Celebrating Memorial Day in Sacramento? Here are 8 fun events

Hanh Truong

Sacramento is celebrating Memorial Day this year with several fun events.

From free concerts and a classic car show to a fun run and river cruises, there’s plenty to do and see in the capital city this holiday weekend.

Here are just a few of the events planned for the Sacramento area:

Veterans’ Memorial Day Car Show

The California Automobile Museum will be presenting its Veterans’ Memorial Day Car Show on Monday.

There will be classic cars and military vehicles on display, as well as coffee, beer and snacks.

You can register to show off your car during the event.

“All makes and models are welcome,” the museum said on its website, “so whether you have a classic beauty or a modern marvel, we want to see it shine at our car show!”

Proceeds go toward the museum’s educational programs and Wounded Warriors.

When: 9 a.m. Monday

Where: California Automobile Museum, 2200 Front St.

How much: Museum admission is $12; $10 for seniors and military members, veterans and students, and $6 for kids ages 6 to 17. Vehcle registration is $35, or $45 on the day of the event, and registers get their museum entry fees waived.

Memorial Day Community Event

The City of Sacramento is hosting the Memorial Day Community Event on Monday.

“Come out for a Community Event recognizing Sacramento citizens who made the supreme sacrifice in service to our country,” according to Sacramento365 website. “The event will begin with a flag ceremony and welcome speeches on the Memorial Plaza.”

This is a free event. Guests will be able to view the Memorial Hall tablet room, as well as the Jean Ruyon Little Theater.

When: 10 a.m. to noon Monday

Where: Memorial Auditorium, 1515 J St.

How much: Free

Concerts in the Park

Cesar Chavez Plaza is hosting a free concert to kick off Memorial Day weekend as part of Concerts in the Park.

The annual summer program brings local and well-known artists to downtown Sacramento.

Rock band Destroy Boys will headline Friday’s show. Hotplug, Swan Ronson, The Snares and Strings 2 the Groove will also perform.

In addition to live music, the outdoor festival will have a vintage market presented by World’s Worst Expo, Silent Disco by the Hall of Fame, a community art project, a beauty bar hosted by a local salon and surprise vendors.

When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday

Where: Cesar Chavez Plaza

How much: Free

Sacramento River Cruise

There are multiple river cruises available in Sacramento this weekend.

Although the Sacramento Memorial Day River Cruise was sold out as of Thursday, you can join the waitlist to get notified if tickets become available.

Tickets for the Historic Sacramento River Cruise were available for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The cruise will take you through Old Sacramento historical sites, including the Delta King and the Tower Bridge.

When: Various times, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Where: 1206 Front St.

How much: $28 to $31, discounts for military members and kids 4 to 12. Kids 3 and under are free.

Barks & Brews 5K

Stretch your legs as you participate in a Memorial Day fun run in support of Canine Companions, an organization that helps connect those with disabilities with expertly trained service dogs.

Attendees of the Barks & Brews 5K on Monday can participate in a one-mile walk or 5-kilometer run through William Land Park. You can also register to run with your dog.

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday:

Where: William Land Park

How much: $46, $17 ages 17 and under. Registration prices increase on Saturday.

Anthony Candelaria, of North Highlands, and his daughter, Annalise Candelaria, 2, ride on the teacups at the Sacramento County Fair at Cal Expo on May 26, 2023. “This is her first time,” he said, adding he wanted to bring his daughter to “take on the tradition of Sacramento, you know, just coming to the same fair.” The fair, which runs through Memorial Day, features daily concerts and a Saturday evening rodeo in addition to amusement rides and fair festivities.

Sacramento County Fair

The Sacramento County Fair is back with concerts, carnival rides, a rodeo and more.

Headliners for the 2024 fair include tribute bands Fast Times, which performs on Friday, and Sacred Fire Band, which takes the stage on Saturday. Mezcal de Alicia plays pop and Spanish rock on Sunday.

When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday

Where: Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd.

How much: Admission prices at the gate are $12 or $10 for kids 12 to 17. Kids under 12 are free. Carnival wristbands cost $35.

The International Kids Fest

The International Kids Fest returns to Sacramento this weekend.

The free event focuses on bringing children from different cultures and countries together. There will be performances, food trucks and educational booths.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Where: William Land Park, 3901 Land Park Drive

How much: Free

Reggaeton Fest Sacramento

District 30, a nightclub in Sacramento, is having a Reggaeton Fest just in time for Memorial Day weekend.

The 21-and-over party will feature reggaeton and Latin EDM remixes as well as live performances by rising artist Lil Catra, local DJ Oasis and more.

When: 8 p.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday

Where: District 30, 1022 K St.

How much: General admission is $10 before fees, or $15 for two passes.

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