The city of Sacramento has a very layered past. From its early days as a westward terminus settlement to the ensuing gold rush, the city has always been evolving quickly. Military bases sprang up and were later shut down almost overnight. Today, more and more very different groups of people are making Sacramento their home. Several European and Asian groups have taken to the city, as have a new and large Latino community. Most recently, an influx of people from several nearby Northern California cities have come to call Sacramento home. It is no wonder with all this rich history, budding culture, and new faces in town that Sacramento is home to many different kinds of events from the traditional state fair to the world's largest gathering of Jazz musicians and fans.
Festival de la Familia - There must be something to an event that draws 25,000 visitors in one day to this annual fun-filled festival that occurs on the last Sunday of April. The festival has been taking place for more than 15 years and has a different theme every year. The most recent festival had representatives from 22 different Latino cultures and featured the theme "Salsa de la Vida" or "The Spice of Life." The Festival's mission statement is "To enhance the Sacramento community's awareness, understanding, and appreciation of Latino cultures, customs, and traditions." The day's events include samples from Latino culture in art, music, food and other live entertainment. The festival even includes pony rides and lessons in piñata-making at Northern California's largest one-day gathering. The admission for the day at the Cal Expo Center is only $6 for adults, and it is free for children under 12 and adults over 59.
Jazz Jubilee - The World's largest gathering celebrating traditional jazz is a big bill to live up to. The "four day weekend, (Fri-Mon)" certainly does its best. For $100 concert goers get the company of 100,000 jazz fans with music at 40 different venues. Big bands fill large hotel ballrooms and crowds converge on the Convention Center. However, the small intimate clubs are booked and packed with jazz all weekend too. All of the action starts in Old Town on Friday night with the mini-festivals, featuring blues, zydeco and swing. Musicians and fans alike come from all over the country. Performers include everything from vocalists to three-piece acoustic combos, 10-piece Dixieland bands and even full orchestras.
California State Fair - The State Fair offers yet another reason to frequent the Cal Expo Fairgrounds. The day has drawn more than 90,000 people in previous years and projected estimates are higher for future years. The day features plenty of traditional old-fashioned state fair events such as the judging of items like homemade jellies and jams and riding the "Tilt-O-Whirl." However, the event also features a wide variety of diverse cultural exhibits, and multiple food offerings, as well as live entertainment. The fair lasts for the two weeks prior to and including Labor Day every year.
Gold Rush Days - What would Sacramento be without a festival celebrating the catalyst for its earliest success? Had things gone a little differently, Sacramento might today be known as Sutterland or Sutterville in recognition of its founder John Sutter. However, on that fateful day in 1848, Sacramento and all of California's history was changed forever. The Gold Rush Days pay homage to what would turn out to be the quickest/largest migration in known human history. The Gold Rush of 1849 brought potential prospectors and miners and early success to the city of Sacramento. This event, usually held in early September, features several hands-on demonstrations and food and entertainment offerings.
Pacific Rim Street Festival - Sacramento's new Asian and Pacific-Islanders residents have shared their culture at the Pacific Rim Fest since its inception in 1993. The day is held in Old Sacramento and is run by restaurateur Frank Fat as well as neighboring community groups.
After 15 years, the festival has continued successfully and continues to display the richness and diversity of many Pacific Rim cultures through programs, entertainment, art and food. The day features a theme, and the most recent year had a "tea" theme.
Creators have also hoped not just to celebrate but to also encourage and share the knowledge and appreciation of the Pacific Rim culture. It is also a good opportunity for the area's Asian-American community and others to showcase their businesses. The festival was featured in Sacramento Magazine's "50 Things You Must Do in Sacramento" article.
West Coast Brew Fest - For more than seven years the West Coast Brew Fest has celebrated the heritage and displayed the talents of local microbrewers. The recent "Microbrew Revolution" was the catalyst for the start of this event, yet it has continued its success. Today it benefits the Make A Difference Project which promotes community volunteerism and voter education. The day features unlimited microbrew tasting of more than 100 different beers from 45 breweries. While you enjoy the beer, you can also take in the live music, food and more along the Sacramento River in Miller Park.
Sources:
http://www.cityofsacramento.org/
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,340694,00.html
http://www.saccounty.net/
http://www.10best.com