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I know, it’s easy to say yes to getting out of the house! The patios are full, the tomatoes are at their peak, and there always seems to be another event worth checking out.
This week's issue is packed with ideas, from the California State Fair and baseball to great local eats and family-friendly outings. We even found a few ways to save a little money along the way, because summer fun does not have to come with a big price tag.
Grab some sunscreen, enjoy these long evenings, and make the most of another great week in Sacramento!
🍟 Where kids eat free this summer
The Gist: Five major restaurant chains around the Sacramento area are offering free kids meals this summer, giving families an easy way to save on a meal out. Habit Burger & Grill, Chili’s, Denny’s, IHOP and Outback Steakhouse are all taking part, though the details vary by restaurant. Some offers are limited to certain days, while others require joining a rewards program or placing an order through an app.
Why It Matters: Feeding the whole family can add up fast, so these deals could make a dinner out feel a little easier on the budget. With participating locations from Elk Grove to Folsom and across Sacramento, families have plenty of options for a low-cost night off from cooking.
🏛️ Sacramento’s historic home tour returns
The Gist: Preservation Sacramento’s 50th Annual Historic Home Tour is set for Sunday, September 20, featuring six properties in the Old and New Washington School Historic Districts. The self-guided tour includes docent stops, and advance tickets are $30 for members and $40 for the public.
Why It Matters: This is the city’s longest-running event of its kind, and the 50th anniversary gives it extra weight. The route includes the 1927 Washington Neighborhood Center, home to Sacramento’s oldest surviving RCAF mural, plus a street fair with food trucks and local vendors.
🍅 Fresh summer plates by Fremont Park
1601 16th St, Sacramento
Magpie Café overlooks Fremont Park from its patio shaded by bright yellow umbrellas. The menu changes with the weekly harvest, with summer dishes like Mike Mustard Verona tomatoes with Point Reyes blue cheese and Manila clams with corn and jalapeño crema.
Sunday’s pork chop is a local favorite, especially with a glass of Mariah Vineyard Pinot Noir. Fresh, seasonal and dog-friendly, it’s an easy pick for a relaxed summer meal.
🚂 Whirring engines and sweet childhood flashbacks
1113 Front St, Sacramento
G. Willikers Toy Emporium has been a favorite Old Sacramento stop since 2005. Inside, LGB trains wind through an elaborate display while tin toys, Thomas the Tank Engine favorites, plush animals and nostalgic finds fill the shelves. Kids will have plenty to point out before they even make it to the back of the store.
Part of the Stage Nine family, the shop carries toys for all ages, including puzzles, model trains, STEM kits and retro favorites. Be sure to look for the life-size dinosaurs and stop by the souvenir penny machines before heading out.
Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!
🎡 California State Fair | Cal Expo | opens 07/17 | More
Classic carnival rides, diverse exhibits, and local food in the summer heat.
👶 Food & Diaper Distribution | BAART (310 Harris Ave) | 07/17 | More
A community resource drive supporting local households with essentials.
🚚 Food Truck Mania | Garcia Bend Park | 07/17 | More
A riverfront gathering with a diverse lineup of premium local mobile kitchens.
⛺ Family Campout | Fairytale Town | 07/18-07/19 | More
An overnight outdoor adventure: bedtime stories and late-night park play.
🌺 Kūhai Hālau O Nohea's Hō'ike | C.K. McClatchy Center | 07/18 | More
A traditional Hawaiian dance celebration filled with rich storytelling.
⚾ Baseball Talk | Sacramento History Museum | 07/18 | More
An engaging series featuring legends and interactive major league stories.
🎬 Sensory Friendly Family Movie | Arcade Library | 07/22 | More
An inclusive cinematic experience with softer sound and brighter lighting.
🎤 Caitlin Peluffo (18+) | Punch Line Sacramento | 07/16-07/18 | More
Sharp-witted stand-up, multiple available shows. Two-drink minimum.
🍺 Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore | Harlow's | 07/17 | More
Soulful roots music legends delivering intimate, dusty folk and guitar duets.
🎵 Earlybirds Club (21+) | Ace of Spades Sacramento | 07/17 | More
Pulsing late-night dance and electronic grooves in a packed club environment.
🎸 The Band Unleashed | Wildwood Kitchen & Bar | 07/18 | More
Lively classic covers and acoustic rock tunes on a vibrant patio space.
🎷 Sunday Blues Jam | Torch Club | 07/19 | More
Sacramento's oldest music bar hosts its long-running weekly blues jam.
⚽ World Cup Fever | Tipsy Putt | 07/19 | More
Cheer during the ultimate championship match with cold beers!
🎵 Widespread Panic | Channel 24 | 07/21 | More
Improvisational Southern jam-rock with heavy blues-infused guitar rhythms.
Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!
