Things to do in Sacramento: 58 outings from the Sacramento County guide, each linked to its source. Details can change. Check with the venue before you go.
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Outings near you
Sacramento calls itself America's Farm-to-Fork Capital, and as the state capital it is the only star on the map of California. Museums in Old Sacramento, theater and seasonal events in the city are listed below. Source: visitsacramento.com
Free and budget-friendly in Sacramento
Free entry, free admission days and low-cost outings from across the site.
Free and low-cost museum, zoo and science center passes for cardholders 16 and older in the library's service area; up to two reservations. Government-issued ID required; the person named on the reservation must be present.
Every other Sunday, Amazing Dogs Rescue brings lovable pups, from cuddly puppies to wise old souls, to meet potential forever families. Reserve a dog online or walk up.
Dates
Sundays, November 8 and 22, December 6 and 20, 2026
The 49th annual Jewish Food Faire, a celebration of culture, community, and culinary delights: traditional Jewish foods served fresh, a Best Bagel contest, live music, family activities, a wine garden and a vendor market. No pets (service animals welcome); bags are searched at the entrance.
The evening starts with Polar Express characters in the passenger station, then a one-hour train ride to the North Pole with hot chocolate and a treat, carols, and Santa handing every passenger a silver sleigh bell. Santa visits afterward in the Eagle Theater.
Dates
Nov 13, 2026 – Dec 21, 2026
Hours
Wed-Mon (select days in November): 3:30, 5, 6:30 and 8pm; Dec 21 no 8pm train
Cost
Coach $80-$85; first class $100-$110 (fees included); under 2 free on a lap
28,000 square feet of model railroads: operating layouts in Z, N, HO and G scales, club displays, vendors, a children's layout kids can run and full-size railroad motorcars.
Dates
Nov 14, 2026 – Nov 15, 2026
Hours
Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Cost
Sat $12 (13+, good both days), Sun $10, kids 12 and under free; parking $10
Fall camp for ages 4-9 with hands-on learning, stories and activities. Morning session 9am-12pm, with optional Afternoon Adventures to 4pm; early drop-off $15 per child per day.
Dates
Nov 23-25, 2026
Hours
Morning Session (9 AM to 12 PM); Afternoon Adventures (12 PM to 4 PM)
B Street's family holiday hit returns as a best-of, with sketches and scenes from four seasons: global holiday traditions, folktales and fables, and hometown celebrations. Run time 1 hour 15 minutes.
Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens breathe fantastic new life into Dickens' story in this spectacular musical adaptation. Children under four aren't admitted.
Dates
December 11 - 20, 2026
Hours
Evenings 7:30pm; matinees 1:30pm on Dec 12, 13, 16, 17, 19 and 20
Ages
Children under four (including infants) will not be admitted
Sacramento Ballet's holiday Nutcracker with Tchaikovsky's score performed live, at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. About two hours, including one 15-minute intermission.
Sacramento's original certified farmers' market, running since 1980, with the region's biggest selection of produce, flowers, nuts, breads, eggs and honey. Open rain or shine; closed Christmas Day.
A five-block Saturday market in Midtown's Lavender Heights with over 200 vendors: local agriculture, prepared foods, artisans and live music every Saturday. Dog-friendly, on a leash.
Hours
8am-1pm
Cost
No entry fee listed
Dogs
Yes! The Midtown Farmers Market is a dog-friendly events. Please keep your dog on a leash at all times and pick-up their waste. Dogs must also be kept at least 20 feet away from all agricultural producer and food vendor booths.
Museum of Sacramento history in Old Sacramento and home of the Old Sacramento Underground Tours. The Play Ball! baseball exhibit runs through Jan 24, 2027.
Hours
Daily 10am-5pm (last tickets 4:30pm)
Cost
Adults $12; seniors 65+ and college students $10; ages 6-17 $6; 5 and under free
Free and low-cost museum, zoo and science center passes for cardholders 16 and older in the library's service area; up to two reservations. Government-issued ID required; the person named on the reservation must be present.
