5 ways to celebrate the end of summer in Sacramento — from Farm-to-Fork to river rafting
School’s back in session, turkeys are strolling Sacramento sidewalks and pumpkin spice season is around the corner.
Don’t worry: There’s still plenty of time to enjoy summer in Sacramento before the season officially ends.
There are several events in and around the city where you soak up the sun and have fun.
Here are just a few of the activities worth checking out:
Celebrate local food at Farm-to-Fork Festival
The annual Farm-to-Fork Festival returns to downtown Sacramento, celebrating the region’s food and agriculture.
The free two-day festival takes place Friday, Sept. 20, and Saturday, Sept. 21, on Capitol Mall between Third Street and Eighth Street, according to its website.
Each day features a packed live music lineup.
On Friday, headliner Hayes Carll & The Band of Heathens will perform in concert. The Hip Abduction, Boot Juice, Eddy and Dunsbar Road will also perform.
Andra Day will headline on Saturday. Other acts slated to play include Stacey Ryan, Chance Emerson, Arden Park Roots, Nat Lefkoff, Inner Nature, Zephyr and DJ Stace Lace.
There will also be vendors showcasing local foods, regional wines, beer and cooking demonstrations.
When: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, Sept. 20, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Where: Capitol Mall between Third Street and Eighth Street, Sacramento
Explore West Sacramento by bike
Take a RailBike and cruise through West Sacramento.
The pedal-powered bicycles will take you along the Sacramento River and Yolo Countryside region, according to the website. The roughly 10-mile round trip takes about one hour.
Each bike seats two people. Prices start at $109 and vary depending on the day and time.
When: Times vary, Thursday through Monday. Tickets available online through January 2025
Where: 18095 County Road 117, West Sacramento
See sidewalk art Chalk It Up!
Sacramento continues a Labor Day weekend tradition with Chalk It Up! at Fremont Park.
During the free three-day festival, artists draw chalk art murals on the park’s sidewalk.
Also in store are live music, vendors and food trucks. There will also be a beverage tent where you can get local wines, beers and cider.
Proceeds from Chalk It Up support art in classrooms across the Sacramento area.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 31 to Monday, Sept. 2
Where: Fremont Park, 1515 Q St., Sacramento
Celebrate ‘final frolic of summer’ at Flocktoberfest
In September, Drake’s: The Barn is hosting Flocktoberfest, described as its “final frolic of summer,” on Sept. 20, 21 and 22.
The Oktoberfest-inspired event will feature Bavarian-style beer and food.
Leading up to Flocktoberfest, the brewery will host several events throughout August, including a screening of “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” Trivia Night and Starry Night Market.
It’s also presenting Rhythm on the River, a free summer concert on Thursday, Aug. 29.
When: Noon to 10 p.m., Friday, Sept. 20, to Sunday, Sept. 22
Where: Drake’s: The Barn, 985 Riverfront St., West Sacramento
Raft the American River
Rafting in the American River is an essential summertime activity in the Sacramento area, according to social media users.
You can rent rafting gear or go tubing, kayaking and paddle boarding on the American River, from companies including American River Raft Rentals.
Rental prices vary depending on the activity and amount of people.
When: Rentals are available from 9 a.m. to about 1 p.m. daily, depending on river flow
Where: 11257 South Bridge St., Rancho Cordova