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I’ve been going to Sacramento Kings games since I was 5 years old, when they came to Sacramento in 1985. Whether the Kings won or lost never really mattered when I’d make the trip to Arco Arena in my grandma’s blue Cadillac. The best part was rooting for our home team and hearing the roar of the crowd with someone who loved basketball as much as I did. On nights we weren’t there in person, my grandma would jump up in front of the TV, and I can still hear her yelling, “Oh mercy,” as our poor Kings lost more often than they won.
When I became an adult, I kept rooting for my home team and found friends who loved the game and the Kings too. The early 2000s teams with Vlade, Webber, Stojakovic, Bibby, Jason Williams, and Bobby Jackson gave me some of my favorite memories. For a few of those years I was overseas studying, and it was amazing to see that we truly had a global fanbase.
When I had kids of my own, I got to carry on that tradition and use Kings basketball to build life-long memories with my boys. They quickly became huge fans and even saw me cry during that first playoff game in 17 years back in 2022. It’s been a roller coaster watching this team go from bad, to great, and honestly back to bad again. But through it all, I’ve loved, supported, and defended my home team, the Sacramento Kings. As this season comes to a close, all I can do is hope we turn the page and start rebuilding next year. No matter what, I’ll be right here rooting for my squad.
🌎 Going Green at the Old Sacramento Waterfront
The Gist: Our historic district is going green this April as the Old Sacramento Waterfront hosts a month-long Earth Month celebration running through April 30. Over a dozen local spots are joining in with eco-friendly deals, ranging from Blueprint Coffee Project’s $6.99 surprise food bags to Ecojoyous offering 20% off all refills. You can even get creative by painting a reusable tote at Atrium 916 or grabbing plant-based bites like the cauliflower tacos at Last Stop Saloon.
Why It Matters: This is a great way to support our neighbors while being mindful of the riverfront. These small steps, like using a reusable cup or choosing natural fibers, keep our local community and environment thriving together.
What’s Next: You can bring the family down for the Books & Buds garden and literary event on April 11, or stop by later in the month for the big Spring Festival on April 26!
📚 Sacramento's Book Festival Is Coming Back Bigger
The Gist: The third annual Sacramento Book Festival is set for Sunday, April 19, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in East Sacramento. This year's event moves into a venue five times larger than last year's, with air conditioning, 500 on-site parking spaces, and more than 250 authors across genres. Keynote speakers include Hugo Award-winning sci-fi author Kim Stanley Robinson and Edgar-winning YA author Wendelin Van Draanen. Food trucks, a coffee vendor, a dedicated kids' zone, and a passport scavenger hunt round out the day. Admission is free.
Why It Matters: Last year drew 5,000 people on a 100-degree day. With a bigger venue, a cooler forecast, and a stronger author lineup, this one could be something Sacramento talks about for a while. Mark April 19 on your calendar and visit the Sacramento Book Festival website for the full author and panel schedule.
🍔 Fine dining roots, street food soul, and a serious sauce
2301 K St Suite 100, Sacramento
Chefs Scott and Paul traded fine dining for the perfect sear at Gami Burger, their understated debut at the corner of 23rd and K.
The signature smash is a masterclass in balance, featuring sunomono pickles and Fresno chilis on a toasted Truckee Sourdough Co. bun. While the togarashi fries are non-negotiable, the shaved pastrami sandwich holds its own for those looking beyond the beef.
You’ll be thankful for touch-screen ordering, late-night hours on weekends, and a vibe that feels like it was built for neighborhood people.
📚 New chapters and local paperbacks
Midtown: 2500 J St, Sacramento
East Sac: 3604 McKinley Blvd, Sacramento
East Village Bookshop recently opened its second location on the corner of 25th and J, and it has already become a place where people bring friends on purpose. This AAPI-owned independent shop began welcoming readers here late last year.
Shelves lean toward new releases and titles that reflect the literary breadth of Sacramento. Dogs are welcome, and the atmosphere is unhurried. Park for free on the streets nearby!
Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!
🎠 Funderland Regular Opening Week | Funderland Amusement Park | 04/08 onwards | More
Classic amusement park rides and whimsical fun in historic William Land Park.
🧗 Free Open Climb | The Challenge Center | 04/09 | More
Community climbing night: snacks, music, and inclusive ropes course challenges.
🏀 Kings vs. Warriors: Sixth Man Celebration | Golden 1 Center | 04/10 | More
Fan appreciation night featuring intense Northern California basketball rivalry.
🏉 Pacific Four Series Rugby Double Header | Heart Health Park | 04/11 | More
Elite international women's rugby with a showdown between four global powers!
🎨 Fantastical Skyscrapers Art Class | Crocker Art Museum | 04/11 | More
Creative architectural building using a variety of tactile mixed-media materials.
📚 Kids’ Day: Books & Buds | Sacramento History Museum | 04/11 | More
Garden-inspired learning with local authors, storytelling, and nature activities.
🎥 The Lion King (1994) | Crest Theatre | 04/12 | More
A special screening of the Disney classic on the big screen at the historic Crest.
✨ Japan Day: Matsuri Festival | Sac State Library Quad | 04/12 | More
Traditional Taiko drumming, Samurai demonstrations, and cultural crafts for all.
🎉 Concerts in the Park Lineup Launch | Ali Youssefi Square | 04/10 | More
A block party with DJ Oasis and the Sac Dance Lab to kick off the 2026 season.
🎵 The Pharcyde | Harlow's Night Club | 04/10 | More
The legendary LA group brings their classic catalogue for a night of 90s nostalgia!
🎸 The Summer Set | Ace of Spades | 04/10 | More
Infectious pop-rock energy: catchy hooks and a vibrant, upbeat stage presence.
🕺 Bed By 10: 30+ Daytime Clubbing | The Rink Studios | 04/11 | More
Relive the best of the 80s, 90s, and 00s with a party that gets you home early.
😂 One Fall Improv | STAB! Comedy Theater | 04/11 | More
Wrestling-inspired comedy with high-flying physical humor and quick wit.
🌙 STEM Fatales Improv | Comedy Spot | 04/11 | More
Brainy & dangerously funny femmes in STEM take the stage for a night of improv.
🎭 An Irish Goodbye | The Sofia | until 04/12 | More
A poignant one-man show exploring the complexities of aging and memory.
🍷 Earth Week at REV! | Revolution Winery | 04/15-04/22 | More
Sustainable wine flights and "Grown Together" pairings celebrating local farms!
Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!
