There is always a little shift around Sacramento in early August. The days are still hot, but the calendar starts filling with school events, new routines, and that familiar feeling that summer is winding down.

Before we get too far into it, there are plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the city. Grab a peach pizza on the patio, wander Old Sac after dark, catch some live music, or find something completely new to you!

The Gist: Der Biergarten Waterfront opened Aug. 7 in the historic Steamers Building at 1108 Front St., adding an open-air beer garden right on the Old Sacramento riverfront. Local owners Sean, Erika, and Jarrett Derfield, who also run the Midtown Der Biergarten and Sean Finnegan's Pub, built it out with river views, German and Belgian beers, Northern California craft pours, sausages, and pretzels.

Why It Matters: It’s the newest piece of the city's Waterfront Reinvestment Program, which also includes a fresh riverfront deck, a children's play area, and planned public market buildings. A sit-down waterfront restaurant is still in the works at the neighboring 1110 Front St. deck.

The Gist: Sacramento’s Office of Nighttime Economy is hosting its next free “Taking Care of Business” workshop, this time focused on marketing and social media for local hospitality and nightlife businesses. Wendy Aguilar, a media and communications specialist with the Sacramento Fire Department and recipient of a 2026 Social Media Leadership Award, will share practical tips for building a brand, creating content and using social media to reach new customers.

Why It Matters: Good marketing can be tough to tackle when you’re running a small business day to day. This free workshop gives local bars, restaurants, cafes and other nightlife businesses practical ideas they can actually use to strengthen their presence and connect with customers.

When school schedules start filling up, Masullo keeps dinner blissfully simple.

The Land Park favorite fires Neapolitan-style pizzas in an 800+ degree almond-wood oven, with seasonal pies that make the most of what’s fresh. Right now, the New Castle brings a late-summer twist with mozzarella, peaches, goat cheese and pancetta. If you’re feeling classic, the Margherita is always a solid choice.

Add a crisp salad, grab a patio table and let summer linger a little longer.

Kline Music has kept Sacramento playing since 1963. The shop carries everything from ukuleles and trumpets to full-sized harps, along with a huge sheet-music collection. School-year rentals make it easier for students to try an instrument without a big upfront commitment, while two dozen private instructors and knowledgeable staff help beginners get comfortable with those first shaky notes.

In-house technicians handle repairs, too, so families can get rentals, lessons, sheet music and tune-ups all in one place. For a kid picking up an instrument for the first time, or getting back into one as school starts, it’s a pretty handy local resource to have around.

🛸 DroneArt Show: Harry Potter | Cal Expo Racetrack | 08/14-08/15 | More
Breathtaking illuminated displays synchronized with cinematic fantasy music.

🎉 Celebrate Natomas | Southside Natomas Community Center | 08/15 | More
Festive gathering with live performances, food trucks, and bounce houses.

🍌 Sacramento Banana Festival | William Land Park | 08/15-08/16 | More
Global food, music, and culture from banana-growing countries.

🏎️ Monster Jam | Golden 1 Center | 08/15-08/16 | More
Motorsport action featuring massive racing trucks and gravity-defying stunts.

🛍️ Museum Store Trunk Show | Crocker Art Museum | 08/15-08/16 | More
Handcrafted local ceramics and fine jewelry presented directly by the creator.

🦋 Bugtopia Insects & Plants Expo | DoubleTree Sacramento | 08/15-08/16 | More
Exotic displays, preserved specimen exhibits, terrariums, and rare collections.

⛺ ArtMix: Camp Crocker | Crocker Art Museum | 08/13 | More
Nostalgic adult summer camp games, live storytelling, and craft cocktails.

🎶 All Your Friends: The Indie Party | Harlow's | 08/14 | More
Bbloghouse and post-punk revival dance party with energetic retro hits.

🕺 Club 90s: Off Campus Night (18+) | Ace of Spades | 08/14 | More
Vibe all night to 2000s throwbacks and unapologetic pop-punk nostalgia.

🎬 Plan 9 From Outer Space with Live Orchestra | Crest Theater | 08/14 | More
Cult classic sci-fi comedy screened alongside dramatic orchestral accompaniment.

🎙️ George Lopez Live | SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center | 08/15 | More
Bold observational comedy tackling culture, family dynamics, and everyday life.

📖 KnottyCon Romance Book Convention | Sacramento Memorial Auditorium | 08/15-08/16 | More
Celebratory gathering: author signings, creative panels, and artisanal vendors.

🦸 VerseCon - Anime & Comic Con | Scottish Rite Center | 08/15-08/16 | More
Celebrity panels, cosplay, and car shows.

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!

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