96 Free Things To Do In Sacramento

MIX 96 wants to share all of the free fun activities going on in and around the Sacramento area for you and your family to enjoy!

July 15 @ 12:00 am - July 15 @ 11:59 pm

Due to COVID-19 MOST events have been canceled. Scroll through the page to get ideas on where you could social distance and still get some sun, right here in Sacramento!

 

MIX 96 wants to share all of the fun free activities going on in and around the Sacramento area for you and your family to enjoy! Be sure to check back often to find new and updated free activities and events going on in your area.

 

1. Parenting in a Pandemic Support Group

When: Every Wednesday – July 28th, 2021, 6:30PM – 7:30PM

Where: Cal Voices NorCal MHA online/virtual space

 

2. 916 Ink Write Night

When: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month in 2021, 6PM – 8PM

Where: 916 INK online/virtual space

Experience the whimsy of the 916 Ink method yourself! Be a part of a magical and empowering word-filled atmosphere at this adults-only workshop.

For more info: https://www.916ink.org/events

 

3. Warehouse Creative Thursday Night Makers Market

When: Every Thursday – September 2nd, 4PM – 7PM

Where: Ali Youssefi Square, 7th and K Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

 

4. Davis Downtown’s 2nd Friday

When: Every 2nd Friday of the month

Where: Davis Downtown Business Association, 826 2nd Street, Davis, CA 95616

Each art exhibit is personally hosted by the individual business, showcasing a variety of painters, photographers, mixed media makers, musicians and more.

For more info: https://davisdowntown.com/event/2nd-friday-artabout-2/

 

5. Country Club Plaza Certified Farmer Market

When: Every Saturday, 8AM – 12PM

Where: 2310 Watt Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825

The market is located in the Butano Drive parking lot.

Buy directly from California growers at this certified farmers market!

For more info: https://marketlocations.com/

 

6. Laguna Gateway Center Farmers Market

When: Every Saturday, 8AM – 12PM

Where: 8245 Laguna Boulevard, Elk Grove, CA 95758

Buy directly from California growers at this certified farmers market, located behind the Red Robin.

For more info: https://marketlocations.com/

 

7. Midtown Farmers Market

When: Every Saturday, 8AM – 1PM

Where: Midtown Art Retail Restaurant Scene Building, 1050 20th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811

With up to 100 vendors, this lively public market features fresh produce, locally made artisan crafts, live music, a kids activity zone and chef demonstrations.

For more info: http://exploremidtown.org/midtown-farmers-market/

 

8. Yoga on the Pier

When: Every Saturday – August 7th, 2021, 8AM – 9AM

Where: The Bridge District, 951 Riverfront Street, West Sacramento, California 95605

This hour long power Vinyasa class will be held at the pier in West Sacramento in the Bridge District. Please register in advance and bring your own mat and props. Sunscreen is recommended.

For more info: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19533870&appointmentType=22565366

 

9. Upcycle Pop Eco Art Market

When: Every Saturday and Sunday – September 12th, 2021, 10:30AM – 1:30PM

Where: The Atrium, 1020 Front Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

This eco-art market is an outdoor art and maker market for eco-friendly products, art and creatively upcycled items. Located in the historic district of the Old Sacramento Waterfront, you can join family and kid-friendly things to do like painting a canvas, making chalk art, taking a picture with art installation wings by Yennie Zhou, playing in our Recycle Challenge art game and enjoying locally brewed Kombucha. Tour the open artist studios and meet some of Sacramento’s most talented eco-friendly creatives. You might even catch a live performance from a local band.  It’s always different and always a surprise.

For more info: https://www.sacramento365.com/event/upcycle-pop-eco-art-market-2/

 

10. Oak Park Farmers Market

When: Every Saturday (9AM – 1PM) and Wednesday (3PM – 7PM) – October 30th, 2021

Where: McClatchy Park, 3500 5th Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817

The Oak Park Farmers market features a diverse group of vendors selling locally produced and delicious fruits and vegetables, specialty plants and sprouts, breads, cheese, tamales, fresh flowers and more! In addition to vendors, the market also provides a variety of interactive activities each week, including live music from local bands, activities for children (story-telling, face painting, art projects) and information and giveaways from area non-profits and other organizations. The are conveniently located in beautiful McClatchy Park at 35th Street & 5th Avenue, across from McGeorge School of Law and two blocks from Old Soul Coffeehouse.

