Where to run, walk, eat or catch 50 Cent’s concert over Labor Day weekend in Sacramento
Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer with schools getting back into full swing, cooling temperatures, Starbucks dusting off the pumpkin spice latte and football re-entering our consciousness.
But the three-day weekend, with the holiday coming Monday, offers one last chance at summer fun. Here are some things happening around Sacramento this weekend to keep summer vibes going before autumn.
California Taco Festival
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Wheatland, roughly 35 minutes north of downtown Sacramento, is hosting the all-day taco festival Sunday. Lovers of the classic Mexican dish can enjoy a variety of different styles from an array of vendors. There will be a taco eating contest, assorted refreshments such as beer and micheladas, Lucha Libre entertainers, a corn hole tournament and live music. And according to the event’s official ticketing website, there will also be informational booths for local nonprofits aimed at education and community engagement.
Tickets are $25 plus fees and can be found at eventbrite.com.
50 Cent concert at Golden 1 Center
Nothing says summer like party music, and what better opportunity to hear some good party music than to hear “In Da Club” live in DoCo?
50 Cent, a.k.a. Curtis Jackson, is making the 33rd stop on his “Final Lap Tour” Monday as part of a ridiculous 94-date stretch, which began July 21 in Salt Lake City and ends Dec. 14 in Auckland, New Zealand. Jackson has indicated this tour will be his last — but we’ve heard that from famous artists before. Still, given Jackson’s growing entertainment and spirit empire, it wouldn’t be crazy to see him continue to step back from music and focus on his entrepreneurial endeavors. So this could be one of the final opportunities to see him play a full show in California’s capital city. Also, R&B artist Jeremih and renowned emcee Busta Rhymes are the opening acts.
Ticketmaster has tickets ranging from $39 to $425.
Foodieland Night Market
The Foodieland Night Market is happening all weekend, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday nights, at Cal Expo.
The cost to enter the fairgrounds is just $5. The event advertises 175-plus food and merchandise vendors doling out everything from corn dogs to Vietnamese Scheat Foods, fried chicken, temaki, empanadas, soul food, barbecue, lobster, ice cream and more.
Organizers are expecting some 60,000 attendees. Per the event’s website, smart moves include buying tickets early and arriving before 5 p.m. to avoid lines. Check the directory beforehand to make sure you get the food you want, and don’t be afraid to split up with your friends to cover more ground before reconvening and sharing your culinary bounties.
Tickets can be purchased at etix.com.
Chalk It Up Art and Music Festival
There aren’t many opportunities to celebrate art while it’s getting created, and that’s one thing that makes the Chalk It Up Art and Music Festival unique. Taking place in downtown’s Fremont Park, artists spend the three-day weekend turning sidewalks into chalk masterpieces, allowing thousands of patrons of all ages to experience it. The free event, established in 1991, is expected to draw about 40,000 attendees over the weekend.
According to the event’s website: “It is Chalk It Up’s mission to empower and support the next generation of Sacramento artists through targeted art grants for young artists and the programs that inspire them. We do this by awarding $500 mini grants through our Youth Arts Grant Program biannually, and by holding the annual High School Self-Portrait Show each Spring to showcase our region’s talented high school artists.”
Last year, the event gave over $10,000 in grants to local teachers and non-profit organizations for education in the arts. Admission is free, but donations can be made at chalkitup.org.
Davis Labor Day Run/Walk
Want to get some exercise at the end of the long weekend? The Davis Labor Day Run, put on by the Change of Pace Foundation, offers participants a chance to walk or run one mile, 5k or 10k. The run, which takes place Monday, is known as “A Davis Tradition.”
The event begins at 8 a.m. at Central Park on the corner of 3rd and C Streets in downtown Davis. Participants will get a shirt and finisher medal.
Registration for kids starts at $15 while adults running the longer races pay $43. Those who wish to participate can register at runsignup.com.
