10 Essential Labor Day Weekend Events in the Sacramento Area 2018
August 24, 2018

10 Essential Labor Day Weekend Events in the Sacramento Area 2018

Bookmarked as the unofficial end of summer, Labor Day weekend is an exciting opportunity to savor the goodness of the season — with backyard BBQs, beer and wine festivals, and rafting trips on the river.

End summer on a high note with these exciting events taking place all over the city and surrounding areas. There are so many ways to spend your extended weekend in the Sacramento area!

 

SacAnime | Sacramento

August 31–September 2

SacAnime Sacramento, CA

Photo Courtesy of Luke via SacAnime / Model: Novembercosplay

Experience pop culture with an anime twist at SacAnime, a three-day festival at the Sacramento Convention Center over Labor Day weekend. Anime fans from all over gather at this annual convention designed to be a fun, safe, family-friendly environment with top-shelf entertainment at a reasonable price. SacAnime is a jam-packed weekend of shows, speeches and events revolving around beloved fictional characters, including TV and movie characters. 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. Or purchase a full weekend pass in advance for just $46!

 

Dry Diggings Festival | Placerville

August 31–September 2

 

This popular Labor Day weekend tradition is returning to the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville for its fourth consecutive year! Dry Diggings Festival is a celebration of all things music, beer and camping, featuring three full days of activities and attractions, including Mimosa Mornings, a skate competition, a water park, an Altamont beer knowledge zone, and more. Get mentally prepared for the music you can expect to hear with a look at their musician lineup, and buy your tickets in advance so you don’t miss out on the fun!

 

We’re Gonna Be Okay at B Street Theatre | Sacramento

August 31–September 2

We’re Gonna Be Okay at B Street Theatre Sacramento, CA

Photo Courtesy of Rudy Meyers Photography via B Street Theatre

Labor Day weekend is one of your last chances to see this incredible show at B Street Theatre in the heart of Midtown. “We’re Gonna Be Okay” is a story about neighbors Sul and Efran who decide to build a shared bomb shelter for their families at the height of the Cold War. As the world around them is changing, both families hilariously struggle with their places in the shifting landscape. See this endearing story come to life at this intimate theatre. Labor Day weekend showtimes include Friday, August 31 at 8 p.m., Saturday, September 1 at 5 and 9 p.m., and Sunday, September 2 at 2 p.m.

 

Yolo Brewfest | Woodland

September 1

Yolo Brewfest Woodland, CA

Photo Courtesy of Beers In Sac

Yolo Brewfest is returning to historic downtown Woodland for another year of non-stop beer-centric fun! The festival will take place at Heritage Plaza and Main Street on Saturday from 4–8 p.m. Sample craft beers from over 35 breweries, cideries, meaderies and wineries, and enjoy local gourmet restaurants, a cigar lounge, and plenty of music and entertainment. A free bike valet will be provided by The Bike Campaign at Blue Note Brewing Company. General admission is $35, VIP tickets are $45, and designated driver tickets are just $10!

 

Farm to Fork Uncorked | Clarksburg

September 1–2

Farm to Fork Uncorked Old Sugar Mill

Farm to Fork Uncorked is a month-long series of wine events taking place throughout the four weekends in September. Head to the Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg each weekend for events focused on highlighting locally grown and produced grapes, vines and wine in collaboration with the city’s farm-to-fork movement. Kick off Farm to Fork Uncorked at a special event on Friday, August 31, featuring classic cars, live music, wine, food trucks and more. This kick-off party and the events to follow should not be missed! Looking for more nearby wineries to visit over the weekend? Check out the best urban wineries in the Sacramento area.

 

Alpen Wine Fest | Olympic Valley

September 2

Take a trip to Olympic Valley for the 30th Annual Alpen Wine Fest, featuring wine tasting from more than 40 vineyards, live music from Beyond the Rails, stunning views and a silent auction. This annual event benefits Can Do MS, a foundation providing wellness and education for people with Multiple Sclerosis. With a donation for your tasting ticket ($40 in advance and $50 day of), attendees will receive a crystal souvenir wine glass! This event is open to the public.

 

Chalk It Up! Festival | Sacramento

September 1–3

Chalk It Up! Festival Sacramento, CA

Photo Courtesy of Chalk! It Up

Chalk! It Up is an annual art and music festival that should not be missed! This charitable event features stunning and innovative chalk murals created by talented artists, sponsored by various businesses. All weekend long, take a stroll through Fremont Park and admire the many chalk murals while listening to live music and shopping from regional craft and food vendors. Proceeds from Chalk It Up! support the charitable organization created to benefit children’s art education programs by offering small grants to local individuals, groups and arts organizations.

 

Sacramento Rainbow Festival | Sacramento

September 2

The annual Sacramento Rainbow Festival is a huge street festival taking over the intersection of 20th and K Streets in the heart of the city. This exciting gathering brings top-notch live entertainment and street vendors together for a massive celebration of Sacramento’s LGBTQ community. The purpose of the event is two-fold: to raise money and awareness for charities of significance to the community and to foster a celebration of pride that is pure fun. Be a part of the festivities on Sunday, September 2 in Midtown!

 

Floating Down the Sacramento River in Chico

September 3

Labor Day Sacramento River Chico, CA

Photo Courtesy of Josh McNair, California Through My Lens

Make a trip to Chico to be a part of a beloved local tradition, where some 4,000 people float the stretch of the Sacramento River surrounding Scotty’s Landing, a popular local restaurant with tube rentals costing just $4 per day. Get free parking at Scotty’s, rent your tubes and float down the river for about two hours until you reach the Irving Finch Boat Launch, where one or more of your cars should be parked in advance. This is a popular college tradition for Chico State students, but curious floaters have traveled far and wide to be a part of the floating madness each Labor Day! Get the inside scoop from Josh of California Through My Lens, and learn about other rafting and tubing spots in the Sacramento area.

 

Labor Day Weekend River Cruises | Old Sacramento

September 3

Labor Day Weekend River Cruises Hornblower Old Sacramento

Photo Courtesy of Hornblower Cruises & Events

Experience Labor Day weekend from a unique perspective with a cruise along the Sacramento River. Hornblower Cruises & Events is hosting special Labor Day Weekend River Cruises, hour-long narrated river cruises with information about Sacramento’s historic waterways and breathtaking natural beauty all around. Cruises take off at 1, 2:30, and 4 p.m. in Old Sacramento, but boarding begins 15 minutes before departure! Looking for more Labor Day weekend fun? Consider Hornblower’s Cocktail Cruise, an exclusive happy hour on the river!

 

Happy Labor Day!

How are you spending your holiday? Let us know in the comments below!

Category Local Events, Neighborhood Guides, Placerville, Sacramento

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