For more info: https://www.nwsac.org/oak-park-farmers-market/

 

11. R Street Marketplace

When: Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, 10AM – 4PM 

Where: Arthouse: Gallery and Studios, 1021 R Street, Sacramento, CA 9581

Shop local and support an industry that has been heavily impacted by 2020.

For more info: https://bit.ly/3pqHCRR

 

12. Dance On The Edge in Old Sac

When: Every 2nd Saturday on the month – October 9th, 2021, 6PM – 10PM

Where: Old Sacramento Waterfront, 1002 2nd Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Dance on the Edge in Old Sac is a free summer Latin dance series at the Old Sacramento Waterfront. The monthly dance and music experience is hosted on 2nd Saturdays on the Embarcadero and features dances lessons and musical performances by DJs and artists. The highlight of each event is their open accessibility of dance and music to the public. Discover how salsa and bachata create unforgettable memories in the community by spending the night dancing alongside the Sacramento River, and having the Tower Bridge as your backdrop while the sun is setting. Dance on the Edge in Old Sac makes for an unforgettable summer experience!

For more info: https://www.danceontheedge.com/

 

13. Joy of Living Cooking School

When: Every 3rd Saturday of the month (except November and December) @ 6PM

Where: Woodside SDA Church YouTube channel – https://youtube.com/channel/UCiXqy7IWd_v8VoAJSfaiEig

Learn how to cook delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes you can prepare from home.

 

14. Sunday Certified Farmers Market

When: Every Sunday, 8AM – 12PM

Where: Arden Fair, 1689 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95815

Buy directly from California growers at this certified farmers market! The market is temporarily located at the Arden Fair Mall and is held in the northwest parking lot near Sears. The market will return to its 8th and W location in December.

For more info: https://marketlocations.com/

 

15. Food Truck Mania

When: Every Sunday, 5PM – 8PM

Where: 1790 Edgewater Circle, Marysville, CA 95901

Find a weekly gathering of food trucks and many mouthwatering options in Marysville! Please use online ordering for a 100% contactless meal ordering experience. All food truck personnel will have gloves and masks. We ask that you bring a mask as well for your protection and those around you. Food trucks are being sanitized before, during and after each service and all CDC recommended measures are in place to ensure a safe food purchase.

For more info: https://www.sactomofo.com/event?e=1509&m=August&n=Marysville+Edgewater+Circle+FTM+

 

16. Downtown Live

When: June 22nd – August 28th, 2021, 12PM – 2PM and 4PM – 6PM

Where: Downtown Sacramento

Up and down the streets of Downtown Sac, the sounds of summer are here! Experience live music five days a week on “pop-up” stages across downtown Sacramento where you can soak in the summer vibes from a rotation of local musicians during lunch and happy hour while enjoying a bite nearby from Downtown’s diverse dining options, browsing unique local stores or strolling along the city’s historic Old Sacramento Waterfront.

For more info: https://www.godowntownsac.com/events/signature-events/downtown-live/

 

17. 25 Million Stitches: One Stitch, One Refugee, Art Exhibit

When: July 8th – August 22nd, 2021, 11AM – 5PM

Where: Verge Center for the Arts, 625 S Street, Sacramento, CA 95811

25 Million Stitches, One Stitch, One Refugee, is a community art installation of hand embroidered fabric panels by volunteers from all over the world, pulled together by Jennifer Kim Sohn, artist in residence at The Verge Center for the Arts. A phenomenal intersection of needlework and activism, this show brings awareness to the 25 million people around the globe who have been forced to flee their homelands due to war, genocide, poverty, natural disasters, persecution and other life threatening forces.

For more info: https://www.vergeart.com/exhibitions/25-million-stitches/

 

18. Sacramento Kings Draft Party

When: July 29th, 2021 @ 5PM

Where: Golden 1 Center, 547 L St, Sacramento, CA 95814

Head to the Golden 1 Center for a Kings Draft Party! Fans can attend this free watch party to see the Draft on the big screen and find out who the Kings select with the #9 pick.

