Top Ten Things to Do in the SPRING in Sacramento
Spring is finally here! Our area has so much to offer this time of the year. Here are just a handlful of my favorites:
1. Plant a Garden
Early spring is the ideal time to start planting! Get the whole family involved and start a vegetable garden or beautify your yard.
Not sure where to start? Take a FREE class at Bushnell Gardens on Douglas in Granite Bay. Their classes change monthly, so call 916-791-0756 for a list of upcoming classes.
2. Enjoy an Art Walk
Midtown’s Second Saturday Art Walk
On the 2nd Saturday of each month, art galleries in the Sacramento metro area stay open late for an evening of live music, and a variety of art and activities behind every door. Galleries typically hold openings between 6-10pm. Start early or take the light rail; Midtown is usually un-drivable by 7pm.
Folsom’s Second Saturday Art Walk
Every 2nd Saturday starting in April, stroll Historic Sutter Street and enjoy art, live entertainment, wine tasting and more from 4-9pm.
Roseville’s Third Saturday Art Walk
During the 3rd Saturday of each month, art venues in downtown Roseville keep their doors open from 6-9pm, for visitors to enjoy an evening of fine art, music and refreshments.
3. Get Outside
Take advantage of the beautiful weather and go outside! Grab your bike and explore the numerous trails around the lake. Take a book or a picnic and head to your nearest local park. Bring your family and make a day of it. Don’t forget to bring the sunscreen!
4. Explore a Farmer’s Market
…and try a new recipe with your local finds! There are several in the area. Here are a few great markets to start with:
Davis: Saturdays, 8am-1pm, at Central Park (4th and C Streets)
Folsom: Saturdays, June 14th to October 4th, 8am-noon on Sutter Street
Sunrise: Saturdays, 8am-noon at the Sunrise Light Rail Station (Folsom and Sunrise Blvd.)
Placerville: Wednesday, June 17th to October 7th, 5pm-dusk around the Bell Tower (385 Main Street)
5. Go a Little Bit Country
Attend the Folsom Rodeo Kick-Off Party to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Folsom Pro Rodeo. Enjoy BBQ Dinner, Dancing and Live Music featuring Whiskey Dawn on Thursday, April 29, 6-9pm at Powerhouse Pub. Tickets: $35 per person. The Rodeo will return July 2, 3, and 4.
FREE Line Dancing Lessons, Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30pm at The Stoney Inn in Sacramento (1320 Del Paso Blvd).
Country Nights, Mondays, Fridays, & Saturdays at The Davis Graduate. FREE dance lessons offered most Mondays and Fridays.
6. Visit the Zoo
The Sacramento Zoo (Land Park Drive & 16th Ave) is now open 9am-4pm. Tickets are $11 adults/$7 children. For an extra treat, you and your family can participate in a Family Overnight Safari Camp-Out and sleep under the stars just yards away from slumbering lions and wake to the call of flamingos.
The Folsom Zoo Sanctuary (Folsom City Park at Natoma and Stafford Streets) is a steal at just $4 adults/$3 children. Make it a day with a picnic at Folsom City Lions Park and a visit to the Folsom Library, both just steps away from the zoo. The zoo is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm.
7. Listen to a Concert in the Park
Sacramento’s Friday Night Concerts
At Caesar Chavez Plaza (10th and J Streets) Fridays, May 7th through August 13th, 5-9pm. This series of outdoor concerts feature local artists representing a range of genres. Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy live music, fresh air, good food, and the famous beer garden. Admission is FREE to this all ages show.
At Central Park (4th and C Streets) Wednesdays, March 17th through October 27th , 4:30-8:30pm. Bring the whole family, shop the Farmer’s Market, the International Food Faire and beer and wine garden while enjoying live music from local bands. Kids activities include pony rides, bounce houses and a rock-climbing wall.
Both Folsom’s (Folsom City Lions Park) and Roseville’s (Royer Park) Concerts in the Park resume in June
8. Celebrate Earth Day
Earth Fest at the Sacramento Zoo, April 3, 9-4pm
Learn how to protect and preserve the earth, enjoy the rummage sale, games, crafts and face painting as well as come face-to-face with the animals. Tickets: $7-11
Southside Park Earth Day Festival, 6th and U Streets, April 11, 12-5pm
This FREE festival will be filled with great information as well as entertainment, fun activities and cuisine.
9. Go to the Theatre
There are always a variety of great shows throughout the area. Here are just a few:
Little House on the Prairie Presented by Broadway Sacramento
The Community Center Theater (1301 L St, Sacramento), April 14-25 Tickets: $18-$65
Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura for 10 years in the television series, continues her legacy by starring as Ma in this new musical adaptation.
The Philadelphia Story Presented by American River College Theatre
American River College Theatre(4700 College Oak Dr, Sacramento), April 23-May 2 Tickets: $12
CATS Presented by the El Dorado Musical Theatre, features performers ages 6-20
The Jill Solberg Performing Arts Theater (1655 Iron Point Rd, Folsom), April 9-25 Tickets: $16-20
10. Enjoy a Street Fair
Folsom’s Thursday Night Market, June 10 – July 29, 6-9pm
Sutter Street overflows with food, craft and exhibitor booths, kids areas, farmers market, and live entertainment.
Roseville’s Downtown Tuesday Nights, May 4 – July 27, 5-9pm
Vernon Street is filled with classic cars, food, a farmers market, vendors, entertainment, and a beer & wine garden.
Do you have another great idea of things to do in the area? Share them with us as a comment!
