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September is Farm-to-Fork Month

September marks the annual Farm-to-Fork Celebration in Sacramento with special dinners, wine & beer activities and more. This year's Farm-to-Fork Festival kicks off with a concert headlined by the Wood Brothers. The time is now to visit and experience all the local goodness happening in Sacramento. 

While the idea of farm-to-fork may be nothing more than a slogan in some cities, for Sacramento, fresh food is a way of life. The city is surrounded by more than 1.5 million acres of farmland, and top chefs are flocking to the region to take advantage of this year-round bounty. From sushi to pizza, from elegant bistros to packed burger joints, there’s always a fresh and delicious option to try.

Beyond our diverse dining scene, there are plenty of ways to explore the tastes of the region.

• The Fifth Annual Farm-to-Fork Celebration, September 1-30, 2018 – The annual Celebration includes farm tours, special dinners, street festivals and much more. Activities will be happening across the region all throughout the month. Some of the planned events will include:
  • California Craft Beer Summit and Festival, Sept. 6-8 -- Celebrate California's craft beer scene with two full days of education, networking and tradeshows for brewers, retailers, distributors, craft beer lovers, and homebrewers. The two-day Craft Beer Summit at the Sacramento Convention Center is followed by the largest beer festival on the West Coast, featuring more than 160 California craft breweries on Capitol Mall.
  • Sacramento Burger Batte, Sept. 13 -- A one night awesome charity burger cook-off event to find out which restaurant can make the best burger in Sacramento. Benefiting the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. 
  • Legends of Wine, Sept. 20 – Taste the best wines from the Sacramento region as selected by wine legends Darrell Corti and David Berkley paired with artisan local cheese and other bites in the idyllic setting in front of the Capitol with views of the sunset over Tower Bridge at the fifth annual Farm-to-Fork Legends of Wine.
  • The Farm-to-Fork Festival, Sept. 28-29 – The 2018 Farm-to-Fork Festival on Capitol Mall will now include a free Friday night kickoff on Sept. 28 to get the regional food party started. The Festival will continue into the following day, where Los Angeles-based Dawes will headline a full schedule of live music and fresh food celebration in downtown Sacramento.
  • The Farm-to-Fork Cocktail Train, Sept. 29-30 -- Celebrate Farm-to-Fork in rail-related style on the Farm-to-Fork Cocktail Train presented by Rabobank! Showcasing the rich history and deep connection between agriculture and the railroad, the fourth annual Cocktail Trains are scheduled for September 29 and 30.
  • The Tower Bridge Dinner, Sept. 30 – Visit Sacramento will again host a one-of-a-kind dining experience on the Tower Bridge that highlights the farmers and chefs that help to define our region. Culinary pioneer and celebrity chef Jeremiah Tower will lead the team of regional chefs and farmers to create the 2018 Tower Bridge Dinner.The dinner continues to serve as a crucial fundraiser for the free Farm-to-Fork Festival

• Once the “beer capital of the West”, Sacramento’s craft beer scene has reemerged with more than 50 regional craft breweries to explore. From a Brew Bike and bus tours of downtown pubs, to a passport program that offers free brew-goodies, the city is packed with options for beer fans
   
• The Sacramento region is home to more than 40 farmers markets, many of them year-round fixtures. Visitors can get a taste of local foods while enjoying music, food trucks, kids’ activities and more.
  • The Midtown Farmers Market: Seasonal offerings and much more in a lively, urban neighborhood setting. Year-round, rain or shine on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at 20^th St. between J &K in Midtown Sacramento
  • Sacramento Central Certified Farmers Market: The largest California Certified Farmers Market in the state can be found year-round on Sundays from 8 a.m.-noon at 8th & W Streets under Highway 50/80 in downtown Sacramento

• For those looking for the next great wine region, Sacramento may be the best-kept secret. The Sacramento region and surrounding counties are home to more than 200 wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms, and most are within an hour’s drive or less from downtown
   
• Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center arena is also getting in on the city’s fresh food scene, in a major way. The arena’s lead chef Michael Tuohy and his culinary team source 90 percent of the arena’s food and drinks (including beer!) from within 150 miles of the building. Meaning even if you’re enjoying a concert, NBA game or another thrilling event at the arena, you’re also courtside to a spectacular meal
   
• The Sacramento region offers a wide range of chefs demonstrations and cooking classes, ranging from Japanese food to craft cocktails. Included below are a sampling of offerings guaranteed to pique any budding chef’s interest

There’s never been a more delicious time to explore Sacramento – just make sure you come hungry!

For more information on Sacramento's farm-to-fork culture, visit FarmToFork.com.