Fore more info: https://www.sacramento365.com/event/sacramento-kings-draft-party/

 

19. Twilight Concert Series: 8 Track Massacre

When: July 29th, 2021, 7:30PM – 10PM

Where: Historic Folsom, 905 Sutter Street, Folsom, CA 95630

8 Track Band is passionate about delivering that expression of emotion since 2009. Comprised of seasoned musicians, their motto is “it has to be danceable…period.” Their songs span decades – you will be dancing and singing along. Bring your low lawn chair and picnic during the concert, or grab dinner in the district before the concert starts.

For more info: https://www.historicfolsom.org/2021/07/29/18277/8-track-massacre/ 

 

20. Discovery Play Concert Series

When: July 31st, 2021, 10:30AM – 12PM

Where: Sacramento Children’s Museum, 2701 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

Discovery Play is a free program for children with any special needs at Sacramento Children’s Museum. The Museum serves children ages birth to 8, but all ages are welcome to Discovery Play. Sacramento Children’s Museum is happy to announce that Discovery Play Concert Series will be lead by musician Lisa Phenix. Lisa will be creating an interactive music session in addition to a limited open play time in the museum. Reservations are required. Masks are required for all guests ages 2 and up.

For more info: https://sackids.org/programs/discovery-play/

 

21. Movies in the Pool at Murieta: Finding Nemo

When: July 31st, 2021, 7PM – 9PM

Where: The Murieta Inn and Spa, 7337 Murieta Drive, Rancho Murieta, CA 95683

The Murieta Inn and Spa presents a special screening of Finding Nemo as you float serenely in its resort-style pool. Pro tip: bring your sunscreen and favorite pool floatie!

For more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/movies-in-the-pool-murieta-presents-finding-nemo-tickets-161159082153

 

22. Vintage and Vinyl

When: August 1st, 2021 @ 11AM

Where: Solomon’s Delicatessen, 730 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Great food and shopping! River City Marketplace is taking over Solomon’s The Russ Room and patio. Shop local vendors including vintage and vinyl stores.

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1921487981331510/ 

 

23. Animal House 2021

When: August 3rd – 28th, 2021, 11AM – 3PM

Where: Sacramento Fine Arts Center, 5330 Gibbons Drive, Suite B, Carmichael, CA 95608

It’s a zoo out there! Several artists listened to the howls, roars and chirps of their inner beast to produce some of the wildest entries ever in this year’s annual “Animal House” exhibit at the Sacramento Fine Arts Center. This Juried Fine Art Exhibit of animal themed Artworks is a longtime favorite of local artists, collectors and animal lovers. The artists were charged with presenting their favorite critters in a variety of media, including: painting, sculpture and photography.

 

24. Mylar’s Hippie Hour

When: August 6th, 2021, 6PM – 8PM

Where: Torch Club, 904 15th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

William Mylar’s world famous, Mylar’s Hippie Hour returns to the Torch Club! A Sacramento area staple for 11 years, these free-form, unrehearsed live musical performances feature a variety of guest artists, who join Mylar on stage to play music from his vast catalog of original and cover music, spanning multiple genres. No two shows have ever been the same. There is nothing like a Mylar’s Hippie Hour show!

For more info: https://www.sacramento365.com/event/mylars-hippie-hour-2/

 

25. Arden Park Presents Movies in the Park: Raya and the Last Dragon

When: August 6th, 2021, 8:30PM – 10:30PM

Where: Arden Park, 1000 La Sierra Drive, Sacramento, CA 95864

Movies in the Park are back for the 2021 summer! Families will be assigned a circle in the grass. Families are limited to 6 people max from the same household. Spots are limited. Families must pre-register online prior to the event or will not be allowed to attend. Please do not reserve multiple circles.

For more info: https://www.aprpd.org/2021-08-06-movies-in-the-park-raya-and-the-last-dragon

 

26. THIS Midtown with Wax Motif

When: August 7th, 2021, 5:30PM – 11PM

Where: Midtown Art Retail Restaurant Scene Building, 1050 20th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811

Sacramento, please welcome Wax Motif to the THIS Midtown block party series.

