916 Day is a celebration of everything Sacramento. Here’s how you can join the festivities
Sacramento is known as California’s state capital, the home of the Kings, and the last city referenced in Tupac Shakur’s 1995 hit-single, ‘California Love’.
There’s a certain affection that residents carry in the city and it all begins with the area code that represents Sacramento, 916. And now, that area code is a holiday.
The Sacramento City Council on Tuesday officially declared Sept. 16, as “916 Day,” a date when residents are encouraged to celebrate and show their love and appreciation for Sacramento.
Mayor Darrell Steinberg launched 916 Day in 2018 as a citywide event to promote pride and healing in the city. Since then, a number of groups have hosted events and festivals to celebrate the city.
This week, some enjoyable and lively events are scheduled, such as the Sacramento Kings’ 916 celebration, a tree-planting event in “The City of Trees”, and performances at the 916 Festival.
Where does 916 come from?
916 Day is not to be confused with the city’s incorporation date, February 27, 1850.
The number is one of California’s three original area codes dating to 1947, according to the California Public Utilities Commission.
The others are San Francisco’s 415 and 213 for Los Angeles.
Back then, Sacramento fell under the Bay Area’s 415, while the 916 area code served more northern counties.
It wasn’t until 1950, that the area codes were realigned and Sacramento became a part of the 916 area code while the 415 was reserved for the Bay Area.
The 916 area code has been split twice: in 1959 to create the 707 area code and in 1997 to create the 530 area code.
In 2018, the Sacramento area gained another area code, 279. The 916 area code and its overlay area code 279 now serve parts of El Dorado, Solano, Sutter, Yolo, Placer, and Sacramento Counties.
How to celebrate 916 Day?
It’s a real city holiday in Sacramento, but residents are still expected to carry on their normal work and school schedules.
Nevertheless, there are still ways to celebrate the day commemorating Sacramento.
The city of Sacramento’s Parks and Community Enrichment Commission is inviting volunteers to join them for tree planting, in an attempt to celebrate city parks as the cornerstone of Sacramento.
Volunteers can register online for the upcoming events this weekend, which includes a day of celebration at Garcia Bend Park starting at 4 p.m.
“916 Day is the best of Sacramento,” said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “I’m thrilled that our community is coming together, volunteering and working together.”
The Sacramento Kings plan to celebrate 916 Day on Friday by announcing events and activities for the 2022-23 NBA season. These events include fan fest, special ticket offers and giveaways, select theme nights, and entertainment experiences.
Music, poetry and gear
The Sacramento Store, located in the Ice Blocks at 1715 R Street, is celebrating 916 Day with the release of limited edition apparel made up of two locally designed T-shirts, a crewneck, necklace, and its official TPOS 916 hats.
Merchandise will be available online at thepeopleofsacramento.com starting Friday at 9:16 a.m.
And live performances are on tap to spotlight the city’s culture.
Last year, Andreas Tillman Jr., a creative expression specialist, debuted 916 Fest, an event dedicated to celebrating Black arts, culture, and the economic impact that Black people have on society.
Tillman Jr, who is known by nickname Dre T, is bringing back the 916 Fest with minor changes this year, looking to continue his endeavors of promoting peace, love and community within Sacramento.
The jubilee is from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Estate Farms, a Black-owned, 10-acre event venue located at 6240 Excelsior Road.
A conversation called 916 Legacy Talk will be held featuring Sol Blume executive producer, Chaez Boswell, artist Keia Kodama, and nonprofit leader Armoni Easley. It will start at 6:30 p.m.
The headline event is the 916 Show which features performances from Sacramento artists and spoken word poets such as M’ster Lewis, Teo, Natho, The Philharmonik, and more.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite for $9, and $16 for VIP tickets which includes exclusive seating inside and outside, access to watch the 916 Legacy Talk, and refreshment and appetizers.
There will be food vendors and more for general admission ticket holders.
Dre T said his goal for 916 Day is to take ownership and pride over Sacramento, showcasing the true meaning of substance, community, and family.
This story was originally published September 14, 2022 at 7:30 AM.
