The scent of smoky barbecue and the sweet aroma of powdered-sugar funnel cakes fill the air. Neon lights flash across whirling carnival rides and the California sun sets behind a skyline alive with music, laughter and the distant clang of game bells — the State Fair is back in Sacramento.
But beyond the agricultural exhibits and footlong corn dogs, this month’s events calendar across the City of Trees is stacked with experiences for the whole family. Hip-hop legends Cypress Hill bring the noise (and the smoke) to Cal Expo, while Vinnie Guidera & the Dead Birds drop their most personal album yet, “Afterimage,” with a killer release show at The Starlet Room. From pristine lowriders and delicious local eats at the Hella Good Market in West Sacramento to ghost hunts in the old city cemetery and open-mic storytelling at Old Soul at The Alley, summertime is in full swing.
Here are eight ways to fill your July with unforgettable moments and local flavor.
Music
Paging Dr. Greenthumb
Friday, July 11-Saturday, July 27: The California State Fair returns to Cal Expo this summer, transforming Sacramento into a kaleidoscope of flashing lights, whirling carnival rides and the sweet-smoky aroma of kettle corn, sticky barbecue and deep-fried everything. Since 1854, this beloved tradition has celebrated California’s agricultural roots, cultural diversity and innovation — but it’s also a party, and this year’s music lineup is ready to deliver. Headlining the final week of the Toyota Concert Series is hip-hop pioneers: Cypress Hill. The legendary trio of B-Real, Sen Dog and DJ Muggs — rose from the streets of Los Angeles to become the first Latino-American hip-hop group to go multi-platinum, with groundbreaking albums like “Black Sunday” and hits like “Insane in the Brain” and “Dr. Greenthumb.”
Known for their electrifying shows and cannabis-fueled activism, Cypress Hill promises an epic night on Tuesday, July 22. Other acts lighting up the stage include Ludacris, who opens the fair on Friday, July 11, Bret Michaels is still searching for love on Saturday, July 12, Sacramento’s own Tesla performs Saturday, July 18, and En Vogue closes out the season on Sunday, July 27. Concerts are included with fair admission, with limited seating for 700 guests available on a first-come basis starting at 5 p.m.; reserved seats can also be purchased online. Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd.; 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Sunday; $12-$16; all ages.
Country grit
Saturday, July 12: Noelle & The Deserters bring their haunting country-folk sound to Cafe Colonial for a night of dusty twang, rich storytelling and raw sincerity. Still touring off their stunning debut album “High Desert Daydream,” the Sacramento- and Bay Area-based band, fronted by singer-songwriter Noelle Fiore, blends vulnerable lyricism with layered, roots-driven arrangements. From the outlaw swagger of “Now I’ve Got You” to the soul-searching ballad “Wonder Why I Wander,” the band offers a soundscape of wide-open roads and restless hearts.
Known for their long-earned chemistry and intimate performances, Noelle & The Deserters are joined by Sweet Megg, whose jazz-tinged Americana brings vintage flair, and Jail Preacher, delivering raw, reverent country grit. If you’re a dreamer, a drifter or a lover of a well-worn melody, this is the show for you. Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd.; doors at 6:30 p.m., music at 7:30 p.m.; $15.15 in advance, $18.15 at the door; all ages.
New music alert!
Friday, July 25: Vinnie Guidera & the Dead Birds kick off the release of their new album “Afterimage” with a stellar show at The Starlet Room, inviting The Kelps and Clevers to join a lineup that will shift from dreaminess to heaviness as the night unfolds. The indie rock trio of Guidera (guitar, vocals), Ian McDonald (drums) and Kevin Hayes (bass) have played together in various forms for nearly 20 years, giving “Afterimage” the depth and resonance of a project decades in the making.
Starting from Guidera’s solo acoustic roots, the band has broadened their creative scope with richly textured compositions that perfectly underscore their honest and incisive lyrics. “To me, ‘Afterimage’ is this feeling that even after putting in the work to break old habits, there’s a shadow of my old self that lingers,” Guidera says. One stand-out track is the moody, darkly atmospheric, “One At A Time,” with its gradual build that simmers with tension before it blooms into an ominous crescendo. The Starlet Room, 2708 J St.; 7 p.m.; $13 in advance, $16 day of show; all ages.
Kick it in Curtis Park
Friday, July 27 and Sunday, Aug. 24: The Sierra 2 Center for the Arts & Community’s annual Music in the Park summer concert series continues with two final free evenings of outdoor music, food and family fun at William Curtis Park. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair and settle in on the green for these dog- and kid-friendly shows.
On July 27, groove to the soulful, feel-good sounds of A Little Project while enjoying bites from food trucks such as Gameday Grill (servin’ up charbroiled burgers and loaded fries), Bangin’ Bowls (slingin’ grilled steak, chicken and seafood meals) and Build A Sundae’s thick milkshakes and towering ice cream treats. Then, on Sunday, Aug. 24, wrap up the season with According to Bazooka, a quirky group of musicians known for their modern indie, classic folk and fun pop-rock sounds. Beloved children’s musician, Mr. Cooper, opens and performs intermission sets both nights, making this summer’s finale fun for all ages. William Curtis Park, 3349 W Curtis Dr.; 6 p.m.-8 p.m.; free; all ages.
Culture
Summertime sippin’
Wednesday, July 9-Wednesday, Sept. 24: Back for its third summer, and bringing new life to your midweek plans in downtown Sacramento, is Sunset Sips! This fun, seasonal event is now extended through the end of September giving you and your pals plenty of time to plan an evening out and about with libations and delicious bites from some of the city’s best restaurants, bars and lounges.
