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One of our favorite parts of putting this together is finding the places that aren't always right on the main road. This week, it's a tucked-away pizza spot built from shipping containers and a record shop where it's easy to lose track of time. Add the State Fair in full swing, a calendar packed with local events, and there's still plenty of summer left to enjoy.
We hope this week's issue helps you discover somewhere new that you'll keep coming back to long after the season is over.
🎡 Halfway through State Fair: big names to come!
The Gist: The California State Fair is nearly a week into its 17-day run at Cal Expo, with concerts, livestock exhibits, carnival rides and plenty of fair food continuing through August 2. Gates are open from 4 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday, with an earlier 8 p.m. closing on the final day.
Why It Matters: There is still plenty left to see, including upcoming concerts from Lee Brice, Ja Rule, KC and the Sunshine Band, Keith Sweat, Trace Adkins, Boyz II Men and WAR. Most shows are included with fair admission, so locals who skipped opening weekend still have time to catch a big name before the Ferris wheel comes down.
🥕 Farm-to-School Program gets permanent funding
The Gist: Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation permanently establishing California’s Farm to School Program, which helps schools serve locally grown food while supporting farmers and agricultural education. The program has funded projects across the state, including a $350,000 grant that helped Galt’s Apple Creek Vineyard Farm add hydroponic growing systems and provide fresh produce to Arcohe Union Elementary.
Why It Matters: This gives local schools and farms a little more certainty that these partnerships can continue. For students, that can mean fresher California-grown food in the cafeteria and hands-on opportunities to learn where it comes from, while nearby growers gain another reliable way to serve their community.
🍕 Containers, craft beer, and charred crusts
2009 Matsui Alley, Sacramento
Federalist Pizza is one of those Midtown spots that feels like a fun little find. Located down Matsui Alley, the open-air restaurant was created from shipping containers and has been serving wood-fired pizza, California craft beer and laid-back backyard vibes since 2014.
The pizzas are baked fresh in a wood-fired oven, with both Neapolitan-style and square deep-dish options on the menu. Communal tables and bocce make it an easy place to settle in with friends, share a few pies and enjoy a casual Sacramento evening.
🎛️ The cool, air-conditioned R Street time machine
712 R St Ste B, Sacramento
Some midsummer afternoons, you just need somewhere cool that isn't a mall. Kicksville Vinyl & Vintage has been that place since 2014, blending an eclectic music selection with mid-century furniture and housewares.
The air conditioning is cranked, the tunes are spinning, and new music drops every Friday. Grab an iced coffee down the block and browse the shelves. You might even catch their latest concert ticket giveaway while digging through the crates!
Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!
🌳 Music on the Green | William Land Golf Course | 07/23 | More
Live music and complimentary snacks.
🎒 Back to School Resource Fair | HOPE Center | 07/24 | More
A gathering offering free school supplies, performances, and resources.
🎄 Christmas in July Ballpark Night | Sutter Health Park | 07/25 | More
Surprises, fireworks, and professional baseball to the diamond.
💥 K-Pop Takeover | The Rink Studios | 07/25 | More
Dancers and bright fan-chant music bring massive rhythm to the room.
🚂 Yolo Explorer Train Ride | River Fox Train | 07/25 | More
A rail journey through the countryside: open-air views and relaxing excursions.
🌍 The Village Culture Fest! | The Village by the River | 07/25 | More
Cultural heritage celebrations with traditional music, storytelling, and cuisine.
🚜 Tractor Tales | Fairytale Town | 07/25-07/26 | More
An interactive time featuring friendly farm chickens for little animal lovers.
🎙️ Ron Taylor Live Stand-Up | Punch Line Comedy Club | 07/23-07/25 | More
Sharp punchlines and clever storytelling inside an iconic local showroom.
🎸 Big Sad 1900 | Ace of Spades | 07/24 | More
Emo rap tour rolls into R Street at 7 p.m.
🎷 The Henry Robinett Group Performance | The Sofia | 07/24 | More Sophisticated contemporary jazz arrangements by an all-star local ensemble.
🍻 Veterans Beer Club Meet Up | SacYard Community Tap House | 07/24 | More
A casual backyard social connecting local military veterans over premium brews.
🔥 Midsummer Meltdown Festival | The Torch Club | 07/25 | More
A multi-band summer rock showcase packed with heavy guitar riffs and energy.
👗 Red, White and Vintage Fashion Show | Sacramento History Museum | 07/26 | More
A showcase celebrating timeless historic glamour and elegant runway styles.
Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!
