Summer is officially here and is the perfect time to get out and explore Sacramento. Whether you’re visiting Sacramento on a summer vacation or are a local looking for something new, here are 10 summer activities we think you should try at least once.
Image Courtesy of: Sacramento Republic FC
Go to a Sacramento Republic FC or Sacramento River Cats Game
Catch a Sacramento River Cats game at Sutter Health Park or a Sacramento Republic FC game at Heart Health Park for some affordable fun. Don’t forget that every Tuesday is “Toyota Family Value Tuesday” at the Sacramento River Cats game, featuring $2 hot dogs and $2 ice cream.
Try a New Water Activity
Summer is the perfect opportunity to try a new water activity. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the South, Middle, or North forks of the American River for a thrilling whitewater rafting experience. Companies like American Whitewater Expeditions and OARS American River Outpost offer unforgettable guided rafting adventures on one of the most popular rafting rivers in California. If you're looking to learn a new skill, the Sacramento State Aquatic Center on Lake Natoma is perfect for families and groups, as it offers lessons, camps, and equipment rentals in water activities ranging from sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing to waterskiing and more.
Image Courtesy of: Downtown Sacramento Partnership
Go to Concerts in the Park
Enjoy those warm summer nights at Sacramento’s Concerts in the Park Series in Cesar Chavez Plaza on Friday evenings from May 5 to July 28, with the exception of July 7. Read our Sacramento’s Concerts in the Park blog for the full lineup.
Image Courtesy of: Midtown Association
Go to Midtown Second Saturday
Grab the whole family and enjoy a day of fun at Midtown Association’s Second Saturday events featuring pop-up art installations and art markets, gallery tours, family-friendly activities, live music, food and drink specials at nearby restaurants, nightlife, dance and entertainment, and more. For more details, read our Ultimate Guide to Midtown’s Second Saturday Events.
Image Courtesy of: Midtown Assoication
Go to one of Sacramento’s Farmers Markets
Not only does summer bring beautiful weather and blooming plants, but it also brings one of the largest farmers market scenes in the nation. Visiting one of Sacramento’s farmers markets is the perfect way to enjoy the Sacramento sunshine while experiencing our region’s bounty of crops. For more information, read our guide to Sacramento’s Farmers Markets.
Try Sacramento River Fox Train’s Railbikes
Grab the whole family and enjoy breathtaking views as you pedal along the river and Yolo Countryside on River Fox’s Railbikes.
Check out the Sunflowers in Yolo County
All that summer sunshine brings stunning fields of sunflowers to Yolo County from mid-June to mid-July. Grab your friends and family and go take photos in the sea of yellow, but make sure not to pick the flowers!
Join the Fun at the California State Fair
Sacramento’s favorite summer tradition returns to Cal Expo from July 14 through July 30. The California State Fair features plenty of fun for the whole family from carnival rides, delicious fair food, farm animals, live music, and more.
Watch a Movie at the West Wind Sacramento 6 Drive-In
Summer is the perfect time to watch that new movie you’ve been wanting to see and what better way to watch it than at the drive-ins. This one-of-a-kind moviegoing experience is open all summer long with guaranteed fun for the whole family.
Image Courtesy of: Francisco Chavira
End your Summer with a Sacramento Music Festival
There’s truly no better way to wrap up an amazing summer here in Sacramento than with a music festival. Visit Sacramento’s FREE Farm-to-Fork Festival is happening on Capitol Mall on Friday, Sept. 22 and Saturday, Sept. 23. The festival features local food, regional wines, craft beer, cooking demonstrations, and concerts from Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Cannons, and more.
