Experience Sacramento, California's, lively summer events

This collection of stories highlights Sacramento's dynamic summer events scene, from live music performances to bustling farmers markets.

The articles shine a spotlight on the return of Sacramento's Concerts in the Park at Cesar Chavez Plaza. The Meadowview Certified Farmers Market opened its doors with an array of fresh produce and family activities, nurturing community connection and food access. Opinion writer Robin Epley also shares her experience with Sutter’s Landing Park, an outdoor space offering dog-friendly beaches. Finally, the city council is considering open-container entertainment zones aiming to enhance Sacramento's nightlife, a policy that was piloted in San Francisco

Read the stories below.

People celebrate the opening night of the Concert in the Park music festival series Friday, May 3, 2024, at Cesar Chavez Plaza. The concerts will continue every Friday night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (except July 5) through the end of July. By Lezlie Sterling

NO. 1: CONCERTS IN THE PARK RETURNS TO SACRAMENTO. WHEN, WHERE AND WHO’S PLAYING

From parking to food and drinks, here’s everything you need to know about Sacramento’s longest-running free music festival. | Published April 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado

Products such as local raw honey is expected to be sold at the Meadowview Certified Farmers’ Market which officially reopens May 4 to Oct. 26.

NO. 2: MEADOWVIEW CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET IS BACK FOR THE SEASON. HERE’S WHEN AND WHERE

Meadowview Certified Farmers Market reopens, May 4 to Oct. 26, at Meadowview Light Rail station. | Published April 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Marcus D. Smith

NO. 3: IT’S SUMMER CONCERT SEASON IN SACRAMENTO. EVENTS, TICKET PRICES AND WHO’S PLAYING

Big-name acts coming to the Sacramento area include Ludacris, Bailey Zimmerman and Thievery Corporation. | Published May 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado

Golden Bear bartender Clifford Jaynes pours a cocktail on Saturday, April 12, 2025, in midtown. The owners of the business support a proposal the Sacramento City Council will consider that would allow bars and restaurants to sell open containers of alcohol for patrons to take out onto streets during designated events. By NATHANIEL LEVINE

NO. 4: SACRAMENTO EYES SF’S RULES FOR TO-GO DRINKS IN A BID TO IMPROVE NIGHTLIFE

Sacramento officials consider loosening alcohol restrictions for designated events, mirroring a program in San Francisco. | Published April 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Annika Merrilees

Jessica King of West Sacramento with her two standard poodles “King,” left, and “Lady” during the grand opening of the Truitt Bark Park in Sacramento on July 29, 2017. The large sculpted letters spelling “BARK” has a dog-motif mural painted on it. Every couple years a local artist will paint a new mural on the letters. By Randall Benton

NO. 5: SACRAMENTO RANKED AMONG BEST DOG PARK CITIES IN US. HERE’S WHAT IT HAS TO OFFER PET OWNERS

Here’s where to find off-leash dog parks in the capital city. | Published July 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sarah Linn

Mike Maestretti of Sacramento celebrates his 27th birthday playing frisbee at Sutter's Landing Park on Wednesday, June 24, 2015, in Sacramento. By Andrew Seng

NO. 6: SUTTER’S LANDING IS SACRAMENTO’S RIVER GEM. CAN WE PROTECT IT AND STILL ENJOY IT? | OPINION

Sutter’s Landing Park in Midtown Sacramento is a favorite of the city’s working class, but our very footsteps mar its beauty. | Published June 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Robin Epley

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.