Who doesn’t love three day weekends? Mini-vacations, extra rest, barbecues, TV show binging, home projects, reading, or having an extra day to take part in any of the events going on around town. For a holiday that recognizes American labor this is the weekend to do just the opposite. A day off is, after all, well earned for us hard-working Americans. This Labor Day weekend enjoy the beautiful weather, gather some friends and family, and add any of the following events to your non-work, weekend to do list.
1. Flashback to 1850
Sacramento Gold Rush Days
September 4-7, Old Sacramento, free. Get a taste of what life was like at Sacramento’s birth with the popular annual Labor Day event, Sacramento Gold Rush Days. After a one year hiatus, Gold Rush Days is back, as is the transformation of Old Sacramento to the 1850s with dirt streets, wagon rides, gun fights, and gold panning. The 4-day event also has special events such as the Gold Rush Beer Crawl (see below), Country Western Dance, Gold Rush Movie Nights, and a Great Train Robbery. Live music and shows, daily parades, great food, and lots of family-friendly activities are also part of Sacramento’s biggest Labor Day event. More info at sacramentogoldrushdays.com.
2. Beat the heat and chill with a beer
Gold Rush Beer Crawl
September 4, 6pm – midnight, Old Sacramento bars, $10. Celebrate the return of the Gold Rush Beer Crawl in the “City of Saloons”, as Mark Twain once called it. Taste nine 6oz to 9oz craft beer samples as you and your favorite drinking buddies crawl your way through nine different bars in Old Sacramento. Amp up your participation by dressing as people did during the Gold Rush Days. This event is part of Sacramento Gold Rush Days. More info at sacramentogoldrushdays.com.
Sacramento Beer Train
September 5, 5pm – 8pm, 400 N. Harbor Blvd, West Sacramento, General $25, VIP $38. Enjoy a three hour scenic train ride accompanied by live music while you sip on craft beer samples (eight for standard ticket holder, 10 for VIP) from select Northern California breweries. Roam the six train cars–three air conditioned and the others open-air–and enjoy a souvenir tasting glass. Additional tasting tickets, food and beverages are available. More info at sacramentorivertrain.com.
3. Watch a Baseball game
Sacramento River Cats vs. Albuquerque Isotopes
September 4 – September 7, Raley Field, $10 – $63. Cheer on the River Cats as they take on the Albuquerque Isotopes this Labor Day weekend and enjoy their fantastic fireworks presentation after the game. Raley Field has special events all weekend including Superhero Night (dress as your favorite superhero), Bear Republic Flag Specialty Jerseys (players wear specialty jerseys), Fan Appreciation Night (it’s all about you), and Baseball Bingo Night (watch and win!). More info at milb.com.
4. Do something good for your body
WIPEOUT Run
September 5, 7:30am – 5pm, Cal Expo, $64 – $84. For all of those who have ever watched “WIPEOUT,” and wondered how they would fare, test your abilities during this 5K course inspired by the hit TV show. The event is not timed and open to anyone over 18. Obstacles courses vary depending on venue, but possible obstacles include, “Big Balls”, “Foam of Fury”, “Dope on a Rope”, and “Happy Endings”. More info at wipeoutrun.com.
River Run for Youth
September 5, 8:30am, Raley Field, Not timed $35 ($20 for child), Timed $40 (17 and under $25). A benefit for the youth of West Sacramento and the Collings Teen Center, the River Run for Youth will run along the Sacramento River and end in Raley Field. Participants may choose to be timed or not and will run on different surfaces such as neighborhood pavement, dirt paths and below bridges. The run will provide resources for the free after school programs offered by the Collings Teen Center. More info at riverrunforyouth.com.
5. Soak up some art & culture at Sacramento festivals
Chalk It Up!
September 5 – 7, 10am – 6pm, Fremont Park (1515 Q St), Free entry. Join the nonprofit organization Chalk-It-Up! to Sacramento as they help support children’s art activities and education at their 25th annual festival. The event will feature over 200 sidewalk paintings by local artists, squares sponsored by local businesses, organizations, and individuals for local artists to create chalk art. Free community squares for the community to create their own art as well as children’s activities and performances by local bands and musicians are also special features of this well-loved Sacramento festival. More info at chalkitup.org.
52nd Annual Greek Festival
September 4 -6, 11am – 11pm, Sacramento Convention Center, General $5, Children under 12 are free Immerse yourself in Greek culture at the 52nd Sacramento Greek Festival. Eat delicious traditional Greek food, see celebrity chefs, listen to live music, and watch live dance performances. Attendants can also learn how to speak Greek and rake Greek dance lessons. More info at sacramentogreekfestival.com.
Fiesta En La Calle: Latin American Independence Celebration
September 6, 12pm – 6pm, Southside Park (2115 6th St), Free entry. Join the Latin American community as they celebrate independence with music, art, culture, music, and authentic Latin food like grilled oysters, tacos, pupusas, and more. Enjoy the classic car show, live performances by Latin musicians, and feast your eyes with lively performances by samba dance groups. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for dancing and blankets or lawn chairs. Only service animals are allowed. More info at feistaenlacalle.com.
Photo by C.M. Keiner/CC Flickr
