Where to Learn a New Skill In & Around the Sacramento Area

It’s been said that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. But that’s just a myth — its easy to learn something new! Just because your school days are behind you, doesn’t mean that the learning has to stop. In fact, now is the best time to learn a new skill in Sacramento! Sacramento artists, makers, chefs and performers are ready and willing to share their knowledge with others, all it takes is an open mind and a little research. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you by rounding up the best classes, workshops and hands-on lessons where you can learn a new skill in and around the greater Sacramento area.

Hacker Lab | Sacramento, Rocklin & Rancho Cordova

Photo courtesy Hacker Lab

Whether you’re interested in welding, 3-D printing or wood turning, Hacker Lab has you covered. With locations in midtown, Rocklin and Rancho Cordova, there’s sure to be a class for you. In addition to classes, you can also reserve equipment like laser cutters or lathes to work on your own projects.

Verge Center for the Arts | Downtown

Photo courtesy Verge Center

Not only does Verge Center for the Arts in downtown Sacramento have art exhibits and open studios, they also have classes for adults and kids. You can learn how to screen print, use a throwing wheel, or learn letterpress techniques. They also have art labs for drawing and clay.

Soil Born Farms | Rancho Cordova

Photo courtesy Soil Born Farms

Soil Born Farms in Rancho Cordova is an urban agriculture project that aims to connect people to food, health, and their environment. They have education programs for kids and adults, with topics like worm composting, growing medicinal herbs and beekeeping. They also host cooking workshops so you can put your home-grown veggies to good use!

Hook & Ladder Cocktail Academy | Midtown

Photo courtesy Hook & Ladder

Interested in learning how to shake, mix and pour ala your favorite bartender? Hook and Ladder Manufacturing Company in midtown has its own cocktail academy, where you can learn the basics of mixology. You can also take specific workshops focusing on topics such as Japanese whiskey, agave spirits and champagne cocktails.

Taylor’s Market | Land Park

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Farm to table is huge in Sacramento, and learning how to butcher your own meat takes it one step further. Taylor’s Market in Land Park offers beginners butchering classes, so you can learn the knife skills and preparing certain cuts of pork, lamb, even poultry and seafood.

Murer House | Folsom

Photo courtesy Murer House

Want to know the secrets of Italian cuisine? Murer House in Folsom offers a variety of cooking classes. You can learn how to make Bolognese sauce, potato gnocchi or hand-made gluten-free pasta, and of course, you get to eat the fruits of your labor afterward! They also have Italian language classes if you’re feeling the spirito d’Italia!

Meissner Sewing Center | Arden Arcade, Folsom & Roseville

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Meissner Sewing Center is a longstanding sewing machine shop that also offers how-to classes. With locations in Arden Arcade , Folsom and Roseville, there are plenty of options. You can learn how to sew, embroider and quilt, or take specialized workshops on reading patterns or installing zippers.

Woodcraft | Sacramento

Photo courtesy Woodcraft

Do you know the difference between a crosscut and a rip cut? What about a dado joint and a biscuit joint? You can learn all the above and more at woodworking classes offered at Woodcraft in Sacramento. Workshops allow you to make a wooden spoon or cutting board, or you can learn inlay techniques or wood turning.

Davis Arts Center | Davis

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Davis Arts Center is a one-stop shop for all things art-related in Davis. They have galleries featuring the work of local artists, as well as classes for kids and adults. Classes run the gamut, from weaving and portraiture to watercolor and writing. They also offer ballet, yoga and martial arts classes.

Hangtown Saber Club | Diamond Springs

Photo courtesy Hangtown Saber Club

Curious about fencing? The Hangtown Saber Club in Diamond Springs can show you everything you ever wanted to know about the sport — how to move like a fencer, think like a fencer, and bout. They have classes for both kids and adults, or you can take a private lesson. En guard!

Sacramento Comedy Spot | Midtown

Think you have what it takes to make people laugh? You can perfect your bit at the Sacramento Comedy Spot in midtown, which offers classes in stand-up, sketch and improv. Comedy is a serious art form, and you can learn the basics like scene work, writing scripts, and comedy theory. At the end of the course, you can try out your material on stage!

The Studio 26 | Cameron Park

Photo courtesy The Studio 26

If you’re the creative type who’s always wanted to learn how to make jewelry, The Studio 26 in Cameron Park is for you. You can learn basic metal working skills needed to forge rings, bracelets and earrings. You can also learn inlay techniques and how to work with gemstones and enamel.

Serendipity Boutique | Woodland

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Serendipity Boutique is a quaint home and interior design shop in Woodland that also offers classes on DIY home décor. Workshops include such skills as flower arranging, succulent design and macramé. They provide everything you need to make a unique handmade item, plus snacks and beverages as well!