Late-night long-form improv (the Harold) from B Street company members Upstairs at The B. Ages 16 and up. Three dates: Oct 24, Nov 21 and Dec 12, 2026.
B Street Theatre's gala for its 40th season: dinner, a show by the B Street Company and special musical guests, and a dance afterparty, in support of arts education. Ages 21+.
Dates
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Hours
VIP 5:30pm; show 7:30pm; afterparty 9pm
Ages
21+
Cost
$250 showtime ticket; $800 VIP (2 tickets); $150 afterparty only
ARTHOUSE on R opens for Second Saturday with a new guest artist exhibit, Linda Heath-Clark, while its 13 studios and 21 artists open their doors to visitors.
Part game, part improvised storytelling: a paranormal investigation team led by B Street's John Lamb, like a live-action Dungeons & Dragons game where you can watch or join in. Ages 16+.
Jazz vocalist Shelley Burns and multi-instrumentalist Bill Dendle, with Avalon Swing and saxophonist Jacam Manricks, sing, play and explore what makes the Great American Songbook so enduring. The Sofia offers wheelchair-accessible seating and assisted listening devices.
A B Street Theatre Mainstage holiday play: after a century of making the world believe, Kris and Martha Kringle have gotten lost in the very thing they created. Ages 13+.
Sam Kebede's adaptation of A Christmas Carol, with original music and a cast of three who play every character. A special engagement; run time 1 hour 45 minutes.
Part comedy, part confession: four storytellers share true, personal holiday-themed stories live on stage in The Sofia's intimate Mike & Bobbie Voris Mainstage. Tickets rise on the day of the show.
Dates
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Hours
8pm
Cost
$24 plus $10 fee in advance; $30 plus $10 fee on the day
An evening of festive swing as Sacramento Music Hall of Fame vocalist Vivian Lee brings warmth and elegance to holiday favorites and jazz standards. All ages; wheelchair-accessible seating and assisted listening devices are available.
Sacramento's original certified farmers' market, running since 1980, with the region's biggest selection of produce, flowers, nuts, breads, eggs and honey. Open rain or shine; closed Christmas Day.
Adults $15; seniors and college students $10; ages 6-17 $8; 5 and under free; Pay What You Wish on the third Sunday of each month (advance registration recommended)
Museum of Sacramento history in Old Sacramento and home of the Old Sacramento Underground Tours. The Play Ball! baseball exhibit runs through Jan 24, 2027.
Hours
Daily 10am-5pm (last tickets 4:30pm)
Cost
Adults $12; seniors 65+ and college students $10; ages 6-17 $6; 5 and under free
Late-night long-form improv (the Harold) from B Street company members Upstairs at The B. Ages 16 and up. Three dates: Oct 24, Nov 21 and Dec 12, 2026.
Help care for William Land Park with the Land Park Volunteer Corps and the City's Youth, Parks & Community Enrichment department. Coffee and pastries at registration, and a BBQ lunch at the end.
Dates
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Hours
9am-12pm
Cost
No fee listed; volunteer sign-up; coffee, pastries and BBQ lunch provided
The 49th annual Jewish Food Faire, a celebration of culture, community, and culinary delights: traditional Jewish foods served fresh, a Best Bagel contest, live music, family activities, a wine garden and a vendor market. No pets (service animals welcome); bags are searched at the entrance.
Part game, part improvised storytelling: a paranormal investigation team led by B Street's John Lamb, like a live-action Dungeons & Dragons game where you can watch or join in. Ages 16+.
Part comedy, part confession: four storytellers share true, personal holiday-themed stories live on stage in The Sofia's intimate Mike & Bobbie Voris Mainstage. Tickets rise on the day of the show.
Dates
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Hours
8pm
Cost
$24 plus $10 fee in advance; $30 plus $10 fee on the day
Jazz vocalist Shelley Burns and multi-instrumentalist Bill Dendle, with Avalon Swing and saxophonist Jacam Manricks, sing, play and explore what makes the Great American Songbook so enduring. The Sofia offers wheelchair-accessible seating and assisted listening devices.
