Explore Sacramento, California's, vibrant cultural scene

The curated articles highlight various facets of Sacramento's vibrant scene, from cultural landmarks to unique events. Each article shares how the Sacramento region offers something distinct for locals and visitors.

Visitors can explore the spooky history of Sacramento at places like the Old City Cemetery, known for its Gold Rush-era graves. Preston Castle stands out for its ghost tours that explore its past as a juvenile detention facility. Elsewhere, some bars in Sacramento transform into Halloween-themed destinations, providing guests with seasonal drink experiences. In another context, over 20 museums in Sacramento open their doors for free during Free Museum Weekend, allowing public access to art and history. Additionally, the Sacramento movie, directed by Michael Angarano, uses the city as a backdrop and captures its essence through a personal journey. Lastly, the city embraces diversity with its vibrant New Year's Eve celebrations at Old Sacramento's waterfront, featuring live music and fireworks to ring in the new year. Sacramento's eclectic lifestyle and welcoming community continue to attract individuals seeking varied cultural experiences.

NO. 1: THE SACRAMENTO BEE’S TOP 50 RESTAURANTS OF 2024: THE CAPITAL REGION’S BEST SPOTS TO EAT

The list spans from Winters to Placerville and includes first-rate taquerias alongside Michelin-starred concepts. | Published November 14, 2024 | Read Full Story by Benjy Egel

Statue monuments stand in family plots under a crescent moon at the Old City Cemetery on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2023, that dates to mid-19th century. The cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. By Lezlie Sterling

NO. 2: VENTURE TO THESE 6 SPOTS FOR SPOOKY SEASON IN THE SACRAMENTO REGION

Unearth tales of history, haunted locales, and unique spots around Sacramento this October. | Published October 24, 2024 | Read Full Story

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Fireworks explode in the sky above the Tower Bridge and the Sacramento River as spectators in Old Sacramento and West Sacramento ring in the new year on December 31, 2017. By Hector Amezcua

NO. 3: HERE’S WHERE TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE AND SEE FIREWORKS IN SACRAMENTO

Countdown on the Cobblestones in Old Sacramento will include a News Year’s Eve countdown at 9 p.m. | Published December 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Emma Hall

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The Crocker Art Museum can help families introduce art to children. In 2010 Melza Barr talked with three of her grandchildren about the mountains and lake in “The High Sierras” by Paul Lauritz. By Manny Crisostomo

NO. 4: YOU CAN VISIT MORE THAN 20 SACRAMENTO-AREA MUSEUMS FOR FREE. HERE’S HOW TO GET TICKETS

Here's the full list of participating museums in the capitol region. | Published February 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Camila Pedrosa

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Actor-writer-director Michael Angarano, right, and co-writer Chris Smith stand outside the screening of their film,”Sacramento,” at the Tower Theatre in Sacramento on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. By PAUL KITAGAKI JR.

NO. 5: ‘SACRAMENTO’ MOVIE CELEBRATES CITY’S CHARM. HOW DIRECTOR, STAR SAYS IT CAME TO BE

See what landmarks appear in the movie. | Published April 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Graham Womack

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A person wearing a gay pride flag cape and a hat reading “I am Kenough” attends the 33rd annual Sacramento Pride festival on Saturday, June 8, 2024. By Irene Adeline Milanez

NO. 6: A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO SACRAMENTO’S LGBTQ BARS, CHURCHES, DRAG SHOWS AND MORE

New Bee reporter Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado takes to the streets to explore Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ community spaces. | Published June 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado

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.