For more info: https://tickets.this916.com/

 

27. Hot Arden Nights Car Show

When: August 21st, 2021, 4PM – 7PM

Where: Arden Park, 1000 La Sierra Drive, Sacramento, CA 95864

Enjoy hot cars and cool vibes at this inaugural car show in the Hot Arden Nights’ parking lot. There will be live music from Dyana and the Cherry Kings and a food truck. Do you have an awesome car that deserves to get shows off? Enter your car in the car show for $25 for a chance to win a prize!

For more info: https://www.aprpd.org/2021-08-21-hot-arden-nights-car-show

 

28. Empty Bowls 2021

When: August 26th, 2021, 5;30PM – 7PM

Where: River City Food Bank online/virtual space

River City Food Bank is excited to host its 18th annual Empty Bowls fundraising event! This event provides essential operating support to ensure that RCFB can provide healthy, nutritious food to our neighbors experiencing hunger. Although they have shifted to a virtual platform this year, your support has never been more critical. In 2020, RCFB served more than 2.7 million pounds of food to nearly 231,000 men, women and children in the Sacramento region, a 30% increase from the previous year. RCFB continued to provide services throughout the pandemic when our neighbors needed us most.

For more info: https://rivercityfoodbank.org/events/empty-bowls/

 

29. Race for the Arts 5K, Kids Fun Run and Arts Festival

When: August 28th, 2021, 7:30AM – 1PM

Where: William Land Park, 3800 Landpark Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822

The 22nd Annual Race for the Arts 5K and kids’ fun runs is for serious runners and casual walkers – with entertainment along the racecourse. Registration includes an event t-shirt, food and a free arts festival. Experience the arts with hands-on booths and stage entertainment. Food for purchase and food to sample. Art to look at and art to purchase. Raise money for your favorite arts group or school program – or just come and run for fun!

For more info: https://www.sacramento365.com/event/race-for-the-arts-5k-kids-fun-run-and-arts-festival/

 

30. Arden Park Presents Movies in the Park: Pixar’s Onward

When: September 3rd, 2021, 8:30PM – 10:30PM

Where: Arden Park, 1000 La Sierra Drive, Sacramento, CA 95864

Movies in the Park are back for the 2021 summer! Families will be assigned a circle in the grass. Families are limited to 6 people max from the same household. Spots are limited. Families must pre-register online prior to the event or will not be allowed to attend. Please do not reserve multiple circles.

For more info: https://www.aprpd.org/2021-09-03-movies-in-the-park-pixar-s-onward

 

31. Chalk It Up! Chalk Art and Music Festival

When: September 4th – 6th, 2021, 10AM – 6PM

Since 1991, the Chalk It Up! Festival has been delivering fantastic family fun and has become one of the longest-running and most popular festivals in the Sacramento region. In recent years (prior to 2020), its three-day Chalk It Up! Festival has amassed crowds of over 60,000 people who come to enjoy the hundreds of sidewalk chalk art masterpieces, live music, vendors and more. Last year, for its 30th Anniversary they updated the Chalk It Up! Festival to include “Chalk It Up! Around Town!” where the festival of fun came to life on sidewalks, parking lots and driveways throughout the greater Sacramento region and featured three-days of Sacramento live music streaming with local artists who shared their talents from its virtual stage! This year, the 31st Chalk It Up! Festival is bringing it all together. Chalk It Up! Chalk Art & Music Festival will be at Fremont Park and around the town.

For more info: https://chalkitup.org/festival/

 

32. Kiwanis Art Fiesta

When: September 11th – 12th, 2021, 9:30AM – 4:30PM

Where: Pavilions Shopping Center, 563 Pavilions Boulevard, Fair Oaks, CA 95825

The Kiwanis Art Fiesta is one of the oldest and largest outdoor fine art exhibitions including pottery, photography, metal work, paintings, glass, wood, jewelry and more. Meet and purchase directly from the artist. Enjoy live music from local musicians. This event benefits local charitable organizations including the Kiwanis Family House, housing families with a family member undergoing treatment at UC Davis Medical Center, Just For Kids, a support group for children with a family member undergoing cancer treatments, homeless veterans, children and teens in need and high school Key Clubs, teaching teenagers the value of community service.