An evening of festive swing as Sacramento Music Hall of Fame vocalist Vivian Lee brings warmth and elegance to holiday favorites and jazz standards. All ages; wheelchair-accessible seating and assisted listening devices are available.
Adults $15; seniors and college students $10; ages 6-17 $8; 5 and under free; Pay What You Wish on the third Sunday of each month (advance registration recommended)
Museum of Sacramento history in Old Sacramento and home of the Old Sacramento Underground Tours. The Play Ball! baseball exhibit runs through Jan 24, 2027.
Hours
Daily 10am-5pm (last tickets 4:30pm)
Cost
Adults $12; seniors 65+ and college students $10; ages 6-17 $6; 5 and under free
Late-night long-form improv (the Harold) from B Street company members Upstairs at The B. Ages 16 and up. Three dates: Oct 24, Nov 21 and Dec 12, 2026.
Jazz vocalist Shelley Burns and multi-instrumentalist Bill Dendle, with Avalon Swing and saxophonist Jacam Manricks, sing, play and explore what makes the Great American Songbook so enduring. The Sofia offers wheelchair-accessible seating and assisted listening devices.
A B Street Theatre Mainstage holiday play: after a century of making the world believe, Kris and Martha Kringle have gotten lost in the very thing they created. Ages 13+.
Sam Kebede's adaptation of A Christmas Carol, with original music and a cast of three who play every character. A special engagement; run time 1 hour 45 minutes.
B Street's family holiday hit returns as a best-of, with sketches and scenes from four seasons: global holiday traditions, folktales and fables, and hometown celebrations. Run time 1 hour 15 minutes.
Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens breathe fantastic new life into Dickens' story in this spectacular musical adaptation. Children under four aren't admitted.
Dates
December 11 - 20, 2026
Hours
Evenings 7:30pm; matinees 1:30pm on Dec 12, 13, 16, 17, 19 and 20
Ages
Children under four (including infants) will not be admitted
Part comedy, part confession: four storytellers share true, personal holiday-themed stories live on stage in The Sofia's intimate Mike & Bobbie Voris Mainstage. Tickets rise on the day of the show.
Dates
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Hours
8pm
Cost
$24 plus $10 fee in advance; $30 plus $10 fee on the day
Sacramento Ballet's holiday Nutcracker with Tchaikovsky's score performed live, at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. About two hours, including one 15-minute intermission.
The Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra's holiday concert in Memorial Auditorium, a heartfelt farewell as Maestro Donald Kendrick takes his final bow after 31 years.
An evening of inspiring music celebrating unity and community, as the UBG Strings collective blends classical, pop, jazz and contemporary styles. Registration available.
An evening of festive swing as Sacramento Music Hall of Fame vocalist Vivian Lee brings warmth and elegance to holiday favorites and jazz standards. All ages; wheelchair-accessible seating and assisted listening devices are available.
Adults $15; seniors and college students $10; ages 6-17 $8; 5 and under free; Pay What You Wish on the third Sunday of each month (advance registration recommended)
Museum of Sacramento history in Old Sacramento and home of the Old Sacramento Underground Tours. The Play Ball! baseball exhibit runs through Jan 24, 2027.
Hours
Daily 10am-5pm (last tickets 4:30pm)
Cost
Adults $12; seniors 65+ and college students $10; ages 6-17 $6; 5 and under free
The 49th annual Jewish Food Faire, a celebration of culture, community, and culinary delights: traditional Jewish foods served fresh, a Best Bagel contest, live music, family activities, a wine garden and a vendor market. No pets (service animals welcome); bags are searched at the entrance.
Sacramento's original certified farmers' market, running since 1980, with the region's biggest selection of produce, flowers, nuts, breads, eggs and honey. Open rain or shine; closed Christmas Day.
A five-block Saturday market in Midtown's Lavender Heights with over 200 vendors: local agriculture, prepared foods, artisans and live music every Saturday. Dog-friendly, on a leash.
Hours
8am-1pm
Cost
No entry fee listed
Dogs
Yes! The Midtown Farmers Market is a dog-friendly events. Please keep your dog on a leash at all times and pick-up their waste. Dogs must also be kept at least 20 feet away from all agricultural producer and food vendor booths.
