For RTO workers, here are some after-hours options of where to eat, sip, unwind
State employees who are returning to the office this week may be looking to commiserate with fellow office workers before heading home. Maybe it’s for dinner or an activity as way to unwind before heading home.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of places where you can relax, refuel or (re)cap your day.
Every weekday evening in July and August, the historic Crest Theater in downtown Sacramento will show a movie for only $2. On Tuesdays, $2 tacos will also be available for purchase. Movies start at 7:00 p.m., and upcoming features include “Space Jam,” “Independence Day,” and “They Live.”
Get a drink deal at Sunset Sips
Starting July 1, many bars in the Sacramento area will feature special and inexpensive drinks on Wednesday afternoons, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Until September 30, you can sample the city’s wines, beers, and cocktails for $5, $7, and $9.
Feast your eyes at the Crocker
The Crocker Museum has plenty of after-hours events. There’s the monthly Thursday ArtMix parties, which feature performances, cocktails and vendors ($25 for non-members, free for members.) On July 16 and August 20, the Museum will host Movies off the Wall, projecting films on the side of their building ($8 for members, $16 for non-members.) The upcoming movies are “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and “Clueless.”
Get your stretch on in city parks
Until September, the Fresh Air: Midtown Parks program will offer free evening health and wellness classes on weekday evenings at local parks. Try out tai chi at Wednesdays at Winn Park, or yoga on Fridays at Sutter’s Fort.
Listen to a lecture — in a bar or cafe
Are you hungry for knowledge and thirsty for beer? (Or coffee?) Big Brain Lectures and Common Knowledge both bring interesting lecturers to venues around Sacramento. Past topics have included the science of attraction, the secret lives of Sacramento’s plants and animals, and the mystery and magic of glaciers.
Know your trivia?
Sharpen your wits at any number of trivia nights in the area. Trivialogy and Think Tank Trivia both have extensive rosters of events.
Listen to live music
There’s plenty of live music venues in town. But for a reliably good time, head to the Torch Club, which has shows from Wednesdays through Sunday. Or check out a funky show on the rooftop of Tupi Coffee.
We’ve also compiled a map showcasing places to eat in near proximity of return-to-office workers.
This story was originally published July 1, 2026 at 7:00 AM.