For more info: https://www.kiwanisartfiesta.org/

 

33. Shirley Hazlett: Open Studio (Sac Open Studios)

When: September 11th – 12th, 2021, 10AM – 5PM

Where: Shirley Hazlett: Art Studio, 4311 Attawa Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95822

Contemporary Sacramento artist Shirley Hazlett will be opening her art studio in honor of Sac Open Studios. Guests are invited to view original watercolor paintings, uplifting and inspirational and of an abstract style. Paintings will be exhibited, primarily colorful watercolors, but also works in black ink and acrylic paint. Shirley will be demonstrating creating collaged watercolor paintings at 10:30am and 1pm each day. She will be available the entire time to chat about art with you. This is the artist’s first opening, post-COVID, and she is instituting safe practices. She will be wearing a mask and keeping a safe distance as a respectful and cautious gesture and requests that guests do the same.

For more info: https://www.shirleyhazlett.com/home

 

34. Westfjords Wandering Exhibit and Fundraiser (Sac Open Studios Tour Week)

When: September 11th – 12th, 2021, 11AM – 4PM

Where: Goodside Coffee, 1430 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Join Westfjords Wandering for its Sac Open Studios Tour on September 11 and 12 at Goodside Coffee. Stop by either day at 2pm and join Farrell Scott for an informative lesson on smartphone photography. She’ll be sharing composition tips that will improve your images immediately, specific apps to maximize your creativity, and settings to use to help you create amazing photos right on your mobile device. Don’t miss it! Please RSVP and sign up to the Westfjords Wandering mailing list for more information.

For more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/westfjords-wandering-tickets-160377598715

 

35. Mustangs and Fords at the Marriott 24th Annual Car Show

When: September 18th, 2021, 8AM – 2PM

Where: Sacramento Marriott – Rancho Cordova, 11211 Point East Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742

Here’s your chance to meet and talk to over 200 of the nicest owners of some of the finest Mustangs , Fords, Mercurys, Lincolns, Cougars, Torinos, Falcons, Comets, Cobras, Panteras, Ford-GTs, Shelbys, Trucks, Rods, Model Ts and As and race cars in the region. Share ideas and learn easy how-to tips. Watch the participants run their vehicles on a Dyno to get their Horse Power and Torque tested, as well to see how efficient they have tuned their rides. Also a great way to get a baseline before that next modification. Guests will also experience vendors, raffles, a trivia contest, loudest street legal exhaust contest, food and much more. This is a charity fundraiser for local youth at risk programs, the California Automobile Museum and other programs such as local high school auto shop programs.

For more info: https://sacmustangshow.info/

 

36. Rio Linda Elverta Country Faire

When: September 18th, 2021, 8AM – 4PM

Where: Rio Linda Depot Park, 6730 Front Street, Rio Linda, CA 95673

Get ready for Rio Linda Elverta Country Faire! Activities include; farm animals, food trucks galore, more than 100 vendors selling homemade crafts, artwork, books, clothing and more, Kid’s Zone with plenty of things to do for kids of all ages (rides, games, face painting and balloon twisting for the little ones, bounce house for the little ones, a bungee jump and a gigantic slide for the bigger kids and adults, bull ride and giant tricycles), Pirates of the Golden Coast, hay rides and music.

For more info: https://www.sacramento365.com/event/rio-linda-elverta-country-faire-2/

 

37. California Native American Day

When: September 24th, 2021, 10AM – 2PM

Where: California State Capitol – West Steps, 10th Street and Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95811

Join the 54th Annual California Native American Day at the State Capitol in Sacramento. Hosted by the California Tribal Chairpersons’ Association, this year’s event will bring everyone back together after a long year of staying safe at home. This event will comply with recommended health and safety measures.

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/481426402948890/?ref=newsfeed

July 15, 2021 12:00 am - July 15, 2022 11:59 pm