Adults $15; seniors and college students $10; ages 6-17 $8; 5 and under free; Pay What You Wish on the third Sunday of each month (advance registration recommended)
Museum of Sacramento history in Old Sacramento and home of the Old Sacramento Underground Tours. The Play Ball! baseball exhibit runs through Jan 24, 2027.
Hours
Daily 10am-5pm (last tickets 4:30pm)
Cost
Adults $12; seniors 65+ and college students $10; ages 6-17 $6; 5 and under free
A five-block Saturday market in Midtown's Lavender Heights with over 200 vendors: local agriculture, prepared foods, artisans and live music every Saturday. Dog-friendly, on a leash.
Hours
8am-1pm
Cost
No entry fee listed
Dogs
Yes! The Midtown Farmers Market is a dog-friendly events. Please keep your dog on a leash at all times and pick-up their waste. Dogs must also be kept at least 20 feet away from all agricultural producer and food vendor booths.
Fall camp for ages 4-9 with hands-on learning, stories and activities. Morning session 9am-12pm, with optional Afternoon Adventures to 4pm; early drop-off $15 per child per day.
Dates
Nov 23-25, 2026
Hours
Morning Session (9 AM to 12 PM); Afternoon Adventures (12 PM to 4 PM)
Package includes 1.5 hours in the party space by the carousel, zoo admission, carousel tickets, pizza lunch and a stuffed animal for the birthday child. Minimum 20 guests over age 2.
The evening starts with Polar Express characters in the passenger station, then a one-hour train ride to the North Pole with hot chocolate and a treat, carols, and Santa handing every passenger a silver sleigh bell. Santa visits afterward in the Eagle Theater.
Dates
Nov 13, 2026 – Dec 21, 2026
Hours
Wed-Mon (select days in November): 3:30, 5, 6:30 and 8pm; Dec 21 no 8pm train
Cost
Coach $80-$85; first class $100-$110 (fees included); under 2 free on a lap
A B Street Theatre Mainstage holiday play: after a century of making the world believe, Kris and Martha Kringle have gotten lost in the very thing they created. Ages 13+.
Sam Kebede's adaptation of A Christmas Carol, with original music and a cast of three who play every character. A special engagement; run time 1 hour 45 minutes.
B Street's family holiday hit returns as a best-of, with sketches and scenes from four seasons: global holiday traditions, folktales and fables, and hometown celebrations. Run time 1 hour 15 minutes.
Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens breathe fantastic new life into Dickens' story in this spectacular musical adaptation. Children under four aren't admitted.
Dates
December 11 - 20, 2026
Hours
Evenings 7:30pm; matinees 1:30pm on Dec 12, 13, 16, 17, 19 and 20
Ages
Children under four (including infants) will not be admitted
Part comedy, part confession: four storytellers share true, personal holiday-themed stories live on stage in The Sofia's intimate Mike & Bobbie Voris Mainstage. Tickets rise on the day of the show.
Dates
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Hours
8pm
Cost
$24 plus $10 fee in advance; $30 plus $10 fee on the day
Sacramento Ballet's holiday Nutcracker with Tchaikovsky's score performed live, at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. About two hours, including one 15-minute intermission.
The Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra's holiday concert in Memorial Auditorium, a heartfelt farewell as Maestro Donald Kendrick takes his final bow after 31 years.
An evening of festive swing as Sacramento Music Hall of Fame vocalist Vivian Lee brings warmth and elegance to holiday favorites and jazz standards. All ages; wheelchair-accessible seating and assisted listening devices are available.
58 outings in Sacramento, from the Sacramento County guide. The most are in Family outings (28), Date ideas (24), Friends and groups (19). Listings can be in more than one section.
What is free to do in Sacramento?
5 listings list free entry, including California State Capitol Museum, Glenbrook Park dog parks, Old Sacramento State Historic Park and Partner Park dog park.
What can we do indoors in Sacramento?
9 listings are indoors, including California Museum, California State Capitol Museum, California State Railroad Museum and Crocker Art Museum.