Things To Do in the Sacramento Area Over Labor Day Weekend

NOTE: This post is from 2016. Click here for an updated 2018 Labor Day event guide.

With Labor Day just around the corner, you may be wondering how you’ll spend the extended weekend and the final unofficial days of summer! Thankfully, you don’t have to plan an extravagant getaway, as there is so much happening in and around Sacramento, celebrating all things beer, wine, music, art, and — anime?

Make plans to attend at least one of these fun community events scheduled over the long weekend!

Dry Diggings Festival — Placerville

Friday, September 2 + Saturday, September 3, 2016

Head to the El Dorado County Fairgrounds for the two-day Dry Diggings Festival celebrating all things music, beer and camping in Placerville. Kick-start the long weekend on both Friday and Saturday with their carefully planned lineup of activities, including Mimosa Mornings, a free beer tasting, cornhole tournaments, beer pong tournaments, and more! Get mentally prepared for the musical madness with a look at their musician lineup, and get your tickets for this exciting and creative festival in advance.

Sacramento Greek Festival — Sacramento

Friday, September 2 – Sunday, September 4, 2016

Photo courtesy of Sacramento Greek Festival

Celebrate Greek culture at the Sacramento Greek Festival at the Sacramento Convention Center over Labor Day weekend. Experience the vibrant culture, rich food and traditions of Greece as you taste authentic cuisine, including everything from flavorful lamb dishes to sweet baklava. Check out the schedule and make plans to stop by during the weekend for just $5 per person or $4 for seniors!

SacAnime — Sacramento

Friday, September 2 – Sunday, September 4, 2016

Photo courtesy of SacAnime

SacAnime is another three-day festival filling the Sacramento Convention Center with activity during Labor Day weekend. Anime fans from all over will gather at this annual convention in a fun, safe, family-friendly environment featuring top-shelf entertainment at a reasonable price. SacAnime attendees may register at the convention, paying $30 for Friday only, $45 for Saturday only, $30 for Sunday only, or $50 for the full weekend. You may also purchase a full weekend pass in advance for just $46!

A Grand Night for Singing — Fair Oaks

Friday, September 2 – Sunday, September 4, 2016

Photo courtesy of Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre

Whichever night it is during Labor Day weekend, it is definitely a grand night for singing. Head to the Fair Oaks Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre to experience the wonder and imagination of “A Grand Night for Singing”, an innovative musical celebrating the last three decades of the magical collaboration of Rogers and Hammerstein. On either Friday, Saturday or Sunday at 8 p.m., you can sing along with famous songs from The Sound of Music, Oklahoma, South Pacific, The King and I, and more!

Gold Rush Days — Sacramento

Friday, September 2 – Monday, September 5, 2016

Photo courtesy of Gold Rush Days

Step back in time with Gold Rush Days in Old Sacramento, an annual festival that transforms the 28-acre historic district into a scene from the 1850s. You’ll mingle with costumed performers portraying historical figures, personalities and everyday townspeople, bringing history to life in a tangible way. Visit Tent City, a recreation of town life including saloons, a gambling tent, doctors, etc. You can also go gold panning, travel through Artisan Alley, and hear live music from old-timey musicians performing on multiple stages. This will be a unique and authentic experience you won’t want to miss this Labor Day weekend!

Sacramento River Cats vs. Fresno Grizzlies — Sacramento

Friday, September 2 – Monday, September 5, 2016

Photo courtesy of Sacramento River Cats

Watch the River Cats play the Fresno Grizzlies for their four final games of the season on either Friday at 7:05 p.m., Saturday at 7:05 p.m., Sunday at 5:05 p.m., or Monday at 1:05 p.m. Cheer on the River Cats as you soak in the final days of summer under the stadium lights with a bag of popcorn and a beer. Take a look at the River Cats’ schedule to pick the game that works best for you and purchase your tickets in advance!

Yolo Brewfest — Woodland

Saturday, September 3, 2016

Photo courtesy of Yolo Brewfest

The Yolo Brewfest in historic downtown Woodland is the place to be on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend as you sip on samples from over 30 breweries, cideries and meaderies, taste food from local restaurant vendors, and hear live music! Get your tasting tickets for $35, VIP tickets for $45, or designated driver tickets for $10.

Rhythm and Blues Festival — Sacramento

Saturday, September 3, 2016

Photo courtesy of Rhythm and Blues Festival

Don’t miss the Rhythm and Blues Festival at Sacramento’s Miller Park from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday! This all-day family event will feature the musical talents of the city’s local artists in R&B, gospel and jazz. This event hosted by Black Market Blue Records is something that should not be missed this Labor Day weekend!

Purchase your tickets in advance, ranging in price:

Children Under 12: FREE

Ages 13–17: $5

Ages 18+: $10

VIP Tickets: $30

Family of 5 Members: $40

Chalk It Up! — Sacramento

Saturday, September 3, 2016 – Monday, September 5, 2016

Photo courtesy of Chalk It Up!

Chalk It Up! is an annual art and music festival that has brought color to the streets of Sacramento’s Fremont Park each Labor Day weekend since 1992. Throughout the festival, you’ll find gorgeous and innovative chalk murals created by artists and sponsored by various businesses. Your attendance to this weekend-long festival supports the charitable organization created to benefit children’s art education programs as they foster a sense of community through art.

28th Annual Alpen Wine Festival — Olympic Valley

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Photo courtesy of Placer County Visitor’s Bureau

Embark on a weekend adventure by making a trip to Olympic Valley for the 28th Annual Alpen Wine Festival! The 2-hour drive will definitely be worth it, as you spend your Sunday afternoon tasting wine, listening to live music, and participating in a silent auction and raffle. Your entry into the event is a donation to Can Do MS, a foundation providing wellness and education for people with Multiple Sclerosis. In exchange for your donation, you’ll receive a crystal souvenir wine glass and tastings from over 40 vineyards!

20th Annual Golden Valley Harriers Labor Day Races — Davis

Monday, September 5, 2016

Photo courtesy of Labor Day Races

The 20th Annual Golden Valley Harriers Labor Day Races in Davis’ Central Park is back for another year of active fun on Labor Day. Participate in the 5K Doggy Dash at 7:30 a.m. with your four-legged friend, walk or run in the 5K/10K at 8:30, or sign the little ones up for the Kids’ Fun Run at 10:30 a.m.! This grass-roots community event has raised over $10,000 per year for the last eight years to benefit local schools, Team Davis, and various community running programs. Pay $36 for the races if you register before September 2, pay $40 on September 3 and 4, or pay $45 on the day of the race!

Happy Labor Day Weekend, Sacramento!

Enjoy the extended weekend and the community events planned in and around the city!

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