Your guide to Sacramento festivals this weekend: Aftershock, Spooktacular, Greek fest, more

Hey, I’m Jacqueline and I’m changing the way we do The Sacramento Bee weekend guide.

This weekly guide will feature events in and around Sacramento for Friday through Sundays, plus the coolest discoveries I’ve made over the course of my week. If you have anything you think I should check out, email me at jpinedo@sacbee.com.

I hope festivals are your thing, because Sacramento has plenty this weekend. Here’s what is happening Oct. 7 to Oct. 9:

Aftershock Festival

Sacramento’s popular Aftershock festival is coming to town. I don’t have tickets, but I have an inkling that Sunday’s My Chemical Romance set will be a nostalgic one for all millennials.

When: Thursday through Sunday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: 1000 Garden Hwy., Sacramento

Bands such as Slipknot, Kiss and My Chemical Romance are taking the stage this weekend at Discovery Park, at its four-day music festival. After the festival grab a bite at a late night restaurant around town, like Lalo’s. The Bee created a list of places to try post concert here. The event is open to people of all ages. Some tickets are still available on the official Aftershock website and range from $149 to $399 per ticket.

Sacramento Greek Festival

When: Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m to 8 p.m.

Where: 600 & 616 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento

Take a trip to Greece this weekend without having to take a flight, and head over to Sacramento’s Greek Festival. The three-day event will offer traditional Greek cuisine and entertainment. Admission for the event is $5 for people 13 and older and free for those younger.

Harvest Festival

When: Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: 2820 R St., Sacramento

Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op will host a Harvest Festival this season filled with vendors, food and live music. The event will be hosted on the top floor of the parking garage. Everyone is welcome and the events is free.

Fall Festival Spooktacular

When: Saturday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: 3408 3rd Ave., Sacramento

The Night Market Series is hosting a Halloween inspired fall festival. The event will host community vendors, live performances, music and food. The event is free but RSVP is encouraged.

Gem Faire

When: Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: 6151 H St., Sacramento

Find a hidden treasure at this weekend’s Gem Fair. The event will showcase vendors that will be selling beads, fine jewelry, pearls, minerals gold and silver. There will also be jewelry cleaners onsite if you’re looking to get your gold or silver polished. Tickets for the event are $7 and children under 11 enter free.

Nature Fest

When: Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael

The popular community focused Nature Fest event is returning to Carmichael this year after a two-year hiatus. Local organizations including Save the Snakes, Sacramento Splash and the Sacramento Audubon Society will also be in attendance. Kids will have educational activities to participate from and guided nature hikes will also be available. General admission tickets are $7 and $3 for kids 3-11.

Sacramento newcomers

This part is for all the other Sacramento newbies out there — or locals looking to rediscover their city.

Having just moved to Sacramento from Los Angeles, I’m often told Sacramento has a big city vibe with all the perks of a small town — and I’m starting to catch on. People say good morning to me while I’m on my morning walks. I’m not used to this, but I’m here for it.

My favorite discovery this week: I recently stumbled upon a non-profit in Sacramento called Broad Room, a women-owned art studio on Arden Way and Del Paso Blvd. The studio supports underrepresented artists in the community by giving them access to free art supplies and a working studio space.

Thanks for the warm welcome to Northern California.

This story was originally published October 6, 2022 at 10:28 AM.