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Back-to-school season is officially here, which means the morning rush is back, the backpacks are out, and families are settling into a new rhythm.
There is some good news for students getting around town this year: SacRT rides are free for TK through 12th grade students through the RydeFreeRT program. We also have a freshly renovated Meadowview library, plus plenty of weekend ideas if you need a break from the school-week shuffle.
And for everyone else, there is no shortage of reasons to get out and explore Sacramento.
🚌 Students ride free this school year
The Gist: As classes resume, all transitional kindergarten through 12th grade students can ride Sacramento Regional Transit buses and light rail for free through the RydeFreeRT program. With a valid card, students can reach school, jobs, libraries, and activities across the region at no cost. The City of Sacramento contributed $250,000 this year to help fund it.
Why It Matters: Fare-free transit saves local families real money and gives kids a dependable way to get where they need to go. Cards are available through participating schools, county libraries, and the SacRT Sales Center at 1225 R St.
📚 A beloved Meadowview library reopens, reimagined
The Gist: The Martin Luther King Jr. Library in Meadowview reopened this month after an 18-month, $8.3 million renovation, its first full overhaul since the branch opened in 1970. Crews added expanded areas for children and teens, a larger community room, two new study rooms, and a dedicated makerspace, all while preserving one of the neighborhood's most recognizable buildings.
Why It Matters: It gives South Sacramento families a modern, free place to learn, create, and gather close to home. The branch is open now, so you can stop in soon!
🍔 Farm-to-fork eats in an old Sacramento firehouse
1630 S St, Sacramento
Set in a historic Sacramento firehouse, Hook & Ladder pairs plenty of local character with an easygoing neighborhood feel. The seasonal, locally sourced menu moves between creative dishes, burgers, pizzas and shareable plates, with craft cocktails, local beer and California wine rounding things out.
Grab a shaded table on the dog-friendly patio, or stop in for happy hour Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. It’s a good excuse for an afternoon cocktail, a few bites and an early start to the evening.
🎨 Where local creative magic comes to life
625 S St, Sacramento
Verge Center for the Arts powers Sacramento’s creative heartbeat. Inside this nonprofit S Street space, dozens of working studios sit alongside free galleries open Thursday through Sunday, featuring resident work and neighbor gallery Axis Gallery.
Beyond wandering the exhibitions, hands-on workshops cover everything from pottery and macrame to rare stone lithography. With the Sac Open Studios Kickoff Party landing September 10, it’s a special time to connect.
Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!
🎬 Movies Off The Wall: Clueless | Crocker Art Museum | 08/20 | More
90ss teen comedy screening in the museum courtyard alongside pre-film DJ beats.
🧘 Yoga Tots | Tahoe Park | 08/21 | More
Gentle movement, music, storytime, and mindful breathing exercises for little ones.
🎬 Movie Night (Super Mario Galaxy) | George Sim Center | 08/21 | More
Lawn screening complete with lawn games, music, and complimentary snacks.
🚚 Food Truck Mania | Garcia Bend Park | 08/21 | More
Riverside park gathering featuring diverse gourmet food trucks and local flavor.
🎭 Hairspray Live | UC Davis Health Pavilion | opens 08/21 | More
Joyful sixties musical theater packed with big hair, rhythm, and optimism.
🏃 Race for the Arts 5K & Free Arts Festival | William A Carroll Amphitheatre | 08/22 | More
Run or stroll shady Land Park, then hit 35-plus hands-on art booths.
🎸 A Foreign Affair Album Release | Harlow's | 08/21 | More
Driving melodies with soaring vocals and thick guitar hooks for a loud night.
🍺 Tales & Ales | Fairytale Town | 08/22 | More
Craft breweries, live music, and root beer floats among the storybook sets.
🎷 Hipper than Hip Band | Swabbies on the River | 08/22 | More
Funk, soul, and horn-heavy rhythm grooves right along the water.
🥊 UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs Rodrigues | Golden 1 Center | 08/22 | More Electrifying live mixed martial arts bouts: elite middleweight contender clashes.
🚗 4th Annual Loc Convention & Car Show | Rock & Brews | 08/23 | More
Custom cars, live entertainment, and hair culture displays.
❤️🔥 Jazz Night: Tod Dickow & Charged Particles | Crocker Art Museum | 08/27 | More
Bebop and fusion melodies fill the breezy outdoor courtyard.
A huge thank-you to all the teachers heading back to school. You deserve the laughs ahead more than anyone! ❤️
Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!