September showed up fast, and Sacramento apparently decided to stay busy. Labor Day weekend is just around the corner, so consider this your reminder to enjoy that last little taste of summer.

Between SacAnime, Chalk It Up!, concerts, comedy, and a few new places to check out, there is no shortage of things happening around town. We also have some pretty exciting news from Sac State and a bit of Sacramento history to dig into.

The Gist: Sacramento State secured a combined investment of nearly $150 million from the California State University system and private donors to build a new engineering building. The facility will add modern classrooms, labs and collaborative space for the College of Engineering and Computer Science, which serves about 5,000 students. Philanthropist Ernest E. Tschannen gave $15 million to name the building, which will replace the aging Santa Clara Hall.

Why It Matters: The college reports an 85 percent job placement rate, and the added space is meant to graduate more engineers, computer scientists and construction managers for the region's workforce.

The Gist: Frico Pizza Co. is now open at 1429 Broadway, serving rectangular Detroit-style pizzas with thick, focaccia-style crusts and crispy caramelized cheese edges. The 8-by-10-inch pies cost $23 to $29, with options ranging from classic cheese and pepperoni to hot honey, potato and sausage. The menu also includes 14-inch New York-style pizzas, smaller personal pies, wings, potato wedges and salads.

Why It Matters: Land Park has a new locally owned pizza spot near Tower Cafe, with both thick Detroit-style pies and thinner New York-style pizza on the menu.

The Gist: The Sacramento City Council added four properties to the Sacramento Register of Historic and Cultural Resources. The group includes three homes and the former El Dorado School on J Street, with architectural styles dating from 1901 to 1941. Preservation groups have also nominated the former school to the National Register of Historic Places.

Why It Matters: The designations recognize the architecture and neighborhood stories these buildings represent while guiding how future exterior changes are reviewed. Property owners are also eligible for the City’s Mills Act program, which can reduce property taxes in exchange for preserving and maintaining a historic property.

Since 1996, The Waterboy has set the standard for northern Italian and southern French comfort. As the seasons shift, this neighborhood favorite comes into its prime.

House-made focaccia and ricotta ravioli with sweet corn lead off the rotating menu, while crisp veal sweetbreads in a rich demi-glace steal the show. Top it off with Earl Grey crème brûlée for a cozy dinner.

Next to the Crest Theatre, Capital Books offers three floors of books and games to explore. You’ll find general titles, Sacramento’s first all-romance bookstore floor and a basement filled with science fiction, graphic novels, games, Funko collectibles and more. The 1920s-inspired Flamingo Lounge also hosts book clubs and other gatherings.

Parking is easier than you might expect downtown: the store validates parking at nearby city garages with a purchase.

💃 Behind the Barre | CLARA | 09/03-09/04 | More
Collaborative ballet performance paired with a bustling maker's market.

🦁 Member Evening | Sacramento Zoo | 09/03 | More
Exclusive after-hours zoo stroll featuring animal ambassador shows and routines.

🎌 SacAnime Summer | SAFE Credit Union Convention Center | 09/04-09/06 | More
Immersive pop-culture celebration with cosplay, gaming, and artist displays.

🎨 Chalk It Up! Chalk Art & Music Festival | Fremont Park | 09/05-09/07 | More Chalk masterpieces, live music, and creative local craft vendors.

🏰 Open for Play: Labor Day | Fairytale Town | 09/07 | More
Whimsical storybook play park with charming animals and imaginative playsets.

🚚 Food Truck Mania | Oki Park | 09/11 | More
Gourmet local trucks and sweet neighborhood treats.

🦋 Butterfly Fest 2026 | The Secret Garden | 09/12-09/13 | More
Guided life cycle tours and pollinator plant sales.

😅 Heath Harmison | Laughs Unlimited | 09/04-09/05 | More
Physical comedy filled with fast-paced observational jokes and sharp wit.

🌈 Sacramento Rainbow Festival 2026 | Lavender Heights | 09/06 | More
Retro street festival celebrating pride, community, live entertainment, and more.

🔊 IASCA Southwest Regional Sound Off | Melo's Auto Repair | 09/06 | More
Car audio competition featuring raffles, food, and custom trophies.

🎸 Weezer: The Gathering | Golden 1 Center | 09/08 | More
Sing every word to two decades of alt-rock anthems downtown.

🥁 Beats Antique | Ace of Spades | 09/11 | More
Hypnotic experimental electronic beats blended with global rhythms.

🎤 Michael Blaustein Comedy Tour | Channel 24 | 09/12 | More
Unfiltered stand-up delivered with wild energy and rapid-fire crowd banter.

🎶 R&B Fest | The Rink Studios | 09/12 | More
90ss and 2000s rhythm and blues dance party spun by live DJs.

Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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