-served with a valid placard).  

 

Pro Tip: Plan Ahead

Northgate Blvd. is a local destination during festival season, so be sure to plan ahead for parking, bring cash for food trucks, and give yourself time to explore.