Every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., more than 20 establishments will offer specialty drinks for a cool $5, $7 and $9. Sip on beer, wine, craft cocktails and mocktails from favorites like Frank Fat’s, Capitol Garage, La Cosecha and Ella Dining Room and Bar. It’s the perfect excuse to chill out, catch up with friends and explore the city’s vibrant spaces. Challenge yourself to visit a new destination you’ve never experienced before, all while supporting local businesses during the slower weekdays. Sunset Sips is a program designed by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership to keep the city’s businesses buzzing all summer long, whether you’re unwinding after work or just want to treat yourself. Various locations in downtown Sacramento; 4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $5-$9; 21 and over.
Ghost hunters, welcome
Thursday, July 10 and Thursday, July 24: If you’re a fan of spooky shows like “Travel the Dead,” “Project Fear” or “Kindred Spirits” — this is your moment. The Old City Cemetery: Paranormal Investigations invite brave souls to explore one of Sacramento’s oldest and most storied resting places, where legends of heartbreak, heroism and history linger in the air.
Each two-hour tour focuses on a different section of the cemetery and offers the chance to connect with the beyond using a few trusty ghost-hunting gadgets. Bring your own digital voice recorders, REM-Pods, EMF meters, paranormal apps — and your keen intuition — to tap into the other side. With just 15 guests per investigation, it’s an intimate deep dive into Sacramento’s haunted past, and if you don’t have your own equipment, no worries. You can always borrow some from the guides so you can participate in all the otherworldly fun.Think of it as “Ghostbusters” meets the Gold Rush-era — who you gonna call? Yourself. Old City Cemetery, 1000 Broadway at 10th St.; 7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $50; 13 years and over.
Share your story
Thursday, July 17: If you have a tale to tell, or if you’re into listening to others spill mostly true anecdotes, then stop by Wildcard!, a new monthly story swap at Old Soul at The Alley. Created by the minds behind the In A Nutshell storytelling series at The Sofia, Wildcard! is a more intimate experience that invites longtime storytellers, rookie narrators and even random audience members to share their creativity, open-mic style.
This will be the third Wildcard! night in the series so far and how it works is quite simple: There is always a featured storyteller or two, followed by a fun piece from show co-creator Amy Bee, and then, audience members who throw their name into the “nutshell helmet” are chosen at random to walk up to the mic and express themselves. There’s no prompts or themes, just a cozy coffee shop full of folks who love to hear a good story — just be sure to keep it under 10 minutes. The evening is hosted by comedian and author Keith Lowell Jensen, who adds his hilarious insights and lively energy to the lineup. So whether you’re coming out to share, or coming out to listen, you’re bound to leave with a story worth remembering. Old Soul at the Alley, 1716 L St; 6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $10; all ages.
Hella good vibes
Saturday, July 19: What’s better than warm sunshine, good food and vintage finds? The Hella Good Market at Drake’s: The Barn is the ultimate summertime pop-up that checks all three of those boxes just across the Tower Bridge in West Sac. With more than 50 local vendors showcasing everything from vintage streetwear and handmade jewelry to cute homegoods and one-of-a-kind glassware, plus food trucks serving up craveworthy bites like birria tacos and hibachi plates — it’s a true feast for the senses.
Hella Good Market organizers also invite car enthusiasts to show off their custom lowriders and imports, which are parked outside for everyone to appreciate while sippin’ on frozen adult bevs and hoppy craft brews. This event is also family- and pup-friendly, so it’s the perfect Saturday evening that blends creativity and culture with a live DJ spinning feel-good jams from the center of it all. Drake’s: The Barn, 985 Riverfront St., in West Sacramento; 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; free; all ages.
This will be the third Wildcard! night in the series so far and how it works is quite simple: There is always a featured storyteller or two, followed by a fun piece from show co-creator Amy Bee, and then, audience members who throw their name into the “nutshell helmet” are chosen at random to walk up to the mic and express themselves. There’s no prompts or themes, just a cozy coffee shop full of folks who love to hear a good story — just be sure to keep it under 10 minutes. The evening is hosted by comedian and author Keith Lowell Jensen, who adds his hilarious insights and lively energy to the lineup. So whether you’re coming out to share, or coming out to listen, you’re bound to leave with a story worth remembering. Old Soul at the Alley, 1716 L St; 6 p.m.-8 p.m.; $10; all ages.
Hella good vibes
Saturday, July 19: What’s better than warm sunshine, good food and vintage finds? The Hella Good Market at Drake’s: The Barn is the ultimate summertime pop-up that checks all three of those boxes just across the Tower Bridge in West Sac. With more than 50 local vendors showcasing everything from vintage streetwear and handmade jewelry to cute homegoods and one-of-a-kind glassware, plus food trucks serving up craveworthy bites like birria tacos and hibachi plates — it’s a true feast for the senses.
Hella Good Market organizers also invite car enthusiasts to show off their custom lowriders and imports, which are parked outside for everyone to appreciate while sippin’ on frozen adult bevs and hoppy craft brews. This event is also family- and pup-friendly, so it’s the perfect Saturday evening that blends creativity and culture with a live DJ spinning feel-good jams from the center of it all. Drake’s: The Barn, 985 Riverfront St., in West Sacramento; 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; free; all ages.
This story is part of the Solving Sacramento journalism collaborative. This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. Following our journalism code of ethics, the city had no editorial influence over this story. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Hmong Daily News, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review and Sacramento Observer. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.