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This week is a good reminder of how much is happening right here in our own backyard. Local talent is getting some well-deserved recognition, new ideas are taking shape downtown, and the May calendar is already filling up.
It’s easy to miss it all when life gets busy, but there’s a lot to be proud of and plenty worth getting out for. Take a scroll, pick a couple things, and make the most of what’s happening around town.
🧊 Sac State Prof Earns Emmy Nod for Documentary
Photo from abc10.com
The Gist: Sac State film professor Kathy Kasic has earned a National Emmy nomination for her documentary, The Memory of Darkness, Light, and Ice. The film follows scientists studying Greenland ice cores and what they reveal about the ice sheet melting 416,000 years ago. Backed by the National Science Foundation, the project also included work from local grad Trinity Kummer.
Why It Matters: We love seeing Sacramento talent get national recognition, especially for work that helps make complicated science easier to understand. Kasic’s film makes the science feel more real and relatable, including a striking comparison that shows the ice loss as a 31-foot-thick layer over Texas. It’s a local story with a much bigger reach.
🍔 Fresh Flavors Coming to Downtown Sacramento
Photo from sacbee.com
The Gist: The Calling All Dreamers competition announced its winners on April 16, giving two local business ideas a boost toward opening downtown. Alysha Lofton of BYTES Food Trucks could receive $10,000 to help create a permanent food truck hub, while Christine Wonderson and her family could receive $5,000 to launch a candy store and cat cafe. Both awards depend on the businesses securing leases within the downtown district.
Why It Matters: These are the kinds of ideas that can make downtown feel more lively, welcoming, and local. Whether it’s a rotating lineup of food trucks at Ali Youssefi Square or a family-run spot for sweets, toys, and cats, both projects would bring more personality and community energy to the area. Keep an eye out for BYTES Food Trucks pop-ups at 705 K St. as Alysha works toward a permanent home.
🍹 Where bold citrus meets Andean soul
1501 16th St suite 101-102, Sacramento
Chicha Peruvian Kitchen has quietly become a local cornerstone, maintaining a rare, near-perfect reputation for its vibrant Midtown and Roseville dining rooms.
The Ceviche Máncora offers a bright, balanced masterclass in lime and sweet potato, while the Lomo Saltado remains a non-negotiable favorite. For something distinct, the Chicken Pachamanca provides a deeply traditional, savory depth.
It’s an effortless choice for a pre-theater dinner or a long weekend lunch with a side of yuca chips and plantains. Finish with the Maracuyá for a crisp, tropical end to the meal.
✨ Regional treasures for your favorite women
1021 R St #104, Sacramento
The Constellation Marketplace inside the Arthouse on R Street is a curated collection of our city's best creative energy. It carries work from over forty local makers, ranging from woodwork to handmade jewelry from seven different regional artists.
The team makes gifting easy by wrapping your finds and handling the details. Saturday features extended hours until 8pm, making it a simple stop to support our neighbors while finding something truly unique.
Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!
🖨️ Design Spot Drop-In | Arcade Library | 04/30 | More
3D printing and creative maker sessions designed to bring your digital ideas to life.
🎸 Concert in the Park | Downtown Plaza Park | 05/01 | More
Opening night of a beloved outdoor music series featuring local legends!
🏎️ Sacramento Autorama | Cal Expo | 05/01 – 05/03 | More
A showcase of custom hot rods and motorcycles celebrating 75 years of car culture.
🏰 Homeschool Clubhouse: Minecraft Builders | Fairytale Town | 05/01 | More
Digital world-building and problem-solving challenges for young tech enthusiasts.
🌍 Earth Fest: Party for the Planet | Sacramento Zoo | 05/02 | More
Celebrate wildlife and sustainability with vendor booths and animal enrichments.
🎈 Spring Festival | City Bible Church | 05/02 | More
Carnival games, bounce houses, and classic treats for a joyful gathering.
🚀 May the 4th Celebration | Bricks & Minifigs Pocket | 05/02 | More
Early Star Wars festivities featuring cosplay, LEGO activities, and photo ops!
🎶 Windborne | The Sofia | 05/02 | More
Stunning vocal harmonies and folk traditions from around the world.
💖 The Pink Pop Party | The Rink Studios | 05/02 | More
The "ultimate girly day out": tribute performances to pop icons and more.
🚲 Family Bike Party | North Natomas Community Center | 05/06 | More
Celebrate "May is Bike Month" with obstacle courses, bike tune-ups, and Kona Ice!
🧠 Speaker Series: Mayim Bialik | SAFE Credit Union Center | 04/29 | More
Neuroscience, mental health, and the intersection of Hollywood and academia.
🎙️ Bobcat Goldthwait | Punch Line Comedy Club | 04/30 – 05/02 | More
The legendary comedian performs five sets across three nights.
🌵 Cactus and Succulent Show and Sale 2026 | Shepard Garden & Art Center | 05/01 – 05/03 | More
Browse an exhibition of specimens and shop rare plants and handmade pottery.
💎 Sacramento Gem Faire | Scottish Rite Center | 05/01-05/03 | More
Marketplace of rare beads and minerals: direct-from-source vendors and displays.
🍹 Cinco On The River: 5-Day Bash | Roosters & Crawdads On The River | 05/01 – 05/05 | More
A river takeover featuring a yacht parade, beach party vibes, mariachi, and live DJs.
✨ Psychic & Healing Arts Fair | Mandarins Event Center | 05/02 – 05/03 | More
Two days of transformational talks and holistic health!
🍺 Sacramento Beer Week | Various Locations | until 05/03 | More
A 10-day celebration of craft beer: unique events at local breweries and taprooms.
🐾 Pints & Pets on the Patio | Hop Gardens Taproom | 05/03 | More
A pet costume contest and special pet swag; proceeds benefit Happy Tails.
Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!
